Destination Wedding: Timeless Elegance of Natchez

Breathtaking ceremonies held in elegantly furnished, palatial mansions. Outdoor receptions on the grounds of stately plantations near the river’s edge. Buffets under pergolas draped in azaleas and wisteria. These experiences are all a part of southern wedding tradition in Natchez, making this historic, picturesque town one of the most popular destination wedding sites in the South.

With more than thirty stately mansions, each providing exquisite amenities and accommodations, Natchez can easily host overnight guests as well as the wedding party. Many historic venues include coordination and catering with their services for brides and grooms.

This small riverside town is big on weddings and has an extensive selection of professionals to assist the bride with everything from the announcement party and rehearsal dinner, to the ceremony, reception, honeymoon and perhaps even a romantic overnight riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.

“The 408” room at Rolling River Bistro is perfect for a Natchez wedding rehearsal, bridal shower, bridesmaids luncheon or any other function for this special occasion. It can accommodate up to 100 seated and 200 reception style. The 408 has a large 12 foot projection screen with HD projector and offers full acoustic, musical, dance floor and audio visual capabilities.

Moreton’s Flowerland is often recommended by local reception venue operators to brides getting married in Natchez. Brenda Zerby has over 40 years of experience in floral design and works closely with the couple to determine what flowers best coordinate with their personalities and desired wedding setting.

Magnolia Mariée  not only caters to brides but to the whole bridal party with bridesmaid gowns, mother of the bride, flower girl and even tuxedo rental. The boutique carries a variety of exquisite gowns and accessories keeping the importance of a budget in mind for a relaxing and stress-free shopping experience.

Many wedding professionals in and around Natchez offer destination wedding packages. To find out more about assembling a team of wedding professionals for a destination dream wedding, contact the Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Natchez Editorial: Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Style

Nestled on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, Natchez is an ideal location for a southern styled photo shoot. Premier Wedding Mississippi assembled a team of wedding professionals to inject a touch of modern glam into five historic locations: Dunleith Historic Inn, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, Saint Mary’s Chapel, Stanton Hall and The Towers of Natchez.

Dunleith Historic Inn

Dunleith Historic Inn is an elegant Greek revival historic inn with a colonnade of 26 Tuscan columns and a history dating back to 1856. It is Mississippi’s last surviving example of a plantation house with a fully encircling colonnade. The historic inn is located on 40 landscaped acres in the heart of Natchez.

Known for its grandeur, the Inn has excellent service, fine southern cuisine, a serene setting, as well as 22 luxurious rooms. Dunleith’s on-site catering staff provides impeccable service along with fine southern cuisine. The venue offers several sites to accommodate large or small intimate events.

 

 

 

 

 

Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens

An early 19th-century antebellum mansion set in 26 acres of manicured gardens, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens reflects all that is charming about the South. Expect gracious hospitality, luxury lodging, excellent cuisine, historic tours of the house, and a lovingly restored garden.

Couples can get married under a wisteria covered pergola or exchange vows in the Sanctuary — a more meditative setting styled as a Palladian Temple. The newlyweds can celebrate by dancing under a canopy of stars in the courtyard or seating reception guests in the lavish main-house parlor for a catered after-wedding dinner.

 

 

 

 

Saint Mary’s Chapel at Laurel Hill

One of Mississippi’s most beautiful churches, Saint Mary’s Chapel is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Originally part of Laurel Hill Plantation, the chapel was built in 1839 of bricks made by slaves. The slate roof features a Gothic spire topped with an iron cross. The once-forgotten structure received new life when the interior was renovated in 2001. Since then, efforts to preserve its treasures, including a 19th century Gothic crucifix, have been completed.

The venerable building is surrounded by centuries old oaks draped in Spanish moss. Located 12 miles south of Natchez, Saint Mary’s Chapel is privately owned and situated on private land that is not open to the public. Availability is limited and at the discretion of the property owner. For more information, contact the Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau.

 

 

Stanton Hall

The Corinthian columns and delicate cast iron railings of Stanton Hall create an impressive facade. The historic home takes up an entire city block in downtown Natchez. Shortly after its completion in 1859, Union troops occupied the main house during the Civil War. In 1938, the property was purchased and restored by the Pilgrimage Garden Club. The interior has been renovated to reflect the style of the original owners and includes many original pieces belonging to the Stanton family.

Today, Stanton hall is available for couples who wish to start their lives together surrounded by southern charm and historic opulence.  The Carriage House Restaurant sits on the grounds of Stanton Hall and offers catering and additional reception venues.

 

The Towers of Natchez

The Towers of Natchez was constructed in three phases between 1798 and 1858. The original structure was designed in the West Indies Style of architecture. The second included a Neo-Classical floor plan and a colonade of square columns wrapping completely around the house. Some of those original columns still line the rear and side porches. The final stage introduced the Italian Villa – Renaissance Revival Facade and the addition of two third-story rooms, which looked like towers on the front corners of the house. Although the third story additions are gone, the home retained the name The Towers.

 

 

 

Local Events & Entertainment

Natchez has a buzzing nightlife, incredible sunsets and popular events throughout the year to keep entertain wedding attendants and out-of-town guests of all ages. Take a tour of magnificently restored antebellum homes, peruse the downtown shops, or enjoy the local fare with everything from biscuits and bacon to haute cuisine, all while reconnecting with family and friends.

The Fall and Spring Pilgrimages are assuredly the most popular annual events. During the holiday season, Natchez hosts Christmas in Natchez, a month-long celebration that includes historical home tours, concerts, ice skating, meals by candlelight, and, of course, brunch and photos with Santa.

The Natchez Food & Wine Festival gives visitors the chance to sample dishes prepared by some of the most esteemed chefs in the South.

Those seeking inspiration in music and theatre may be interested in the Natchez Festival of Music, offering an exceptional range of opera, jazz, and Broadway tunes. Music at the Mounds is a two-day music festival at the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians encompasses folk, bluegrass, americana, and blues music, plus great food and arts and crafts vendors.

For more casual amusement, the Great Mississippi River Balloon Race consists of hot air balloons, live music, and fireworks. Outdoor enthusiasts searching for peace, tranquility, and adventure will be pleased with the accessibility of parks for fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing, cycling, and tennis.

Hosting your fairy tale wedding in Natchez will not only be unique; it will be an experience to remember and revisit.

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Styled Shoot Team

Photography | Southern Wedding Pixels
Florals | Moreton’s Flowerland
Hair | Kristen Phillips of Tracy Branch Agency
Makeup | Christine Cody of Tracy Branch Agency
Locations | Dunleith Historic Inn, Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens, Saint Mary’s Chapel at Laurel Hill, Stanton Hall, The Towers of Natchez
Boutiques | Imaginations Bridal, It’s A Date, Kay’s Kreations, Lace Bridal Experience, Magnolia Mariee, Mimi’s Bridal, The Bridal Path, The Bride & Groom, Woo Couture
Designers | Allure, Casablanca, Charmaine, Justin Alexander, Lazaro, Lillian West, Maggie Sottero, Matthew Christopher, Moda Bella, Mon Cheri, Mori Lee, Trina Turk, Wtoo

Special Thanks to The City of Natchez, Natchez Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lynsey Smith, and Rolling River Bistro