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Are you dreaming of a getting married in Birmingham? Birmingham is known as the "Magic City," and with this title comes the southern charm and hospitality one would expect. If you are traveling in for a destination wedding, there are so many fun places to explore from iconic bars and restaurants downtown to iconic places like Vulcan, The Birmingham Art Museum, Railroad Park, The Rotary Trail, and so much more. Birmingham has really blossomed over the past five years with a phenomenal food scene, more cute shops, and exponential growth while still holding true to what makes Birmingham so special.
Keep reading to learn about how to plan a wedding in Birmingham!
+ Birmingham Wedding Guide
+ Wedding Venues in Birmingham
+ Rehearsal Dinner Spaces in Birmingham
+ How to get to Birmingham
+ Airbnb's in Birmingham
+ Exciting things to do in Birmingham
+ Our Favorite Restaurants
The Birmingham Wedding Guide
How to have an amazing wedding in Birmingham! Whether you are local to Alabama or are planning a destination wedding this guide will help you plan your dream wedding!
The Importance of Wedding Videography
Wedding videography can be seen as an expensive addition to photography. As well as, wedding videography has really changed over the last ten or really even five years. The perception of wedding videography is changing. I am not here to convince you to buy a wedding videography package or even to tell you to hire a videographer. Those decisions are completely up to you! But to help address the question of is a videographer worth it, I invite you to take a few moments and go on a journey with me.
For just a few minutes imagine and go on a journey with me.
You are married! You had a beautiful wedding and everything was perfect! The dance floor was packed, the food was delicious. You couldn’t have dreamed of a better day, and best of all you got to marry your best friend.
Fast forward to your first anniversary. As you are enjoying your evening you hear the sound of your wedding film playing on your husband's phone. You snuggle up with him and you watch your video.
What do you see?
Do you see your sister braiding your hair like y’all did when you were little? Or your mom fixing your dress? A special moment with your grandparents? The first look with dad? Maybe, the moment where you were given a gift that’s been passed down for generations.
Do you see the first time your husband saw you on your wedding day? Tears in his eyes? You see your dad walking you down the aisle, you hear the vows you made with your husband and the special moments of your ceremony.
These are just small samplings of what you would see two, five, ten, twenty years after your wedding. It’s these moments that are so important and why we love what we do.
Now for a minute imagine you don’t have that video. You can’t hear your vows, see the first looks, watch your first dance, or witness the raw and genuine love you two have.
This is why we believe wedding videography is worth it. Ultimately, it’s a decision you’ll have to make. But as Nashville wedding videographers we cherish and honor the ability to create wedding films that allow our couples to relive the most important moments to them.
Should you hire a videographer for your rehearsal dinner?
The rehearsal dinner is one of the most overlooked yet special events of the wedding. It’s usually a time to gather with your friends, family, out of town guests and bridal party to celebrate one last time before the wedding day. The rehearsal is over and it’s time to relax, have some great food, and usually share toasts and stories about the couple.
Looking back on our wedding, we loved our rehearsal dinner. There is something so special about hearing your parents, best friends, aunts, uncles, and grandparents share stories about how you met, crazy times, and watching you grow up. Our crazy aunts even wrote a poem and performed it as an ode to our marriage. It’s moments like these that we get to witness when we film rehearsal dinners that we really get to cherish what we get to do.
So much goes into planning a wedding and looking back on our rehearsal dinner we don’t remember a lot of what was said. We remember who spoke, a few stories, but the vast majority was just lost between the excitement of the day and with the wedding festivities to come. By having a recording of our rehearsal dinner we get the opportunity to go back and hear our grandparents share stories, watch our best friends laugh and tell of our crazy times. We get to relive our rehearsal dinner and we are so grateful we have a rehearsal dinner film for our wedding. These memories which unfortunately are rarely recorded at so many weddings get lost in the chaos of the wedding festivities. So, we always suggest to our couples to choose rehearsal dinner coverage. You will be so happy you did.
Wedding videography can be seen as an expensive addition to photography. As well as, wedding videography has really changed over the last ten or really even five years. The perception of wedding videography is changing. I am not here to convince you to buy a wedding videography package or even to tell you to hire a videographer. Those decisions are completely up to you! But to help address the question of is a videographer worth it, I invite you to take a few moments and go on a journey with me.
For just a few minutes imagine and go on a journey with me.
You are married! You had a beautiful wedding and everything was perfect! The dance floor was packed, the food was delicious. You couldn’t have dreamed of a better day, and best of all you got to marry your best friend.
Fast forward to your first anniversary. As you are enjoying your evening you hear the sound of your wedding film playing on your husband's phone. You snuggle up with him and you watch your video.
What do you see?
Hotel Wedding Venues in Downtown Birmingham
Birmingham has some unique and amazing hotel wedding venues that will make your whole wedding experience unforgettable! The unparalleled experience each one of these properties provides is unmatched. We have hand-selected the best hotel wedding venues for you to explore and learn more about! If you have any questions at all! Just contact us!
The Elyton Hotel
The Elyton Hotel invites you to, “experience modern indulgences at the intersection of urbane intelligence and uncommon cultivation.” The hotel combines the history of the building with modern amenities and design features. Every single room at the Elyton is unique because of the age of the hotel.
Redmont Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown Birmingham the Redmont Hotel is the oldest hotel in the city. The hotel opened in 1925, featuring ultramodern, luxurious accommodations including private baths, ceiling fans, and chilled water.The hotel was recently renovated with 120 guest rooms that embrace the glamour of the 1920's.
Ross Bridge
The Renaissance Hotel at Ross Bridge is a beautiful oasis with over sixteen different venue options for your dream wedding. From stunning guest rooms to the fifth-longest golf course in the world it really is a special property with everything on site. We have seen beautiful weddings as well as getting ready done on property.
The Grand Bohemian
The Grand Bohemian is one of Birmingham's finest hotels and hosts luxurious Birmingham weddings. The hotel is a Marriot Autograph Collection property. Located minutes from downtown Birmingham in the quiet suburb of Mountain Brook. Partake in an impeccable meal at Habitat Feed & Social, the rooftop restaurant and bar, or browse the art gallery, showcasing works from local, regional and international artists.
Downtown Birmingham Wedding Venues
Birmingham has such rich history, and these downtown venues are all stunning! From old warehouses to stunning ballrooms and breathtaking views, these venues are all amazing! Let us know if you have any questions about these wedding venues!
The Florentine
Built in 1926 as “Club Florentine” Dance Hall, The Florentine Ballroom has been renovated back to its original grandeur. With stunning vintage details and an elegant charm, The Florentine Ballroom is the perfect setting for your wedding! They can hosts events with up to 300 guests seated and up to 450 cocktail style!
B&A WAREHOUSE
B&A Warehouse is is definitely a favorite of brides planning their weddings! B&A has industrial vibes with exposed brick, natural sky lights, and a large bar perfect for any wedding or reception. B&A Warehouse sits right next to railroad park and Regions Field which is perfect for sunset photos or couple session!
Iron City Birmingham
Originally built in 1929 Iron City was once considered one of the most modern auto-industry facilities of the times, but now it serves as a stunning backdrop for weddings and events for up to 250 guests! Iron City has exposed brick and a large open concept dance floor and reception area!
The Club
The Club is perched on the top of Red Mountain with some of the best views of downtown Birmingham! As a private club, to host an event or wedding you must be a member or have a member act as a “sponsor” for your event. The Club’s in-house coordinators specialize in everything from menu detail to reception planning, and they will be by your side providing elite service from venue tour to send off.
Bridge Street Gallery and Loft
Bridge Street Gallery and Loft is located in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to railroad park, the rotary trail, regions field, and many hotels and restaurants. With two different floors, the space really is a blank canvas to host your wedding! They can host up to 250 guests seated or 300 for a cocktail style reception!
Vulcan Museum
High atop Red Mountain is the Vulcan Museum. Vulcan Park and Museum has become one of Birmingham’s most celebrated wedding venues, thanks to the beautiful, spacious indoor banquet rooms and scenic outdoor spaces that offer breathtaking views of downtown Birmingham!
THE THEODORE
The Haven, located in the Lakeview District is a perfect wedding venue for any size gathering. They can hosts events from 50 guests up to 1,100 guests. Originally built in 1924 as the Mack Truck Company, it now features some of the original beauty with modern elegance and numerous edgy, contemporary details.
From tall glass windows to the original brick walls and exposed trusses.
The Haven
The Theodore is also located in the Lakeview historic district. Built in 1929, this Modern-style building spans over 20,000 square feet and features exposed brick walls, barrel truss ceilings, and steel windows with multiple spaces for your event! The Theodore can host weddings and events with up to 500 seated for a ceremony or reception and 750 for a cocktail style event.
Birmingham Museum of Art
The Birmingham Museum of Art is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Birmingham with the colorful Chihuly blown glass in 8th Avenue Lobby, or the three-story windows and dramatic staircase in the Oscar’s Café, the Museum is the perfect setting for any sophisticated, modern wedding.
When planning a wedding at the Museum, you are the only event and have access to all the event spaces and galleries.
Clubhouse on Highland
The Clubhouse on Highland, first built in 1910, has served as home for the Alabama Federation of Women Club's 3rd District for over 60 years and continues its charitable legacy today. The Clubhouse can host any sized wedding from an intimate 10 person event to a grand 400 person event.
WATCH THE FILM
Savanah & Logan
WATCH THE FILM
Kristen & Jeff
WATCH THE FILM
Samantha & Cody
Signature Wedding Films
More Epic Wedding Venues
Birmingham has some amazing barn, hotel, and historic downtown wedding venues, but it is also home to some amazing venues that don't quite fit those molds, so we are sharing some more epic wedding venues! These are gardens and more estate style wedding venues perfect for your wedding day!
HAMILTON PLACE AT PURSELL FARMS
Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms is a magnificent wedding venue! The stunning home has two suites that can sleep up to six, a grand ballroom with exposed beams and 20 foot vaulted ceilings. The ballroom is 3,500 square feet has a glassed front porch (800 sq ft.) The venue sits on 26 acres, so there is so many amazing options for your wedding!
Aldridge Gardens
Hamilton Place at Pursell Farms is a magnificent wedding venue! The stunning home has two suites that can sleep up to six, a grand ballroom with exposed beams and 20 foot vaulted ceilings. The ballroom is 3,500 square feet has a glassed front porch (800 sq ft.) The venue sits on 26 acres, so there is so many amazing options for your wedding!
The Best time to visit Birmingham
Birmingham is beautiful all year round, but is most popular during the spring, summer, and fall. For weddings and events, the most popular months are October, November and May and June. So, if you are considering a wedding in Birmingham keep this in mind as you are looking for a wedding venue, picking a date, and planning!
How to get to Birmingham!
Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Shuttlesworth International Airport which has recently undergone renovations to bring a better travel experience to locals and visitors alike. The airport connects Birmingham to the world with domestic and international connecting flights! Birmingham is also just a 2.5 hour drive from Chattanooga, TN and 3 hours from Nashville, TN, 3.5 hours to Memphis, TN, and 4 hours to Knoxville, TN.
Best Airbnbs in Birmingham!
Birmingham is home to many different lodging options from hotels to Airbnb rentals! Use our built in widget below to find some amazing Airbnb's in Birmingham!
Exciting things to do in Birmingham!
+ Vulcan
+ Sloss Furnace
+ McWane Science Center
+ Birmingham Museum of Art
+ Railroad Park
+ Rufner Mountain
Our favorite Birmingham restaurants!
+ Post Office Pies
+ Roots & Revelry
+ Irondale Cafe
+ Tazikis
+ Bettola
+ Dreamland BBQ
+ Slice Pizza
+ Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint
Where should we take our wedding photos in Birmingham?
A: It really depends on which Birmingham wedding venue that you book, but many venues offer getting-ready areas. If it's possible, I'd highly recommend that you get ready on-site. It makes for stress-free day, you don't have to rush around from one place to the next, and you simply are just more present with your day. That said, if your venue doesn't have a place for you to get ready thats big enough or beautiful enough for what you're wanting, I'd recommend getting a gorgeous Air BnB or Hotel room somewhere close to your venue with big windows and tons of natural light.
As Birmingham wedding videographers, we have worked many weddings in the area, I highly recommend you book a venue where you can get ready there. The logistics of the whole day are simpler, your day is more laid back, and more enjoyable.
Q: Where should I get ready for my wedding?
A: It totally depends on your big day as each wedding is unique, but most couples are totally happy with 8 hours of coverage. If you are wanting more of the "all day" sort of coverage, 9 hours would be your best match. The biggest decision is really all about how much reception that you want covered. Are you planning on doing a special send-off at the end of the night? If so, you might want that 9 hour coverage -- if you don't want to do a fake send-off when your videographer is scheduled to leave. There are a few variables that affect what is a good number of hours of coverage. You can always add on time after everything is made official, too. So, at the very minimum, I highly recommend you start with at least 6 hours, but roughly 80% of couples who book us book 8 hours!
How many hours of videography coverage do we need?
A: Birmingham venues are extremely popular, so as soon as you know your wedding date that you want - book it! The first real step in planning a wedding is locking in your venue and choosing a date! When you tour the venue of your dreams, it's even a good idea to have a multiple dates in mind. After all, if that Saturday you want to book is already taken, booking that venue on a Friday or Sunday can not only be available, but it might be available for a lower rate as well! Each owner/manager operates differently, so make sure to get in touch with them directly and ask your questions early. There's never a time "too early" to lock in the venue and the vendors who you really want to ensure are there for you on your wedding day. Same goes for your Birmingham wedding videographer - us! We've had many couples even book with us prior to their wedding venue to ensure they have their date reserved on our calendar, and then they find a wedding venue that fits that date. Birmingham's popular wedding venues book usually at least 12 months in advance, and in prime months even further out.
Q: Birmingham wedding venues are getting booked up! How far in advance should I book?
A FEW OF OUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS!
FAQ
A: At your venue! Heading off-site in Birmingham is not recommended unless you add in ample time, and there aren't very many off site locations to visit. We also suggest booking a wedding venue that makes for amazing photos! If you choose a wedding venue downtown there are photo options close by (downtown bridges, railroad park, etc), just plan in adequate travel times and transportation for you, your bridal party, and your photo and video teams!
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We met in kindergarten in Birmingham and are the best thing that has ever happened to one other! We are childhood friends, turned high-school sweethearts. We love to travel and explore the world, usually with cameras in hand. Some of our favorite places have been Banff, Moab, London, and Ireland.
Our love story is very special, and we believe that is one reason we love wedding filmmaking so much; we have the honor of telling each couple’s love story as if it were our own!
Our work has been featured in publications like Southern Bride, The Knot, Artfully Wed, Nashville Bride Guide, and Aisle Society. In the past four years, we have worked with amazing clients and have raving reviews. Needless to say, we love what we do!
We hope this guide has been so helpful in planning your wedding! If you have any questions, need recommendations, or want to chat send us an email!
GET TO KNOW THE Videographers behind this Birmingham Wedding Guide!
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~ Hunter and Madison
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