If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding that’s both stunning and full of personality, you’re in the right place. Even though I’m based in Tennessee, my camera has taken me to some incredible venues beyond state lines, and I’ve had the absolute best time capturing couples’ stories in these unforgettable locations.
Whether you’re planning a small elopement or a big celebration, here are a few of my favorite venues I’ve photographed outside Tennessee that are totally worth the trip—and would be amazing backdrops for your wedding day.
📍 The Clerestory – Lexington, Kentucky
Perfect For: Modern weddings, light and airy vibes, flexible spaces
The Clerestory is a beautifully simple blank canvas with huge windows and soaring high ceilings that flood the space with natural light, making it a dream for light and airy photography. The modern, industrial design lends itself well to a wide range of styles. Whether you want minimalist elegance or pops of vibrant color, one of the best things about this venue is its flexibility—you can truly make it your own.
Just steps away is Gratz Park, a historic and peaceful green space perfect for portraits with natural greenery and charming architecture. The Clerestory comfortably holds about 100-150 guests, but smaller weddings might find the space feeling quite large. Note that while there’s a bridal suite, there isn’t a dedicated groom’s space, so the guys usually have to get ready off-site or get creative.
Pro Tip: Plan some portraits in Gratz Park nearby for a nice mix of modern and natural backdrops.
📍 Hawkesdene – North Carolina
Perfect For: Elegant Italian villa weddings, romantic outdoor ceremonies, sophisticated charm
If you’re looking for a venue with European flair, Hawkesdene is a stunning Italian villa-style estate nestled in the North Carolina countryside. The architecture is timeless and elegant, with beautiful stonework, manicured gardens, and romantic outdoor spaces that feel like a little slice of Tuscany. This venue offers a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing you to celebrate surrounded by natural beauty with an air of sophistication.
The grounds are ideal for golden hour portraits, with soft natural light filtering through trees and reflecting off the villa’s classic exterior. It’s a venue that feels intimate yet grand, perfect for couples who want a refined yet relaxed atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Since evenings can get cool, especially in fall or spring, remind guests to bring layers and consider adding heaters for outdoor events.
📍Pretty Place Chapel – Cleveland, South Carolina (Near the North Carolina Border)
Perfect For: Mountain views, intimate ceremonies, emotional moments
Perched high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Pretty Place Chapel is one of the most breathtaking ceremony spots I’ve ever photographed. The open-air design and sweeping mountain views create an unforgettable atmosphere that feels both peaceful and powerful. Between the changing light, the mountain breeze, and the emotion that fills the space—it’s truly unlike anywhere else.
If you’re dreaming of a mountaintop ceremony, you’ll definitely want to read my full blog about photographing at Pretty Place, where I share behind-the-scenes details, tips for planning, and what makes this chapel so special from a photographer’s perspective. Read it here
📍 Monroe Street Abbey – Phoenix, Arizona
Perfect For: Historic architecture, urban chic weddings, vintage charm
Monroe Street Abbey is a gorgeous historic church-turned-wedding venue right in downtown Phoenix. Its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate architectural details make it a showstopper for couples who want that classic, vintage feel with an urban twist. The interior provides beautiful natural light and lots of texture, which translates into stunning photos full of depth and character.
The venue is best suited for medium-sized weddings and offers a warm, intimate atmosphere despite its grand architectural style. It’s perfect for couples who appreciate history and want their wedding day to have a timeless feel.
Pro Tip: The church-like interior means sound carries well—consider a sound check before the ceremony to ensure audio clarity.
📍 The Gardens at Viola’s – Flagstaff, Arizona
Perfect For: Garden weddings, intimate gatherings, floral backdrops
The Gardens at Viola’s is a beautifully maintained garden venue in Flagstaff that feels like a secret oasis. Surrounded by lush greenery, colorful blooms, and charming walkways, this venue is ideal for couples wanting a romantic, floral-filled ceremony and reception. The intimate layout helps guests feel connected and immersed in the natural beauty around them.
Because Flagstaff’s weather can be unpredictable, it’s wise to have a backup plan for rain or chilly weather. The venue’s peaceful setting and vibrant floral palette provide endless opportunities for creative and timeless portraits.
Pro Tip: Schedule your ceremony to take advantage of soft afternoon light filtering through the trees for those dreamy photos.
📍 Serendipity – Flagstaff, Arizona
Perfect For: Cozy, intimate weddings, artistic vibes, personalized celebrations
Serendipity is a one-of-a-kind venue with a cozy, homey feel perfect for couples who want a wedding day that feels deeply personal and relaxed. It offers quirky, artistic touches and a laid-back atmosphere where you can truly make the space your own. Ideal for smaller weddings, Serendipity’s charm is in its intimate scale and creative energy.
The venue offers a variety of cozy indoor and outdoor spaces that make it easy to mix formal and casual vibes throughout the day. It’s a perfect pick for couples wanting a wedding that feels unique and authentically them.
Pro Tip: Because of its smaller size, this venue works best for intimate guest lists under 50 people.
📍 Arizona Nordic Village – Flagstaff, Arizona
Perfect For: Lodge weddings, mountain retreats, rustic elegance
Arizona Nordic Village combines rustic charm with cozy elegance in the beautiful mountain setting of Flagstaff. It’s ideal for couples dreaming of a lodge-style wedding surrounded by tall pine trees, fresh mountain air, and seasonal beauty. Whether you’re planning a winter wedding with snow-dusted landscapes or a summer celebration under the stars, this venue adapts beautifully.
The lodge interior is warm and inviting, with plenty of natural wood textures and large windows framing stunning views. Outdoor ceremony spaces provide a serene and picturesque backdrop for exchanging vows.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss sunset portraits among the trees—Flagstaff’s mountain light is magical!
📍 Agave of Sedona Wedding & Event Venue – Sedona, Arizona
Perfect For: Southwestern elegance, desert landscapes, sunset ceremonies
Agave of Sedona is a standout venue that perfectly blends the dramatic beauty of Sedona’s desert landscapes with elegant Southwestern design. Its adobe walls, terracotta details, and native landscaping create an authentic desert vibe that’s both timeless and warm. The outdoor ceremony spaces offer panoramic views of red rocks and stunning sunsets that make every moment feel cinematic.
Inside, the venue features warm, earthy tones and comfortable spaces to relax and celebrate. The natural desert light at sunset is unbeatable for those golden-hour portraits everyone dreams of.
Pro Tip: Plan your ceremony timing carefully to capture the incredible colors of a Sedona sunset.
📍 Sedona Sky Weddings | Sky Ranch Lodge – Sedona, Arizona
Perfect For: Intimate elopements, panoramic views, luxury lodge experience
Sky Ranch Lodge is a boutique venue perched atop a Sedona hill, offering sweeping panoramic views of the iconic red rocks and surrounding wilderness. It’s perfect for couples seeking an intimate, luxury wedding experience with breathtaking natural beauty all around. The lodge has a cozy yet elegant feel, blending rustic touches with modern amenities.
The elevated location means cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings, so be sure to have warm layers on hand. Sunrise and sunset ceremonies here are particularly magical, with the landscape glowing in warm light.
Pro Tip: The lodge’s intimate size makes it ideal for smaller guest counts, think elopements or micro weddings.
📍 Red Agave Resort – Sedona, Arizona
Perfect For: Casual elegance, outdoor celebrations, vibrant desert setting
Red Agave Resort is a vibrant yet relaxed desert venue that balances casual Southwestern charm with elegant touches. It offers flexible outdoor spaces perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, allowing couples to create the vibe they want, whether laid-back or a bit more polished.
The resort amenities also make it easy to host guests on-site, which is great for destination weddings where family and friends are traveling in. The desert backdrop changes beautifully throughout the day, from bright midday sun to colorful sunsets.
Pro Tip: Use the resort’s outdoor areas creatively to design a ceremony and reception layout that flows perfectly for your celebration.
📍 Horseshoe Bend – Page, Arizona
Perfect For: Adventurous elopements, epic views, sunrise ceremonies
Horseshoe Bend is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Southwest, and it makes for an absolutely breathtaking wedding location. This spot offers dramatic cliffs overlooking the Colorado River, giving your ceremony a jaw-dropping backdrop that few venues can match.
Because it’s a popular tourist spot, early morning ceremonies are best to avoid crowds and capture that soft, magical light. The hike to the spot isn’t too long but does require some care, so comfortable shoes and water are essential, even if you’re in wedding attire!
Pro Tip: Sunrise ceremonies here create unforgettable photos and a serene atmosphere before the day gets busy.
📍 Grand Canyon – South Rim, Arizona
Perfect For: Dramatic elopements, unforgettable vows, natural wonder lovers
Few places compare to the breathtaking grandeur of the Grand Canyon. Saying your vows at the South Rim means you’ll have one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders as your backdrop, adding epic scale and emotion to your wedding day.
Because the Grand Canyon is a protected national park, you’ll need permits and some advance planning to make your day go smoothly. The weather can be variable, and the wind strong, so plan accordingly for comfort and safety.
Pro Tip: Consider veil weights or foregoing a veil altogether due to the wind, and wear shoes with good traction.
Why Travel with Me?
Even though Tennessee is home base, I’m always up for an adventure. I love traveling to capture weddings that are as unique and special as the couples themselves. If you’re planning a destination wedding at any of these (or anywhere else amazing!), I’d love to be your photographer.
Travel fees may apply depending on location, but trust me, it’s worth it for photos that tell your story in the perfect place.
Let’s Make Your Destination Wedding Dreams Come True
If one of these venues caught your eye, or if you have another destination in mind, let’s chat! I’m here to help with planning tips, timeline advice, or just to talk through your vision. Your wedding day deserves to be as beautiful and memorable as you’ve imagined, no matter where it takes place.
