Love on Lake Martin

STORY BY LONNA UPTON PHOTOS BY HEATHER DURHAM PHOTOGRAPHY & MEGAN MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY

Lake Martin wedding venues are known for making memories that last a lifetime. From rolling hills to lakeside points, under the arms of an ancient oak or in an open-air church, in a historic home or a stable, there is sure to be a location to fulfill the dreams of any bride and groom.

Russell Lands’ locations are perfect for the dreamcome-true wedding, as well as receptions, rehearsal dinners and bridesmaids’ luncheons. Locations can be booked separately for each event. The Stables and SpringHouse are located at Russell Crossroads and feature manicured lawns, fenced pastures with horses, scrumptious catering choices and a horse-drawn carriage, as just a few of the enticements. The Grand Oak and Heaven Hill showcase the beauty of a natural, wooded backdrop, and The Lodge at Cocktail Slough is a waterfront option with a large courtyard and dock perfect for a celebration. Plus, Kowaliga Restaurant and SpringHouse offer guests diverse menus that include chef-inspired dishes and delectable appetizers.

In Elmore County just over the Kowaliga Bridge, the quaint Children’s Harbor Chapel, as well as Church in the Pines at Children’s Harbor and Church of the Living Waters at StillWaters and open-air chapels on the lake shoreline allow for more spiritual lakeside settings. Many Lake Martin homes also offer beautiful venues for weddings.

Several spectacular event options offer more rustic elegance with barns, ponds, covered bridges and lush forests as the backdrops for memory making. Hodges’ Vineyard and Winery, Ballard Farms, Kylee Cooper Farm, L’amoureux’s Place, White Acre Farms and The Orchard on Washington are all located in the Lake Martin area.

In Dadeville, Creekside Lodge can host up to 300 guests on a waterfront deck and offer lodging for the perfect reception location. At New Water Farms, an open-air chapel on the lake, plus an indoor facility

The chapel at Children’s Harbor is an idyllic setting for a traditional wedding

with exposed beams and white lights, keeps guests happy until the last dance is over. The Mitchell House, an elegant Southern home with a poignant history in downtown Dadeville, and Mistletoe Bough Bed and Breakfast, a historic bed-and-breakfast in Alexander City, charm guests with genteel, shaded settings complete with gazebo or an expansive front porch.

Caterers in the Lake Martin area are happy to help with any wedding reception, rehearsal dinner or bridesmaids’ luncheon, as well. Copper’s Grill at Stillwaters, Zazu’s Veranda and Niffer’s at the Lake (all located in Dadeville) offer full catering services off-site and beautiful facilities to host dinners and receptions.

“Lake Martin Tourism Association prides itself on being a resource for brides planning weddings here,” said Lake Martin Tourism Association’s Brandy Hastings. “We can help them find the perfect venue, and we even provide free resources, such as welcome bags, including visitor’s guides, maps and other local information for their out-of-town guests.”

Grace’s Flowers and Unique Flowers in Alexander City and LaKay’s Flowers in Dadeville create exquisite bridal bouquets and centerpieces for local weddings, plus designs for other events associated with the big day.

Local photographers include Irving Blanco Photography, Lauren Minix Photography and Megan Mullin Photography. And a wedding cake from Sweet Gaga’s is the perfect way to top off a delicious meal.

From gift shops to invitation printing, tuxedo rental, event lighting, hair and makeup, lodging and lake house rentals – Lake Martin vendors can help make memories from the beginning to the end of a perfect nuptial celebration in the perfect Lake Martin location.