Decatur Morgan County Tourism Wedding Guide

Your Adventure Starts Here

Searching for the perfect wedding location?

Well this is your big day your big chance to do something different. From the friendly experts ready to help with all your needs, to the venues and vendors you can find here, to the adventures sure to please wedding guests, the Decatur area is a great place to tie the knot. Decatur and Morgan County, Alabama has a wedding venue to suit your style, with beautiful backdrops, helpful staff and amazing amenities.

Burning Tree Country Club

2521 Burningtree Dr SE, Decatur, AL 35603

256-355-5827

www.btcountryclub.com/events

lauraa@btcountryclub.com

We’d like to invite you to consider Burningtree Country Club as the destination where all those fantasies can become reality. For starters, just consider our setting – 140 acres of beautifully manicured grounds and sweeping views from our clubhouse. Available for member and non-member bookings.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Cook Museum of Natural Science

133 4th Ave. NE, Decatur, AL 35601

256-898-6312

www.cookmuseum.org/event-venue groups@cookmuseum.org

If you are in need of a space to hold your next meeting or event, our 5,000 square-foot event venue, Monarch Hall, can accommodate small to large-size events, including wedding receptions, corporate dinners, luncheons, off-site training, and more.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Country Paradise

553 Old Six Mile Rd, Somerville, Alabama 35670

256-502-1830

www.countryparadise.org

info@countryparadise.org

Set on eleven acres in beautiful Northern Alabama the venue grounds feature an event center, log cabin, guest house and an indoor swimming pool facility. Country Paradise is an inclusive venue facility. We like to provide our clients with the flexibility to choose your own vendors. However, we have established relationships with some of the best vendors in the surrounding areas that we can recommend in order to ensure your perfect dream wedding. We have both Indoor and Outdoor space available. We offer two main ceremony and reception venue packages in order to create the best experience for you and your guests.

Courtyard by Marriott

209 Courtyard Circle, Decatur, Alabama 35603

256-355-4446

www.marriott.com

tammy.harper@marriott.com

Our spacious outdoor courtyard area is perfect for hosting wedding receptions, family reunions, and celebratory dinners.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Delano Park Rose Garden

825 Gordon Drive SE, Decatur, AL 35601

www.delanopark.org

bkelly6769@gmail.com

The historic Rose Garden located within Decatur’s beautiful Delano Park is an appropriate setting for a small, intimate wedding or gathering. Its natural beauty, with an extensive collection of flowers and shrubs that are in bloom from early spring to late fall, offers a romantic background and makes it unnecessary to bring in additional decorations.

DoubleTree by Hilton 1101 6th Ave NE, Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-3150

www.hilton.com

iris.pettus@hilton.com

Gatherings of all sizes can find a space between our 10 meeting venues, from business meetings in our Community Board Room to 650-person wedding receptions in our Hospitality Ballroom.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Elysium

1255 County Road 72, Danville, Alabama 3619

256-426-0749

www.elysiumcyg.com

kellyp1153@gmail.com

Inside the Main Hall, or on the Grand staircase, in front of the Stone Fireplace, on the Bridge, on the Pavilion, and in the horse Barn hall. Whether elaborate, casual, or somewhere in between, this multi-functional facility is the perfect canvas to bring your dreams to life.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Freight House

200 Railroad St SW, Hartselle, AL 35640

256-773-4600

www.freighthousehartselle.com/event-rooms

Located in Hartselle’s historic freight terminal, Freight House is a modern southern restaurant and catering venue committed to providing the very best in delicious food and excellent service. We host hundreds of private parties and special events in our well-appointed private rooms. The original marble topped check-in desk and cozy fireplace are notable features of the “Brick Room,” for private parties of up to 55 guests. The upstairs portion of the restaurant houses the “L&N Room,” a memorable event space with original oiled hardwood floors, Edison string lights,and a view of Historic downtown Hartselle. The “L&N” can accommodate up to 75 guests.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Ingalls Harbor Pavillion

802-A Wilson St NW, Decatur, AL 35601

256-341-4835

www.decaturparks.com

The 23,000 square foot pavilion seats 1,200+ people and may be used as an open air facility or enclosed with glass doors and heating which allows practical use throughout the year.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Quail Creek

256-784-5033

233 Quail Creek Dr, Hartselle, AL 35640

www.quailcreekweddings.com

Relax and let Quail Creek Resort’s Wedding Service staff cater to your every need when planning your wedding and/or reception. If you are looking for the ideal indoor, or outdoor, wedding and reception venue in a country setting with allinclusive packages and lots of lodging options, this North Alabama Wedding destination is the ideal location for you.

This secluded 600-acre estate with Pavilion receptions, Country Chapel, bridal suites, beautiful gardens and more, is a lovely choice for an Elegant Evening celebration. Quail Creek offers four different venues for weddings: Chapel Weddings, Under-the-Sky Weddings, Pavilion Weddings, and Old Front Porch Wedding. Enjoy the backdrop of the beautiful Appalachian foothills as well as winding creeks, sweeping landscapes, and small lakes.

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Sykes Place on Bank

726 Bank Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-2656

www.sykesplace.com

sykesjimmy@aol.com

Welcome to Sykes Place On Bank, Decatur Alabama’s first privately owned and operated event venue. Located on historic Bank Street, in the heart of downtown Decatur, we are convenient to hotels, restaurants, churches, historic sites and local shopping. We specialize in all types of parties, receptions, weddings, class reunions, and corporate events.

307 College St NE, Hartselle, AL 35640

256-773-4046

www.facebook.com/The-Burleson-Center-HartselleFine-Arts-Center

hartsellefineartscenter@att.net

The Burleson Center/Hartselle Fine Arts Center is a non-profit organization. The facility is available as a venue for weddings, receptions, parties, celebrations, reunions, meetings, plays and other community events.

The Magnolia Room has enough features and amenities to suit your needs, and we will do whatever we can to make your big day special. The space is perfectly suited for your special event and designed with incredible attention to the details necessary for joyous weddings, successful business meetings, holiday celebrations and parties of any kind.

Enjoy

Enduring WEDDING VENUE

Tune Farm

85 Old Highway 31, Falkville, AL 35622

256-784-5975

www.tunefarm.org

tunefarm@gmail.com

We offer unparalleled natural beauty in a rustic, country setting on a century-old estate with a 5,000 sq. ft., circa 1919 Craftsman Farmhouse and an 80 year old, 6,000 sq. ft. authentic post and beam Event Barn.

WEDDING DRESS SHOPS

Michael Mason Bridal

719 Bank Street NE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-340-8898

www.facebook.com/MIchael.Mason.Bridal.Formalwear

In the heart of old Decatur, we are a locally owned bridal boutique specializing in all types of formalwear. We are an elite distributer of tuxedo’s, Wedding gowns, and Prom and semi-formal gowns. Located on Bank Street downtown. Come see us today!

www.thesomethingblueshoppe.com

51 years of business, The Something Blue Shoppe is one of the Southeast oldest and most prestigious full service bridal salons. Something Blue has wedding dresses for every bride, from tiny size 2 wedding gowns to beautiful plus size bridal gowns. Mothers and grandmothers are bringing their daughters and granddaughters to The Something Blue Shoppe to experience the exhilaration of carrying on the tradition and becoming a Royal Blue Bride.

The Something Blue Shoppe

224 Main Street

Hartselle, AL 35640

256-773-4956

www.thesomethingblueshoppe.com

51 years of business, The Something Blue Shoppe is one of the Southeast oldest and most prestigious full service bridal salons. Something Blue has wedding dresses for every bride, from tiny size 2 wedding gowns to beautiful plus size bridal gowns. Mothers and grandmothers are bringing their daughters and granddaughters to The Something Blue Shoppe to experience the exhilaration of carrying on the tradition and becoming a Royal Blue Bride.

Apple’s Florist and Garden Center

327 E. Pike Road

Falkville, AL 35622

256-784-9264

www.applesflorist.com

Decatur Nursery and Florist

809 Carridale Street SW

Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-7154

www.decaturnurseryandflorist.com

Honeymoon Florist

1727 S. Bethel Road

Decatur, AL 35603

256-340-7136

Mary Burke Florist

602 Moulton Street W

Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-3092

www.maryburkeflorist.com

WEDDING FLOWER SHOPS

McBride Florist

805 6th Avenue SE, Suite F

Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-6991

www.mcbridefloristdecatur.com

Millie’s Flowers

5522 Highway 36 W Danville, AL 35619

256-773-6515

www.danvilleflowershop.com

Simpson’s Florist 902 6th Avenue SE Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-7654

www.simpsonsflorist.org

Smith Florist

406 Main Street W Hartselle, AL 35640

256-773-9337

WEDDING CATERERS

Alfonso’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant

725 Beltline Road, Suite E

Decatur, AL 35603

256-350-0211

www.thealfonsospizza.com

b.b. Perrins Sports Grille

608 Holly Street NE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-0980

www.bbperrins.com

Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q

1715 6th Avenue SE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-350-6969

www.bigbobgibson.com

The Brick Deli and Tavern

112 E. Moulton Street

Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-8318

www.brickdeli.com

Brix and Embers

4535 AL-36W

Hartselle, AL 35640

256-303-8258

www.brixandembers.com

Cahoots

117 Main Street W

Hartselle, AL 35640

256-751-4723

www.facebook.com/cahootscafe

Cocktail Confidential

204 Mark Street SW

Decatur, AL 35601

256-274-1266

Francesco’s Italian Restaurant

2613 Highway 31 S

Decatur, AL 35603

256-584-6770

www.francescositalianrestaurant.org

Freight House Restaurant

200 Railroad Street SW

Hartselle, AL 35640

256-773-4600

www.freighthousehartselle.com

JW Steakhouse 45 Marco Drive

Decatur, AL 35603

256-355-5560

www.jwsteakhouse.com

Let’s Do Lunch 435 Holly St NE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-340-1317

www.letsdolunchdecatur.com

Mellow Mushroom Decatur

202 Moulton St E

Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-5161

www.mellowmushroom.com

Moe’s Original Bar B Que

202 Moulton St E

Decatur, AL 35601

256-686-4112

www.moesoriginalbbq.com

Moe’s Southwest Grill

1241 Point Mallard Pkwy SE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-580-2817

www.moes.com

The Railyard 209 2nd Avenue SE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-580-5707

www.therailyarddecatur.com

Simply Delicious

2215 Danville Road SW

Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-7564

www.raileighmstover.wixsite.com/ simplydeliciousbak-1

Simp McGhee’s

725 Bank Street Northwest

Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-6284

www.simpmcghees.com

Taqueria El Palomino

1410 6th Avenue SE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-355-4464

WEDDING CATERERS

Whitt’s Barbecue

918 6th Avenue SE

Decatur, AL 35601

256-351-6294

www.whitts3.com

Elite Travel

Faye McWhorter

215 Grant Street, Decatur, AL 35601

ww.elitetravelco.com

256-340-1234

Elite Travel will help you scout locations, book venues, and connect you with the right team to help you accomplish your dream destination wedding. Elite Travel Team is committed to ensuring you have an amazing and stress-free wedding. They help you book air, hotel, hotel transfers, and just about anything else you need. Not only do they take care of you, but they also take care of your guests by booking their air, hotel, hotel excursion, and anything else they need.

Table Top Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa.

Jimmy Smith Jewelers

2306 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601

256-353-2512

www.jsmithjewelers.com

jewels@hiwaay.net

Family owned and operated since 1973, Jimmy Smith Jewelers Inc pride themselves on providing brides-to-be with a unique experience and special individual attention. They specialize in wedding and bridal registries in Decatur and Alabama. Design your own ring, or let them host your registry. They have many years of experience in making brides and their families happy.

Morgan Price Candy Company LLC

1735 6th Avenue SE, Decatur, AL 35601

256-306-0910

www.morganpricecandy.com

info@morganpricecandy.com

Nostalgic for “old-fashioned” quality and service? Years ago

Morgan Price Candy Company started making candy, using old family recipes, for their special friends. Now they will send this same candy for your special gifts. Their candy is always made by hand in small batches to give you the best quality possible. A quaint shop that abounds with seasonal treats and scores of baskets, ribbons, and novelty containers, the friendly employees are helpful in finding the right gift or treat for you.

BRIDAL AMENITIES

Something Vintage Event Rentals

210 Main Street West, Hartselle, AL 35640

256-612-0856

www.facebook.com/SomethingVintageEventRentals somethingvintageeventrentals@gmail.com

Something Vintage Event Rentals is a vintage inspired rental company specializing in unique furniture, decor and dishes. Whether it is an intimate gathering with mismatched China and chairs or an elaborate wedding with a vintage lounge area, gorgeous glasses and beautiful florals, we love to help our clients create a celebration that fits their style and personality. Now offering florals, and event planning and coordination, we will be there to make your vision a reality.

My Wedding Checklist

Congratulations! Becoming engaged is a special moment that you and your fiancée will treasure for years to come. After the initial excitement of being engaged wears off, it’s time to begin planning a wedding that reflects you and your fiancée.

The first order of business for you and your fiancée is determining a range of dates. The exact date will be determined once the venue is secured. North Alabama’s Guide to Stunning Wedding Venues will help in your search in finding your dream wedding location. Does a small intimate ceremony or a large bash better suit your and your fiancée’s personalities? Is there a particular season that you both enjoy and would you prefer an indoor or outdoor ceremony? Other factors to take into consideration to avoid any potential conflicts are holidays, sporting events, or other family activities.

While planning a wedding should be fun, it can be stressful, and we hope this checklist will help guide you through the process of planning your perfect day.

Upon Engagement

- Set a wedding date

- Meet with family members to discuss financial responsibilities

- Establish a wedding budget and create a spreadsheet to track spending

- Decide on a wedding style

- Reserve ceremony and reception venues

- Choose your wedding party

- Book a wedding planner (if desired)

- Start on guest list

9 Months to 1 Year Before

- Register for gifts

- Secure your officiant

- Reserve caterer, cake baker, florist, ceremony musicians, reception band or DJ and photographer/videographer

- Shop for wedding gown, headpiece, veil, jewelry, and shoes

- Set appointments with makeup artist and hairstylist

- Book wedding night accommodation

6 Months Before

- Have engagement photos taken

- Select and order wedding bands

- Send save the date cards to guest list

- Reserve accommodations for guests

- Make reservations for honeymoon

- Shop for bridesmaids’ attire including dresses, shoes, and accessories and men’s formal wear

- Purchase thank you notes and maintain a list of all gifts received and acknowledged

4 Months Before

- Finalize the guest list

- Send engagement photo and announcement to local newspaper

- Select and order wedding stationery

- Select ceremony necessities such as unity ceremony, flower girl and ring bearer, aisle and altar décor

- Purchase reception necessities such as place cards, cocktail napkins, favors, cake top and toasting flutes, decorations and centerpieces

3 Months Before

- Address invitations

- Weigh invitation to determine proper postage and purchase postage

- Arrange for wedding day transportation to ceremony, reception and accommodations

- Plan the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner

- Purchase rehearsal dinner invitations

- Finalize honeymoon plans and confirm all reservations and required paperwork

2 Months Before

- Finalize arrangements with vendors including caterer, baker, florist, ceremony musicians, reception band or DJ, photographer, and videographer

- Mail invitations to arrive six weeks before the wedding date

- Keep track of RSVP cards received

- Finalize ceremony order with officiant

- Order wedding programs

- Purchase gifts for members of the wedding party, parents, hostesses, etc.

- Purchase wedding gift for fiancé

- Determine reception seating arrangement and prepare place cards

- Mail rehearsal dinner invitations

- Write wedding vows, toasts, and speeches

1 Month Before

- Get marriage license

- Have final fitting for wedding gown and bridesmaids’ gowns

- Confirm duties with helpers including personal attendant, day-of coordinators, setup crew and decorators, guest book attendant, gift table attendant, host and hostess, punch, cake and coffee servers, and cleanup crew

- Begin work on financial and legal details including joint or new checking accounts, insurance policies and beneficiaries, wills and prenuptial agreement (if desired)

- Gather forms for making official name change

2 Weeks Before

- Finalize playlist, including your first dance

- Confirm the pictures your photographer should capture

- Have a wedding hairstyle trial run

1 Week Before

- Confirm with all services and reservations

- Confirm arrangements and attendance with caterer and venues

- Pack for wedding night and honeymoon

- Pack items for the ceremony and reception sites

- Pick up wedding gown and groom’s formal wear and check for fit

- Have attendants pick up attire and check for fit

1 Day Before

- Give marriage license to best man or maid of honor and ask they bring to ceremony

- Have all fees and gratuities ready for distribution

- Rehearse ceremony

- Enjoy rehearsal dinner

- Get a good night’s sleep

Enjoy your day!

WEDDING EXPENSES -- Who Pays for What

With today’s weddings, it is common for both families to contribute to the wedding. Have a heartfelt talk with both sets of parents to see what they are comfortable with financially.

Wedding costs, by tradition, are divided as follows:

The Bride (or family) Pays for:

___ Invitations and announcements ___ Wedding gown

___

Photography/videography ___ Reception ___

Flowers for the church, attendants, and reception ___

___

Music at the church and reception

All rented equipment

Limousine for the bride and cars for transportation

Groom’s wedding ring

Groom’s gift

___

___

Gifts for the attendants, parents, and hostesses

Lodging (if necessary) for out-of-town bridesmaids

The Groom (or family) Pays for: ___

Bride’s engagement and wedding rings

Marriage license ___

___

Officiant’s fee ___

___

Bride’s bouquet

Corsages for mothers and grandmothers

Boutonnieres and ties for men of wedding party ___

Wedding gift for the bride

Honeymoon ___

Gifts for best man and ushers

Lodging (if necessary) for out-of-town ushers ___

Rehearsal dinner