When it comes to planning a wedding in Arkansas, Hot Springs is an ideal destination. Not only does it boast lush gardens, sparkling lakes and scenic mountains, its central location in the state makes it just a short drive from anywhere in Arkansas. Plus, it’s an intimate, charming city where you’ll find historic buildings and unique attractions around every corner.
1. Destination weddings are fun
Add an extra layer of excitement to your wedding by planning a destination ceremony in Hot Springs. With lush gardens, sparkling lakes and scenic mountains, the charming city features historic buildings and unique attractions around every corner. Plus, its central location is just a short drive from anywhere in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Besides, most guests love destination weddings with a cute weekend itinerary.
2. Weddings are cheaper here
Save big on the wedding of your dreams without sacrificing a single luxury in historic Hot Springs, Arkansas. The average cost of weddings in Arkansas is around $17,985, according to Martha Stewart Weddings. The average cost of a wedding in Hot Springs was $16,186 in 2021, according to The Wedding Report. The national average was $27,000. Not to mention, 28% of couples in the U.S. plan to spend $10,000 to $20,000 on their weddings in 2022, according to Zola–making this cost range the most common budget.
3. Everything you need is in one place
The abundance of easily accessible vendors makes this city a one-stop shop and your wedding as stress-free as possible. With friendly vendors that feel like life-long friends and close venues—your combinations of rehearsal, ceremony and reception spots are virtually endless! Better yet? Experienced wedding planners like Signature Events and LuLu’s Events can handle the entire process for you. Lara’s Jewelry & Design is the perfect jeweler for all your engagement rings, wedding bands and other bridal jewelry needs. They are a full-service fine jeweler with an extensive collection of unique designs. From gorgeous salt and pepper diamond rings to couture diamond necklaces and more, you don’t want to miss this small-town Arkansas treasure.
4. Trusted & talented professionals that go above and beyond
Build your wedding day menu with dishes from reputable caterers like Hot Springs Catering Co., Catering Temptations & Event Room and Taco Mama. Treat your guests to Taste of Eden Bakery for traditional wedding cakes and other desserts.
Turn to Katie Keith Co., Laney Media by Claire Seale or Jayce Keil Photography & Videography for photos of your big day. They love capturing memorable moments as much as the private and romantic memories you’ll never want to forget.
Looking for a well-known, experienced florist? Lepine’s Wedding & Event Florals is brand new to the Hot Springs wedding scene, and they are known for their stunning florals and lush creations. We’re excited to welcome them to our list of top favorite florists in Hot Springs. Don’t forget to be responsible and book Fun Bus Party Bus for all your transportation needs in Hot Springs. This way you can party responsibly and trust that you and your guests will have a safe and memorable time.
5. It’s absolutely beautiful
Discover a stunning spot to say I do in Hot Springs, from woodland chapels to waterfront views—you can’t go wrong! The most picturesque location is the Anthony Chapel, part of the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens.
People come from all over the world to wed here. Whether you’re eloping or planning a wedding, your guests receive all-day access to the gardens on your special day. With elegant floor-to-ceiling glass walls surrounded by lush, verdant gardens, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most visited destinations in the state.
Of course, the entire city is nestled in the Ouachita Mountain valley with scenic lakes, historic architecture, vista views and verdant backdrops, so there’s no shortage of striking photo ops.
6. Venues and lodgings that accommodate all tastes.
The historic Hamp Williams Building is perfect for chic brides looking for a ballroom fit for a queen. With a lush courtyard and pavilion for the ceremony, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into the English countryside. The Great Warehouse can be used as the reception space for a large wedding, while Room 504 can accommodate up to 105 guests.
For brides looking for a small, modern venue: Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes is the perfect place for you. Whether you’re throwing a party or wedding, this 200-guest space can be transformed into the venue of your dreams. Picture perfect interior filled with rustic leather, wood and stone, plus a string light, cedar wood pergola overlooking a brings an elegant ambiance to your day.
One of Hot Springs’ most well-known attractions is Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. From horse racing to a hotel and spa, fine dining and bars to a casino, this attraction and wedding venue has it all. Newly expanded, it’s also the perfect destination for brides and grooms looking for a fun, memorable bachelor, bachelorette or wedding weekend.
Also new, The Reserve at Hot Springs is a luxe boutique hotel with immaculate grounds for ceremonies and receptions. It abounds with spots for beautiful wedding portraits. Conveniently located across the street from Oaklawn, guests will not only love the beautiful rooms, incredible customer service and high- end amenities, they’ll also love partaking in the neighboring casino and racetrack.
Looking for something different? Hotel Hot Springs is a 14-story building with scenic views of the historic downtown area and the Ouachita Mountains.
Discover Crystal Ridge Distillery, a new and unique wedding venue in downtown Hot Springs. Located within walking distance of Central Avenue and Bathhouse Row, this 3,600-square-foot space is the perfect venue for the modern bride. Experience the beauty of the 1920 building with audio and visuals, staging, tables and chairs, in-house catering and bars included for your special day!
7. It’s stress-free
In a town nicknamed the Spa City, couples and their entourages can unwind with spa treatments at many tranquil spots all over town, including wellness soaks at a historic Hot Springs bathhouse. As for spas, Mountain Harbor Resort’s Turtle Cove Spa was named one of the top 100 spas in 2021 by Spas of America. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort’s new Astral Spa offers the ultimate in luxury–including several amenities available nowhere else in Arkansas.
See these vendors as they appear in this issue of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
