Is it any wonder why people travel from all parts of the country to get married in Hot Springs? It is home to America’s first national park, a world-famous chapel in the woods, three sparkling lakes, pure water, healing crystals and so much history. Plus, the celebrity sightings here are coming in such short order lately—this small Southern city is back “on the map.”
Not to mention, wedding planning here is a breeze. Thanks to Arkansas’ small size, vendors in your hometown are typically on-board to travel with you. For those that aren't, well, many more call the Spa City home (refer to our list of Hot Springs Wedding Vendors We Love on this page). Keep reading for tips, tricks and more as you look to Hot Springs for your big day.
The Most Beautiful Chapel in America
An iconic location in the South, the Anthony Chapel is part of the 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens. People come from all over the world to wed within its elegant floor-to-ceiling glass walls that are surrounded by lush, verdant gardens.
Do This, Not That
Taking care of your destination wedding guests
Do |
Don't |
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Choose a destination like Hot Springs where there are a lot of things for guests to do. |
Book a holiday weekend. It’s more expensive for you, your guests, and people typically already have plans. |
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Pick an appropriate date. Friday and Sunday are tough for traveling guests (they’ll miss more work or school). |
Skip welcome bags. Or fill them with locally sourced goodies and recommendations for activities and dining during their downtime. |
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Send save-the-dates early (aim for six months out) so guests have plenty of time to plan for travel expenses. |
Wait till the lass minute to send out invites. |
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Be sure the venue is walking distance for guests, otherwise, provide transportation. |
Assume all guests have a safe ride home if you're throwing a rager! |
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Make a weekend out of it. Guests have come a long way; host a welcome party or cocktail hour before or after the rehearsal, and a farewell brunch. |
Forget to say goodbye to your loved ones. The least you can do is thank them for coming to celebrate you! |
Lake House Allure
Hot Springs is known for its lake lifestyle, and weddings here can recreate that vibe for guests. Pine Hill Estates (pictured at top) is a dream destination for this. Gated and located on the shore of Lake Hamilton, it has three beautiful homes and landscaped grounds—don’t forget the stunning water views—perfect for a picture-perfect wedding weekend with your closest family and friends.
Venues That Have it All
Mountain Harbor Resort and Oaklawn are two Hot Springs wedding venues that offer lodging, dining, spas, pools and activities, as well as on-site locations for ceremonies and receptions—you never have to leave the premises.
Wedding Vendors We Love in Hot Springs
BEAUTY & SPA
CATERING
Catering Temptations & Event Room
FLORISTS
JEWELRY
PHOTOGRAPHERS*
Landon Salman Photo
Alyssa Simpson Photos
Shalae Byrd Photography
PLANNERS & EVENT DESIGNERS
Events Rental and Floral
LuLu’s Events
VENUES
Anthony Chapel
Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes
Crystal Ridge Distillery
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
Oaklawn, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Pine Hill Estates
*Also available across Arkansas
See these vendors as they appear in this issue of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
