The Ultimate Hot Springs Wedding Weekend

An itinerary to wow your guests


Wednesday

Last-minute Preparations

You’ll get to Hot Springs before your guests to shore up final wedding details, but be sure to set aside time to relax at one of the city’s best spas. Astral Spa at Oaklawn Hot Springs and Turtle Cove Spa at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa are two of our favorites.

Astral Spa at Oaklawn Hot Springs | Photo Credit: Jason Masters

Treatments We Love

“Turtle Tranquility” at Turtle Cove Spa: a half-day of pure bliss with a facial, massage, body treatment and chakra balancing to restore calmness and put minds and bodies into harmony.

“Journey of Devotion” at Astral Spa: Arkansas’ only Forbes four-star rated spa. You’ll enjoy a muscle-soothing soak, a warm body cocoon with a hot oil scalp treatment, a massage and a facial.

Both of these popular spas offer enchanting crystal-infused treatments, a nod to Hot Springs’ famed crystal mines.

Photo Credit: Zach and Rosalie Marion

In Good Favor

Place a quartz crystal from a local mine at each guest’s place setting at your reception for a totally-Hot Springs favor.


Thursday

The Welcome Party

Allow travelers to get settled at their accommodations before hosting a welcome party at Crystal Ridge Distillery. This popular venue is a memorable choice for welcome parties and rehearsal dinners. Our dream for a welcome party here begins with a distillery tour and tasting, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the historic event space. Embrace the warmth of original 1920s exposed brick and wood beams as you greet guests and set the stage for a memorable wedding weekend.

Photo Credit: Benjamin Martin Photography

Warm Welcome

Be sure to include Crystal Ridge Distillery’s moonshine in your Hot Springs-themed welcome bags. We love the “Apple Pie” but there are 12 flavors to pick from!


Friday

The Rehearsal

Create a wedding itinerary for your guests, complete with breakfast recommendations and a planned Friday excursion before the rehearsal.

Oaklawn Hot Springs | Photo Credit: Erin Wilson Photography

The Pancake Shop is Hot Springs’ most beloved breakfast spot. As for the excursion, it’s hard to choose just one. A ranger-led tour of Bathhouse Row is always a good idea. Follow that with private transport to Garvan Woodland Gardens so visitors can experience the breathtaking 210-acre botanical garden. A day at the horse races and casino at Oaklawn Hot Springs is always an exhilarating experience for first-time and repeat visitors alike.

Lunch spots abound. DeLuca’s Pizzeria is popular with celebrities visiting the Spa City, and locals will tell you Stubby’s BBQ, McClard’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant and the Superior Bathhouse Brewery are must-tries too.

Catering Temptations | Photo Credit: Cameron and Elizabeth Photography

Soon, it’s time for the rehearsal dinner. The OAK Room at Oaklawn Hot Springs is a fine dining experience to consider, or try a custom-catered affair (we recommend Catering Temptations!) at the beautiful and cozy Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes—though the options are seemingly endless.


Saturday

The Big Day

There’s a million combinations for how to plan the big day in the Spa City. From incredible venues that are nestled in nature and situated on lake shores to ones that are rich in history or rustic and industrial—there’s so many ways to wed in Hot Springs.

Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens | Photo Credit: Emma Farr Photography

Check out our favorite vendors to make this day unforgettable!

Beauty & Spas
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Astral Spa at Oaklawn Hot Springs
Turtle Cove Spa at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa

Catering
Catering Temptations & Event Room

Venues
Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens
The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes
Crystal Ridge Distillery
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
Oaklawn Hot Springs
Pine Hill Estates

Chittum Venue at Forest Lakes | Photo Credit: Boston Mountain Photo

Sunday

Bid Farewell

Don’t let your guests leave without saying goodbye! Thank them for making the journey with a farewell brunch, followed by a bike ride on one of Hot Springs’ acclaimed mountain biking trails. We love The Venetian Dining Room at The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, and it’s famous for its Sunday brunch.

The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa | Photo Credit: The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa

Rent bikes and take to the Northwoods Trails to soak in the picturesque Ouachita Mountain scenery—a perfect send-off for your most active out-of-towners.


 

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