Are you dreaming of a wedding that feels like a family reunion? A place where your loved ones can gather for days, not just hours? Let me tell you about our venue, The Lofton, a hidden gem for weekend wedding retreats located in the rolling hills between Huntsville, Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee.
I’ve been in the wedding industry for over a decade, and I’ve seen firsthand how couples are moving away from traditional one-day affairs. They’re looking for experiences that let them truly enjoy every moment with their nearest and dearest. That’s exactly what The Lofton offers.
Picture this scene: A charming Southern estate surrounded by lush forests. Cozy lodging for your closest family and friends. Days filled with laughter, games, and precious bonding time. Nights spent around a crackling fire, sharing stories and s’mores. And at the heart of it all, a joyous celebration of your love.
Sounds wonderful, right? I’m about to show you how to make this dream a reality. We’ll explore some fantastic itinerary ideas, break down what makes The Lofton so special, and answer your questions about planning a weekend wedding retreat. By the end, you’ll have plenty of inspiration for your own unforgettable celebration.
Why Choose a Weekend Wedding Retreat?
Let’s talk about why more and more couples are opting for extended wedding celebrations:
- Quality Time: With a traditional wedding, you barely get to say hello to each guest. A weekend retreat gives you precious hours to really connect.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Spread the festivities over several days, and everything feels less rushed and more enjoyable.
- Shared Experiences: From group hikes to casual brunches, you’ll create many more memories than just the ceremony and reception.
- Cost-Effective for Guests: While you might spend a bit more as hosts, your guests often save money by combining travel and accommodation for multiple days. And of course, you can also offset your cost by charging your guests for the onside lodging.
- More Photo Opportunities: More time means more chances for stunning shots in gorgeous vibes, settings and lighting.
The Lofton is Your Home Away From Home
The Lofton offers everything you need for an unforgettable weekend wedding retreat.
- Accommodation for up to 20 guests on-site
- Multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces
- A picturesque forest setting
- Flexible catering options
- Plenty of space for activities and games
One thing I adore about The Lofton is how it balances grandeur and intimacy. The main house exudes classic Southern charm, while the surrounding landscape provides a sense of seclusion and natural beauty.
I chatted with Elizabeth and Jesse, a couple who got married at The Lofton last spring. Elizabeth shared, “From the moment we arrived, it felt like we were hosting at our own private estate. We had the freedom to make it our own, but with all the support we needed.”
Planning Your Wedding Weekend: A Sample Itinerary
Let’s dive into the fun part – planning your wedding weekend! Here’s a sample itinerary to inspire you:
Thursday
- Afternoon: Guests arrive and settle into their accommodations
- Evening: Welcome BBQ and lawn games
- Night: Bonfire and s’mores
Friday
- Morning: Group yoga on the lawn or hike in the nearby forest
- Afternoon: DIY wedding crafts or relaxation time
- Evening: Rehearsal dinner with food trucks
- Night: Movie night under the stars
Saturday at The Lofton
Your wedding day at The Lofton can be as relaxed or structured as you like. Here’s a sample timeline:
Morning
- Leisurely breakfast with family and friends
- Bridal party pampering in the spacious bridal suite
- Groomsmen bonding time (maybe a quick game of touch football?)
Afternoon
- Hair and makeup for the wedding party
- “First Look” photos in the picturesque forest
- Guest arrival and seating
- Ceremony in your chosen Lofton location
Evening
- Cocktail hour with lawn games
- Reception dinner and toasts
- Dancing under the stars
- Late-night snacks and send-off
The Lofton’s staff is there to help your day flow smoothly. They can assist with everything from setting up decor to coordinating with vendors.
Sunday
- Morning: Farewell breakfast or brunch
- Afternoon: Guests depart
This is just one possibility. The beauty of a weekend retreat is that you can tailor it to fit your vision.
Making the Most of Your Time at The Lofton
Here are some ideas for activities and special touches to make your wedding weekend memorable:
- Set up a photo scavenger hunt around the property
- Organize a friendly tournament (cornhole, anyone?)
- Hire a local musician for an intimate acoustic set
- Arrange a wine or whiskey tasting
- Create a relaxation station with massage chairs and face masks
- Set up lawn games like cornhole, giant Jenga, or croquet
- Host a karaoke night
- Bring in a food truck for late-night munchies
Emily and Alex, a couple I worked with, came up with a brilliant idea. They set up a “memory station” where guests could record audio and video messages throughout the weekend. It became a hit and gave them an incredible keepsake to look back on.
The Lofton’s Weekend Wedding Magic
Here are some fantastic ideas to make your wedding weekend at The Lofton truly special:
| Activity Ideas |
|---|
| Welcome BBQ, Lawn Games, Bonfire with S’mores |
| Group Hike, DIY Wedding Crafts, Rehearsal Dinner, Outdoor Movie |
| Relaxed Breakfast, Wedding Day!, Late-Night Dance Party |
| Farewell Brunch, Photo Sharing Session |
Memorable Weekend Wedding Ideas
Here are some creative touches to make your weekend stand out:
- Welcome Bags: Greet guests with local treats, a weekend itinerary, and a personalized note.
- Activity Stations: Set up areas for crafts, games, or photo booths throughout the weekend.
- Group Outing: Arrange a wine tasting or historical tour for interested guests.
- Storytelling Night: Have family members share funny or heartwarming stories about the couple.
- Sunrise Yoga: Offer an optional morning yoga session to energize guests.
- Collaborative Art: Create a group painting or photo collage as a wedding keepsake.
- Food Truck Surprise: Bring in a local food truck for a casual meal or late-night snacks.
- Memory Capsule: Have guests contribute messages or small items to open on your first anniversary.
Jamie and Alex, another couple I worked with, created a “Polaroid Guest Book” throughout the weekend. Guests took photos and wrote messages, creating a dynamic record of the entire celebration.
By spreading out these activities, you create a rich, memorable experience that goes far beyond a typical wedding day. The Lofton provides an ideal backdrop for all these moments, big and small.
Catering and Menus
Food plays a key role in bringing people together, and The Lofton offers some fantastic options:
- In-house catering with customizable menus
- Food truck-friendly spaces
- S’mores kits for bonfires
- Late-night snack stations
When planning your menus, consider incorporating local flavors. The Lofton’s chef does an amazing job of showcasing Southern cuisine with a modern twist. Your guests will be talking about the food long after the wedding!
A trend I’m seeing more often is interactive food stations. Imagine a build-your-own biscuit bar for brunch or a pie-making contest as a pre-wedding activity. It’s a great way to get everyone mingling and create some tasty memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a quick rundown of some common questions about The Lofton:
| Answer |
|---|
| The Lofton can accommodate up to 20 guests in its various lodgings. |
| Yes, weekend weddings typically require a 3-night minimum stay. |
| Yes, The Lofton allows you to bring your own alcohol with proper licensing. |
| Several hotels and vacation rentals are available within a 20-25 minute drive. |
| Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. |
And here are some general questions about planning a weekend wedding retreat:
Q: How do we keep guests entertained all weekend? A: Mix structured activities with plenty of free time. Have a few planned events each day, but also create spaces for people to relax and mingle on their own.
Q: Won’t a weekend-long wedding be expensive? A: It can be pricier than a traditional wedding, but many couples find they save in other areas. For example, you might skip the costly honeymoon or opt for simpler decor since you’re creating an experience, not just a one-night event.
Q: How do we make sure everyone feels included? A: Assign different family members or friends to “host” various activities throughout the weekend. This spreads out the responsibilities and makes everyone feel important.
Q: What about guests who can only come for part of the weekend? A: It’s fine! Provide a clear schedule so people can join in when they’re able. Just make sure your actual ceremony is at a time when most people can attend.
Decor Ideas for Weekend Retreats
When decorating for a weekend wedding, think beyond just the ceremony and reception. Here are some trends I’m enjoying (and BTW, Amanda can handle ALL of your decor needs from her “she shed” lol):
- Creating cozy lounge areas with mix-and-match furniture
- Using potted plants or trees that can be enjoyed all weekend and then planted at your new home
- Setting up a “welcome wall” with photos and fun facts about each guest
- Incorporating local artisan goods as decor and favors
- Using lighting creatively – from mason jar lanterns to romantic café lights
Weather Considerations
The weather in Southern Tennessee can vary quite a bit, so it’s good to be prepared:
Spring: Mild temperatures, possible rain showers
Early Summer: GORGEOUS, temperatures can fluctuate
Late Summer: Hot and humid, occasional thunderstorms
Fall: Crisp air, stunning foliage colors
Winter: Cool to cold, small chance of snow (we’re talking 3x in the last 16 years lol)
Always have a backup plan for outdoor activities, just in case. The Lofton has plenty of indoor spaces that can be transformed if needed.
Wedding Themes
A weekend retreat opens up many possibilities for wedding themes. Some ideas to get you started:
Southern Charm: Think seersucker suits, bourbon tastings, and a bluegrass band Forest Bohemian: Macramé decorations, wildflower bouquets, and bare feet on the grass Vintage Garden Party: Mismatched china, croquet on the lawn, and sundresses Mountain Retreat: Plaid blankets, hot cocoa stations, and a cozy bonfire Literary Love Story: Book centerpieces, library card escort cards, and readings from your favorite authors
Your theme can evolve throughout the weekend. Maybe you start with a casual bohemian welcome party and build up to a more elegant reception.
Local Area Attractions
The Lofton offers plenty to do, but some couples like to plan an outing or suggest nearby attractions for guests who want to explore:
- Prichard’s Distillery (42-minute drive): Located in Kelso, TN, this family-owned distillery offers tours and tastings of their craft whiskey and rum.
- Lynchburg, TN (56-minute drive): Home to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, this charming small town also features quaint shops and local eateries.
- Huntsville, AL (48-minute drive): Visit the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, explore the Huntsville Botanical Garden, or enjoy the vibrant arts scene.
- Athens, AL (27-minute drive): Explore the Alabama Veterans Museum & Archives or take a stroll through the historic downtown area.
- Fayetteville, TN (36-minute drive): Enjoy the charming town square, visit local boutiques, or check out the Lincoln County Museum.
Just remember not to overschedule – the beauty of a weekend retreat is having time to relax and connect.
Honeymoon Destinations
After your amazing wedding weekend, you might want to jet off to somewhere new. Some popular honeymoon spots for couples marrying in this region include:
For the Outdoor Enthusiasts: If your idea of bonding involves hiking boots and breathtaking vistas, consider a National Park adventure. Gaze at the star-filled skies in Yosemite, marvel at the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, or challenge yourselves with a rim-to-rim hike in the Grand Canyon.
For the Pampered Pairs: Sometimes, the best honeymoon is one where everything is taken care of. All-inclusive resorts in Mexico or Jamaica offer the ultimate in relaxation. From beachfront massages to gourmet dining, your only job is to enjoy each other’s company.
For the Wanderlusts: Can’t decide on just one destination? A cruise might be your perfect match. Wake up to a new port each day, whether it’s the sun-drenched Greek Islands, the lush Hawaiian archipelago, or the charming coastal towns of Alaska.
For the Wine Lovers: Toast to your new life together in some of the world’s most romantic wine regions. Cycle through the rolling hills of Tuscany, sip Champagne in the caves of Reims, or enjoy farm-to-table dining in California’s Napa Valley.
For the Thrill Seekers: If relaxing on a beach sounds too tame, consider an adrenaline-pumping honeymoon. Go bungee jumping in New Zealand, swim with sharks in South Africa, or zipline through the Costa Rican rainforest.
Or, if you’re all about that Southern charm, consider exploring more of Tennessee, like the Smoky Mountains and Nashville, and the surrounding states for a laid-back honeymoon road trip.
Other Venues to Consider
The Lofton is wonderful, but it’s always good to look at a few options. Some other weekend wedding retreat venues in the North Alabama/South Tennessee area include:
- Evergreen Venue: a classic white chapel with a forest setting
- Belle Meade Plantation: A historic site with gorgeous gardens
- Arrington Vineyards: For wine-loving couples
Each venue has its own charm, so think about what matters most to you: Views? History? Activities? Capacity?
Final Thoughts
Planning a weekend wedding retreat at a place like The Lofton isn’t just about throwing a big party. It’s about creating an experience that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. It’s those quiet moments – laughing around the bonfire, helping your grandma up a hiking trail, or stealing a kiss with your new spouse under the stars – that really make it special.
I’ve seen many couples walk away from their weekend weddings feeling not just married, but truly celebrated. They’ve had time to enjoy every moment, connect with every guest, and start their marriage surrounded by an incredible amount of love.
So if you’re considering a weekend wedding retreat, I say go for it! Places like The Lofton offer the ideal backdrop for turning your wedding into more than just a day – it becomes a celebration that you get to share with all the people you love most.
And who knows? You might just start a new family tradition of gathering at The Lofton for anniversaries and reunions. That’s what I call a happy ending!
