Weddings are inherently elegant events, and finding the perfect venue can be an important piece to the puzzle that is coordinating your dream wedding. Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis is a stylish venue with beautiful art galleries, spectacular gardens, and contemporary event spaces. Keep reading to learn about what makes a Dixon Gallery and Gardens wedding a unique, sophisticated, and absolutely stunning event!

About The Dixon Gallery and Gardens Wedding Venue

The Dixon is a place where creativity, beauty, and discovery are celebrated. With over 17 acres of lush gardens, collections of rotating exhibits of fine art, and unique events and educational experiences, it’s a beloved fixture in the Memphis community. Whether you’re new to the world of horticulture or art or a lifelong enthusiast, there is always going to be something for you to learn and appreciate at The Dixon. 

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens was the passion project of Margaret and Hugo Dixon, two philanthropists and leaders in the community. They wanted to share their appreciation of the arts and their gorgeous gardens by bestowing the city of Memphis their home, gardens, and beloved collection of French Impressionist paintings so they could be enjoyed by generations to come. Today, more than 2000 pieces of artwork make up the Dixon’s collection, and they house 8 to 10 traveling exhibits per year. 

In addition to the gallery, visitors are invited to take in their public garden’s stunning acreage, with beautiful florals, stately trees, and formal gathering spaces. 

Details of the Grounds

Whether you’re planning on eloping or hosting a grand affair, Dixon Gallery and Gardens has a space for your wedding. 

For an outdoor ceremony, you can choose from one of their two garden spaces. The sweeping South Lawn is surrounded by flourishing trees that create an open space for all of your guests to gather. Even more popular is the Bowlin Stage, an elevated grassy space with stone steps and walls that creates a magical setting for a romantic vow exchange. An outdoor ceremony is a fabulous opportunity to take advantage of the beauty of The Dixon’s property, particularly in months with beautiful Memphis weather. 

Reception Details

When it comes to your reception, you are able to host your celebration in the Hughes Pavilion or the Winegardner Auditorium. The Hughes Pavilion is a large, elegant space that is easily converted to accommodate any wedding design or style. It has large skylights that let in bright natural light and scenic views of the woodlands, lawns, and surrounding gardens. It also opens to a patio so you and your guests can enjoy both the indoors and outdoors throughout your wedding. Additionally, the Hughes Pavilion includes an unlit white top tent on the patio from March through November, so you’ll get to take advantage of the gardens and fresh air regardless of the weather conditions. The space seats 150 to 175 people for a seated event when you include tables on the patio. 

The Winegardner Auditorium is a beautiful banquet room in the main museum building that features a variety of special artwork from the Gallery’s permanent collection. There is a wooden stage perfect for a sweetheart table or giving the spotlight to any toasts or speeches you may have. 

Sidenote: The Dixon does not have a designated bridal Suite for you to prepare for your wedding day, so you’ll want to consider booking a nearby Airbnb or hotel as a space to get ready. However, they offer their Leatherman Studio as a waiting area for the wedding party between photos and immediately before your ceremony. Ideal for 120 – 150 seated guests, it’s a unique space with an intimate, museum-like feel. 

Photography Opportunities

When you host a wedding at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, you’ll have an array of beautiful locations for gorgeous wedding photos. The 17 acres of gorgeous grounds and gardens provide epically picturesque backdrops. Depending on which season you choose for your wedding, the Dixon Gardens come to life with magnificent flowers, thriving greenery, and lush lawns. Some of my favorite places to take portraits at Dixon Gallery and Gardens include the beautiful Orgill Bridge and in front of the Europa and the Bull statue. The expansive Picnic Lawn is another perfect spot for wedding party or family photos, particularly when featuring the beautiful Family sculpture. Additionally, I love the Canale Conservatory for couples portraits. The sleek white structure gives contemporary greenhouse vibes, full of lively and vibrant plants and flowers. 

Dixon Gallery and Gardens has beautiful trails and pathways that wind between their open spaces and formal gardens that are perfect for pictures. We can pause to cozy up on a private garden bench or meander between the bushes of blooming azaleas. There are so many ways to utilize the gorgeous property (and formal indoor galleries!) for gorgeous wedding photos you’ll treasure for decades to come. 

Wedding Details

When you host your wedding at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, you and your guests will dine on an exquisite meal prepared by their in-house catering, Park + Cherry. Your first meal as a married couple will be a feast for your taste buds and your eyes with food that looks as exquisite as it tastes. 

Dixon Gallery and Gardens has a selection of tables and chairs for you to use, though depending on how you plan to utilize their event spaces, you may need to supplement by renting additional furniture. On the day of your wedding, you’ll have access to the space for a full 12 hours, including your setup and tear-down time. Remember that from mid-March through mid-November, the Hughes Pavilion patio remains fully tented for a weather-protected space perfect for an outdoor reception space. 

Another perk of having your wedding at Dixon Gallery and Gardens? You have total vendor freedom! With the exception of their in-house caterer, you are welcome to use all of your preferred vendors to help bring your dream wedding to life. 

Dixon Gallery and Gardens Wedding

A Dixon Gallery and Gardens wedding is full of elegance, opulence, and vibrant garden life. It’s the perfect venue for a couple that longs for a wedding with timeless beauty and spectacular gardens ideal for a spectacular wedding album. 

As a photographer who has experience photographing weddings at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, it would be my honor to take your wedding pictures. Let’s chat about how we can take advantage of every picturesque inch of this exquisite venue!

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