Picture a wedding steeped in local history, elegant charm, and dreamy sophistication. Then picture yourself standing in front of a spectacular estate tinged in pink, surrounded by meticulously maintained lush landscaping and gorgeous grounds. Picture yourself striding down a spectacular marble staircase, surrounded by one-of-a-kind artwork and historic architectural features. Now, picture all of that mixed in with the curious whimsy of a planetarium, the uniqueness of an IMAX movie screen, and the intrigue of dozens of exhibits exploring the culture, natural environment, and history of the south. NOW you’re talking about a one-of-a-kind glamorous wedding with a charismatic twist, all under one roof at the Pink Palace Museum Wedding Venue in Memphis. Read on to find out more about what makes them a spectacular venue for an unforgettable wedding!
About The Pink Palace Museum Wedding Venue
Over 100 years ago, in 1922, wealthy entrepreneur Clarence Saunders, founder of the Piggly Wiggly grocery chain, broke ground on what was supposed to be his dream home. Its distinctive pink marble facade earned it the affectionate nickname, The Pink Palace. Soon after, however, Saunders went into bankruptcy following a legal dispute with the New York Stock Exchange. He left his beloved unfinished Pink Palace to the city of Memphis in the late 1920s to use as a museum.
Ever since, it has earned a reputation as a leading regional science and natural history museum. In 1975, they built an addition beside the mansion to expand the museum. The Pink Palace itself eventually became an exhibit! Today, a visit to the Pink Palace Museum could include not only a tour of the mansion but also a movie at the Giant Screen Theatre or a show at the Sharpe Planetarium!
Details of the Pink Palace Museum Wedding Grounds
The Pink Palace is a spectacular 36,500-square-foot mansion on Memphis acreage perfect for a glamorous and extravagant wedding. The exterior is decorated in pink Georgia marble (think less Barbie pink and more of a slightly rosy hue). It also is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, historic trees, and rolling green lawns. It’s the perfect setting for a ceremony bursting with romance and sophistication and a lavish celebration that will have your guests dancing and dining all night long.
Your Ceremony
For your wedding, you can choose to host your ceremony indoors or outdoors, depending on your preferred aesthetic and the number of people on your guest list. An indoor event can accommodate up to 500 guests, while an outdoor event has room for anywhere between 500 to 2000 people – yes, two thousand!!
You and your partner will prepare for your wedding day alongside your wedding parties and closest family in their designated bride and groom suites. With plenty of space for having hair and makeup done and enjoying casual refreshments. Plus, there’s lots of natural light, so we’ll be sure to get plenty of dreamy getting-ready photos so you won’t ever forget a single moment of your wedding day.
If you opt for an outdoor ceremony, you can line the beautiful plaza in front of the Pink Palace with chairs for all of your guests (…two THOUSAND…) to watch you exchange your vows. Position your altar at the arched entrance of the mansion beneath beautiful bricks decorated with extravagant florals and decor. Or maybe make your grand entrance from inside the mansion and stride down the plaza’s natural aisle to meet your partner beneath an archway surrounded by trees and greenery.
If you’re planning a more intimate wedding with an indoor ceremony, the main lobby is full of stunning marble and tile work, a grand staircase, and breathtaking artwork that make for a spectacular ceremony backdrop, safe indoors and out of reach of any inclement Memphis weather.
Your Reception Options
Host a tented reception outdoors on the property, or set up tables for your guests inside the mansion in various exhibit halls filled with fascinating exhibits and artifacts that your friends and family will love to admire. Turn the main marble lobby into your dance floor! Or set up your DJ or band in a smaller, more intimate space for a delightful soiree.
One of the coolest parts about having your wedding at The Pink Palace Museum is that you and your guests will have access to the museum itself! Wander exhibits that feature ancient dinosaur skeletons and fossils, local and national wildlife, and even a Piggly Wiggly store replica that pays homage to its original owner’s humble beginnings. The museum is a true celebration of Southern history and culture. It shares stories of music, travel, race, and so much more.
Want to make your wedding an even more memorable experience? Treat your guests to a private IMAX movie showing, a tour of the solar system, or a planetarium laser show! How awesome is that!?
Photography Opportunities
There is no shortage of photo opportunities at The Pink Palace Museum. So we’ll be sure to take advantage of as many of them as possible if you host your wedding there! The estate’s property is full of lush greenery, stately trees, and colorful landscaping that will transport your photos to another world of natural beauty. The Pink Palace’s exterior is the perfect backdrop for photos that make you and your partner look like elegant aristocrats or even royalty. There are so many unique architectural features that we will use for photo backdrops! Your wedding photos will be set apart from anyone else’s.
Inside the Palace’s main lobby is a spectacular marble staircase! This makes perfect elegant portraits of you and your partner. We’ll also find creative ways to incorporate the museum’s whimsical exhibits. So we can capture all of the unique draws of having your wedding at a renowned science and natural history museum!
Wedding Details
There are plenty of perks included when you book your wedding at The Pink Palace Museum. Including full access to the Mansion, its grounds, their getting-ready suites, and on-site security. They’ll also provide up to 135 gold Chiavari chairs. But you’ll have to rent extra to accommodate the other 1865 guests on your two thousand-person guest list. Tables are also included. Plus, they will set them up and tear them down at the end of your event.
Another benefit of having your wedding at The Pink Palace Museum is that you’ll get to use any vendors you choose! As long as they are licensed. That means you can totally customize your wedding to be exactly what you want it to be. One small detail – you’re required to have a wedding planner or coordinator for your event.
Another bonus? Your booking comes with a one-hour use of the grounds for engagement photos. So we’ll get early access to the museum’s property for your engagement pics. Also to scout out where we’ll take your wedding photos when the time comes!
Pink Palace Museum Wedding
A wedding at The Pink Palace Museum wedding venue is one of elegance, sophistication, and a touch of whimsy and curiosity. Check out their website for information on their grounds, exhibits, rental policies, and more. As soon as you book them as your venue, let me know so we can get to taking those engagement photos!! I can’t wait! :)
Finding your dream wedding venue in Tennessee can be such a challenge! Primarily because there are so many incredibly beautiful and unique locations across the state. So if The Pink Palace doesn’t check all your boxes, check out more in the blog links below! But before you go, feel free to reach out! I love to chat about venues and what your dream wedding photos look like!
- The Anxious Bride’s Guide to A Stress Free Wedding
- Gorgeous, Intimate Wedding at the Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis
