Story by Christine Boatwright

Contributed photos

Destination wedding locations offer everything from stunning antebellum mansions to historical venues wrought with symbolism and heritage. A bride looking for beautiful settings in a convenient location needn’t look farther than Shelby County’s finest wedding locales.

Anderson Gail Farms

Anderson Gail Farms was built in the early 1990s, but with old-world charm. Anderson Gail Farms, which is located amidst Shelby’s rolling pastures, offers weddings, receptions, parties and even reunions. The business offers several different accommodations for weddings. Anderson Gail Farms offers full service, meaning the owners can plan the entire event, or allow hosts to choose their vendors for the facility.

Contact: Melanie, 205-994-4973

Email: Melanie@andersongailfarms.com

7535 Shelby County 47

Shelby, Ala. 35143

Andersongailfarms.com

Antebellum Weddings at Oak Island

Oak Island offers three unique locations in one, with a gorgeous, columned mansion with wrap-around porch, a cozy, pristine barn and a lakeside location overlooking Lay Lake’s waters. The 11,000-squre-foot mansion sits on a six-acre island, while the venue encompasses 17 acres of rolling pastures and lake views. Antebellum Weddings at Oak Island’s Wedding Package includes a wedding planner, catering, flowers, DJ and other items for the ideal lakeside wedding.

Contact: 205-669-4696 or 205-937-0277

Phone: Candaceoakisland@gmail.com

810 Paradise Cove Lane

Wilsonville, Ala. 35186

Antebellumweddingatoakisland.com

Douglas Manor

Douglas Manor is a family owned and operated venue sitting on 32 wooded acres. The site rests on a beautiful lake and pond, and brides can use the 9,000-square-foot indoor facility to complement the outdoor views. The indoor facility offers a built-in bar, stage, dressing room and full kitchen. Douglas Manor is located between Chelsea and Columbiana, which is an ideal location for any bride looking for a venue away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but close enough for convenience.

Phone: 205-369-8714
Email: Info@douglasmanorevents.com

545 Chelsea Springs Drive

Columbiana, Ala. 35051

Douglasmanorevents.com

Southern Magnolia

Following in the tradition of beautiful Southern weddings, Southern Magnolia’s statuesque columned house offers a garden setting for outdoor weddings with an antebellum backdrop. In addition to the large brick house with white columns, Southern Magnolia offers a carriage house as a second wedding or reception option. In addition to a bride’s dressing room, the bridesmaids have their own dressing location. A separate “guys’ dressing area” is complete with a billiards table for the groom and groomsmen to enjoy while the festivities begin.

Phone: 205-665-2902 or 205-281-8199

Email: Askquestions@southernmagnolia.info

1699 Spring Creek Road

Montevallo, Ala. 35115

Southernmagnolia.info

The Sterling Castle

For the bride looking for a fairytale wedding, The Sterling Castle offers a venue fit for any couple’s happily ever after. The 14^th century-themed castle features a moat, drawbridge and secret passageways, as well as a dungeon, allowing any bride the fantasy of being rescued by her handsome prince. In addition to medieval-themed weddings, The Sterling Castle can offer custom weddings to fit any bride’s specifications. While the castle holds more than 60 guests, the outside venue can accommodate 300 guests. The venue’s wedding options include everything from fireworks to a vintage “getaway car” and chauffeur, as well as a horse-drawn buggy.

Phone: 205-669-9486
Email: Info@thesterlingcastle.com

389 Deseret Drive

Shelby, Ala. 35143

Thesterlingcastle.com

Windwood

Windwood offers a unique farm setting with an Old World-inspired atmosphere perfect for your wedding. It is reminiscent of an old English estate with the barn nestled in the valley. Whether you want photographs walking down the trails or by the horses there are limitless beautiful settings for your day. Windwood has more than enough space to host both your ceremony and reception or just one or the other. The estate has three barns, many meadows and a beautiful courtyard. Windwood can accommodate any size occasion and offers over 200 acres as the setting for your wedding day or occasion. Windwood offers rentals of tables, chairs and select linens as well as outdoor heating and air conditioning units. (Information from Weddingequestrian.com.)

Phone: 205-901-9737

4848 Highway 11

Pelham, Ala. 35124

Windwoodequestrian.com/weddings