Natchez, MS, has a buzzing nightlight, a variety of entertainment, beautifully restored mansions, a picturesque downtown, and so much more to offer you to plan an extraordinary wedding.
As a New Orleans wedding photographer, I’m always thrilled when I get the opportunity to photograph in other destinations. I loved capturing Phillip and Eli’s celebration in Natchez, Mississippi!
Read on to learn more about why you should consider Natchez, Mississippi, for your celebration.
Why Choose Natchez, MS, for Your Wedding
As someone who resides in New Orleans, I was pleasantly surprised to realize when I was in Natchez that there are many similarities between Natchez and New Orleans.
Natchez is often called the “Little Easy” as a reference to the Big Easy (New Orleans). Both have Cajun and Creole delights and live jazz. Plus, Natchez is just as charming as New Orleans—but it’s much more easygoing and laidback.
One of the main reasons I’d recommend choosing Natchez is that it is not only an incredibly unique spot for a destination wedding or a multi-day celebration, but your money can go really far here. However, I wouldn’t go as far as to say it’s a budget travel destination.
Also, it’s only three hours away from New Orleans! It’s perfect for you if you want a New Orleans-style wedding without having to deal with the hustle and bustle of the city itself.
Natchez really is the perfect choice if you want to see stunning historic homes, step back into history, and visit and plan a celebration at a destination that’s a bit off the beaten path. Also, to conclude your wedding weekend, you can even plan a romantic overnight riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.
Furthermore, Natchez has a beautiful natural landscape, an abundance of historic mansions, and an abundance of incredible wedding vendors. Additionally, it’s a quaint, charming city that truly embodies Southern hospitality.
Gorgeous Wedding Venues in Natchez, MS
There are several absolutely stunning venues and accommodation options to choose from in Natchez. You’ll be able to plan an unforgettable weekend getaway and wedding for you and your guests! Some venues I’d recommend checking out are Stanton Hall and Saint Mary’s Basilica.
Stanton Hall is a Greek Revival-style mansion that occupies an entire city block. This mansion dates back to 1857. It’s known for its marble mangles, large pier mirrors, and size. This venue is available to rent as a reception and/or wedding venue.
Saint Mary’s Basilica is recognized as an architectural masterpiece. The church, a landmark in the city, is an exquisite example of Gothic Revival architecture.
Things to Do in Natchez
If you’re planning a wedding weekend here, be sure to try out some of these activities and add them to your wedding itinerary:
- A biscuit and brunch class
- Check out the Historic Natchez and Emerald Mound Full Day Private tour
- Visit Natchez Brewing Company
- Go on a ghost tour
- Check out the Natchez Trace Parkway
- Go on a Southern Carriage Tour
Discover more attractions and tours in Natchez here!
Phillip + Eli’s Intentional Weekend Wedding in Natchez
If all of this has piqued your interest so far, here’s a behind-the-lens look at Phillip and Eli’s wedding to help you picture what your wedding day could look like here!
Background on the couple
Phillip and Eli planned an unforgettable celebration in Natchez, and this couple and their family came from (literally) across the globe to celebrate this couple!
The two met six years ago and started a long-distance relationship just six months in. With one of them in Japan and one in San Francisco, they ended up writing each other love letters to send across the world (something they still do to this day)!
While Phillip and Eli currently live on the West Coast, one of them is originally from Natchez. They thought it would be cool to have their guests experience this sleepy, historic town.
Rehearsal Dinner
To kick off their wedding weekend, they started with a rehearsal dinner, which they planned as a “movie night” for their guests at a historic mansion in Natchez. I thought this was an incredibly unique take on rehearsal dinners, and it made perfect sense for this couple. I love that they brought this idea to life—and so did their guests.
The Wedding
Phillip and Eli’s wedding started with a traditional tea ceremony, which paid homage to Phillip’s Taiwanese heritage. This was followed by an elaborate Western ceremony that also included the breaking of the glass to honor Eli’s Jewish roots.
Everything these two did for their wedding was intentional and authentic, and they honored their cultures and traditions. They were able to do everything exactly how they wanted. They even gave their guests custom trinkets, which they left at each guest’s seat. These individualized trinkets were meant to remind guests of a special memory they shared with the couple.
Perhaps the most fun part of Eli and Phillip’s wedding day was the Drag performance that they had for their guests at the reception. Instead of a night of dancing, the couple had Kinsey Sicks perform for their guests, and it was SO much fun! I love it when couples do something experiential for their reception!
When celebrating with these two, it was clear how absolutely adored they are. I was so touched by the amount of thought and intent they put into their celebration. I also loved how they were able to tie in their own cultures and traditions while still honoring who they are today and the things that they value and want to experience.
Phillip and Eli’s Vendors
This day truly would not have been as amazing without the incredible vendors who brought their vision to life:
Food: Ms. Yo Catering
Florals: Nest
Locations: Stanton Hall and The Linden
Music: Kimble Funchess Band
Entertainment: Kinsey Sicks
Ready to Plan Your Wedding in Natchez, MS?
Natchez, Mississippi, truly does have a venue for every budget and so many free outdoor locations with stunning views, making it an ideal setting for your wedding.
If you are looking for an intentional and authentic wedding like this, I would love to capture these special moments for you and your partner. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing two people truly in love celebrating that with the people who mean the most to them.
You can take a look at all of my wedding photography packages and options here, or if you are ready to reach out, you can head over here to get in touch and talk about the vision for your own dream wedding.
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