Six Acadiana Wedding Locations for Your Big Day
Every couple has their unique style and preferences, so it’s no surprise that not every wedding venue is the perfect fit. We’ve curated a selection of options, however, that are sure to please with spaces from rustic to modern and everything in between, so you can get hitched without a hitch.
Vintage Vibes
Imagine saying “I do” amid a grove of cypress, pecan and pine trees and colorful azaleas in an open-air chapel with 14-foot stained glass windows. Twinkle lights illuminate outdoor spaces and after the ceremony, your party makes their way to the historic, circa 1886 general store (moved to the 6-acre property in the ‘90s) for a reception to remember. This is a taste of what couples can choose from at the vintage-rustic paradise Cypress Grove in Eunice. The venue accommodates up to 150 guests and has a Bridal Cottage to get ready in and/or to serve as a honeymoon suite, as well as a “man cave” (a tricked-out barn for the groomsmen, a rehearsal party or whatever else you want to cook up). Outside catering and DIY food are allowable, and Friday through Sunday, rental is an option if you want to make it a weekend. The chapel includes a 30-foot bell tower with a restored circa 1880s bell for couples to ring as they exit the ceremony. 120 Seale Lane, Eunice, 337-304-1727, cypressgroveplace.com
Dream Weavers
For the couple who wants to let the pros handle it, Dream Castle in Broussard is a more than 9,000-square-foot one-stop shop. The venue’s all-inclusive package comes with access to the venue (including the gardens, bridal suite and hair and makeup area), an officiant, catering, florals, a three-tier wedding cake, beverage packages, bartenders and waitstaff, décor, DJ, photographer, personalized rehearsal and event coordination, concierge service and full setup and cleanup. Smaller elopement packages are also available. There are a variety of small and large ballrooms, with one topping out over 5,000 square feet and the venue can accommodate up to 450 people (seated) inside and many more outside, where the covered patio and view of a mature live oak provide a magical backdrop. Ample parking is the frosting on the wedding cake. 1036 Baker Hughes Road, Broussard, 337-446-6566, castleofyourdreams.com
Victorian Splendor
The circa 1899 Queen Anne-style Victorian in Scott known as Sunny Meade is imbued with historic elegance. The former home has served as a wedding and events venue since the late ‘90s. The courtyard, gazebo and glass-enclosed atrium provide a variety of options and settings for your big day. Packages can include everything from on-site, in-house catering and beverage service to flowers and décor. Couples can rent the bridal suite as well as a bridal cottage with a mini-salon, refrigerator for snacks and sips and bathroom. The venue can accommodate a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 300 guests. 230 Topeka Road, Scott, 337-873-3100, sunny-meade.com
Modern Love
Minimalist, modern and sleek define the spaces at Magnolia Springs in St. Martinville. The venue can accommodate from 150 to 300 guests, has a chapel, grand reception room, bridal suite, groom’s lounge and outdoor courtyard, as well as a handy 360-degree bar. Outside vendors are permitted, but the venue does have a list of preferred vendors and a variety of packages for couples. 1255 Par Road 7, St. Martinville, 337-342-2322, magnoliaspringsvenue.com
Southern Charm
Arlington Mansion in Franklin is nothing short of a grande dame of a home. Believed to have been built in the 1830s, according to the mansion’s website, the Greek Revival home is white with black shutters, striking fluted Composite Order columns in the front and back and views of Bayou Teche. (The home is rumored to have been used as an infirmary during the Civil War, as well has serving as a local bar and the Arlington Country Club over the years.) The interior is decorated with period antiques and English gardens and mature oaks, magnolias and cypress trees, large lawns and a fountain feature rounding out the outdoor spaces, which provide rich and varied backdrops for your nuptials. 11532 LA-182, Franklin, 337-471-1025, arlingtonmansion.com
French Twist
At Le Pavillon at Parc Lafayette, modern amenities marry classic French architectural elements while you marry your beloved. Your out-of-town guests can eat, drink, shop and book rooms at nearby restaurants, boutiques and various hotels, including the Hilton Home2 Suites, Tru by Hilton, Candlewood Suites and Springhill Suites by Marriott. Book everything from an intimate 20-guest engagement, bridal or rehearsal gathering to a 600-attendee bash. The Parc Lafayette Colonnade provides a grand outdoor setting for your ceremony (and photos); while inside, opt for the Grand Ballroom with its wood flooring, paneled, mirrored and columned walls and coffered ceilings; the smaller Acadiana or Lafayette rooms, blank slates to transform to your preferences; and La Chambre, Le Pavillon’s on-site Bridal Suite. Antique furniture and accessories dot the rooms, landscapes, completing the traditional look of the space. 1913 Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, 337-371-1076, lplft.com
