Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Located just two miles from downtown Knoxville sits a 47-acre public garden. This oasis of preserved natural beauty serves as a popular East Knoxville wedding venue for couples wanting both convenience and quiet. A legacy of the Howell family, the botanical gardens and arboretum feature five event spaces, including indoor, covered outdoor, and uncovered outdoor options. Invite a maximum of 300 or a minimum of 25 friends and family to celebrate your special day among the plants, flowers, and trees of this beautiful oasis. Preserve the cherished memories of your day by hiring a professional Knoxville wedding photographer.
The History
Family-owned Howell nurseries started into business at this location in 1786. At one time during its long history, the property was recognized as one of the most outstanding nurseries in the Southeast. The Howell Nurseries continue to hold the record as the longest continually-operated business in Tennessee.
In 2001, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum formed and invested efforts into clearing the property, installing gardens, and maintaining the beautiful stone walls. Other accomplishments included the creation of a state-of-the-art welcome center and the development of the Center for Urban Agriculture.
What better place to begin your journey of forever than among this time-tested venue that has nurtured the natural beauty of Eastern Tennessee since 1786?
Danae Garden and Dogwood Center
The Danae Garden—There’s nothing like Greek mythology to add ambiance and romance to a wedding venue. This garden features the Danae plant, named after the mythological princess Danae racemose. Branches from this evergreen plant were used during Greek and Roman times to make wreaths that adorned the heads of orators, athletes, and poets. Dozens of specimens of this plant continue to grow in this garden, just as they’ve done for more than 50 years.
The Dogwood Center—This 5,000-square-foot event space includes an attached patio, landscaped garden space, and adjacent parking. The Dogwood Center originally served as a cinder block Plot Barn for the nursery, and later, as the gardens first welcome center.
Stone Terraces
Joe Howell loved stonework, a fact that is evident among the stone structures located on the property. Among these structures are the beautiful stone terraces. Originally designed as a terraced English Garden in the mid-1950s, the terraces today serve as event spaces, with only the top bed landscaped. Among the terraces stand a large southern magnolia, a tulip poplar, and a Kentucky coffeetree, all providing shade over the peaceful setting.
The stone terraces of the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum create a beautiful landscape and amazing backdrop for wedding photography. The terraces are in a class by themselves when it comes to a truly unique event space. Howell’s vision of design using stone carries on, creating a romantic space for both ceremonies and receptions.
Additional Event Space
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum offers other event space options, including:
- The Martha H. Ashe Garden and ivy-covered Stone Greenhouse
- The LeConte Meadow overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains
All Occasions Party Rental is the venue’s exclusive partner when it comes to items such as chairs, tables, and tents.
Tours of the property as a possible wedding venue are by appointment only. Do yourself a favor and schedule a tour—it is the best way to appreciate what words find hard to describe.
Location
The location just minutes from downtown Knoxville means convenience for your guests while still offering a romantic oasis from the city. Out-of-town guests will delight in the multiple attractions, events, and lodging options in the area. Easy access from major highways and the airport is part of the venue’s appeal.
Guests will easily find the venue. However, once they arrive they will get lost in the beauty of your day, in this place. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a destination wedding venue that includes the best of both worlds-close to everything yet in its own world.
Wedding Photography
No matter the size of your wedding, you want to preserve your day with professional photography. Wedding photography is both art and skill and demands experience. Deciding who is going to capture your day is important and selecting the right person—imperative to capturing the special moments of your day.
Wedding photography shouldn’t focus on staged pictures of certain relatives standing together with forced smiles. It should instead focus on the happy tears and laughter as friends and family share your joy. It should capture the special looks and moments between you as a couple forget the photographer is close-by. If this sounds like the type of wedding photographer you desire, then let’s chat.
Erin Morrison Photography
As a professional wedding photographer based in Knoxville, I specialize in documentary style, and natural light photography. I always feel honored when selected to photograph a couple’s special day. The Knoxville region is my home and I never tire of the beautiful backdrop Tenneess nature provides.
Weddings require a lot of planning and focus on small yet important details. Take care of one important detail by securing my services first. Once you have a date, contact me so that I may check my availability. If we match, I’m happy to discuss your plans and how we can move forward.
Your wedding day is a moment in time that will fly by—months of planning will go by in the blink of an eye. Let me capture these fleeting yet ultra-special moments as photographs that preserve moments into memories.
To view examples of my work, visit my online portfolio. To learn more about the Knoxville Garden and Arboretum, visit them online. And, to connect with a professional and experienced Knoxville wedding photographer, contact me.
The Howell family legacy that continues at this preserved site is a testament to the test of time, tradition, and family. Celebrate your love by saying I do among the majestic trees of this East Tennessee wedding venue.
