Southern Railway Station
There’s something romantic about a historic railway station. Many old black-and-white movies instill images in our minds of the joyful reunions that took place. From a trip or even from war –loved ones waited for their special someone to return. A railway station is at the heart of these romantic movies.
The Southern Railway Station located in downtown Knoxville is such a place. Dating to 1903, there’s no doubt this station witnessed similar scenes. Today, it delivers ambiance and a vintage setting for your special day. Capturing this important moment of your life requires the skills of a professional Knoxville wedding photographer.
An Integral Part of Knoxville History
The Southern Railway Station played an integral part in Knoxville’s history due to the commercial services it brought to the region. At the height of its service, the station served more than 30 passenger trains daily. The trains also transported much-needed items to the outlying, rural areas.
The 1903 structure features fireplaces with inscriptions of Scottish poet Robert Burns and coffered ceilings in certain rooms. A decline of the bustling station—and many like it throughout the nation—started around the time of the automobile. Once it was no longer used, the building fell into disrepair until an effort was made to save the historic landmark.
Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Southern Railway Station is restored as a unique event venue. The structure is comprised of brick, wood, and cast iron. A beautiful master staircase provides incredible photography opportunities for couples who choose the station as the Knoxville wedding venue. The station is a well-preserved example of this once important mode of transportation for Knoxville. Its amazing architecture is a testament to its past and serves as a stunning visual for wedding day photography.
Venue Options
The station offers multiple spaces for ceremonies and receptions. Additionally, the station is home to the Pelican Bistro and the Blue Slip Winery—Knoxville’s first winery and Tennessee’s first urban winery. The Old Smoky Railway Museum is a long-time tenant and adds ambiance to the venue. Here’s a closer look at the event spaces the Southern Railway Station offers:
The Samuel Spencer Ballroom—Located on the first floor of the winery, the ballroom accommodates 130 seated guests and 260 standing guests. There is a private kitchen, bathroom, and a bride’s room that accompanies this event space. As a photographer, I love the character of the historic columns and brick fireplace in this ballroom.
The Southern Ballroom—The most spacious space in the station, this ballroom comfortably accommodates 180 seated guests and 360 standing guests. An adjoining room makes this a great location for a reception. Celebration and joy are what I capture when I photograph receptions in this room. The large windows allow for lots of light and the historic architecture of the room are a wedding photographer’s dream.
The Pelican Platform—The station’s Sevier Yard Plaza and Pelican Platform serve as the venue’s premier outdoor event space. This setting accommodates more than 300 guests—seated or standing—and provides the perfect mix of vintage charm and downtown Knoxville.
Railway Cars—What’s a train station without a railway car or two? Historic railway cars are available for rent and make a unique place to hold a rehearsal dinner or to capture special photographs. As a Knoxville-based wedding photographer, I thrive in unique settings. Vintage railway cars are like moments stopped and that’s what makes them so alluring. They are a photography backdrop like no other.
The Southern Railway Station is located within walking distance of Knoxville’s Old City District, Gay Street, and Market Square. There is plenty of free parking, making this an attractive choice for a destination wedding.
Erin Morrison Photography
I’m Erin Morrison and I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Knoxville. The Smoky Mountain region is my home. I love photographing weddings here, whether it is in the mountains or at a downtown venue, like that of the Southern Railway Station.
If you’re searching for a unique wedding destination in Knoxville, consider scheduling a tour of the station. The friendly staff will answer all your questions regarding chairs, catering, and bartenders. Be sure to ask for information regarding insurance requirements.
Your wedding day is a special moment-in-time that deserves a unique venue. Your day also deserves a professional wedding photographer. Too many times, in an effort to save money, couples skimp on the most important part of their day. It is long after the cake is cut and the guests have returned home that pictures of the day remain. They preserve the special laughs, tears of joy, and intimate looks couples share with friends, family, and each other. The value of these photos is, in fact, invaluable as you grow old together.
Let’s Chat!
Once you know your wedding date, contact me so I can check my calendar. I am happy to discuss my services and your plans. Being asked to photograph a couple’s special day is an honor and I never tire of this incredible experience. My services include both straight and LGBT couples.
From an outdoor wedding on the Pelican Platform to dancing the night away in the Southern Ballroom, this Knoxville venue is one you will remember forever. If elopement is your ceremony of choice, what better way to say I do than in a vintage railway car?
Railroad stations were once the hub-and-spoke for many cities. Old black-and-white movies have created romantic images in our minds of both departures and arrivals of loved ones. There’s definitely an air of romance that encompasses these historic structures, making them a unique venue for weddings.
My skill is to capture the unplanned and the unstaged. I specialize in documentary and natural light photography. It is the natural moments that radiate the love that brought you to this moment.
Reach out today—I’m eager to learn more about you and your plans. To view examples of my work, be sure to visit my online portfolio. Let me help you preserve your special day forever.
