The Emporium

Arts and culture add ambiance to any wedding venue, especially at The Emporium. Located in Downtown Knoxville, this revitalized building includes a mix of historic and modern features that are rustic yet charming. Home to local and regional artists, the Emporium is where creativity flourishes. If you’re looking for a unique and special venue, then consider The Emporium for your special day.

The History

The Emporium housed a variety of businesses throughout the years. Built in 1898, it was originally home to a prestigious furniture company. Operated by The Sterchi Brothers, the company claimed to have everything you needed to furnish your home from “a teaspoon to a piano.”  This new addition to Knoxville was four stories high and included a basement. Historical records show that at least 25 people were employed by the company.

The building later housed a wholesale goods distributor and was later a textile manufacturing facility.  After extensive renovations in 2004, it opened as Knoxville’s first true arts center. Today, the building is home to the Arts & Culture Alliance and offices for other arts and cultural organizations.

The 28,000 square feet of flexible space is home to artist studios and galleries, featuring all types of arts and culture. Music, textiles, and other types of creative art comprise the space in a way that brings color and life to the Emporium.

Historic Space with Modern Light

The Emporium is housed in a restored 1898 building that blends original character with modern updates. Exposed wooden beams and brick walls give the space a warm, historic feel, while large glass windows fill the venue with natural light. The balance of old and new creates a bright, open setting that photographs beautifully for both ceremonies and receptions.

Guest Capacity and Vendor Flexibility

The Emporium can accommodate weddings ranging from 5 to 480 guests, making it suitable for both intimate celebrations and large receptions. Rental fees include tables and chairs, and outside vendors are welcome, allowing couples to choose a caterer and creative team that fits their style and priorities.

A True Gay Street Location

Located on Gay Street, the venue sits in one of Knoxville’s most historic and vibrant areas. Gay Street was the city’s first paved street and remains a cultural centerpiece of downtown, hosting events, parades, theaters, and local landmarks. Guests don’t just attend a wedding here (they experience the heart of Knoxville).

Walkable Downtown Experience

Being on Gay Street places your wedding within walking distance of popular downtown spots like the Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain, the East Tennessee History Center, Maple Hall Bowling Alley, and a wide variety of restaurants and bars. The free downtown trolley makes it easy for guests to explore the area, encouraging them to stay longer and enjoy everything Knoxville has to offer.

The Photography

The energy of Gay Street and The Emporium is celebratory, creative, and full of character. This is one of the many reasons I love photographing this part of Knoxville. Arts, culture, and history surround you here, offering inspiration at every turn.

Inside The Emporium, natural light takes center stage. Large windows flood the space, highlighting original wooden beams, hardwood floors, and brick walls. These preserved historical details add warmth and texture without overpowering the images’ most important part.

With a documentary approach that relies heavily on natural light, this venue allows moments to unfold organically and beautifully. The result is a wedding gallery that feels timeless, honest, and deeply personal—images you’ll remember and treasure long after the day itself.

About Erin Morrison Photography

I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Knoxville, with experience photographing a wide range of couples and venues across East Tennessee. The Emporium is one of downtown Knoxville’s true gems, offering historic character and thoughtful restoration that make it a beautiful place to document a wedding day.

Wedding planning comes with many moving parts, and even the most carefully planned days can unfold in unexpected ways. My approach focuses on what matters most. The quiet looks you share with your partner. The tears of joy from loved ones. The candid moments that often become the most meaningful photographs.

Long after the music fades and the cake is gone, your photographs remain. Investing in wedding photography means preserving the feeling of your day and the moments you will return to year after year, especially on anniversaries when those memories matter most.

Knoxville Wedding Photographer

Knoxville is a great place to begin your marriage. The city is alive and vibrant, from the bustling downtown to the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Whether you reside here or you are planning a destination wedding, be sure to include The Emporium on your list of possible wedding venues.

To view examples of my work, view my portfolio here. Better yet, feel free to contact me to check availability and rate for my services!