The Lake at Willow Oaks Wedding Venue

The Lake at Willow Oaks, formerly known as The Lake at Christenberry Farms, is a wedding venue in Maryville, Tennessee, just outside Knoxville. The property includes a lake, open farmland, a large barn, covered outdoor space, and views of the surrounding East Tennessee landscape.

Couples can hold several parts of their wedding in one location, with indoor and outdoor options for ceremonies and receptions. There are also dedicated getting-ready spaces and several areas around the property for photographs.

I originally photographed this venue when it was The Lake at Christenberry Farms. While the name has changed, these photographs give you a look at the property and what a wedding here can look like.

A Farm Wedding Venue in Maryville, Tennessee

The Lake at Willow Oaks is a wedding venue in Maryville, Tennessee. The property was formerly known as The Lake at Christenberry Farms. It has hosted weddings for years and includes a working farm, lake, barn, and several outdoor spaces.

The property sits among the rolling hills of East Tennessee. Couples can have their ceremony, reception, and photographs in one location. Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains are also within easy driving distance.

Smoky Mountain Views and Farmland

The Lake at Willow Oaks is a fourth-generation family-owned property. Open farmland, rolling hills, and views toward the Smoky Mountains surround the venue.

The property has been updated for weddings while keeping many of its original farm features. The barn, lake, fields, and surrounding landscape give couples several different settings to use throughout the day.

Barn and Covered Patio

The barn provides an indoor option for ceremonies and receptions. Inside, rough-sawn beams, high ceilings, and oversized chandeliers are some of the main features of the space.

There is also a covered patio for couples who want to enjoy the outdoors while still having some protection from the weather. The lake and surrounding farmland are nearby. This makes it easy to move between different parts of the property throughout the wedding day.

A Private Setting Near Knoxville

The Lake at Willow Oaks is located in Maryville, outside Knoxville and near the Great Smoky Mountains. The location gives couples a more private setting without being far from the hotels, restaurants, and other amenities available in Knoxville and Maryville.

The property also includes dedicated getting-ready spaces. Having the ceremony, reception, and getting-ready areas in one location can simplify the wedding-day timeline. It also means less travel for the couple, wedding party, and guests.

Indoor Wedding and Reception Spaces

The barn at The Lake at Willow Oaks provides space for indoor ceremonies, cocktail hour, and wedding receptions. Rough-sawn beams, high ceilings, and oversized chandeliers are some of the main features inside. The open layout gives couples flexibility in how they use the space. It can also be helpful when weather changes the original plans for an outdoor ceremony.

Getting Ready at The Lake at Willow Oaks

The venue has dedicated spaces for getting ready before the ceremony. One suite includes four vanity stations, private restrooms, and natural light. There is also a separate getting-ready space on the property. Having these spaces at the venue keeps everyone close before the ceremony begins. It also reduces the amount of travel needed on the wedding day.

Indoor Wedding Amenities

Private restrooms and other indoor amenities are available for couples and their guests. The barn and getting-ready areas are all located on the property, making it easier to move between different parts of the wedding day. Venue amenities and available spaces can change. I recommend confirming the current details and rental inclusions directly with The Lake at Willow Oaks as you plan your wedding.

Lakefront Ceremonies and Outdoor Spaces

The Lake at Willow Oaks offers several outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies and photographs. The lake is one of the main features of the property. Couples can use it as the setting for their ceremony or include it in photographs later in the day.

The surrounding farmland, trees, and open areas provide additional options throughout the property. Having several outdoor locations in one place gives us variety without requiring additional travel.

The different areas also give us flexibility as the light changes throughout the day. We can move around the property when it makes sense while keeping you close to your guests and the rest of the wedding.

More Farm and Outdoor Wedding Venues Near Knoxville

If you like The Lake at Willow Oaks for its outdoor spaces and East Tennessee setting, there are several other wedding venues worth exploring. Willow Ridge Special Event Center and Heartland Meadows offer farm settings with indoor and outdoor options. RiverView Family Farm combines a working farm with views of Fort Loudoun Lake.

You can also consider The Barn at Faith Farms for a barn and farm setting or The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm for a waterfront venue closer to Knoxville. Each property is different, but all give couples the option to incorporate the outdoors into their wedding day.

The Lake at Willow Oaks Wedding Photographer

I am a Knoxville wedding photographer with experience photographing weddings at this property and throughout East Tennessee. I originally photographed the venue when it was known as The Lake at Christenberry Farms.

The lake, barn, farmland, and outdoor spaces offer several photo opportunities throughout the wedding day. Knowing the property also helps me work efficiently. We can use different locations and changing light without taking you away from your guests for long periods of time. My approach is documentary-focused. I provide direction when needed. Otherwise, I focus on the people, interactions, and moments happening naturally throughout the day.

If you’re planning a wedding at The Lake at Willow Oaks, you can view my wedding photography portfolio or contact me to check availability for your date.