The Emporium Center in Knoxville, TN is one of the most gorgeous and unique wedding venues I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Located right on Gay Street in the heart of downtown Knoxville, it's a historic masterpiece. Not only that, but Anna Claire and Kit were Rockstar clients- they prioritized wedding photography to the fullest and gave me full permission to take control of the day. It was a breeze getting to photograph all around the venue. If you are looking for a downtown Knoxville wedding venue, this is the place to be.
The Emporium Center in Knoxville, TN
So what is The Emporium Center?
Besides being an absolutely kickass wedding venue, it's a historic space dedicated to the arts. It holds multiple different art exhibits on several different floors that alternate every so often. It's filled with offices for art studios for classes for the creatives! The center holds the title of Knoxville's first ever true art's center. If you somehow managed upon this post as an artist, this space is truly a goldmine of opportunities for you. They host tons of events and exhibit opportunities for local artists- I highly recommend you take the time to check them out if you can!
Downtown Wedding Venue
We are here, however, to talk about the wedding side of the Emporium. And truthfully, I am nothing less than obsessed with this venue, y'all. It's a DREAM space and it's completely on brand for us. Not just that, but our clients always walk away happy. The staff are incredible and it's such a fantastic atmosphere to be in.
If you are currently on the look for a city wedding venue in Knoxville, this might be the best possible choice. Here are some of our favorite things about this space:
- The exposed brick ceremony space: No shocker that this is the star of the show. The main ceremony space, strung with tea lights and surrounded on each side by two arched framed windows. There is a spotlight that shines right on the couple during their vows, making it a dreamy, moody space during anytime of day.
- The wooden floors: The real wooden floors bring a historic yet classic vibe to the space. Just truly gorgeous and really ties the timelessness together!
- Gay Street: This deserves a spot at the top of the list. The venue is located in a perfect spot in the city. Right on the main street in downtown Knoxville and surrounded by the best hotels, restaurants and shops. We only had to walk a short 5 minutes to get from the Hilton to the venue. Making it a fantastic spot for your guests to enjoy the city while in town for your wedding.
- The art exhibits: The unique aspect of the space, the art on the walls. This was one of my favorite photo ops of the entire days. Getting to use the creativity of the art pieces to really bring Anna Claire and Kit's couple's portraits together. There are pieces on the main ceremony and reception floor as well as the upper floor where the cocktail hour happens. Both are rotated often with new pieces, so you aren't sure what you'll get, which just adds to the fun!
These photos are a mixture of digital images and 35mm film photos
Tennessee Wedding Photographer
Living on the state lines of North Carolina and Tennessee has it's perks! With that, I get to photograph weddings all across both states easily. With two upcoming Nashville weddings and this past Knoxville wedding, it seems to be a trend that we've ended up in the Smokies so often. My husband grew up in Knoxville, so it's an absolute pleasure getting the chance to be back in town and eating at all of our favorite restaurants! We can't wait to be back at The Emporium Center in Knoxville, TN for all the future weddings!
