The city of Huntsville is the largest city in the state of Alabama with a population of over 200,000 people from different backgrounds, vocations, and birthplaces. Known today as “Rocket City” for its contribution to space exploration, this hub of technology and engineering has come a long way from its humble roots. However, remnants of Huntsville’s rich history live on in the beautifully refurbished factories, carefully preserved houses, and meticulously upkept manors that sit nestled among modern midrises and along bustling city streets. For the modern history buff, Huntsville’s historic buildings offer the perfect opportunity to learn about the city in years gone past, appreciate the charming antebellum architecture, and even host the event of a lifetime among walls built a lifetime ago. If you are wanting the perfect historic location to be the backdrop for your wedding, look no further than these 5 beautiful venues.

Burritt on the Mountain

Burritt on the Mountain is Huntsville’s first museum. Nestled atop Round Top Mountain on a 167-acre lot is the mansion of homeopathic physician Dr. William Henry Burritt. The home began its construction in 1934 and is described as eccentric, mixing architectural styles of art nouveau, federal, beau arts, and classical revival. Surrounding the mansion are the museum’s historic park and McCurdy barnyard, as well as a nature trail that connects with the Land Trust of Madison County and the Monte Sano State Park. Burritt also boasts the most spectacular views of the stunning mountainside and the twinkling city below. 

Lowe Mill

Lowe Mill was built in the year 1900 to serve as Huntsville’s fifth cotton textile mill and named after its founder, Arthur H. Lowe. The mill worked in several capacities over the years, starting as a large producer of high-grade cloths and linens spun on its 25,000 spindles. However, after struggling through the early 20th century labor strikes and the height of the great depression, Lowe Manufacturing Co. declared bankruptcy in 1932 and the mill was later bought and used as a shoe factory, then a warehouse. Finally in 2001, Lowe Mill was purchased by Jim Hudson, the founder of HudsonAlpha and Research Genetics, who set the plan in motion to turn the old mill into the thriving arts and entertainment community it is today. The mill is now home to 153 studios and over 200 working artists, as well as several indoor and outdoor spaces available for rent.

The Roundhouse at Historic Depot Park

Part of the EarlyWorks Museums, the Historic Depot Park is one of America’s oldest railroad depots, dating as far back as the 1860s. It began as the corporate offices and passenger station for the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and it remained in operation as a passenger station until 1968. It now exists as a public park complete with a biking path, picnic pavilion, and display trains open for exploration. The roundhouse depot itself is available for rent, the brick building a perfect choice for the couple with an eye for industrial style. 

The Weeden House Museum

The Weeden House Museum sits among other 19th century houses in the Twickenham Historic District and is regarded as one of the finest examples of federal architecture in the area. The 2-story home was built in 1819 and bought in 1845 by Dr. William Weeden, but it was more famously the home of Dr. Weeden’s daughter, Maria Howard Weeden. Howard was a writer and artist known internationally for her masterful depictions of freed slaves. The house serves as a museum for the Weeden family and Howard’s work, but it is also a popular destination for intimate weddings in the home’s parlor or on the private back lawn.

Stovehouse

Stovehouse was built originally in 1928 as the home of the Electric Bell Stove Company, but quickly changed hands after opening and became an operation point for Martin Stamping and Stove who produced gas and electric heaters and air circulators until the turn of the century. It wasn’t until 2018 that the factory was reconstructed as the bustling campus full of businesses, live music, and community known today as Stovehouse. This lively campus is the perfect place to host a wedding reception with 5 industrial-chic event spaces to choose from.