When you are planning your Reno wedding, you are deciding between a lot of different styles. You have to choose whether you’re going to celebrate the rugged and Western atmosphere or go with something a little more glitzy and modern. As a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, I get to spend a lot of time scoping out all the Reno venues, and I have come across a few that continue to impress me. If you are in search of a space that embraces the landscape while providing you with an elegant wedding space, I would love to tell you all about The Elm Estate. This historic venue is ready to help you throw the event of your dreams!
About The Elm Estate Wedding Venue
1401 W 2nd Street, Reno, Nevada 89503
The Elm Estate was built in 1880 as a family home for Garner and Alice Chism. The family was one of the most influential in Reno, and the house was every bit as impressive as they were. Originally, the house was at the edge of town, separate from the rest of the area. As time passed, the land was built up, but the house continued to feel like its little oasis. The 1940s saw extensive additions that brought the home into the century while deepening the feeling of privacy.
The space was first rented as a venue in 2007 before Kari Galgon purchased it in 2015. The house began to undergo renovations, outfitting it with modern technology while ensuring the original grandeur remained. It now has a state-of-the-art kitchen, a reception hall, a full bar, and catering bays. Plus, you’ll find top-of-the-line appliances throughout. The Elm Estate is located at the base of Sierra’s Eastern Slope, giving fabulous views of the mountains and the Truckee River. With this space, you’ll be right off Interstate 80, near the heart of downtown Reno.
Details of the Grounds
The Elm Estate offers two locations for your wedding. For those wanting an outdoor wedding, The Elm House is ideal. You will be able to set up for your ceremony on the lawn, and the historic farmhouse will be in the backdrop. Many couples exchange vows on the house’s steps or on the back deck. The venue will work with you to decide which space will best fit your vision! If you would prefer an indoor ceremony, the Marquis House is the space for you. This area has a black cathedral ceiling and white walls. It will be a breeze to turn this into your dream space.
All the outdoor spaces for your ceremony can easily be converted into your reception space. With the Marquis House, you will have room for a dance floor wherever you’d like to place it. Outside, you can dance beneath sparkly bistro lights on the lawn of the storied manor.
If you would like to have an outdoor cocktail hour, you can set up a bar on the deck. Some couples choose to have an indoor cocktail hour and use the Billiard Room for this portion of their event. This room comes with a fully stocked bar, televisions, and a billiard table. They even have custom whiskey and cigars upon request.
The house has plenty of private spaces where you can get ready with your bridal party while sipping on a glass of champagne. Many grooms prefer to reserve the billiard room to relax before the ceremony. Enjoy some beer or bourbon as you shoot a few rounds while waiting for the guests to arrive.
Photography Opportunities
The Elm Estate is full of spaces where you can take pictures before and after your ceremony. The interior of the house is neutrally decorated with lots of natural light. This is a perfect spot for individual pictures as well as getting-ready shots. The Billiard Room tends to be another favorite for groomsmen pictures. The small front porch with the iconic arched doorway is a great space for taking group shots. Many couples love taking pictures on the quiet road leading up to the venue. There will also be plenty of photo opportunities across the expansive lawn.
Wedding Details
When you book at The Elm Estate, you can count on gorgeous details at every turn. The house’s interior is stocked with modern furniture that your guests can enjoy before the ceremony. The exterior has a wrap-around wooden porch butting up against the crisp, white home. Trees in the yard provide natural shade. Inside the Marquis House is a fully stocked bar with a mirrored back and brass furnishings.
The team behind The Elm Estate wants to make planning your dream wedding as easy as possible. They will coordinate with you for all the details and will take care of everything so you can enjoy a stress-free event. The Elm Estate will take care of tables, chairs, linens, dinnerware, and glasses. They offer catering services as well as custom bar options. They will handle the clean-up for your wedding.
In recent years, the estate has started offering cottages on-site. These cozy tiny homes will give you and your guests 8 private spaces to stay during your wedding weekend. You can enjoy late-night fire pits on connecting patios, full kitchens, and family-friendly accommodations on the riverfront properties.
Your Luxury Wedding Will Be Perfect At The Elm Estate
The Elm Estate is the perfect place for you if you like your luxury with a side of history! As for capturing all those gorgeous details, that’s where I come in. I am a Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, and I adore working with couples across this area to ensure they have beautiful memories of their dream day. I know how hard you’ve worked to plan this event, and I want to be there to document every dreamy second. So I would love to sit down with you and tell you more about my services so you can decide whether I’m the photographer for you. If you’re still searching for the right eye to capture your style, let’s chat soon!
