Weddings at 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This wonderfully vintage hotel in arguably the most picturesque town in Arkansas is a great setting for a wedding. The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa is one of those venues that work in all seasons and offers many options for ceremonies and receptions. From the Crystal Ballroom to adjacent cabins for intimate elopements. If you want an outdoor ceremony and a ballroom party until late, this might be your spot.
Table of contents
How much does it cost?
The hotel offers both wedding and elopement packages from $750 to $4,250 for up to 100 guests. These packages do not include catering or beverages and as mentioned, are only for up to 100 people. Therefore, it’s fair to assume that a wedding with 150 guests with catering and drinks included could be around $8,000 to $14,000, depending on the menu. Check out their wedding packages and catering menu.
Wedding packages and what's included
The Crystal Ballroom Package for up to 100 guests is $4250 and includes use of the ballroom for your ceremony and reception, cake, champagne bottle, a bouquet, and two nights. This and the other packages are available between Sunday and Friday with additional charges for Saturdays.
Bridal Suite and Groom’s Room
The bridal suite at 1886 Crescent Hotel is pretty awesome. It is pretty large with hair and make up stations for up to 5 people, along with a mirrored stage and a lounge. It is also connected to the hotel’s salon and spa which is pretty ideal. From the salon, you can then walk straight out into the garden, if you are planning on an outdoor ceremony. There is no groom’s room per se, but in many of the packages, a room is provided for two nights which the groom can and should use.
Best season for a wedding
Like almost always, fall and spring are going to be the best seasons. That’s not really different here, but 1886 Crescent Hotel is also beautiful in winter and outdoor ceremonies with an indoor reception are very doable in summer too. The hotel is actually super versatile when it comes to the seasons, as opposed to many other venues that truly only thrive in spring and fall.
My personal opinions
The 1886 Crescent Hotel is really an amazing option for couples who will have many guests coming in from out of state and want to spend time with them beyond just the wedding day. Eureka Springs has a lot of options for short trips and the downtown area is just really enjoyable on its own too! The hotel has gone through renovations in the past 20-25 years but much of the interiors and decorations are still in place which to me are incredibly photogenic. It is a true joy take take pictures in there! For couples who want to have vintage vibes on their wedding day, the Crescent makes a lot of sense as there won’t be a need to bring decor — the hotel is the decor. That being said, it is not just the hotel that’s photogenic, but the entire area. Many couples choose to have their ceremony at Thorncrown Chapel and reception at the hotel, for example.
Timeline for photography
Here is a sample 10-hour photography timeline for a fall wedding. This includes a first look, a 5:00 pm ceremony, and sunset photos at 7:00 pm.
12:00 PM Groom getting ready in a hotel room
1:00 PM Detail photos and reception venue photos
2:00 PM Getting ready photos with bride
3:30 PM First look
3:45 PM Wedding party and family photos
4:30 PM Reset for ceremony
5:00 PM Ceremony
5:45 PM Cocktail hour
5:45 PM Wedding portraits in the gardens
6:10 PM Announcements
6:15 PM Dinner & speeches
6:45 PM Couple sneaks out for sunset photos
7:15 PM First Dance
7:30 PM Dance floor opens
8:30 PM Cake cutting & dessert
9:00 PM Nighttime wedding portraits in the lobby and the hallways
9:45 PM Private last dance
9:55 PM Exit photos, but the party goes on until late