Wedding Venue in Alabaster, Alabama
Outdoor Alabama Lodge Wedding Venue
Lodge
Full Alcohol
150
Starting at $8000
The Lodge Alabama in Alabaster is one of the Birmingham area’s premier wedding and event venues. Surrounded by natural beauty and abundant wildlife, it offers couples a truly unique setting for their special day.
Our versatile outdoor spaces can be tailored for weddings, receptions, corporate events, holiday parties, and more. Guests can enjoy on-site activities such as fishing, skeet shooting, deer hunting, and guided Polaris Ranger tours across our 300-acre whitetail deer preserve.
To make your celebration even more memorable, we offer overnight accommodations for you and your family, perfect for turning your special day into a full wedding weekend. Whether you prefer a day-of rental or a weekend stay, The Lodge provides flexibility to match your vision.
With recent updates and thoughtful amenities, The Lodge blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Our experienced team is here to bring your plans to life and ensure a smooth, stress-free experience from start to finish.
Ceremony Pavilion
A versatile pavilion that offers the perfect backdrop for “I do.” Whether you choose to host your ceremony beneath its cover or transform it into a reception space, this pavilion ensures comfort and style in every season.
Lakeside Terrace
Set against the sparkling waters of our 16-acre lake, the terrace is the ultimate spot for breathtaking sunsets and unforgettable waterfront photos. It’s a romantic location your guests will never forget.
Mallard Lawn
Expansive and elegant, the Mallard Lawn provides a flexible outdoor space for either a ceremony or reception. Surrounded by natural beauty and deer that will come right up to tables, it can be styled to match any vision.
Inside the Lodge
Our lodge offers private, comfortable getting-ready areas for both the bride and groom. These thoughtfully designed spaces allow you and your wedding party to relax, prepare, and savor every moment leading up to your big day.
Discover More about The Lodge Alabama
The Lodge Alabama is family-owned and operated, with a heartfelt commitment to hospitality and excellence. Our team treats every couple and guest like family, ensuring your event is planned with care, attention to detail, and genuine Southern charm. From your first tour to the last dance, we’re here to make your experience unforgettable.
When you rent The Lodge Alabama, you’ll enjoy exclusive use of the property along with access to all of our beautiful event spaces, including the Covered Ceremony Pavilion, the Lakeside Terrace, and the Mallard Lawn. Inside the Lodge, you’ll find private getting-ready areas for both bride and groom, creating a relaxing and convenient start to your day. Rentals include tables and chairs for your ceremony and reception, with flexible options for either a single-day celebration or a full wedding weekend complete with overnight accommodations. Guests can also take advantage of unique on-site amenities such as fishing, skeet shooting, deer hunting, and guided Polaris Ranger tours of our 300-acre whitetail deer preserve. With breathtaking sunset views, countless photo opportunities, and the support of our dedicated team, your experience at The Lodge will be seamless, memorable, and truly one of a kind.
The Lodge Alabama is more than a venue, it’s a reflection of family, faith, and a deep-rooted love for the outdoors. Owned and operated by Shawn and Susan Callahan, along with their four sons, Sam, Sawyer, Simon, and Seth, the Lodge is guided by a simple yet powerful mission: to create unforgettable experiences surrounded by the beauty of nature, meaningful connections, and genuine hospitality.
Shawn’s involvement with Kidz Outdoors, an organization dedicated to giving children with terminal illnesses the gift of a joyful, mentored outdoor experience reveals the true heart of The Lodge. Because of that commitment, The Lodge at Mallard Landing became more than an event venue, it became a partner to Kidz Outdoors, offering guided hunts and hosting events to support the dreams of these courageous kids and their families.
For the Callahans, every event whether a wedding, retreat, or celebration, is infused with that same spirit: serving, uplifting, and creating life-changing memories. Couples who choose The Lodge aren’t just booking beautiful spaces; they’re joining a mission. Your celebration helps sustain a place where dreams come true, bonds are formed, and lives are touched, especially for those who need it most.
Private & Corporate Events at The Lodge Alabama
The Lodge Alabama is not only a premier wedding destination, it’s also an exceptional setting for private celebrations and corporate gatherings. Whether you’re planning a holiday party, family reunion, fundraiser, business retreat, or team-building event, our versatile indoor and outdoor spaces can be customized to fit your event’s size, style, and schedule.
Indoor Amenities
Inside the Lodge, guests enjoy a warm, rustic setting complete with comfortable gathering spaces. With plenty of space for meetings, presentations, or intimate dinners, the Lodge provides both character and convenience. Modern updates blend seamlessly with Southern charm, creating a professional yet inviting atmosphere for your group.
Outdoor Options
The property’s Covered Ceremony Pavilion, Mallard Lawn, and stunning Lakeside Terrace offer flexible outdoor settings ideal for receptions, luncheons, corporate outings, or casual picnics. Guests can enjoy breathtaking lake views, sunset backdrops, and the natural beauty of our 300-acre whitetail deer preserve—perfect for team-building activities, entertainment, or simply unwinding in a serene environment.
Included Features
Every rental includes tables and chairs, access to restrooms, on-site parking, and the support of our experienced venue team. We also offer flexible rental options, from single-day use to full weekend packages with overnight accommodations. Outside vendors are welcome, making it easy to plan an event that reflects your company’s needs or personal style.
Popular Uses Include
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Corporate retreats and team-building getaways
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Holiday parties and milestone celebrations
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Nonprofit fundraisers and community events
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Family reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries
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Training sessions, workshops, and networking mixers
From formal functions to relaxed gatherings, The Lodge Alabama offers a one-of-a-kind setting where business and leisure meet. Far removed from the typical hotel ballroom or conference center, our venue blends natural beauty, modern amenities, and attentive support to ensure your event is both seamless and unforgettable.
Venue Spaces That
Shine
I Do Details
Our most frequently asked questions.
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help answer any inquiries you may have. However, we understand that every wedding is unique, and you may have questions not listed here.
We hope you find the answers to your questions here, but if not, please feel free to contact us directly. We are excited to help make your wedding day an unforgettable experience!
Venue
The Lodge Alabama is located in Alabaster, Alabama, just outside of Birmingham. It sits on more than 300 acres of preserved land with a private 16-acre lake, making it both convenient for city guests and secluded enough to feel like a true getaway.
The Lodge Alabama offers a flexible layout with several event spaces, so capacity depends on how you’d like to use the property:
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Overnight Accommodations: The Lodge itself sleeps up to 12 guests, making it perfect for couples and close family to enjoy a full wedding weekend.
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Outdoor Event Spaces: The Mallard Lawn, Covered Ceremony Pavilion, and Lakeside Terrace can comfortably host large gatherings, with space for up to 150 guests for ceremonies and receptions.
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Indoor Lodge Spaces: While best suited for getting-ready suites and intimate gatherings, the interior spaces are an excellent complement to the outdoor spaces.
Covered Ceremony Pavilion
An open-air yet covered pavilion that provides the perfect blend of outdoor charm and all-weather comfort. It can host ceremonies, cocktail hours, or even serve as a covered reception space, ideal for year-round celebrations.
Lakeside Terrace
Perched beside the 16-acre lake, this space offers sweeping waterfront views and stunning sunsets. It’s one of the most picturesque spots on the property, perfect for ceremonies, receptions, or cocktail hours, and unbeatable for photography.
Mallard Lawn
A spacious, open lawn that can be tailored to your vision, whether for a grand ceremony, an elegant tented reception, or a relaxed outdoor gathering. Surrounded by natural beauty, the Mallard Lawn is as versatile as it is scenic.
Expansive Grounds & Preserve
Beyond designated event spaces, the Lodge’s 300-acre whitetail deer preserve offers countless backdrops for photos, as well as opportunities for guided tours, wildlife sightings, and outdoor experiences that set this venue apart.
Yes! At The Lodge Alabama, we know weather can be unpredictable, so we’ve built flexibility into the property to ensure your day goes smoothly no matter the forecast.
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Covered Ceremony Pavilion – This versatile space can easily transition into a ceremony or reception location, giving you a beautiful, sheltered option while still maintaining the charm of an outdoor celebration.
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Indoor Lodge Access – The Lodge itself provides additional indoor areas, including comfortable suites and gathering spaces that can be adapted for smaller ceremonies, cocktail hours, or staging areas.
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Tent-Friendly Lawn – The Mallard Lawn can accommodate tent setups, offering another layer of protection while still allowing you to celebrate in the open-air setting you envisioned.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring in your own décor to personalize the space and make it uniquely yours. Whether it’s florals, lighting, or custom details, our team will work with you to ensure everything comes together beautifully while keeping the venue guidelines in mind.
Yes, The Carolina Barn offers comfortable and private getting ready rooms for both the bride and groom. The Bridal Suite is thoughtfully designed to provide a calm and inviting space where the bride and her party can prepare for the day. With plenty of mirrors, good lighting, and cozy seating, it offers everything needed for a smooth and enjoyable start to the celebration.
The Groom’s Lounge provides a separate, relaxed area for the groom and groomsmen to get ready and spend time together before the ceremony. Both spaces are included in the venue rental and are available throughout the day, ensuring that each side of the wedding party has a private and well-equipped place to prepare for the event.
The Lodge Alabama features a mix of natural and ambient lighting to create the perfect atmosphere for your event. Our Covered Ceremony Pavilion features stunning chandeliers while the Lakeside Terrace and Mallard Lawn include built-in string and accent lighting, adding a warm glow for evening celebrations. The Mallard Lawn can be customized with additional market lights or uplighting to match your vision, and the interior of the Lodge offers soft, comfortable lighting for getting-ready areas and intimate gatherings.
Leave the heavy lifting to our team! We take care of all table and chair setup before your event and handle the teardown afterward, so you and your guests can focus on celebrating without the stress of logistics.
Yes! The Lodge Alabama offers overnight accommodations on-site, allowing you and your guests to extend the celebration into a full wedding weekend. The Lodge sleeps up to 12 guests, providing comfortable and private spaces for family or the wedding party. Whether you choose a day-of rental or a weekend stay, overnight lodging makes it easy to relax, enjoy the property, and spend more time together in a beautiful setting.
Yes! The Lodge Alabama provides convenient on-site parking for you and your guests.
Planning
We do not provide an in-house coordinator, but we require all weddings at The Lodge Alabama to hire a professional wedding coordinator or day-of planner. This ensures that your event runs smoothly and every detail is handled with care, allowing you and your loved ones to relax and fully enjoy the day.
Yes, we do require all clients to hire a professional wedding planner or day-of coordinator to manage the overall flow, timeline, and logistics of the event.
The timeline for planning a wedding at our venue can vary depending on your preferences and availability. We recommend booking your date well in advance to secure your preferred date and allow ample time for planning and coordination.
Yes, the ceremony rehearsal is included in the rental fee. We understand the importance of a smooth and well-coordinated ceremony, and our team will be there to assist you during your rehearsal. Rehearsal dinners or additional events will be subject to charge.
No restrictions here! The Lodge Alabama welcomes both live music and DJs, giving you the freedom to choose the entertainment that best fits your celebration.
Certainly! You can have a ceremony rehearsal on-site to ensure that every moment of your special day is picture-perfect.
Yes, you can host your ceremony and reception at different locations on our property. We offer versatile spaces allowing you to customize your wedding day to your preferences.
Yes, tables and chairs are included in the rental fee. We provide a variety of seating options to accommodate your needs and preferences.
Miscellaneous
We welcome pets at The Lodge Alabama, but for the safety of our guests and the wildlife on property, all pets must remain leashed at all times. This way, your furry friends can be part of your celebration while ensuring the natural setting stays peaceful and protected.
Yes! Sparklers are allowed at The Lodge Alabama and make for a magical send-off at the end of your celebration. We simply ask that guests use them safely and dispose of them properly in designated containers provided by our team.
Bar & Catering
We do not provide in-house catering at The Lodge Alabama. However, we welcome outside licensed caterers, giving you the flexibility to choose the menu and service style that best fits your event. Our team is happy to recommend trusted local vendors if you’d like guidance.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring in your own licensed caterer to The Lodge Alabama. We love giving couples the flexibility to choose the food and service style that best matches their vision.
Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own alcohol to The Lodge Alabama. We simply require that all alcohol service is managed by a licensed and insured bartender to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
We do not have a full caterer’s kitchen or prep area on-site. However, we welcome licensed caterers and recommend that they come prepared with the equipment and setup they’ll need to serve your event smoothly. Our team is happy to help with vendor recommendations who are familiar with the property.
Yes! While you’re welcome to bring in the licensed vendors of your choice, The Lodge Alabama also offers a preferred vendor list featuring trusted caterers, planners, photographers, and other professionals who know our property well. Working with these vendors often helps ensure a smooth, seamless experience since they’re already familiar with our spaces and policies.
Day Of
Access times vary depending on the rental package you select. For day-of rentals, you’ll typically have access beginning in the morning to allow plenty of time for setup and getting ready. For weekend rentals, you’ll enjoy extended access, including overnight accommodations, so you and your guests can settle in, decorate, and make the most of your wedding weekend. Exact access times will be outlined in your rental agreement.
The amount of time you have access to The Lodge Alabama depends on the rental package you choose. Day-of rentals provide full-day access, while weekend packages allow for extended use of the property and overnight accommodations. For wedding day celebrations, all music must conclude by 10:00 p.m. ensuring a smooth wrap-up to your event.
Yes. The Lodge Alabama carries liability insurance for the property. However, we also require all couples to obtain event liability insurance for their wedding day. This extra layer of coverage helps protect you, your guests, and your vendors, ensuring peace of mind and a worry-free celebration.
All wedding day celebrations at The Lodge Alabama must conclude by 10:00 p.m. This includes music and entertainment, allowing time for a smooth wrap-up and cleanup. Weekend rental packages provide more flexibility with overnight accommodations, but event festivities must still end by 10:00 p.m. on the wedding day.
Logistics & Activities
The closest international airport to The Lodge Alabama is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), located about 30 minutes away in Birmingham. This makes it convenient for out-of-town guests to travel in and enjoy easy access to the venue.
Absolutely! In addition to the on-site experiences at The Lodge—like fishing, skeet shooting, deer hunting, and guided Polaris Ranger tours of our 300-acre preserve—there are plenty of fun activities nearby for guests to enjoy. Just a short drive away, downtown Birmingham offers world-class dining, breweries, live music, and cultural attractions such as the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Vulcan Park & Museum. For outdoor lovers, Oak Mountain State Park is only minutes from the venue and is perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring nature. Whether your guests are looking for relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Southern charm, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before and after your celebration.
Yes! Just minutes from The Lodge Alabama, Oak Mountain State Park offers some of the best hiking and outdoor recreation in the state, with over 50 miles of scenic trails, mountain biking, swimming, and even paddleboarding. Guests can also enjoy local golf courses, fishing spots, and the natural beauty surrounding the Birmingham area. Plus, on-site at The Lodge, we offer unique activities like skeet shooting, fishing, deer hunting, and guided Polaris Ranger tours of our 300-acre preserve, perfect for guests who want to combine your wedding celebration with a true outdoor adventure.
Yes! We’d love to show you around The Lodge Alabama. To schedule a tour, simply fill out the inquiry form at the bottom of this page, and a member of our team will reach out to confirm the details. Tours are by appointment only.
Booking & Payments
To reserve a date simply reach out to our team to check the availability of your desired date. Once confirmed, we will guide you through the booking process and assist you in securing your chosen date. Our dedicated staff is here to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish, helping you every step of the way as you plan your special day. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Yes, a 35% retainer is required to secure your wedding date at our venue. This retainer serves as a first payment and ensures that your chosen date is reserved exclusively for your event.
The retainer is due at the time of booking or shortly thereafter to secure your wedding date. Our team will provide you with specific details regarding the payment process and timing.
Yes, there are additional fees. These fees are outlined in detail in our contract and may include:
- Day-of-Event Insurance: Couples are required to purchase day-of-event insurance to ensure coverage for their wedding day. The cost of this insurance varies depending on the provider and coverage options selected.
- Administrative Fee: An administrative fee is charged, which is a flat fee based on the package you select. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with coordinating your event and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- Add-On Hours: If you require additional hours beyond the standard rental period, we offer add-on hours for the venue or bridal suite.
Our team is happy to provide more details and help you understand all associated costs as you plan your special day.
The final payment for your wedding is typically due 30 days before your event date. Our team will provide you with specific details regarding the final payment deadline and the payment process well in advance, ensuring you have ample time for preparation. We’re here to make the financial aspect of planning as smooth as possible, allowing you to focus on creating unforgettable memories on your special day.
Celebrating Love: Heartfelt Testimonials
We absolutely loved the owners, property, wildlife, and stunning view! It was the perfect get away! Shawn and Susan are the most kind and generous hosts. 5 Star recommend this amazing venue for any occasion!
Matt M
Happily Ever After
If this sounds like your dream wedding, take the next step.
Are you ready to start planning your dream wedding? Our expert team will guide you and ensure every detail is handled, so you can focus on enjoying your special day.
Contact our team to ask questions, check date availability, and see our pricing. See the magic for yourself and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime!
