The Florentine Birmingham Elopement Reception

April 11, 2026

Kelsey Justice

Newlyweds smile in a mirrored reflection in a photo taken at their elopement reception held at The Florentine Birmingham

As a photographer who values individuality, seeing couples like Emily & Skyler play by their own rules is such a joy. While they eloped, it didn’t stop them from having the most beautiful and elegant reception & celebration at The Florentine in Birmingham, AL. Their friends and family joined them dressed to the 9’s at the beautiful downtown venue. From the dress and the cake that almost looked too pretty to eat to formal bridal portraits, they got to have it all without sacrificing an intimate vow ceremony. I was so thrilled to capture their party for the sweetest, most down to earth and deeply in love couple!

A marquis diamond ring sets inside a deep red calla lily taken at a reception held at The Florentine Birmingham

Newlyweds hold hands as they walk across the wooden floors at The Florentine in Birmingham AL

A wedding flat lay including florals, cake, rings, instax photos, and invitations is displayed at The Florentine, a Birmingham wedding venue

A black and white bridal portrait showcases a bride looking out the window of the upper floor at The Florentine Birmingham

A natural light bridal portrait showcases newlyweds in an editorail style at The Florentine Birmingham

A Birmingham Wedding Venue

Known as Birmingham’s most beautiful building, The Florentine lives up to its reputation. As a Birmingham wedding photographer, I couldn’t help but dote on the incredible natural lighting that pours in through the ample windows. The upstairs room is a stunner! It’s spacious, airy, and the epitome of class. This is a Birmingham wedding venue that is beautiful on its own which is great news for couples. You really don’t need to add much at all in terms of decor to make it look good (because it does on its own).

Newlyweds hold hands in their wedding attire as they stroll the sidewalks of Birmingham AL outside The Florentine

Guests dine at a reception held at The Florentine Birmingham

Guests enjoy a reception held at The Florentine in Birmingham AL in a black and white photo

Club Florentine to Modern Wedding Venue

The ballroom, originally built in 1926 as Club Florentine, is large enough to accommodate 300 seated guests and includes an antique dance floor. The built-in bar is great for receptions and they’ve modernized the place to include a built-in sound system as well as drop down projection screen. The cafe is located on the bottom floor of the establishment and can be rented in addition to the ballroom or separately. Because The Florentine is a full-service venue, they offer in-house floral, decor, pastry chefs, catering through Coretti Catering, and an on-site event coordinator. This place is truly a gem.

A black and white editorial style photo showcases a close up image of a bride and groom at The Florentine in Birmingham AL

An image taken by a Birmingham wedding photographer shows a bride & groom laughing with guests at their reception held at The Florentine

An Elopement Reception at The Florentine Birmingham

Emily and Skyler approached their reception the same way they approached their wedding day. It was entirely their own. Since their destination elopement consisted only of their parents & siblings, they wanted a laid back but upscale way to celebrate their marriage with a larger guest list. Guests gathered to eat, drink, and connect rather than follow a packed timeline of traditions. There was no formal first dance, no big announcements pulling attention to center stage. Instead, they mingled and visited while a jazz band played in the background.

Florals were thoughtfully placed rather than overwhelming, adding depth and color without competing with the architecture of the venue. Tall arrangements in gold stands created a sense of height and movement across the room, while still allowing the space itself to shine. Every detail felt considered, but nothing felt overdone. We took the same approach with Emily & Skyler’s wedding gallery.

Birmingham Wedding Photos

Emily brought such a distinct presence to the day. With her background in modeling and acting, there was an ease to the way she moved and interacted that translated beautifully into photos. She isn’t afraid to be herself and show her style which I LOVE. Before we met, she mentioned loving my editorial approach to photos and wanted to incorporate the feel of a Dolce & Gabbana ad. Think classic, vintage-inspired styling with a modern edge with plenty of black & white images focusing on the details and connections. I think we nailed it.

Birmingham Wedding Photographer

If you’re planning a celebration that feels a little more relaxed, a little more intentional, and fully tailored to you, I would love to be part of it. Hi, I’m Kelsey, a Birmingham wedding photographer who welcomes all love. My focus is always on documenting the in-between moments just as much as the big ones. Whether you’re hosting a full wedding day or planning something like an elopement followed by a reception, your story deserves to be captured in a way that reflects it honestly. You can learn more about my approach and explore my wedding services, or reach out directly to start planning your day.