Just picture it.

The bride descends slowly down the winding staircase to the main floor in view of all waiting by the gazebo through the two-story windows, then out the front entrance to meet her bridegroom under the tree-canopied gazebo. The small group of guests encircle the gazebo to witness the exchanging of vows, and to surround the bride and bridegroom with love and support.

Or the bride slowly walks down the long staircase leading from the back deck to the expansive grounds, her train flowing gently behind her. She gradually makes her way to the ceremony site overlooking the azalea-lined spring-fed pond. Guests can stand or be seated on the gradually sloping ground, providing the effect of an amphitheater.

Now it's time for the reception.

Receptions for 65 or less can be held inside the inn's first-floor common areas, which include two living rooms, the dining room, and an expansive hall that connects them all with the large deck. Receptions for more than 66-150 people can be held on the grounds under a rented tent and on the deck.

As the celebration comes to a close and the happy couple prepares to leave, the bridegroom can throw the garter and the bride can toss her bouquet from the deck stairs or from the Old West Room balcony to those waiting eagerly below.

Then, those guests lucky enough to be staying at the inn can go to their rooms, change into less-formal attire, and supervise the cleanup process before a night of relaxation, with the anticipation of a hot breakfast waiting for them in the dining room the next morning.

Wedding dreams can come true

Needing someplace to hold your intimate wedding as well as needing rooms for the wedding party and family? By booking all the guest rooms for two nights and paying additional use fees, you get full use of the first-floor common areas and 10-acre grounds to stage your wedding and/or reception for up to 65 people, plus lodging for up to 12. If having more than 65 people, a tent can be placed in the backyard to provide for a rain plan. And you are getting full use of the property and our full attention for your event, offering a level of attention and exclusivity that you'll only find at Montrose Hideaway Bed-and-Breakfast Retreat.

Because there are six guest rooms, there is also plenty of space for the wedding party to get ready. There are irons and ironing boards, as well as Magic Sizing, in all rooms, so there's no reason for wrinkles in shirts, pants or dresses. Hair dryers are provided with each bathroom sink in case someone leaves home without theirs, and sewing kits are available in case someone pops a button or pulls a seam. There are even small bottles of hairspray and shoe-polishing sponges provided for just in case. Plush terrycloth robes and slippers are also provided in each room, offering something comfortable to hang out in until ready to put on the tux or dress.

There is plenty of parking on site, so there will be no need for anybody to park along the busy highway and walk down the drive, or to arrange shuttles.

Because each wedding is different and has specific issues, we encourage you to open and carefully ready our wedding/special-event policies and rates. If you decide that Montrose Hideaway has serious potential to meet your needs in any capacity, then give us a call so we can set up an appointment for you to tour the inn and grounds, and for us to discuss you plans and expectations. (Note: Don't get overwhelmed by the details. We will go over them together, one by one, before finalizing anything.)

If we proceed to schedule your wedding, we will deal with the various issues in advance using written contracts. Please take a look at the contract forms before you come for your visit so you can understand what information we will require from you, as well as to help you assemble a list of questions to make the meeting more time effective. (If you are not able to open the files, click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader free. If you still have problems, let us know and we'll mail you a set of everything.)

TAKE VIRTUAL TOURS OF THE COMMON AREAS AND GROUNDS

TO SEE HOW SPECIAL THIS PROPERTY REALLY IS FOR WEDDINGS.

Eloping or keeping it really small?

If you'd rather have what we're calling the Elopement and Mini-Wedding Package, click here for details to put together your custom package. This option is only available for weddings including 25 or fewer people and is limited to the hours of 1 to 4 p.m. so as not to interfere with other room guests needing to check out or check in. (If you've reserved all the guest rooms, then there is more flexibility for scheduling the ceremony.) All packages automatically include use of the site for your wedding and small reception, two witnesses, photographic services, coordination and shopping fees, and a one-night stay at the inn, starting as low as $743.10 for a weekday (Sunday through Thursday) and $769.60 on a weekend. (A $500 refundable damage deposit is also collected if holding a reception or decorating for the ceremony.) 

With advance notice, we are willing to assist you in scheduling an officiant, as well as purchasing the bride's bouquet and groom's boutonniere, the cake and cake top, champagne or sparkling juice, keepsake toasting glasses and keepsake cake service. You are in control of the budget that we will then use to pull everything together. We require at least 48 hours notice so we have adequate time to coordinate the details, especially if we're needing to arrange for the officiant.

Don't forget the marriage license! When planning all the little details, it can be easy to have the biggest one almost be forgotten, and it's the one thing we can't do for you. A marriage license can be purchased at any Alabama county courthouse for use anywhere in Alabama. Fees and application processes will vary by the county. There is no waiting period in Alabama and licenses are good for 30 days.

Here's some extra help with your to-do list

We want your wedding to be a special memory. To help you along your way, we are providing some contact information for where you can find some of the help you need to make your day as perfect as you dreamed.

Understand that in providing this information we in no way make any guarantees regarding their services. However, attempts have been made to only list businesses that are members of area chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau or have otherwise been told to us to have a good reputation.

All contracts for vendor services will be handled separately from use of the inn and paid directly to the specific vendors.

Click here for the printable PDF with the list of some of the businesses in Mobile and Baldwin counties, and surrounding areas, that might be able to assist you in planning your special day. This list is a work in progress, so check back periodically for possible updates.

The list includes listings for bakers, bartending service, bridal registry, bridal shows, bridal wear, catering, chocolate fountains, decorators, florists, floral preservation, formal wear, invitations and stationery, limousine services, music and entertainment, ceremony officiants, party and banquet facilities (for cases when there's too many people to have the reception here), tent and equipment rentals, photographers, alternate reception locations (for when there's more than 125 people), wedding planners and consultants, wine and spirits, and other web sites with wedding ideas and resources.

Take a tour and see for yourself

Let us give you a tour and discuss whether we are able to fulfill any or all of your event needs.

Click on these links for more helpful information.