The mansion of luxury lakeside wedding venue during the fall

Our Guide to Planning A Fall Wedding

Are you planning a fall wedding? Well, you’ve come to the right place, literally! Our award-winning venue thrives in autumn with the abundance of trees, changing leaves, and crisp lakeside breeze. Cherokee Dock is the perfect backdrop for weddings and events during the fall season.


We also have plenty of real wedding tips and tricks all in one place to help you perfectly execute your fall affair. Just keep reading!

Finding the Perfect Venue

First and foremost, if you’re dreaming of a fall wedding, then make sure you choose a venue that showcases the season. The Estate at Cherokee Dock has indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, giving couples the option to perfectly tailor their day— choose a warm, sunlight afternoon or evening ceremony on our Lakeside Lawn or in Serenity Gardens, then come inside to the Lakeview Event Center or Sunset Terrace for the cooler fall night.

The mansion at the estate at cherokee dock during the fall with a ceremony set on the lakeside lawn
Exterior of the mansion during fall
The grounds and fountain on the front drive of the estate at cherokee dock's mansion

Photography by Jordan Voth & Laura K. Allen

Colors of the Season

Secondly, think about your color scheme. Tap into the warm hues of the changing landscape and channel them into your day. Make a statement with bold jewel tones or keep it softer with earth tones. Decor accents and things like candles, napkins, or plates offer a way to incorporate an unexpected pop of color while keeping it intentional.


Colors we are seeing this season include marigold yellow, blush pink, cornflower blue, cranberry red, plum purple, slate gray, terracotta, black, and navy. Choose the colors that speak to you the most and go from there!

Vintage Boho Wedding Reception Centerpiece
Wedding reception table setup on outdoor patio with string lights
Wedding reception inside Lakeview Event Center with low lighting, eclectic chandeliers and boho table decor
Lounge area for wedding cocktail hour on Lakeside Lawn

Photography by Jordan Voth & Some Place Wild

Fall Floral Arrangements 

Now, let’s think about florals and centerpieces. One way to bring the fall vibes in with your decor is with dried florals and leaves, lots of texture, and foliage-inspired arrangements. Think all things moody and organic! Consider including things that immediately make you think of fall and the cooler season, such as pine branches and pine cones, oak or magnolia leaves, and muted tones.


Fresh veggies and fruits are also having their moment when it comes to tablescapes and incorporating them into floral arrangements, from pomegranates to mini pumpkins. 

ceremony aisle lined with greenery
Boho Wedding Ceremony Aisle Marker with earth-colored florals and dried pampas grass
Fall inspired florals on hanging wedding signage
fall wedding reception tablescape detail

Stunning Fall Wedding Photos

Capturing the day so you can forever relive the moment is a key element to any wedding. We recommend choosing event spaces and times of day (golden hour, anyone?) that reflect your design and the magic of the season. We have so many areas to capture the fall ambiance and showcase the breathtaking foliage, from our Willow Oak Canopy to the Lakeside Lawn.

bride and groom pose amongst the fall foliage at the estate at cherokee dock on the lakeside lawn
jessica and ben holding hands under the fall foiliage
Bride and groom embrace on the lakeside as the sunset beams around them
jessica and ben embrace under the willow oak canopy

Embracing Autumn Style

And last but definitely not least, what better way to incorporate the season than with your wedding fashion? We’re talking about furs, velvets, laces, and rich tones. Bring on the rust oranges, emerald greens, terracotta reds, and luxe fabrics like velvet and satin.


Keep in mind the weather around your wedding day and what accessories you may need to keep warm. If temperatures are dropping at night, consider adding a fur or pashmina shawl, or even a reception dress change with some fall bridal boots. 

Gray with Bridesmaids Wearing Colorful Velvet Dresses
Fall inspired boutonniere on grooms navy suit with an orange bowtie
jessica with her bridesmaids
bridal party in velvet rust tones gowns walking through the fall foilage at the estate at cherokee dock
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