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Weddings

About this vendor

James Lucas
James Lucas
Owner

LGBTQ+-owned

7 years in business

We speak English

Small team (2-10 members)

The Empress is a beautiful, historic wedding venue located just minutes from downtown Little Rock, AR. The iconic Queen Anne Victorian mansion will set the stage for a romantic celebration of love, and you and your guests can gather here to toast to your journey.

Facilities and Capacity

Built in 1888, The Empress has been reimagined for weddings and other special events and will add an air of elegance to your big day. The overall capacity of the venue stands at 85 people, and you can host your entire celebration at this boutique hotel with indoor and outdoor areas available for both ceremonies and receptions. Features such as stained glass, vintage decor, and soaring ceilings make this space feel like it's straight out of a fairytale. Enjoy a breath of fresh air in the enchanting garden and the stunning wraparound porch. In a setting that feels intimate yet grand, you can dine and dance the night away here with your nearest and dearest. The luxury overnight accommodations also make The Empress perfect for a weekend occasion and a seamless flow of the entire day.

Services Offered

The team at The Empress specializes in weddings that value experience and would be delighted to help you host a once-in-a-lifetime event. This hotel has been Michelin-awarded and blends modern comforts with elegant amenities. Reach out today to James Lucas or another member of the team, organize a private meeting to start discussing your wedding day plans in detail, and find out more about the wonder Empress world.

FAQ

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$1,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$1,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$1,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$1,500

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Parking

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Ballroom
Garden
Historic Building
Hotel
Inn/B&B
Mansion
Museum

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Outside Vendors

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

April
May
June
July
August
September
October

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of The Empress

Weddingwire
5.0/5 2 reviews
Google
4.8/5 185 reviews
L
Lara Sent on 04/07/2026
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect wedding venue!

We toured a lot of venues before finding The Empress, and nothing else even came close.
The moment we walked in, we both looked at each other and knew this was it. There is something about the space that just feels special. It has character, warmth, and a sense of history that made our day feel meaningful in a way we did not expect.
Our wedding felt intimate, elevated, and completely unique. The setting did so much of the work for us. The house, the garden, and all the little details created an atmosphere our guests are still talking about. Multiple people told us it was the most beautiful and memorable wedding they had ever been to.
We genuinely felt like we got far more than what we paid for. It did not feel like a typical venue where everything is an add-on. It felt like we were stepping into something rare and special.
The team was also incredible to work with. They were responsive, kind, and clearly cared about making sure everything went smoothly. We felt supported the entire time without ever feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
If you are even considering The Empress, go see it in person. You will understand immediately. We would choose it again without hesitation.
E
Edward Sent on 04/23/2026
5 out of 5 rating

A truly special and unforgettable place for a wedding

We recently stayed at The Empress of Little Rock and immediately said to each other, “this would be the most incredible place for a wedding.”

The house is absolutely beautiful; full of history, character, and thoughtful details, but what really stood out was how it feels. It’s elegant without being intimidating, and every space feels warm, inviting, and perfect for gathering people together.

You can easily picture the whole flow of a wedding day here. There are multiple spaces that work so well for different moments; getting ready, the ceremony, drinks, and time with family, without it ever feeling cramped or disjointed. It all feels very natural.

If you’re looking for somewhere that feels unique, intimate, and genuinely memorable (not just another standard venue), this is it. It’s one of those rare places that people will talk about long after the day is over.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
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Team

James Lucas
James Lucas
Owner
Ben Bledsoe
Ben Bledsoe
Owner

Map

Location

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Wedding couple

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The Empress frequently asked questions

The Empress includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Parking
The space offered by The Empress for wedding events is known for:
  • Ballroom
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Hotel
  • Inn/B&B
  • Mansion
  • Museum
The Empress offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
The Empress offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
The Empress offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Outside Vendors
The Empress is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.
The Empress currently offers 3 offer promotions for wedding services.
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