Venue Illustrations for Weddings

When I’m not drawing flowers, it seems that there’s always a venue illustration on my desk! If you’re unfamiliar with a “venue" illustration, it’s basically an architectural drawing that happens to be of a wedding / events venue or a brick and mortar shop.

While there are a lot of rules and truths to follow with architecture drawing, it’s a little more intuitive for me than organic, naturally changing subjects. Even though you would think that I know “exactly” what the finished product will look like, I’m always excited/nervous to see it come to life at my fingertips!

Below you’ll find a collection of venue illustrations—both line drawings and watercolor—that I have created over the past year or so. Working in wedding stationery has given me the chance to capture a number of these beautiful venues and architectural masterpieces. I’m only sharing a few of my favorites with you here today, and those that were created specifically for weddings. A good chunk of the architecture drawings that I create are actually for branding—and if you would like to see an example of that work, leave a comment down below and I’ll pull some of them together in a similar style to this blog post, as well as showcasing the designer that I worked with on the project :)

Wedding Venue Illustrations:

Swan House at Atlanta History Center, Georgia:

If you’re not familiar with this absolutely stunning venue, then you definitely need to check it out! It’s a beautiful wedding venue in Georgia with beautiful architecture and gardens. I have not had the pleasure of being there in person, but was out of my mind excited to illustrate in a line drawing and watercolor!

Which version do you prefer? I love the fact that we could use the line illustration for letterpress or a vellum liner, but nothing beats a watercolor envelope liner (in my humble opinion).

Grosse Pointe War Memorial, Metro Detroit (Left):

Now I have been to this venue, and it’s hard to beat in the metro Detroit area if you’re looking for a romantic, historic wedding venue! Similar to the Swan House, I love the symmetry and stately architecture of this piece. Far from “ordinary”, this venue showcases classic details and presence that’s hard to ignore. I haven’t had a chance to make a watercolor version of this beauty yet, but it’s definitely on my list!

Cotswold Cottage - Greenfield Village, Dearborn (Right):

Okay, okay, you may be sensing a theme… I love an architecture drawing on handmade paper! Even if my clients don’t end up going with handmade paper, it’s rare for me to NOT print off a sample for myself on some spare cotton rag paper, hah! Anyway—here’s one of my personal favorites that is actually local to me (and I have been there more times than I can count). Greenfield Village is a historic, living museum and one of the best attractions is this darling Coltswold Cottage, direct from England! It has the most darling cottage garden and looks beautiful all spring/summer/fall. This illustration was a little more sketchy than my usual style, but it was a fun way to mimic the more relaxed style of this venue and the ivy that dances across it.

The Greencrest Manor in Battle Creek, Michigan:

A breathtaking wedding venue right here in Battle Creek, Michigan! With this slice of European charm right here in my home state, you know that I had to illustrate it! This beautiful venue has recently received a large update that is simply breathtaking—a little more of the modern elegance mixed in with that old world style… it’s to die for! (You can seem some behind the scenes here). Probably my most popular wedding venue illustration, it’s easy to see why it’s a must-have for envelope liners or invitations!

The Park Chateau, New Jersey:

If you’re looking for status and grandeur, look no further. My jaw still drops when I see photos of this Chateau—the architecture is immaculate and the grounds are stately and elegant in the best way. A little slice of Europe (if you’re sensing a theme, this is totally my style of architecture!) tucked into the bustle of New Jersey. The main building is featured on the right while the chapel is featured on the left.