Wedding venue reviews—Izenstone in Spanish Fort, Alabama
- Kathy Buskett
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 22
I was so excited to draw caricatures at Izenstone. Izenstone is a newer venue - they opened in 2018 - but they’ve already gained a reputation as one of the best venues in the gulf coast area.
Izenstone is highly recommended by brides all over the eastern shore, I see it constantly in my bride groups online, and that’s saying something. The eastern shore of Baldwin County AL is the second most affluent area in the whole state of Alabama, second only to the beach area.
So I knew this place must be amazing.
I wasn’t disappointed.
The Tea
Izenstone is tucked away in the woods of Spanish Fort, AL. They have a small lake and both an outdoor chapel in a courtyard with a a unique draped archway leading to their indoor banquet hall. There’s even a covered bridge where you can have pictures taken. It’s really picturesque if you’re a nature girl like me and want beautiful outdoor photos.
When I arrived, I looked around and found both areas for the bride AND groom to get ready. That’s not always available at venues.
I also noticed that It was also WELL air-conditioned, which you definitely need for a summer wedding in this coastal climate (the wedding I did was in June). Good AC is not always available at venues (and it’s not something you think about til you don’t have it).
The inside of the banquet hall was festooned with white drapery and twinkle lights. Natural wood gave it a warm feel. The grand fireplace was huge and beautiful and I would definitely think this would be a great photo op.
There’s also a grand staircase leading to a loft - probably a spot for a dj though at my wedding our dj was downstairs. But photos beneath it would be magnificent.
I discovered when doing research for this article that Izenstone has a collection of decorations couples can use so that they don’t have to spend a lot on decorations. Some are rentable, some are free. They even have their own cold sparks machine and bubble machines!
Though it might be considered “rustic,” I would say of many of the rustic venues I’ve seen, this one is less like a barn and is finished inside. Because of this, I think Izenstone would be appropriate for any wedding not just a rustic or country themed wedding.
At the wedding I worked at, there was room for at least 150 people. It seemed to fit them all comfortably.
And I have to say, just as impressive as the Look of Izenstone was the Service.
As a wedding vendor, I’m privy to what goes on behind the scenes at weddings.
I’ve found that the very best venues and coordinators take the time to connect with me before each wedding and find out what I need to make my caricature entertainment successful for the bride and groom & their guests.
Jennifer from Izenstone was my couples coordinator. I had an email conversation with her before the wedding I drew caricatures at this weekend. She made sure I was taken care of when I got there. She checked in on me several times and made sure I got a vendor plate and had something to drink.
All of this for just a vendor who was there for one evening only.
If they treat their vendors well like this, you can bet they treat their brides and grooms well too.
I could also see behind the scenes that the staff worked together like a well oiled machine to make sure everything was set up and perfect before the wedding reception.
These are all things you need to know before you choose a venue but it’s hard to find actual intel - I mean Info - which is why I’m giving this review.
The best part I think was that this venue offered a wedding coordinator on staff so that the bride didn’t have to hire a separate one. That was Jennifer. And she did her job and did it well.
I would say the one drawback was the parking. The parking for vendors is close to the actual venue & is limited. Guests are supposed to park up a hill. To get down to the venue, there’s an unpaved road about a quarter of a mile to the hall. I would think that might be difficult in heels or for the elderly. But thankfully, they did have a large golf cart to ferry people who needed it so I think that is a good solution.
If you go to their website, Izenstone.com,
You’ll see they’re very upfront about their pricing, which starts at $3900. I thought that was very reasonable, especially since it includes planning.
Another interesting thing you’ll see on their website is that they’re family-run. I always prefer to give businesses like that my business.
AND they have a neat little budget estimating tool here:
Finally, every quarter, Izenstone has an open house for brides to check them out. I was invited to join them so maybe you’ll see me there! If so, I will be drawing free caricatures so brides can see what they’ll be getting.
Follow me for announcements about this in the future:
So here’s the upshot of my review of Izenstone:
Grounds *****
Interior. *****
Amenities *****
Service *****
Value. *****
Overall. *****
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My name is Kathy Buskett, and I’ve been a professional live caricature artist for 26 years.
I come to weddings and other events and help make them 💖 SPARKLE 💖 with my flattering, fast, and fun wedding cartoons/ caricatures.
My caricatures actually look like the people I’m drawing and your guests will be delighted with them!
If you want me to come to your wedding, rehearsal dinner, shower, Bach party or other events,
Contact me now. To see if your date is available!
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