About this venue
James Lucas
OWNER
The Empress of Little Rock, AR, is an iconic Queen Anne Victorian mansion built in 1888 and a reimagined venue for unforgettable weddings and events. Historic, cinematic, and unapologetically elegant.
Located just minutes from downtown Little Rock, The Empress offers a rare combination most venues can’t touch: architectural drama, luxury overnight accommodations, and a setting that feels intimate yet grand. Think wraparound porches, soaring ceilings, original woodwork, stained glass, and a garden that feels straight out of a period film.
WHY COUPLES CHOOSE THE EMPRESS
A true destination venue with on-site lodging for wedding parties and guests
Indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces
Perfect for elegant, romantic, and editorial-style weddings
Ideal for full buyouts, welcome dinners, and weekend-long celebrations
Seamless flow between ceremony, reception, and overnight stay
We specialize in weddings that value experience over excess. No banquet halls. No cookie-cutter ballrooms. Just a historic mansion where every moment feels intentional and personal.
If you’re looking for a venue that already is the aesthetic, The Empress delivers.
WEDDING PACKAGES
FULL WEDDING VENUE PACKAGE | $5,000
For couples who want the full Empress experience. This package includes access to the garden and grounds, plus the common areas inside the main house. The full house is blocked off for your event, creating a private, elevated atmosphere for you and your guests.
Includes two luxury suites, with additional rooms available at a preferred block rate. Cocktail hour and reception-style celebrations are welcome on the grounds or inside the house.
Up to 85 guests.
INTIMATE WEDDING PACKAGE | $3,000
Designed for smaller celebrations that still feel luxurious and cinematic. Includes access to the garden and grounds, plus the common areas inside the main house. This package includes one luxury suite, with additional rooms available at a preferred block rate.
Because the house is not blocked off, standard guest check-in may occur during the normal check-in window. Intimate cocktail hour, reception-style gatherings, and seated dinners are all possible within this package.
Up to 20 guests.
Recommended event window: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM (with dining room use possible until 9:00 PM).
SECRET GARDEN WEDDING | $1,500
A romantic garden-only option for couples who want the magic of The Empress outdoors. Includes access to the Secret Garden and grounds, plus the Pagoda Suite.
Up to 85 guests.
EVENT TIMING DETAILS
Secret Garden Weddings may begin setup as early as 8:00 AM, with breakdown complete by 8:00 PM. Events should conclude no later than 7:30 PM.
Full Wedding Venue Package events include up to 6 hours of event time between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM, with venue access available from 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR
Bridal portraits and editorial photoshoots
Engagement sessions
Bridal showers and tea-style gatherings
Rehearsal dinners and welcome receptions
Meet the team
- James LucasOwnerGrowing up in a home form the 17th century, historic homes are in my bones. I'm proud to be able to share these exquisite places with people. They should be experienced and enjoyed!
Reviews
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11/24/25
Location was safe & the stay was perfect!
My wife loved the place & it’s an extremely unique stay!!
3/10/25
I have never stayed at a better place in my life. It was more than "a home away from home" for my spouse and I. The Empress gives that warm feeling you get while waking up on a Saturday morning at grandma's house to the smell of a wonderful bre...
akfast coupled with unlimited treasures all of the place, each with a unique story.
Upon our arrival, we were greeted with a warm welcome and briefed about our reservation. We stayed in the Cook's Cottage Suite. It was nice and private. It was too cold to fully enjoy the sun porch but it was still beautiful and I hope to return soon when its warmer. There is a full kitchen available. The living room is also extremely comfortable with a giant big comfy couch (that I did enjoy a short nap on moments after sitting down). There is also a washer/dryer included in the Cottage. The master suite was very cozy and comes with rear reading room that my wife and I held a short devotional together before bed. The 2nd room was also very cozy. I think my parents enjoyed that bed a little too much because after dinner, I never saw them again and only heard snores until the morning.
In between check-in and going to dinner that night. My wife and I sat in the mansion and spoke for several hours. I think it was around 4 or maybe 5 hours, just learning about the home. We hadn't even ventured into the dining room, library, living room or upstairs or to the tower yet. We simply sat and talked in the drawing room until the sun went down. Coming from Los Angeles and the tumultuous fires, it was nice to find peace where we could. I just wish it were a little warmer to have went and sat in the zen garden to meditate and reflect on life.
Going back to what I said earlier about breakfast, that too was phenomenal. Coupled with coffee, tea, OJ, and water we were given waffles, bacon and fresh fruit. My mouth is watering right now. Even after checking out, I had a few hours to kill before my next event and instead of exploring more of Little Rock, I wanted to learn more and more about the home.
That being said, I didn't even visit the Carriage House. I hope to stay in the The Hemingway Spa Suite or The Majestic Spa Suite next time.
There is just so many things to talk about but I won't spoil any stories or info tidbits. You have to spend a night here, even if only for one night (as Luther says). I highly recommend it. I hope to stay here much longer on my next visit.
As for location: the home is nearby a Walgreens and other restaurants and not far from downtown at all. There is also a fun escape room mansion nearby. There is a small parking lot/drive way and ample street parking as well.
12/30/24
We had the pleasure of staying in a couple rooms at The Empress and both were incredible. Our host was wonderful. Everything was clean and well maintained . The decor so beautiful and beds were so comfortable.. then there was the bathtubs!
A be...
autiful end to our adventure would highly recommend staying you ever get the opportunity.
6/12/25
My husband and I were married at the Empress 6/7/25. From our arrival the day before to our departure, we could not have asked for a better experience. The home itself is an exceptional beauty, couple that with Antonio’s hospitality, charisma, ...
and story telling ability and we were hooked! I have never stayed in a strangers home and felt more loved or more cared for. He went above and beyond for us. We stayed in the Garden Suite. The room was beautiful. The bed was so comfy. Everything was spotless! If you are looking for an experience, vacation, a good story or to meet one of the most remarkable humans on this planet…. Run don’t walk to the Empress in Little Rock! If I could give a hundred stars, I would! We will be visiting again.
10/27/25
Unfortunately, I was greeted rudely when I entered the front door. I'm in town for 2 weeks, wanted a little more info and was told to look it up on the internet. The place is beautiful however, the gentleman I spoke with did not give a welcomin...
g presence which made my decision to not stay there much easier. Had he been more customer service friendly, I would have stayed there for my 2 weeks here. It's unfortunate that places have employees/owners like this.
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The Empress
James Lucas
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Owner
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