A new wedding and corporate retreat venue is coming to John Rogers Parkway in Birmingham, and it's designed so couples never have to leave the property between vows and the last dance. Fora Event Venue sits next to Guiding Light Church and packs three distinct event spaces onto a single site, each designed for a different part of the celebration.
The venue's ceremony space, called the Ivory Ceremonial Space, holds up to 220 people, according to WBRC. For the reception, there's the Grandeur, which the station describes as a multipurpose space with soaring ceilings and an open, versatile layout that can accommodate up to 275 guests. Couples who prefer celebrating outdoors can opt for the Arbor, an outdoor space that seats up to 150 people.
Suites Built for Getting Ready
Fora didn't skimp on the pre-ceremony details either. The groom's suite has a locker-room setting, complete with seating and a safe built into each locker, per the station's report. The bride's suite takes a different approach entirely, featuring pink decor with chairs and sofas for makeup along with a separate private makeup room.
Owner Fred Chatman told WBRC that the decision to build in this part of Birmingham came down to a gap in the market. He said the business chose the location because, after research, it did not find that type of venue in the area — a rationale the station reported directly from Chatman.
A Fourth Space Shows Up Online
Fora's own website adds another layer to the venue's footprint, describing the property as nestled between Irondale, Trussville and Birmingham. The site also lists a space called The Ember, seating 250 guests at tables, according to foraeventvenue.com — though how that space fits alongside the three spaces detailed in the station's coverage isn't addressed in either source.
The website lays out a few operational details for couples planning events there. Rather than an open vendor policy, Fora says it will share an approved list of trusted vendors for clients to choose from. The site also states that the venue is equipped with large, separate restrooms for both men and women that are ADA-compliant.
As for timing, Fora's website says it is approaching its grand opening, with the venue coming soon in Summer 2026. The venue adds to a Birmingham-area event scene that already spans a wide range of styles, from historic and contemporary urban spaces to farmhouse, boho and eco-friendly settings, according to a guide from downtownbhm.com, which notes such venues offer an earthy charm perfect for intimate weddings, outdoor festivals and unique get-togethers.
