How Romantic! 10 Wedding Venues Here Comes The Guide Has Fallen For!
How do YOU define romance?
What types of wedding venues conjure up romance? The answers are as varied as wedding couples themselves. A venue that showcases an unspoiled setting—redwood forest, lush garden or rolling meadows—puts nature-lovers in the mood to be wooed. For others, a luxurious resort or grand, historic mansion sets the stage for love. Romance is often tied to a personal experience, and some couples get starry-eyed when recalling their first walk along the beach at sunset, or the time they sampled a winery’s finest vintage while gazing out at sprawling vineyards.
Choosing your romantic wedding venue
First, try and zero in on the kind of atmosphere that makes your hearts go pitter-patter (rustic? modern? classic? historic?). Next, think about what venue types might echo a special time you shared as a couple (was your first date at a museum? did he propose at his parents’ country club?). At Here Comes The Guide, we have the lucky “job” of scouring the country for the most unique, sought-after, and yes, romantic wedding venues. Get ready, because here comes some inspiration!
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Location: 3251 South Miami Avenue, Miami FL Style: Italian Country Villa Interesting Tidbit: Commissioned by millionaire James Deering, Vizcaya was built between 1914 and 1922 and involved the work of around 1,000 people, not to mention the construction of a railroad and the dredging of a channel to transport material, supplies, furnishings and artworks. Today, you and your guests can tour the 34 opulently appointed rooms and explore the Secret, Maze and Fountain Gardens. Event Space Highlights: Ceremonies take place in the gardens, or in the Courtyard of the Main House. Cocktail parties and receptions can be held in the Courtyard, the gardens, or on the terraces that overlook Biscayne Bay (area availability depends on the size of the event). Notable Amenity: 125 parking spaces are included in the evening rental fee. Catering: Select from list or BYO Accommodations: Nearby hotels
The Barn at High Point Farms
Location: 263 Parrish Lane, Flintstone GA Style: Warm, welcoming, country Fab Feature: At this family-owned, working farm you’ll find a wealth of photo ops, from the weathered barn and vintage farmhouse to the horses and goats grazing in surrounding pastures. Event Space Highlights: Ceremonies are usually held outside in a grove of trees or on the lawn overlooking the scenic landscape, while the large pole barn hosts receptions. It’s been decorated with lights and draped with flowing white curtains, a captivating mix of rustic and elegant. Notable Attractions: With Chattanooga just a short drive from the farm and plenty of things to see and do in the area (like Ruby Falls, Rock City, the Tennessee Aquarium, and riverboat rides), your guests will love staying the whole weekend. Catering: Select from list or BYO Accommodations: Guest house sleeps 8; nearby hotels (20 minutes away)
The Hay-Adams
Location: 800 16th & H Streets N.W., Washington, D.C. Style: Gorgeous 1920s architectural gem Fab Feature: The 21 suites, all of which lodge you in luxury and afford views of the White House, Lafayette Park and St. John’s Church depending on which one you reserve. Event Space Highlights: An express elevator takes you to The Top of the Hay, where wraparound French doors and windows overlook an amazing panorama of D.C., with the best view in town of the White House. The Concorde Room’s Belle Époque styling is highlighted by hand-painted wallpaper and crystal chandeliers, while the Windsor Room showcases ornate ceiling details, silk-covered walls, brass chandeliers, and an ornamental fireplace. Wedding Package Perks: Their packages include a custom wedding cake and complimentary suite (100-guest event minimum required), as well as linens, china, glassware, votives, dance floor and more. Catering: Provided in-house Accommodations: 145 guest rooms and suites
Ashford Estate
Location: 637 Province Line Road, Allentown NJ Style: Upscale, European-inspired Country Estate Fab Feature: The grounds are stunning and include “30 park-like acres of sculpted property, complete with sparkling fountains, waterfalls, a floating gazebo, stone ruins, garden arbors and sprawling views.” Event Space Highlights: The Barn Wedding Chapel is unique, with its painted wood rafters, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and tilt windows lining the walls. Even more sensational is the Grand Ballroom, where a vaulting ceiling designed in a series of carved wood arches soars over an expansive room filled with light thanks to multipaned windows throughout as well as chandeliers and sconces. Notable Services: They offer Intelligent Lighting Packages that include a trained lighting designer who can custom program mood lighting, spot lighting, and high-energy effects specifically for your event. Catering: Provided in-house Accommodations: Nearby hotels Barr Mansion and Artisan Ballroom
Location: 10463 Sprinkle Road, Austin TX Style: Ornate Victorian mansion and gardens Interesting Tidbit: The mansion has serious “green” credentials—their food, gardens and linens are all organic and they’re also a zero-waste facility. Event Space Highlights: In the ballroom, a 40-foot glass façade looks out onto the grounds. Outdoors, you can say “I do” in the shade of a tree decorated with sparkling chandeliers or other accents. Wedding Package Perks: The venue, rentals, catering, cakes and coordination services are included. Catering: Provided in-house. You can customize your menu or go with the seasonal Harvest Menu. All dishes are made with the best local and organic ingredients available. Accommodations: Nearby hotels
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Location: 11 East Walton Street, Chicago IL Style: Sophisticated, AAA Five Diamond hotel Fab Feature: The hotel is like a swank art gallery, displaying photography, paintings, drawings, fiberworks and sculptures from over 30 international contemporary artists. Event Space Highlights: Reminiscent of 1920s Paris, the Sinclair Ballroom boasts silk- covered walls, coffered ceilings, hand-blown glass-and-crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling windows. It also comes with an intimate outdoor terrace overlooking the neighborhood below. The Faulkner and Hemingway Salons host smaller events. Notable Services: The award-winning Waldorf Astoria Spa & Health Club offers a full range of customizable treatments. Men can get a facial or massage tailored just for them, and there’s even a fun Ice Cream Manicure for kids. Catering: Provided in-house Accommodations: 189 guest rooms and suites
Calamigos Ranch Malibu
Location: 327 South Latigo Canyon, Malibu CA Style: Rustic, elegant, and pastoral Fab Features: You can rent a ferris wheel or a merry-go-round for your event. And for a truly western-style celebration, reserve The Barn—there’s sawdust on the floor, bales of hay scattered about, and it’s painted bright red! Event Space Highlights: There are four different outdoor ceremony options, each with its own reception site. The Garden Patio is paired with the sun-filled Lodge; the Oaks Deck for intimate ceremonies works well with the nearby Dining Room; the Cottage and Pavilion combine a secluded meadow with a white reception tent; and the Secret Garden offers a grassy field bordered by roses, trees and a waterfall for exchanging vows, followed by a reception on a private multilevel deck. Wedding Package Perks: All the basics are included for both your ceremony and reception, and you have your choice of a formal sit-down dinner or station buffet. Calamigos is environmentally minded, using local and organic products and eco-friendly supplies and tableware as much as possible. Catering: Provided in-house or BYO Accommodations: Nearby hotels
The Cliffs Resort
Location: 2757 Shell Beach Road, Pismo Beach CA Style: Quintessential California coastal oasis Fab Feature: They have over 300 days of sunshine a year! Event Space Highlights: After a glorious oceanfront lawn ceremony, you can keep the party al fresco with champagne toasts on the Waterfall Terrace and dinner in the Oceanside Tent Pavilion (endless sea views!) or move indoors into the sophisticated Grand Ballroom. Wedding Package Perks: All of their packages offer a long list of amenities, and if you choose the all-inclusive Platinum Coastal Reception Package you’ll enjoy an upgrade to a custom 6-course menu with pre-event private menu consultation and tasting as well as a 1- night stay in an oceanview room on your anniversary date. Catering: Provided in-house Accommodations: 160 guest rooms and suites with ocean, coastal, or mountain views
James Leary Flood Mansion
Location: 2222 Broadway, San Francisco CA Style: Classical blend of Italian Renaissance, Rococo, Tudor and Georgian architectural influences Interesting Tidbit: After his Nob Hill home was destroyed in the 1906 earthquake fire, James Leary Flood used the gold and silver mining fortune he’d inherited to rebuild a more robust home, promising his wife “a house of marble on a hill of granite.” True to his word, it was completed in 1915. Event Space Highlights: 11,000 square feet of the mansion are available for your event. The 140-foot-long Grand Hall ends at a spectacular bow-windowed belvedere overlooking a panoramic vista of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and the Marin County hills. Imitating a room in the Vatican, the Reception Room boasts a magnificent coffered ceiling, painted murals , and a parquet floor. The Cortile, a pretty enclosed courtyard off of the Grand Hall, is available for outdoor gatherings, weather permitting. Notable Amenities: Rental includes exclusive use of the mansion, and pianos are available in the Reception Room and Grand Hall by prearrangement. Catering: Select from list Accommodations: Nearby hotels
Belle Fiore Estate and Winery
Location: 955 D Indian Memorial Road, Ashland OR Style: Graceful French château and grounds Fab Feature: You can savor Belle Fiore’s Reserve Wines at a private wine tasting in the Château Tasting Room or on the château’s patio on Fridays and Saturdays (reservation required). Event Space Highlights: Outdoor celebrations on the terrace and in the gardens overlook 50 acres of vineyards with sweeping views of the Rogue Valley. The Wine Pavilion, with its Italianate architecture and vineyard and mountain views, offers both indoor and al fresco event options. Notable Services: Their on-site Events Coordinator will help you plan the wedding you envision. Catering: Provided in-house or select from list Accommodations: Nearby hotels with round-trip shuttle service
Author Bio: Jolene Rae Harrington couldn’t be more proud to share some Tips & Trends with YWE couples. My title goes beyond Director of Creative Content and a Venue Specialist at HereComesTheGuide.com—I’m also a real-life Guide Bride! More than 19 years ago, Here Comes The Guide helped me track down my own dream wedding venue, and today I’m still happily wedded to both Mr. Harrington and HCTG! David Tutera and I actually go back a ways too: About 5 years ago, we had a one-on-one interview that led to sharing wedding planning advice. More recently, we met again at a trunk show where he helped one of my besties select a gorgeous David Tutera by Mon Cheri gown!
Tip from David: “Venue selection is important, so take your time. Your venue will be your home for over six hours…the most memorable six hours of your new lives together; choose it wisely and try not to settle!”