High-Five: Historic Wedding Venues

Amy Arnett

The wedding day is one of the most important chapters in a couple’s history, and in West Virginia, there are several wedding venues that highlight histories beyond ceremonies and receptions.

We have selected five historic wedding venues around the Mountain State that offer up a piece of West Virginia’s past for brides who are looking for beautiful, time-tested locations. Each venue is a historic home or building that has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind event space. The unique combination of stunning architecture and décor mixed with well-kept grounds makes these venues a ceremony and reception all-in-one stop.

The locations featured, built between 1872-1934, offer up a variety of architectural styles and background stories and are beautiful rewards left to us by the region’s past residents that today can be enjoyed by visitors. In addition to weddings, events for any occasion can be planned and featured in these versatile spaces.

Adaland Mansion

RR 3 • Philippi, WV 26416
(304) 457-1587 • www.adaland.org

Built in 1872 by Augustus Modisett, Adaland Mansion has long been used as a wedding location. Modisett’s daughter, Rosa, was likely the first bride at the mansion, marrying the house carpenter when she was 16. Today, the house has become an event space that hosts weddings from May to mid-October and features dressing rooms, a full-service kitchen, dining rooms, an outdoor pavilion and ceremony space.

In August 2013, Eric and Heidi Poling were married at Adaland, a venue that was close to their hearts and hometown of Philippi. “We both loved that it offered an outside venue with a beautiful landscape, but at the same time, we could enjoy the inside of the house as well,” says Heidi. “It takes you back in time, so you can really appreciate how special the home is, and the landscape shows off the beautiful mountains of West Virginia.”

Adaland offers a bridal package that includes everything but food, flowers, photography and music. “Those are things we let them choose so it becomes their wedding,” says Ann Serafin, executive director of the mansion. “What I try to do is give them a package that includes everything, and they know the cost upfront. We try to provide it as if you were a guest in a country home, and we have hosted about 120 beautiful weddings.” Weddings at Adaland accommodate approximately 150 guests and are customizable to the bride’s preferences.

Aspen Manor Resort

1500 Brinker Road • Wellsburg, WV 26070
(304) 737-0851 • www.aspenmanorresort.com

On 600 acres of countryside property in the Northern Panhandle, Aspen Manor Resort has seen many changes since its construction in the late 1800s. Today, one of the most unique features of the structure is the on-site chapel, built on top of the former indoor swimming pool by the Knights of St. George in the 1920s.

During that time, the home served as a catholic retreat and nursing home, quite the transformation from the extravagant farm and estate that once featured a bowling alley and figure-8 racetrack. Aspen Manor Resort is now a bed and breakfast and event venue with a rich history that creates a blend of décor features.

For Weirton native Jennifer Layman and her husband, Frederick, Aspen Manor was the perfect place for them to hold their wedding ceremony, which was seven years in the making. Originally, the couple wed without a ceremony in 2007, but they decided to renew their vows in the chapel near Jennifer’s hometown.

“We wanted a rustic, outdoor event. However, unable to predict the weather, we wanted something with both inside and outside locations,” she says. “We decided on the chapel and eagle’s nest, which is a country setting between the fields and rolling hills. The staff treated us like family and made sure everything was how we wanted it.”

The Blennerhassett Hotel

320 Market Street • Parkersburg, WV 26101
(304) 422-3131 • www.theblennerhassett.com

In 1889, Parkersburg was flourishing with the oil and natural gas boom of the era. That year, The Blennerhassett Hotel opened for business, marking 125 years in 2014. The building was designed and constructed by William Chancellor, a prominent businessman, and had approximately 50 guest rooms, housed the First National Bank of Parkersburg and boasted electricity among its amenities.

In 2012, as Brett and Mindy Fluharty were planning their vintage-themed wedding, the Parkersburg natives thought immediately of The Blennerhassett. “I have always loved the look and feel of it. Every time I walk through the doors there, I just feel at home. What better place for a fall wedding?” says Mindy. The Fluharty wedding took place in October, and Emily Davenport, the sales and catering manager for the hotel, helped plan the wedding with plenty of special touches.

“I am one of those brides who planned the entire day down to making an itinerary for everyone to follow,” says Mindy. “Emily made me feel like she would take care of everything, and she did!”

In honor of the 125th anniversary of the hotel, The Blennerhassett also featured a bridal event, and they invited all brides from their past. “It was a way to say thank you and show our appreciation,” says Emily. “They have become a part of the history and legacy of The Blennerhassett Hotel.”

The Maylon House

1742 Midland Trail • U.S. 60 • Milton, WV 25541
(304) 390-0084 • www.themaylonhouse.com

Dr. Lon Morrison was a successful physician in Hurricane during the early 20th century, and in 1923, he moved into the Maylon House in Milton with his wife, Hattie May. The two-story house took the namesake of both of its residents—Hattie’s middle name and Lon’s first name—and became the family estate for three generations. The small-town doctor also treated many patients within the walls of his family home.

The Maylon house is a unique property that features the Morrison Grand Ballroom, large enough for 250 guests, and Juke’s Tavern, an old carriage house that has been restored as an indoor/outdoor bar space. The gardens also feature a gazebo, which is where Drew and Kaylie Miller tied the knot in May 2014.

“The Maylon House is a venue we had just started to hear about. Everyone seemed so happy with their experience, and their weddings were beautiful,” says Kaylie. “My favorite part was we were able to get married on the lawn, move into the tavern for cocktail hour then move indoors to the ballroom for the reception.”

The Purple Iris at Hartwood Mansion

1956 Winchester Avenue • Martinsburg, WV 25405
(304) 262-6110 • www.thepurpleirisathartwood.com

June 20 is a day that has significance to all West Virginians, as it’s the day that West Virginia became a state in 1863. To Brett and Jelesia Harshbarger, it is also the anniversary of when they met—and now, their wedding anniversary.

The bride and groom, both of whom grew up in the Eastern Panhandle, knew they wanted to choose a venue in West Virginia that would allow for an outside wedding. “Once we looked at The Purple Iris, we were sold on its beauty,” says Jelesia. “It was simplistic but elegant, and we got nothing but positive compliments regarding the food and the venue. The staff, particularly Tiffany, was extremely accommodating and helpful. They thought of every little detail and made the process much easier on our wedding day.”

The Purple Iris is located within Hartwood Mansion, originally the private home of George Mullis, president of Interwoven Stocking Company in Berkeley County. Construction for the mansion began in 1929, but completion was delayed until 1934 because of the Great Depression. In 1998, the house was renovated and transformed into the event venue it is today. Weddings in the home feature full-service catering and bar options coordinated by owners Chef Daniel Harshbarger and his wife, Tiffany.