West Virginia Wedding Venues
By Leah Nestor
Location, location, location: it’s a tried and true trope that not only applies to real estate but also to creating the perfect wedding. For the couple seeking a romantic venue for exchanging their vows, there’s no better location than West Virginia. From mountains to valleys and the many gorgeous views in between, the state’s natural beauty is the one thing you can count on when your wedding day arrives.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Photo by Whitling Photography.
While West Virginia is entirely land-locked, it is not devoid of islands. Blennerhassett Island near Parkersburg is both a unique state park and wedding venue. Guests can be ferried over to the island on a boat for the ceremony, or couples can opt to have the ceremony on the boat, much like State Park Superintendent Miles Evenson did for his wedding.
“We rode the boat down from Point Park, and as it was taking its 20-30 minute trip down the river, we had the ceremony on the boat,” he says. “We got off the boat at the island and had our reception there.”
Ceremonies on the island can accommodate 200-plus guests, and three sites are available. Couples can host their elegant affair in front of the Blennerhassett Mansion, enjoy a rustic-style wedding in the walnut grove or exchange their vows at The Point, which is close to the Ohio River. Receptions can be held at one of two shelters on the island.
The best time of year for an outdoor wedding on the island is between August and early October. With the beauty of the island and design of the mansion, the decision to decorate—and how much—is up to the couple.
Daniel Vineyards
Daniel Vineyards. Photo by Kelli Carrico Photography.
Daniel Vineyards, located in Southern West Virginia, is an expansive venue with a lovely mix of open fields, rolling Appalachian hills and classic vineyard backdrops. The field locations include one behind a pavilion and one with a large oak tree in the center.
Daniel Vineyards can host up to 250 guests. However, if you’re in need of something smaller and indoors, this venue can accommodate that as well. Take full advantage of the indoor winery that seats 40-60 guests. There is also a pavilion facility with curtains to protect from inclement weather.
According to Chad Fox, the vineyard’s event coordinator, spring and autumn are both beautiful times for weddings because of the changing colors and moderate temperatures, and the most popular month is June. In addition to showcasing the seasons, the venue is also suited for various tastes and styles.
“We host a variety of weddings each season that range from low-key tailgating to country chic to high-end,” he says.
When it comes to the couple’s style, nothing is off limits. Some have opted for a more involved setup, but small touches can also create a wonderful, personalized atmosphere at the vineyard.
Highgate Carriage House
Highgate Carriage House.
Photo by Amberlee Christey Photography.
West Virginia’s geography makes for an incredible wedding, and so does its architecture. The Highgate Carriage House in North Central West Virginia was built by famous architect Horace Trumbauer, and that means picturesque sophistication sans decoration. “It definitely has an elegance to it,” says Owner Cheri Satterfield, who believes the facility resembles the Biltmore in Asheville, NC.
Ceremony locations at Highgate are not lacking. Couples can choose from the carriage house, a patio area and two lawn options. Currently, additional landscaping is being done to create a more intimate lawn for ceremonies, receptions and photos. A seasonal tent is available on the upper lawn from April-December, and it accommodates 300 guests where the previous limit was 140. While the venue itself isn’t necessarily suited to one season, couples take their chances with unruly weather outside the traditional April-November wedding season.
According to Satterfield, decorations are unnecessary thanks to the inside furnishings and landscaped grounds. While some couples have chosen more elaborate decorations, many have opted for tablecloths and simple centerpieces.
“Everyone has a different story. Everyone has a different style. They make it to what they want. It’s definitely a magical place,” says Satterfield.
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works
J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works. Photo by Alex Wright.
In the Metro Valley, J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works adds a little special seasoning to the bride and groom’s big day.
“Our venue is not only lavish with landscape and inviting to the eye, but it is also enriched with a century of history,” says Event Coordinator Marie Clark. “Many brides choose to offer the optional tour of the salt-making facility to their guests to enjoy while they are taking their post-ceremony photographs.”
At J.Q. Dickinson, the bride and groom have their choice of three ceremony sites. The Fairy Garden is a more intimate setting with a maximum seating capacity of 100 for a ceremony or 60 seated for dining while the Lath House is a covered shelter-style area ideal for larger weddings that transforms into a magical reception space for 200 people. Seelie Court, the largest garden, can accommodate 300 guests for a wedding ceremony and 200 for a sit-down dinner.
“Different spaces and gardens allow for unique and individualized events and setup,” says Clark. “The vision of the event host is what we bring to reality.”
Williams Golf & Country Club
Williams Golf & Country Club. Photo by Wild Native Photography.
Another memorable venue that offers a view of the Ohio River is the Williams Golf & Country Club in the Northern Panhandle.
The maximum capacity for weddings at the club is 250 with four different outdoor ceremony locations as well as an indoor option in case of bad weather. The most popular month for weddings there is September.
The newest site available on the property for weddings is the back patio. The deck has awnings and a view of the Ohio River, and it can host up to 200 people seated. However, Jessica Conrad, the event, sales and marketing manager, prefers The Point for the impeccable view the guests have and the incredible pictures of the bride and groom the photographer will capture.
All receptions are held inside. While the only option for a reception is in the main building, it is comprised of many different rooms: the ballroom, the bar, two lounges and two dining rooms. Neutral furnishings and décor are used to make the space customizable, whether the style is romantic, rustic or modern, according to Conrad.
“Even if people don’t get married there, they like to get their pictures there,” she says. “When the sun is setting, it’s gorgeous because it sets right over the river.”
