6 Local Wedding Venues for Summer
Deciding where to have your wedding is one of the largest decisions you will make for your wedding. Your special day in many ways is a day you likely have dreamed of your whole life. On this day you get to finally play Cinderella and the venue you choose sets the scene.
Most believe the more elegant a venue is results in the more you will have to pay and in many cases that is simply not true. So we have come up with a list of six local venues which may be help you choose the perfect place to set your scene on your special day.
No matter where you decide to hold your wedding and reception, be sure to contact us for all your video, photography, audio, and lighting needs.
1. Locust Lake State Park
Cost Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Quality Rating: ★★★★☆
Elegance Rating: ★★★★★
Located in Barnesville, PA this beautiful lake and state park is a quiet and relaxed place to take a Sunday stroll but what you may not know is you can host your wedding there right alongside the lake. A long time ago, my sister had her first date with her now-husband at this park and for her there was no other place to say their vows. Now, while you may not have this same connection to Locust Lake, this park still has plenty to offer a couple thinking of tying the knot here. There is plenty of parking, handicap drop off area, plenty of room to set up chairs and other items you wish for your ceremony, indoor restrooms, and electricity for a sound system or other items your vendors may need. (Please note: You will need to rent chairs from a rental company as Locust Lake does not have any at the moment to rent.) This lake is also located just down the road from Mountain Valley Country Club which makes for a perfect spot for a reception. Rental fees may apply for Locust Lake so we suggest contacting the state park to reserve the date in plenty of time. If you choose to hold your wedding at Locust Lake, I highly suggest having a sound system so your wedding party is able to hear both the pastor and you seeing that the lake gets windy sometimes.
Bonus Tip: Going along with the beach or lake theme, my sister chose to have two half-filled jars of sand off to the side of her ceremony and after both of them recited their vows, they poured these two jars into one jar to signify their unity. You may want to come up with some way to showcase the unity with something similar.
2. Sweet Arrow Lake County Park
Cost Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆
Elegance Rating: ★★★☆☆
Located in Pine Grove, PA this county park is a lovely spot to take an evening and go kayaking with a large lake and even a small waterfall. The park offers gazebos which can be rented for your special day or you can choose to hold your wedding on their stage (science circle) which is centered on a corner overlooking the lake. Sweet Arrow also offers plenty of parking, handicap drop off area, indoor restrooms, a pavilion just in case it rains (also could be used for an outdoor reception), and electricity for your vendors. It's a beautiful spot so I suggest taking the afternoon to walk around to choose the perfect spot to set up your wedding. This lake is also located just down the road from the Pine Grove Hook and Ladder which could serve as a perfect spot for a reception. Rental fees may apply for Sweet Arrow Lake so we suggest contacting the park to reserve the date in plenty of time.
3. Willow Springs Park
Cost Rating: ★★★★★
Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆
Elegance Rating: ★★★★★
Located in Richland, PA this quaint little spot is one of the nicest locations to hold a wedding in the area for the summertime. This venue has been built for weddings, quite literally. Willow Springs used to be a quarry called Millards which has now been turned into an immaculate spot. Willow Springs offers couples beautiful trees, wooden barns complete with restrooms for the couple and bridal party, his and her changing rooms, and electricity. (Please Note: Electricity is only available in their pavilion / reception area. You will need generators for your wedding). Your guests will sadly need to use a trailer built with toilets but we hear they are making improvements in the coming years. Since this venue is built on private land, rental rates may be higher for this venue but if your budget allows, Willow Springs has plenty to attract couples to tie the knot under its branches.
4. Deer Lake & W Brunswick Fire
Cost Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Quality Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Elegance Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Located in Orwigsburg, PA the Deer Lake and W Brunswick Fire Company is a fine spot to hold a wedding overlooking the pond. You can enjoy a short walk to the reception hall located in the top floor of their firehouse. Guests can utilize a medium sized parking lot, handicap accessibility, plenty of benches lining the pond, a softball field if your relatives get into a debate and can't decide a winner, indoor restrooms, and electricity for your vendors. If you choose to use the hall for your reception, you can enjoy a medium sized stage for your entertainment and a medium sized kitchen for your caterer. If you would rather somewhere a little fancier, Roman Delight Restaurant is just down the road which offers delicious Italian food.
5. Bubeck Park
Cost Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Quality Rating: ★★★☆☆
Elegance Rating: ★★★☆☆
Located in Schuylkill Haven, PA the Bubeck Park is a nice place to go for a morning jog but it may be perfect for your special day too. Bubeck offers a performance stage, plenty of areas where you can tie the knot overlooking the water (which includes a large fountain), pavilions, electricity for your vendors, plenty of parking, handicap accessible restrooms, plenty of ducks and even swans to entertain your younger guests, and even a screen if you choose to show pictures with a projector. Unless your guest list only includes a handful of people, this venue cannot accommodate for your reception as well but luckily, a list of nice but casual restaurants are within a few minutes' drive.
6. Your Own Backyard
Cost Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Quality Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Elegance Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
Yes, you can really hold your wedding in your own backyard and save lots of time and money doing so. Plenty of couples choose to tie the knot where they feel most at home. Sometimes budget and time doesn't allow you to rent a venue even if it is a park so for those of you who have a nice backyard or just don't want to go through all the stress, look out your window and you might find the perfect outdoor location for your special day closer than you may think.
