Tag: Estate Weddings

Apr 16

Bar None: A Few of the Best Barn Wedding Venues in the United States

April 16th, 2013 - By

Best Barn Wedding Venues

The couple in search of a barn wedding venue in the United States seldom has trouble locating a barn.

As part of the American tradition, barns litter the country, covering patches of acreage from the East Coast to the West and everywhere in between.

They set up picturesquely in meadows and brightly in classic red as most imaginations picture.

However, many of these barns are merely for the cows, horses and chickens.

You need to find a venue that has transformed the truly rustic into something fit for a wedding.

A number of barn wedding venues cover the United States.

Just as you must consider a variety of factors when you look for a barn wedding venue, you must also exam the barns themselves.

We have come up with a list of some of the best barn wedding venues from sea to shining sea.

Lets have a look…

 

New Hampshire

 

Barn Wedding Venues in New Hampshire

photo from Estate Weddings and Events

 

For the classic rustic wedding complete with a red barn, many couples host their wedding and reception at Bishop Farm.

Set up on 300 acres of land, the farm sits in Lisbon, New Hampshire.

Its proximity to major east coast airports and its location in the White Mountains make it an appealing destination for a barn wedding in New England.

The private location also boasts accommodations for guests including seven farmhouse rooms and 6 cottages.

For the bride looking for a historic wedding venue, the Bishop Farm barn hails from 1876, back when it merely housed cows and horses.

It was renovated and updated since that time to accommodate wedding guests.

The classic barn allows the couple to have a rustic wedding, but also an elegant one through adding certain opulent touches.

The Bishop family is one of the earliest settlers to Lisbon.

 

Virginia

 

Top Barn Wedding Venues

Photo from Estate Weddings and Events

 

For the couple with an historical, barn agenda in Virginia, Ash Lawn-Highland House comes chalk full of history.

Set up in Charlottesville, Virginia, the estate served as the home to President and Mrs. Monroe from 1793 to 1826.

In keeping with the wedding tradition, their older daughter Eliza married on the estate.

Couples have since followed, appreciating the historic house and gardens for the ideal spot to tie the knot.

While the estate features several different locations for wedding ceremonies and receptions, it does boast a barn.

The barn measures 30’ by 70’ with a concrete floor.

In such a space, the couple can make their wedding decidedly more country or more grand and fitting of presidential tastes.

As part of the wedding deal, guests receive a tour of the historic Monroe home.

 

Washington

 

Barn Venues in the United States

Photo from Pine River Ranch

 

Backed by the Cascade Mountains, those looking for a barn wedding venue in Washington tend to somehow find Pine River Ranch at some point.

Sprawling across 22 acres, this wedding venue features fields, meadows, ponds, rivers and of course that barn reception location.

With ceremonies held on the lawn in front of the barn, guests can retreat into the grand dairy barn from 1944 for the reception.

Its dramatic arched barn beams make for prime photo opportunities.

Pine River Ranch sits just 15 minute from the Bavarian village of Leavenworth and just two hours from Seattle.

It also features a bed and breakfast with six rooms in case the happy couple wants to spend their first night as Mr. and Mrs. just beyond their reception.

 

Vermont

 

Barn Wedding Venues in Vermont

Photo from Estate Weddings and Events

 

The classic red barn look for a wedding reception is embodied at West Monitor Barn in Vermont.

Located in the Green Mountains, the venue surrounds in forests, woodlands, hills, fields and Vermont’s third tallest mountain, Camel’s Hump.

It positions just 20 minutes from downtown Burlington, yet it provides that escapism many look for in a barn wedding.

The barn itself was originally built in 1903.

It was restored using 40% of its original timber to create the character of a traditional dairy barn.

The interior is covered in beautiful posts and beams and has the ability to hold up to 200 people.

The barn ceiling is truly the limit in terms of what you can do to dress the barn up or down.

Some of its barn features include rough-hewn lumbar and carriage barn lamps.

 

New York

 

Barn Wedding Venues in New York

Photo from Estate Weddings and Events

 

In the not so romantically named town of Medusa in Upstate New York, the barn wedding seeker will find Full Moon Farm.

The property is home to a barn that has withstood the test of time.

Spared from a fire in 2007, the barn boasts foundations in 1790.

Peter Jaycox built it at that time for storing grain and overwintering animals.

Today, the Hudson Valley Catskills barn hosts its fair share of wedding receptions.

The barn also has sliding doors for the couple that wants an indoor and outdoor feel to their wedding.

 

California

 

Barn Wedding Venues in California

Photo from Estate Weddings and Events

 

California has a way of doing barn weddings with laid-back elegance.

Caballo Estate in Los Altos Hills claims this classic California barn wedding feel.

Around 11 acres, the venue can accommodate up to 600 guests.

Many couples choose the venue for its location with views of San Francisco Bay.

It is home to a 13,000 square foot barn, the perfect spot for either a reception or a wedding ceremony.

 

Barn Wedding Venues in Southern California

Photo from Estate Weddings and Events

 

The state also contains another idyllic barn wedding venue, Santa Margarita Ranch.

The ideal setting for a rustic barn wedding perches just beyond San Luis Obispo in Central California.

Over 15,000 acres make up the grounds, specifically with vineyards, gardens and open fields.

Many brides want to get married in the historic and grand barn.

With the ability to hold up to 200 guests, the barn exudes rustic sophistication.

Santa Margarita Ranch carries foundations from 1769, making this wedding venue a true blending of history and scenery.

 

Would you get married at any of these barn wedding venues? What’s your favorite barn wedding location in the United States?

 

Share your thoughts with us below…

 

About the Author

Suzy is a freelance writer, largely penning travel and lifestyle pieces for a number of online publications including the Estate Weddings and Events blog. With a redheaded temperament she travels the globe in search of sarcasm, stories and travel tips to share with anyone willing to listen. You can connect with her via LinkedIn or Google+.



Jul 18

4 Amazing Private Patios Perfect For Your Next Vacation or Special Event

July 18th, 2012 - By

Luxury rental estates

have some fabulous furnishings and attractive design elements:

palatial master bedrooms, dining rooms fit for royalty, and entertainment rooms that seem to belong in a large movie theater, not in a private residence.

All these features are undeniably impressive. But what is even more impressive is what is done in the outdoor areas of some of these estates.

After all, any builder can put head-turning features inside, but it takes true talent and vision to incorporate the best of the outdoor world into the properties overall design.

This is why some estate’s patio areas and pool areas are so impressive.

They bring the best elements of nature and best views to the guests who  are staying at the estate.

Want an estate that can give you an incredible outdoor experience without making you sacrifice any luxury?

Here is where to look…

 

1. The Hilltop View Estate in Los Angeles, Ca

 

A famous property that sits on a secluded hill above the city.

The pool area and surrounding patio have hosted past Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, Ava Gardner and Lucille Ball.

Hilltop is also a popular filming location and has appeared on an episode of the acclaimed cable series Mad Men.

Guests can lounge poolside and enjoy the classic patio while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the city below.

2. The Camelback House, in Phoenix, Arizona

 

Another estate that offers tremendous views.

The property’s infinity pool literally seems to flow off the side of the Camelback Mountains.

Guests can take a dip and, at the same time, enjoy the panoramas of Phoenix and Scottsdale below them.

Or, they can enjoy a cool, dry Southwestern evening by lounging on the House’s patio and enjoying the sight of the valley below lit up at night.

3. San Diego’s Bali Garden Estate

 

This estate takes the concept of open air rooms to a whole new level.

The Bali’s open air verandas are large enough that they can accommodate a party with up to 500 guests.

People can enjoy the cool breezes of the Pacific Coast while surrounded by a garden-like setting.

Another feature of this spacious patio area is the views.

This property sits on one of the highest points in San Diego, so it is possible to see the city from the open air patios and porches.

4. The Wind and Sea Estate in Big Sur, California

 

This estate does not rely on impressive design tricks for it outdoor areas.

Since it is located on the Central Coast of California, the scenery is amazing and picture-worthy.

Sure, guests could simply see the coast and the Pacific beyond from the building’s windows, but the Wind and Sea makes it very easy to appreciate the beauty of the area from several great open air spaces.

Palace-like patios are not part of the estate’s list of features, but a large fireplace sits on a rock outcropping, offering amazing views of the coast and the ocean.

An open air yoga studio is placed on a front deck space that overlooks the same coast.

These 4 properties prove that sometimes a patio, deck or veranda is the most impressive aspect of an estate.

Which one is your favorite?

 

Please share your thoughts in the comments below…

About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.



Jul 11

9 Ways to Optimize your Estate for Weddings & Events

July 11th, 2012 - By

Renting your estate can 

be a tricky proposition.

You’ll probably have concerns about its safety and about the possibility of damages.

However, a good event staff can alleviate these concerns.

In fact, hosting events can be a great way to earn extra cash from your estate without having to sell or rent it out entirely.

Of course, you will want to optimize your property and your pitch so that you can host an array of events in a variety of settings

Want to get the most out of renting your estate out for special events? 

 

Here are nine ways that you can increase your estates potential in the eyes of would-be guests and event planners.

1. Indoor and outdoor event spaces

 

Many wedding and event planners will want to know if there is an indoor space that can hold events.

Many large estates have huge lawns and gardens.

If you plan on advertising your estate’s best outdoor attributes, make sure that you have an indoor back-up or have an ongoing agreement with a tent company that can come in to erect tents if the guests’ should opt for that route.

2. Multiple locations 

 

Find every possible event location on your property.

People like choices, especially when they are planning what they consider a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Give them multiple options for where to hold their wedding, reunion or other special event.

3. Have your own list of vendors

 

Some wedding or event planners will want to bring their preferred caterers and decorators, but if you have your own list; either in-house or on retainer, you can offer a more-complete list of services to potential renters.

4. Seating arrangement plans and capacity numbers

 

Inevitably, potential clients will want to know what your capacity is, especially for indoor events.

Making up a seating chart with possible table layouts and also having capacity numbers on hand can give the impression that you are an experienced event venue.

Also, this can help renters make the final decision by allowing them to visualize their event taking place at your estate.

5. Portfolio

Another way to help potential renters visualize their event taking place at your estate is to have a portfolio of past events.

Perhaps you can give a slight discount to wedding parties if the bride and groom agree to let you have some of their wedding pictures to use in the portfolio that you show potential renters.

The more visual representations you can put in front of would-be customers, the better your pitch will seem.

6. Consider every event’s needs

 

You may have  great place for a ceremony and a reception on your estate, but what about the extras:

- a nice room where the bridal party can get ready

- plenty of restrooms

- a kitchen for caterers, and

- patios next to the event space for people who want some fresh air.

Consider every room that the event hosts may need and sell it as a complete package.

Of course, you’ll still focus on the main spaces, but make sure that the smaller peripheral are still attractive.

7. Don’t forget corporate events and filming

Most estates focus on weddings, family reunions and other special events.

Corporate events and filming are fantastic opportunities to consider.

Don’t forget these types of events when you are planing your portfolio, pitch, and seating charts.

8. Overnight options

 

Some estate owners opt to turn their estate into a bed-and-breakfast-style inn rather than renting it out for events.

Another option is to offer to rent the whole estate out for overnight guests or to keep a couple of rooms for special guests or for a couple who wants to start their honeymoon on site.

9. Parking space 

 

This is one of the most practical aspects of estate rental, but also one that is easy to overlook.

You have a beautiful estate with all the traits of a great wedding and event space, but you won’t be able to handle the 100 or so cars that guests will be needing to park.

A parking area, away from the event spaces, is an important feature of any event estate.

Having valet and shuttle services available for each event is a must.

This is just a start…

 

Please add to this list below in the comments.

About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.



Mar 17

The Luck Of The Irish: Irish Weddings Traditions

March 17th, 2012 - By

It is no suprise that the Irish have a set of rules and guidelines for their traditional Irish wedding in hope that it brings them luck. So in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day, Estate Weddings wants to share these ancient traditions to spread the luck with all those soon to be brides!

  • Blue Wedding Gowns: Blue is a sign of purity

 

  • Hand Fastening Ceremony: a ribbon uniting lovers by “tying the knot

 

 

  • Bride with Braided Hair: Symbolized feminine power and luck

 

  • Horseshoe: Held by the bride turned up assuring that the couple’s luck won’t run out

 

  • Magic Hanky: Bride carries a hanky that will be turned into a bonnet for first baby, and finally turned back into a hanky for your child to carry on his/her wedding day. Passing on hanky assures couple that luck will not run out.

 

  • Flowers: A bride wearing a wreath of wildflowers in their hair, and bouquets

 

  • Oathing Stone: holding a river stone while the couple says their vows so they will be “set in stone”

 

  • Pebble Toss: (part of ancient seaside marriages) after the wedding, the guests throw small stones into the water and make a wish for the happy couple’s future and to appease the gods.

 

  • Mead and Honey: Mead is an alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting honey and water, also where the term honeymoon derives from. “Mi na meala” means the month of honey, referrring to the month after the wedding when Irish newlyweds celebrate their marriage by drinking mean (and honeymooning).

 

    • The Claddagh Ring: a traditional Irish wedding ring, typically passed down from mother to daughter. The heart symbolizes love, the hands symbolize friendship, and the crown symbolizes loyalty.

 

        • How you wear the ring determines your relationship status
          • On the right hand heart facing outward is single
          • On the right hand heart facing inward is in a relationship
          • On the left hand heart facing outward is engaged
          • On the left hand heart facing inward is married

 

 

 

Thanks to Fly Away Bride and Sugar by Tres Sugar, Estate Weddings was able to share these great Irish Traditions for those lucky couples! Happy Saint Patricks Day!

 

Photographer: Aspect Photography | Photographer’s Assistant: Simon Curran | Cinematography: Heavy Man Films | Venue: Inish Beg Estate, Baltimore, West Cork, Ireland | Concept & Production: Fly Away Bride | Art Direction & Styling: Pearl & Godiva, assisted by Maura Dineen & Colette Nolan | Florist: Wild Floral Couture | Cakes & Desserts: The Cake Stand | Stationery: Farrell & Chase | Doves: Dove Days | Harp: Harper and Bow | Bride’s Attire: Dirty Fabulous | Groom’s Attire: Geraghty’s | Makeup: Kathryn O’Neill Makeup Artist | Hair: Up Style Junkie | Jewellery & Cape: Elsa & GoGo Boutique | Ribbons & Trimmings: A. Rubanesque | Models: Rebecca Howarth (Lockdown), Eider Leite (Morgan Agency)  & Aisling Finnegan (Assets)

 

 

 

About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.



Jan 14

Plan the Perfect Beach Wedding!

January 14th, 2012 - By

From dramatic sunsets to the mesmerizing sound of crashing waves, the beach is a gorgeous place to get married. The popularity of beach weddings comes as no surprise.

To plan your own beach wedding effectively, it pays to approach the situation in a practical and measured way. Like most people, you probably already have a general geographic location in mind.

Before you do anything else, you need to pinpoint venue locations and luxury villas in the area to ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch. Pick up a few great tips by checking out the following information.

All-in-One Venues

It’s easy enough to choose a spot on the beach to exchange vows, but where are you and your guests supposed to go from there? The best thing to do is to choose a beachfront wedding venue.

If you think that finding such a venue is impossible, think again. Whether you’re investigating your options for San Diego weddings, Los Angeles wedding or weddings in other coastal areas, finding estate wedding venues that include beachfront locations doesn’t have to be difficult.

Amenities and Features

When planning a beach wedding, you should worry about your venue details first and the details of your ceremony second. After all, beachfront wedding venues are wildly popular. Many of them get booked solid years in advance. To get the features and amenities that you want, you’re going to need to get started with your search for the perfect venue right away. Whether you envision a romantic ceremony in a backyard villa or would like to exchange vows on the balcony of a stunning mansion, knowing what you want is essential.

Practical Concerns

To ensure a picture-perfect wedding day, you need to take as many details into consideration as possible. Beach weddings involve special circumstances, and it’s important to keep that in mind.

If you’ll be exchanging vows directly on the beach, will you and your guests be going barefoot? If so, you should plan an easy and convenient way for people to remove their shoes before the ceremony begins. Small points like these should be handled with care to ensure a worry-free event.

By taking the time to select an amazing beach wedding venue, the rest of your plans should fall into place with ease. It’s more than possible to have the beach ceremony of your dreams and follow it up with an amazing reception.

Start making plans right now to make it happen!


Wedding Inspiration Images Courtesy of Couture Events San Diego. Click here to view more beautiful images from “Seaside Pottery Barn Wedding at the Surf and Sand Resort.” Couture Events’ Creative Director, Krystel Tien, is now also a guest blogger with Estate Weddings and Events. Check back to check out Krystel’s insights into event planning!

 

About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.



Jan 10

Hot Wedding Trends & Themes for 2012

January 10th, 2012 - By Jamie Ehrsam

The New Year has just begun and is bringing a wide variety of exciting new wedding themes and trends along with it. If you’re in the early stages of planning your upcoming nuptials, you’re probably curious about what’s hot in wedding trends this year. As always, private estate wedding locations and villa rental locations are popular choices. Beyond wedding venues, however, there are many other exciting trends. Check below to learn about a few of the best ones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Playful Themes

Playful wedding themes started picking up steam in 2011, and the trend will intensify in 2012. These types of weddings have whimsical ambiances, so they are perfect for couples who prefer less formal affairs. From pirate-themed weddings to ceremonies in offbeat locations, playful themes will be all the rage this year.

DIY: Personalized Weddings

By default, every wedding is personal. In the past, however, the majority of the decorations and party favors were purchased from wedding supply companies. Due in part to the economy, many couples are creating their own wedding favors and decorations. This helps to keep costs down, and it has the added bonus of producing a more personalized look and feel. If you are crafty by nature, this is one wedding trend that you’ll want to explore.

Mismatched Dresses and Decor

In an effort to create more organic and natural ceremonies, many brides and grooms are opting for dresses and decor that encompass different aesthetics and textures. To keep things from looking too disjointed, a single color palate is used to unite the decor elements. The end result is a purposefully mismatched look that puts a chic, modern edge on any wedding day. This trend is easy to incorporate and can help keep costs low too.

Green Weddings

Eco-friendly weddings are more popular than ever. People opt for green weddings to help protect the environment and to save money. There are many ways to go about planning a green wedding. You can incorporate as many green touches into your big day as you’d like, so this theme is easy to customize.

No matter what type of theme you choose for your wedding, you should take care to select a phenomenal wedding venue. From New York weddings to California weddings, there are amazing venues available just about everywhere. You can use the preceding themes at just about any venue too, so jump-start your wedding plans by finding the perfect location now!

 

For more wedding ideas and inspiration, take a look below:

Playful Wedding Inspiration…

Tips for finding a Unique Event Theme…

How to Cut Costs without Cutting that, “Je Ne Sais Quoi”…

 

*Images courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes

About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.



Jan 6

Top 10 Private Estate Wedding Venues

January 6th, 2012 - By

Estate Weddings and Events Ranked Our Top 10 estates for 2011. From Rustic Ranches to Luxurious Mansions, to backyard Garden Weddings, Check it out to see if your estate venue made the list

1. Emma Estate

Located in Rancho Santa Fe area of San Diego, California. Provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate Backyard Garden Wedding or Large Corporate Events.

Emma Estate

2. Chateau De Beverly Hills

If you are looking for a luxury event location or plan to live like the stars and have a Celebrity Wedding, This exclusive Los Angeles Mansion is our number one choice for Luxury Entertainment.

3. Beach Rose Farm

The Beach Rose Farm in Maine is our top choice for Maine wedding Venues and Maine Vacation Rentals with accommodations up to 36 guests makes this ocean view venue the ideal destination.

4. Lower Lake Ranch

With its Colorado Mountain Views, the Lower Lake Ranch is located outside of Denver Colorado is the perfect setting for a Ranch wedding and also offers a Colorado Bed and Breakfast for large group accommodations, retreats and vacation rentals.

5. Abbey Estate

The Abbey Estate in Montecito is our choice for our top Ocean view Venue. Santa Barbara Estate Weddings feature an elegant setting and also offers Luxury Accommodations as a Santa Barbara Vacation Rental.

Santa Barbara, California

6. Sebastopol Sanctuary

This unique Sonoma Estate, located in the Sonoma Wine Country, is our top choice for Eco Friendly Weddings and Green Events. The estate is LED Certified, has a certified Organic Garden and Vineyard, private lake, and much more. If you are looking for a Sonoma Wedding Venue or a Green event venue, Sebastopol Sanctuary is the place for you.

7. Le Bac Estate

This South Africa Wedding Venue, located in Western Cape, South Africa, is our choice for the perfect destination wedding location or luxury vacation rental in South Africa.

8. Castle Ladyhawke

This Scottish inspired Castle, located outside of Asheville, North Carolina, is our top choice for a unique venue. Set on over 60 acres of private land and offer overnight accommodations for the perfect North Carolina Vacation Rental.


9. Gridley Ranch

Gridley Ranch, located in Ojai, California, is the ideal setting for Rustic Weddings or Ranch Style Weddings. This intimate estate is perfect for small intimate Ojai Wedding receptions and also is a place for a luxury vacation rentals.

10. Infinity Bali Villa

Island Weddings are truly unique and intimate. This Bali Villa, located on the Island of Bali, Indonesia, can accommodate 25 guests for a holiday rental and is the perfect destination for a destination wedding.


About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.



Jan 4

South Africa Estate Wedding Location

January 4th, 2012 - By Jamie Ehrsam

The Le Bac Estate, located in Western Cape, South Africa is a beautiful property available for Estate Weddings, Corporate Events, and even Sunday afternoon lunch at the property’s Bistro and Bar. Surrounded by vineyards, this idyllic setting offers both interior and exterior event spaces, perfect for exchanging vows and receiving the royal treatment. Allow your guests to stay the night at this beautiful South Africa Wedding Venue for a incredible escape!

 

 

 

About the Author

Jamie is the Co-Founder and President of Estate Weddings and Events. Jamie and EWE have been featured in The New York TimesThe Baltimore SunGrace OrmondeStyle Me PrettyWE TVPremier Homes, and many other publications. When Jamie is not managing Luxury Events at EWE, you can find her traveling the world. Her favorite destinations visited are Laos and the Maldives.You can follow her on Google+ here.