From historic ships to secluded farmhouses, amaze your guests with superior, scenic views that are anything but cookie-cutter. 

By Danielle Bouchat-Friedman

1. The High Point  (Photo: Moonloop Photography, moonloopphoto.com)
A Chester County hidden gem, The High Point is a little off the beaten path. The Bank Barn is rustic with a brick patio leading to an open meadow and views of the labyrinth. The pre-revolutionary church dates back to 1744. It is a historic landmark with sheep that tend to its unique churchyard. The venue is also very open and accommodating to outside caterers and vendors. It is intimate and unique—your guests will be raving for months.

2475 St. Peter’s Road, Malvern, Pa., (610) 644-2261, www.thehighpointgv.com

Baywood Greens

2. Baywood Greens
(Photo: Maria DeForrest Photography, www.deforrestphotography.com)
Transport your guests to the destination wedding of your dreams without ever leaving the First State. Picture your ceremony at the water’s edge surrounded by lush lawn space, a flower-lined stone runway and an extended pergola dressed with blushing roses. “I think one of the most unique qualities of Baywood is that when you book your wedding date with us, full-service wedding planning and day of coordinating is included in your package,” says Sarah Dickinson, director of events. “We also now have on-site rentals so that your wedding weekend can be all-inclusive.”

32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck, Del., (302) 947-9800, www.baywoodgreens.com

Buena Vista

3. Buena Vista
(Photo: Redfield Photography, www.redfieldphoto.com)

Nicole Bailey of Elevee Events describes Buena Vista as the perfect venue for the couple who can’t make up their minds. Buena Vista was built by Delaware and U.S. statesman John Middleton Clayton between 1845 and 1847. “It is right off Route 13 in Old New Castle. It’s neither ostentatious nor stuffy,” says Bailey. Enjoy sweeping views of cornfields or gardens or take advantage of the historic Buck Library. “It’s one of the most flexible venues in the state,” says Bailey. Ricki Kaplan and Greg Ceccarelli wed there in May 2015.

661 S. DuPont Hwy., New Castle, Del., (302) 323-4430, buenavista.delaware.gov

The Carriage House at Rockwood Park

4. The Carriage House at Rockwood Park

(Photo: Paul Pruitt Photography, www.paulpruitt.com)

Tucked away on the secluded grounds of a historic 19th-century country estate, the beautifully refurbished, 150-year-old Carriage House at Rockwood Park is sited on a 162-acre park just north of Wilmington. Its stunning location belies its proximity to I-95 and numerous hotels for out-of-town guests. With expert wedding planners and nearly 40 years of creative culinary know-how by Greenery Caterers, the facility offers a full range of outdoor settings among massive trees, walled gardens and verdant open areas, as well as indoor ceremony spaces with gorgeous stone walls and rustic wooden beams.

4671 Washington St. Ext., Wilmington, Del., (302) 472-2433, www.greenerycaterers.com/venues/carriage-house-at-rockwood-park

The Columbia Station

5. The Columbia Station
(Photo: Moonloop Photography, moonloopphoto.com)

Columbia Station has the classic beauty that comes from being a converted train station. There is even an antique caboose on the property that offers a fully appointed bridal suite for a truly unique touch. “Robert Ryan catering keeps the building in amazing condition and the setup is perfect for cocktail hour and dinner,” says Jim Coarse, who shot Jennifer and Mike’s wedding there on July 3.

4 Bridge St., Phoenixville, Pa., (610) 933-6336, robertryancatering.com/columbia-station

The Covered Bridge Inn

6. The Covered Bridge Inn
(Photo: Foot Candles Photography, www.foot-candles.com)

Located only five miles from Lewes beach but a million miles away from everything, this historic farmhouse and bed and breakfast is owned by Ingrid Hopkins Glassmeyer. Nicole Bailey of Elevee Events, who helped get the Inn off the ground, says couples enjoy its intimate, Sussex county open-farm feel, yet close proximity to Lewes. “It’s a beautiful, private farm with a covered bridge and a reflective pond. Maria and Jonathan’s wedding on July 2, 2016 was the first wedding at the Inn—and the bed and breakfast is perfect for all of your out-of-town guests.”

30249 Fisher Road, Lewes, Del., (302) 542-9605, www.thecoveredbridgeinn.com

The Farm at Eagles Ridge

7. The Farm at Eagles Ridge
(Photo: Moonloop Photography, moonloopphoto.com)

Samantha and Alex were married on Nov. 14, 2015 at the Farm at Eagles Ridge in Lancaster, Pa., recently featured in Vogue magazine as one of its 11 stunning farm wedding venues across the country.

“Weddings here include not only the massive barn but usage of the beautiful house for getting ready,” says Jim Coarse of Moonloop Photography. “The property is designed so that you have a wide variety of ceremony locations— each of which is stunning.”

465 Long Lane, Lancaster, Pa., (717) 584-5179, www.farmateaglesridge.com

Kalmar Nyckel

8. Kalmar Nyckel
(Photo: Ryan Gingo)

The present-day Kalmar Nyckel serves as a floating classroom and inspirational centerpiece for the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation’s award-winning educational programs, engaging students of all ages and stimulating them to learn more about Delaware’s rich maritime and Colonial history.

It’s also a perfect wedding venue. “Ceremonies and receptions can actually take place on the ship’s deck and dock, but even larger parties in the building overlook the ship from the balcony,” says Joe Valenti, marketing manager for the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware.

1124 E. 7th St., Wilmington, Del., (302) 429-7447, www.kalmarnyckel.org

Loch Nairn Golf Club

9. Loch Nairn Golf Club
(Photo: Moonloop Photography, moonloopphoto.com)

“I grew up around the corner from Loch Nairn Golf Club and have always known it to be a very quiet and beautiful location,” says photographer Jim Coarse. Meg and Steve, who married on July 18, wanted an intimate wedding, and knew it was the perfect location for their ceremony and reception. “Although you can’t take photographs out on the course itself, there is a classic beauty to the setting that opens a lot of options to go out and grab photos,” says Coarse.

514 McCue Road, Avondale, Pa., (610) 268-2234, www.lochnairn.com

The Moshulu

10. The Moshulu
(Photo: Moonloop Photography, moonloopphoto.com)

The Moshulu is the world’s oldest and largest square-rigged sailing vessel still afloat. This Philadelphia landmark has glorious views of the city’s waterfront and skyline. The ship played extremely well to Anabel and Rafael’s ‘30s theme wedding in August. A bad storm was expected to hit during the ceremony but ended up taking a hard left to the north. “The result was an amazing sunset and magazine-worthy photos,” says Jim Coarse of Moonloop Photography.

401 S. Christopher Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, (215) 923-2500, moshulu.com