There’s something magical about tying the knot by the water—whether it’s the mesmerizing rhythm of ocean waves, the soft murmur of a stream or the light lapping of a bay or pond. Fortunately for Main Line and Delaware couples, options for such settings abound.
By Marilyn Odessor-Torpey
Philander Chase Knox Estate. Candid Moments Photography.
Philander Chase Knox Estate
Valley Creek and a natural spring set the mood and offer a beautiful backdrop. A popular spot for photos is on the bridge over the creek, notes Michelle Durinzi, marketing director for Robert Ryan Catering, which operates the venue. The estate is the only venue inside Valley Forge National Park, surrounded by 3,500 acres of meadows and trees. The ceremony area, called Marrying Meadow, overlooks a field of wildflowers and the water. Originally built in the late 1700s, the house is decorated with period furnishings for a warm, upscale ambiance. Spring and summer make the slate patio an inviting area for a cocktail reception. For outside receptions, the venue provides a fully carpeted 50-by-80-foot tent furnished with reclaimed barn wood farm tables. A portion of proceeds help maintain and enhance the park.151 Library Lane, Malvern, Pennsylvania; 610-647-4711; robertryancatering.com
The Clubhouse at Baywood, Baywood Greens. Courtesy of Baywood Greens.
The Clubhouse at Baywood, Baywood Greens
Picturesque ponds of varying sizes abound at this venue set on the meticulously manicured Baywood Golf Course. The ballroom and veranda overlook one of the larger ponds in back of the main ceremony gardens. Ceremonies can also take place on the Paver Patio or veranda. For indoor receptions, the ballroom—designed in the style of a classic country club ballroom with two balconies overlooking the gardens—can host up to 260 guests. For intimate parties, the library, which overlooks the gardens, greens and veranda, accommodates no more than 24. Tented receptions may be held on the Paver Patio or, for larger affairs of over 300 guests, on the golf course greens. 32267 Clubhouse Way, Millsboro, Delaware; 302-947-9225; baywoodclubhouse.com
Brandywine Museum of Art
Most people visit the museum to see rotating exhibits or the art collections by N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth, as well as a Heritage Collection focusing on art from the Brandywine Valley. But the view of the Brandywine River from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the stunning steel and glass addition to the 19th-century mill makes for a dramatic backdrop for wedding ceremony or reception, too, accommodating up to 150 guests. There is also a river trail behind the museum for taking photographs by the water. “Being on the river and surrounded by the Brandywine Valley landscape allows us to bring art and nature together for a beautiful setting,” says Rebecca Bucci, private events coordinator. “At the same time, we are preserving the mill and the land for future generations to enjoy.” 1 Hoffman Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; 610-388-2700, brandywine.org
Hyatt Dewey Beach/ Lighthouse Cove Event Center. Courtesy of Lighthouse Cove Event Center.
Hyatt Dewey Beach/Lighthouse Cove Event Center
Treasured memories of childhood vacations to the charming ocean- and bayside community of Dewey Beach inspire many couples to choose this venue, says Lisa Wilgus, director of catering and event services. Two ceremony sites are available: one on the Rehoboth Bay beach and the other on a private deck overlooking both the bay and beach. The latter, the more popular of the two, features a 5,000-square-foot patio with a staircase leading to it that lends dramatic flair to the wedding march, Wilgus notes. Indoors, a 4,500-square-foot ballroom accommodates up to 500 for a cocktail-style reception and 240 guests for a seated dinner, while its accordion patio doors draw in the bay breezes and create an indoor/outdoor space. An adjacent space, half the size, is perfect for smaller waterfront wedding receptions. 1301 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach, Delaware; 302-567-223; lighthousecoveevents.com
Appleford Estate
The more than 300-year-old fieldstone farmhouse and 24 acres of arboretum, lush gardens and a bird sanctuary feature a tranquil pond and waterfall. “If couples are looking for Instagram- and wedding-perfect pictures, Appleford has a ton of waterside photo opportunities,” notes Lisa McBride, director of marketing and events. Couples can wed inside the house, which is decorated with American and European antiques, or outside on a tented front and side terrace. Either way, the entire property is open to up to 200 guests. For charity-minded couples: Appleford is operated by a nonprofit, so money goes right back into preserving the estate.770 Mt. Moro Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania; 610-527-4280; applefordestate.com
Moshulu. By Chloe Geiger.
Moshulu
Moored on the Delaware River at Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing, the world’s oldest (built in 1904) and tallest four-masted ship—featured in major motion pictures including Rocky and The Godfather Part II—is a stationary restaurant and special events venue serving up stunning views of the city’s waterfront and skyline. In the spring and summer, many couples have their ceremony on the top deck, followed by cocktails and dinner in the State Room, but they can also rent the entire ship for a larger gathering or more privacy. “With the wonderful energy that comes from being on the water,” says Jake Wade, director of sales for Fearless Restaurants, which operates the venue, “the Moshulu has particular appeal to couples who may have wanted to have a destination wedding or a beach wedding.” 401 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia; 215-923-2500; moshulu.com
Kings Mills
A majestic waterfall more than 100 feet wide provides a unique backdrop for wedding ceremonies at this estate. Exchange “I do’s” right in front of the falls day or night, when the waterfall changes colors, rotating between seven different hues—talk about a dramatic photo opportunity. Or say your vows in one of two ballrooms, both converted from former mill buildings. The Camelot Ballroom (1848) features a vaulted cathedral ceiling, Palladium windows overlooking the falls, an expansive deck and seating for up to 240 guests. The Paradise Ballroom (1689) is reminiscent of a Victorian castle with its massive beams and original stonework. Also facing the falls, it seats up to 300. For smaller weddings, The Cove Ballroom—the latest addition to the Mills—offers a creekside pavilion that holds 85 guests. 6000 Pennell Road, Media, Pennsylvania; 610-558-1860; kingsmill.net
Thousand Acre Farm
This peaceful marsh is on full display from just about every vantage point on the property. Wed at the gazebo, toast to your love on the covered patio, and dine and dance inside the main barn, whose windows and elevated deck overlook the waterfront. “Sunsets over the water are amazing,” says owner Shannon Hynson. “Day or evening, the water makes a uniquely beautiful background for photos, too.” With 8,000 square feet of space, the Amish-built barn seats up to 180 guests and can be expanded with a tent rental. High beamed ceilings, crystal chandeliers, dark maple tables and elegant Chiavari chairs elevate the ambiance. On the deck, high-top tables with seating give guests a chance to relax and take in the view. End the evening waterside around the fire pit. 260 S. Reedy Point Road, Middletown, Delaware; 302-455-8880, thousandacrefarm.com