Delaware brides who are looking beyond a hotel ballroom or country club for a wedding venue have a wealth of one-of-a-kind places to choose from.
On the waterfront The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is hosting an increasing number of weddings, says marketing manager Mike Porch. “The sea has a certain romance to it,” he says. The ferry, the dock, and the terminals on both sides of the bay are available for weddings and receptions. A three-hour tour on the Delaware Bay is perfect for a picturesque reception. Farther north, consider the Riverboat Queen on the Christina River in Wilmington for smaller weddings.
Historic havens Bellevue State Park has a variety of historic venues in Wilmington, from the Cauffiel House to the Figure-8 Barn. Cookie-cutter weddings are out, according to Judi Jeffers, superintendent of northern region special events. “Every time I think I’ve heard it all, we get a new request,” she says. Also check out the Wilmington & Western Railroad operating museum, which can host wedding events on board the train or at the Greenbank Station in Wilmington.
Rustic retreats Lavender Fields, a working lavender farm in Milton, sets the scene for a special day among the gardens and fields of lavender. Milburn Orchards, in Elkton, Md., offers seasonal activities and bucolic charm. Chrissy Sarro, the wedding coordinator for Lavender Fields, points out that unique outdoor venues present unique challenges, including limited accessibility and unpredictable weather, but nothing is insurmountable.
