For some couples, a big wedding won’t do. Choosing a distinctive site that caters to smaller events will make the occasion both intimate and memorable. Here are a few to consider.
The Soda House at Hagley Museum
298 Buck Road, Wilmington, 658-2400 ext. 203, HagleyWeddings.com
Built in 1888, the Soda House’s auditorium seats up to 140, but its optimum is 100. Rent the entire structure and dedicate rooms to cocktails, dinner, and dessert and dancing.
Blue Ball Barn
1914 W. Park Drive, Wilmington, 761-6952, destateparks.com
The two-story historic structure in Alapocas Run State Park can hold 125 in the renovated hayloft. Rent the whole facility and the courtyard to hold more.
Bellevue Hall & Cauffiel House
911 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 761-6942, destateparks.com
These former homes are elegant settings for weddings and receptions. Bellevue Hall, a former du Pont mansion, holds up to 150 (250 with a tent). Cauffiel can accommodate 50.
Delaware Agricultural Museum
866 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, 734-1618, agriculturalmuseum.org
St. Thomas Church, which holds 80, is an obvious and charming spot for a wedding. Celebrate on the “village” grounds, which include a blacksmith shop, a farmhouse, a general store and a schoolhouse.
The Lewes Historical Society Grounds
110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes, 645-7670, historiclewes.org
The complex includes historic structures clustered around an open space. Only outdoor weddings are permitted, but you can erect a tent up to 40-by-80 feet. The space can accommodate up to 150 comfortably.
The Cordrey Center
30366 Cordrey Road, Millsboro, 682-9080, thecordreycenter.com
The venue can seat up to 150 and is ideal for receptions under 100. The Secret Garden is a picturesque ceremony spot, and the Enrichment Center serves as a bridal suite