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Just Said Yes May 2022

I’m torn on location ....

Devanne, on February 13, 2021 at 1:49 PM Posted in Planning 0 9

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I hope someone can give me some ideas.

I’m getting really stressed trying to find a good venue. I am from WV but I live in NJ. All my family is in WV and all FH’s family is in NJ.
Both of my grandmothers (grandfathers have passed away 😞) live in WV and both were important parts of my life growing up. I was the first granddaughter on my dad’s side so my wedding is a big deal to Gma on that side. However, neither can travel more than a few hours. (3 at MAX)
FH doesn’t want to have wedding in WV because his friends don’t want to travel. All my friends from NJ are willing to make the trip. (Yeah we’ve had the argument everyone is going to suggest we have lol I’m not looking for advice on that situation. )
So I’m asking if anybody knows of a reasonably priced venue in western PA, or around Hagerstown MD for a wedding of about 50 (probably fewer) people. Preferably not a church. And a hotel nearby. I’ve been looking and looking but it’s just getting so exhausting.
Our budget is low. We are trying to really limit costs so we can buy a house.
So as I’m thinking about it...Torn on whether I just have to wedding closer to NJ and my grandmothers don’t come. And then I could always do a photo shoot with them in the weeks after the wedding? It might be safer for them as well.

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9 Comments

Latest activity by Devanne, on February 13, 2021 at 9:39 PM

Beginner July 2021
Rachel · on February 13, 2021 at 2:12 PM
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Devanne,

I too am from WV! Almost Heaven! That said, I live in south central PA now, just north of Hagerstown, MD. My partner and I just had a very small Covid wedding at The Mercersburg Inn in August. It’s a beautiful Georgian style mansion/B&B that regularly does weddings for small groups. While the area is very rural, there is a winery down the road 10 minutes away, you’re 20-30 minutes from Hagerstown and the property is amazing for a wedding. Tomi, one of the innkeepers, was great to work with and willing to accommodate nearly everything I asked about. All my photos are on a website but I promise it’s worth it and we’ll-priced.
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Beginner July 2021
Rachel · on February 13, 2021 at 2:18 PM
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I should have included their website too: www.Mercersburginn.com. They are also on Wedding Wire with 15% discount. If you want to ask more questions, feel free to reach out - I’m happy to help. We were looking on a budget too.
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Rockstar December 2022
Michelle · on February 13, 2021 at 3:00 PM
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Is there a middle ground that all are willing to travel to. Is finances the reason for not traveling or something else?
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Just Said Yes May 2022
Devanne · on February 13, 2021 at 3:36 PM
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Mountain momma!
I’ll look into that place! Are there hotels nearby? Is it weird to ask for photos that you have lol? I’m curious how it turned out for you!
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Just Said Yes May 2022
Devanne · on February 13, 2021 at 3:39 PM
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From NJ to WV is about 6 hours so within a 3 hr drive for all would be fair.
The more I think about it I know my family will travel wherever. My grandmothers probably shouldn’t be exposed to covid as I don’t see it going away any time soon.
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Expert May 2021
Erin · on February 13, 2021 at 5:38 PM
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I feel like grandmas trump friends but thats just me...
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Beginner July 2021
Rachel · on February 13, 2021 at 6:13 PM
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I should have also asked, where in WV is your family located? I'm trying to think through other budget and travel-friendly options in the region.
The Mercersburg Inn is definitely worth a look! While there are hotels within a 30 minute drive, with a wedding of about 50 people, everyone could stay at the B&B. They have plenty of space and will allow you to reserve the entire property for the wedding weekend too. As for pictures, their website probably has a more comprehensive gallery than my personal photos. Full disclosure: we had our ceremony across the street at the boarding school where I work. We got ready at the Inn and had dinner on the side porch so it was outdoors due to Covid. I would have happily had my ceremony at the Inn as well, if we didn't already have another spot in mind. Their website can give you better interior shots and photos of other weddings who have done the ceremony on site. They have a beautiful grand staircase in the main lobby, hardwood and brick floors all over - a nice reception space next to a swanky bar/fireplace room, and the traditional dining room. For an outdoor wedding, they have gardens on the back side of the house, a tiered lawn on the west side of the house and a covered porch for cocktail hour. the food is also amazing! You can check out this link for photos of the room where we got ready, one half of the grand staircase where I had a "first look" with my dad, the porch where our reception/dinner was, some of the gardens including the beautiful wooden swing out back. It was August 1st so a lot of the flowers were past their prime, but seriously take a look at the website for the full effect! Mercersburg is small and secluded, so I might also recommend checking out Gettysburg, PA for other options too. Slightly more expensive, but more activity. We are planning/ hoping to have our full celebration (more than just immediate family) this summer in Gettysburg and I =scoured the area for budget-friendly venues last year when we started this whole process. Hope this helps, and do let me know if you have questions :-)
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Just Said Yes May 2022
Devanne · on February 13, 2021 at 9:38 PM
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Wow thank you for so much input!

I’m looking into them and their pricing. it’s very gorgeous! My family is from Tucker County!
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Just Said Yes May 2022
Devanne · on February 13, 2021 at 9:39 PM
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This is true. But one of my grandmas suffers from dementia and is 90lbs soaking wet and the other has so much COVID anxiety that I’m not sure she would be comfortable at the wedding.
There are a lot of factors at play. Thanks for the input.
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