Mountain
Matrimony
written by leah nestor
I Do with a View
west virginia wedding venues
L
ocation, location, location: it’s a tried and true trope that not only applies to real estate but also to creating the
perfect wedding. For the couple seeking a romantic venue for exchanging their vows, there’s no better location
than West Virginia. From mountains to valleys and the many gorgeous views in between, the state’s natural beauty
is the one thing you can count on when your wedding day arrives.
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park.
Photo by Whitling Photography.
While West Virginia is entirely land-locked, it is not devoid
of islands. Blennerhassett Island near Parkersburg is both
a unique state park and wedding venue. Guests can be
ferried over to the island on a boat for the ceremony, or
couples can opt to have the ceremony on the boat, much
like State Park Superintendent Miles Evenson did for his
wedding.
“We rode the boat down from Point Park, and as it was
taking its 20-30 minute trip down the river, we had the
ceremony on the boat,” he says. “We got off the boat at
the island and had our reception there.”
Ceremonies on the island can accommodate 200-plus
guests, and three sites are available. Couples can host
their elegant affair in front of the Blennerhassett Mansion,
enjoy a rustic-style wedding in the walnut grove or exchange
their vows at The Point, which is close to the Ohio River.
Receptions can be held at one of two shelters on the island.
The best time of year for an outdoor wedding on the island
is between August and early October. With the beauty
of the island and design of the mansion, the decision to
decorate—and how much—is up to the couple.
20
2 0 1 9 D i sc o v e r Wes t V i rg i n i a