Discover Dreamy Gardens at Appleford Estate Wedding Venue
There are few things as romantic as a garden wedding. With just a few touches, your ceremony will feel like it’s straight from a storybook. You just need the right venue to make it happen! As an East Coast wedding photographer, I get the chance to watch all the top venues in action, and I’m here to tell you about the best of the best! If you are on the search for a space that will give you a positively dreamy garden wedding, I would love to tell you all about what you can expect from an Appleford Estate wedding.
About The Appleford Estate Wedding Venue
770 Mt. Moro Road, Villanova, Pennsylvania 19085
Appleford Estate is a house wedding venue situated in the midst of 24 acres. The manor was originally a farmhouse dating back to the 18th century. Over the years, it faced gradual transformations until it was purchased in the 1920s by Lewis H. Parsons and Anabel Banks. A wealthy investor, Lewis wanted to turn Appleford into the couple’s own private weekend retreat. They brought in renowned architect Richardson Brognard Okie to restore the estate back to its original glory.
The house was outfitted with antiques from across Europe and America, and you can still see those thoughtful touches to this day. The gardens were an addition put in by landscape architect Thomas Sears. When Annabel passed away in 1973, she willed the house to the citizens of Lower Merion Township. In the years since, the house has become a premier event venue. When it’s not hosting private events, it’s open to visitors.
Cat Granger Photography
Details of the Grounds
When you rent Appleford Estate for your wedding, you will have access to the entirety of the house. The interiors feature airy rooms that you can use for micro-weddings and elopements if you would like. This stately home is outfitted with genuine antiques and features dark walls that will create a moody atmosphere for your intimate ceremony.
Most couples choose to utilize the gardens of the property for their wedding. There are several meticulously landscaped gardens you can use for this. The terrace right outside the house can be tented, giving you an elegant backdrop as you exchange vows. Smaller weddings can choose from different secluded gardens, while large weddings typically happen in front of the house near the waterfall.
The tented terrace tends to be the most popular spot for an outdoor reception. This space wraps around the house, offering you impeccable views as well as plenty of space for dancing. The venue gives you the ability to set up an event tent in other places around the grounds so you can accommodate your party. Inside the house, you can host a quieter, celebratory dinner.
More Spaces Available For Your Appleford Estate Wedding
The venue has a number of different spaces where you can host your cocktail hour. Those who might want to incorporate the inside of the house can use the music room. You can also set up your bar on either the brick terrace or inside one of the several gardens.
The Appleford Estate wedding venue has designated spots where you can get ready prior to your ceremony. The upstairs features a bridal suite where you will be able to gather with your wedding party as you put on the finishing touches. Additionally, they have a groom’s room on the primary level. The venue is able to host parties with anywhere between 10 and 200 guests. So they will work on you to find the right spot to host your party.
The exterior features a storied stone facade with white shutters on the base level and green shutters on the top. There is a blooming perennial garden to the slide of the terrace, as well as a rose garden on the opposite side of the lawn. The rose garden features a fountain that adds ambiance to the ceremonies. Just beyond the house, you’ll find the legendary boxwood garden with the shrubs forming a maze. The interior music room features bright walls, coral furniture, and a baby grand piano. The Pine Room is outfitted with refined wood paneling and a working fireplace.
Cat Granger Photography
Photography Opportunities
When it comes to dreamy wedding portraits, you will have no shortage of options with Appleford Estate! The bridal suite is sun-filled with several windows letting in natural light. This will be perfect for your get-ready pictures. Once you’re done putting on the last touches, you can head to the stairway and get portraits showing off all the details of your gown. Additionally, this space can be used for your first-look pictures. The boxwood maze is a popular spot for couple portraits, giving you garden views alongside the iconic house backdrop. You can also use the gardens for couple and group portraits.
Wedding Details
With Appleford Estate, you will have world-class accommodations from the very start. The venue has event planners who will work with you to iron out all the details of your day. They will get to the heart of your vision before helping you find the vendors who will help you bring it to life. They have a list of exclusive caterers for your food. If you choose to have alcohol, you will provide your own drinks, and they will be served by a licensed bartender. The venue has ample parking across the estate, and the grounds are wheelchair accessible. They will take care of set-up and clean-up so you can focus on just enjoying your day. You are more than welcome to bring along your pet and include them in your ceremony. The venue offers lighting and sound equipment, barware, glassware, dinnerware, flatware, event tents, and linens.
Design The Garden Wedding Of Your Dreams At The Appleford Estate Wedding Venue
With an Appleford Estate wedding, you will have a refined garden wedding that feels as though it came straight from a dream. Be sure to schedule your tour soon so you can reserve your space!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about your photographer. That’s where I come in! I am an East Coast wedding photographer, and I adore working with couples to document every part of their day. If you’re still looking for a person who will effortlessly match your style, I would love to sit down and have a conversation so you can decide if I’m the one for you. Let’s chat soon!
