Nestled within the beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), Happy Days Lodge and Hines Hill Campus provide an idyllic backdrop for your most special day. Here are five tips for planning your dream wedding in Ohio’s national park, brought to you by our experienced Extraordinary Spaces team!
Autumn weddings with fall colors are popular, but other seasons have their advantages. Longer daylight hours in spring and summer provide ample time for outdoor ceremonies and receptions, and lush greenery creates a stunning backdrop for your big day. Summer is the driest season, too, with August being the least likely month for rain.
Winter weddings come with off-peak discounts and more availability. Both of our venues have fireplaces, creating a cozy atmosphere, ideal for holiday-themed weddings. And snowy landscapes can add a magical touch. In any season, we’ve got you covered with flexible indoor and outdoor floor plans.
Photo credits: Ashley Giffin Photography (1 & 2); Christy Beal (3)
Local vendors are familiar with our venues and provide exceptional service tailored to your needs. We offer a list of 10 preferred area food vendors with various menu options and prices. We can also recommend local florists, hotels, photographers, DJs, and wedding planners.
And planning your bar with us ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for you and your guests. Our bar services include a range of options, from classic cocktails to locally sourced beverages. We love helping couples create signature cocktails for a personal touch!
Learn more about how our bartenders craft perfect wedding moments here.
Photo credit: Avra Studio (1)
We know you want your guests to have an amazing experience while visiting. Fortunately, the park is located between two major cities and their suburbs, providing friends and family with a variety of accommodations to suit their needs. Stanford House (above) is a unique option for larger groups. Located in the heart of the CVNP, the historic home offers beautiful scenery, nearby trails, and more!
Out-of-towners can experience a true getaway by exploring the park over the course of their stay, visiting sites and trails, viewing wildlife, or taking a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. And downtown Peninsula’s charming shops and eateries provide a delightful way for guests to spend free time.
Photo of train courtesy of Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
If you love nature (and we’re betting you do), eco-friendly touches compliment the vibe of your national park wedding. Choose local, seasonal flowers for your bouquet and tables. Sustainable décor, including thrifted or household items, can add personal, eclectic touches. And to help protect local wildlife and the park’s ecosystem, use dried lavender, bubbles, or sparklers instead of petals, confetti, bird seed, or rice.
We’re committed to sustainability. Our bar and preferred vendors use compostable materials. Vendors also provide dinnerware and glasses to minimize waste. Additionally, our team is trained to sort materials for recycling and composting to minimize your event’s environmental impact.
Learn more eco-friendly wedding ideas here!
Photo credits: Handpicked Winter (1); Avra Studio (2)
Photo credit: Kelly Pifer Photography
Hire a photographer skilled in indoor and outdoor shoots who can utilize natural light and surroundings to capture your special moments. And decide if you want only day-of-wedding shots or additional staged photos later.
Our venues offer stunning backdrops for your photos. Happy Days Lodge features a meadow, access to woodland trails, as well rustic interiors and exteriors. Hines Hill boasts a beautiful campus with old growth trees, a barn, silo, charming stone cottage, pond, and more. The variety of settings allows for diverse and picturesque photo opportunities. We’re happy to recommend scenic spots at our venues and within other areas of the park.
Photo credits: Ashley Giffin Photography (1); Red Arrow Photography (2); Christy Beal (3); Brian + Joelle Photography (4)
Join us to tour our extraordinary spaces! Take pictures and visualize your big day. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. No appointment or registration needed— drop in when it’s convenient for you!
Learn more about our venues and upcoming open houses here. 💕
Photo credit: One Red Door
