These Wedding Venues Offer Magical Backdrops in Delaware

Whether intimate or grand, indoors or out, old world or contemporary, Delaware's myriad event spaces can create the wedding backdrop of your dreams.

New Castle County

Willow trees and 4 acres of manicured grounds and gardens accent charming wedding venue The Farmhouse. The historic estate offers a beautiful outdoor site for ceremonies and expansive indoor reception spaces for up to 190 guests. The all-inclusive package includes a premium open bar, gourmet food prepared on-site, custom linens, candlelit centerpieces, wedding cake, hotel accommodations and more. 5600 Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington; 999-8477; thefarmhousede.com

Sprawled across a picturesque 19th-century estate that was originally a du Pont family home, Hagley Museum & Library houses three different event spaces. While the Soda House is ideal for smaller gatherings, 235 acres of verdant meadows, mature trees and heirloom gardens along the banks of the Brandywine River accommodate larger celebrations. 200 Hagley Creek Road, Wilmington; 658-2400, ext. 304; hagley.org

Hagley Museum & Library
Courtesy of Hagley Museum & Library

A New England-esque venue punctuated by sprightly gardens, the historic Inn at Montchanin Village specializes in weddings for up to 50 guests. Built in 1799, the property marries a historic aesthetic with contemporary sophistication. Receptions are held in a converted blacksmith shop with a fireplace, an upscale pole barn featuring 28-foot-high ceilings and wide-plank wood floors, or the whimsical Krazy Kat’s restaurant and landscaped patio. 528 Montchanin Road, Wilmington; 888-2133; montchanin.com

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Floor-to-ceiling windows and an outdoor patio provide striking city views at Juniper by Tonic, a sleek, modern venue in the heart of downtown that prepares fabulous fare. Choose from three different reception rooms accommodating between 16 and 75 guests. Or combine all three to host up to 150. 111 W. 11th St., Wilmington; 777-2040; juniperbytonic.com

Built in the 1800s, iconic live-performance theater The Queen has two beautifully preserved spaces with all the amenities for weddings—plus a stage your band will be stoked to perform on. While the Olympia Room accommodates a seated dinner for 70 guests, the Main Hall holds up to 180. 500 N. Market St., Wilmington; 400-7020; thequeenwilmington.com

At the University and Whist Club of Wilmington, couples are made to feel like royalty. An all-inclusive wedding package for a minimum of 75 guests features a five-hour reception in the historic Tilton Marriage and Carriage House that includes exceptional cuisine, an open bar and a cake. 805 N. Broom St., Wilmington; 658-5125; universityandwhistclub.com

Nestled on 60 wooded acres and formal gardens on the grounds of the DuPont Country Club, Brantwyn Estate is a former du Pont family residence built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in the charming Georgian country manor style. The historic venue accommodates up to 160 guests for a seated dinner and dancing, and also offers outdoor tented options. 600 Rockland Road, Wilmington; 654-4435; dupontcountryclub.com

Du Pont Country Club
Courtesy Du Pont Country Club

At the mid-19th-century country estate of The Carriage House at Rockwood Park, couples can choose from an indoor ceremony space or outdoor Walled Garden. For formal dinner and dancing, the Carriage House, with its rustic exposed stone walls and original barn doors, can host up to 220 guests. 4671 Washington St. Extension, Wilmington; 472-2433; rockwoodcarriagehouse.com

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Art and history enthusiasts can exchange vows surrounded by some of the most celebrated American and British works at the Delaware Art Museum. A scenic ceremony in the Copeland Sculpture Garden holds up to 300 guests, while the North Terrace—decorated with a Dale Chihuly glass installation backdrop—is perfect for smaller parties. For a formal affair with under 130 people, adjourn to the Catherine A. Fusco Hall for a seated dinner and dancing. Best of all, the galleries are open to guests during the reception. 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington; 571-9590; delart.org

Marrying art and modern culture, The Delaware Contemporary on Wilmington’s Riverfront offers a hip vibe for couples hosting up to 180 guests. Set up a cocktail bar in one of the small gallery spaces hosting a current exhibition, then dine and dance in the industrial-style Atrium Lobby. 200 S. Madison St., Wilmington; 656-6466; decontemporary.org

Early this year, the DuPont Country Club will reveal the grand renovation of its DuPont Ballroom—formerly known as the Crystal Ballroom—featuring an elevated elegance for which the venue has long been known. Whether you have a guest list of 30 or 350, the ballroom and adjacent outdoor spaces create a stately ambiance for a ceremony and reception. 1001 Rockland Road, Wilmington; 654-4435; dupontcountryclub.com

At the Executive Banquet & Conference Center, the romantic ambiance is illuminated by a sparkling crystal chandelier in the ballroom, which holds up to 450 guests, while an expansive dance floor beckons everyone to join the festivities. A large landscaped patio with a stone fireplace, fire pit, waterfall and pond are perfect for cocktail hours and outdoor ceremonies. 205 Executive Drive, Newark; 731-1800; executivebanquets.com

At Harry’s Savoy Ballroom, classic meets contemporary after a recent remodel. The sophisticated venue can hold up to 200 guests indoors, while a courtyard with a New Orleans–style fountain can accommodate more, and can also be used for ceremonies and cocktail receptions. 2020 Naamans Road, Wilmington; 475-3000; harryshospitalitygroup.com

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With 12-foot ceilings and glistening chandeliers, the Christiana Ballroom at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana Hilton is reminiscent of a great hall in 18th-century France and has room for 170 guests. Five French windows flood Le Chameleon Junior Ballroom with natural light for up to 82 guests. Each is connected to an outdoor space with its own special feature, such as a serene pond, flowing fountain, garden or a gazebo. 100 Continental Drive, Newark; 454-1500; hiltonchristiana.com

Built more than a century ago, the Hotel du Pont’s Gold Ballroom is the epitome of Gilded Age meets French neoclassic elegance with its opulent ceilings, gleaming chandeliers and sweeping staircase. The room’s capacity is 275. The Federal–style Du Barry Ballroom, with a capacity of 100, features stately white pillars, parquet floors, graceful sconces and an imported crystal chandelier. For more modest budgets or modern taste, the King Sullivan Room accommodates up to 100 guests. 42 W. 11th St., Wilmington; 594-3100; hoteldupont.com

Hotel Du Pont
Courtesy of Hotel Du Pont

A magnificent former du Pont estate, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library opens its expansive indoor and outdoor spaces to weddings that average 150 to 175 guests, but it can handle up to 600 on its Clenny Run Lawn. Indoor ceremonies are held in the Galleries Reception area with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows followed by dinner and dancing in the Visitor Center, a pavilion illuminated by hundreds of candles and twinkling indoor trees. 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur; 888-4600; winterthur.org

Kent County

For those captivated by history, Belmont Hall offers an enchanting setting for exchanging vows. Originally constructed in 1773 as a governor’s mansion, this distinguished venue’s double doors open to a large, pillared portico and brick walkway leading to an intimate sunken garden and water feature. While the house can accommodate up to 50 guests, outdoor events under a tent can host up to 120 attendees. Lush lawns, mature trees and blooming gardens are as photogenic as the bride and groom. 713 Smyrna–Leipsic Road, Smyrna; 264-9048; belmonthall.org

While approximately 90% of the weddings held at Sunnybrae Mansion are grand outdoor affairs, intimate indoor dinners can seat up to 25 guests. Ceremonies punctuated by elegant fixtures—such as the arch, stone gazebo, pergola and reflection pool—make for picturesque photo ops, and vintage details, like Corinthian cornices, invoke fairy-tale flair. The extensive 90 acres of landscaped property outside can comfortably host events under tenting for as many as 500 guests. Sunnybrae is also pet-friendly, allowing your beloved furry friend to play a special role in escorting you down the aisle if you wish. 416 NE 10th St., Milford; 393-1777; sunnybraemansion.com

For rustic-chic ambiance, there’s no better place to say “I do” than in the main residence on King Cole Farm. Wedding weekends are this working farm’s signature, which can host up to 200 invitees for indoor occasions and over 400 for outdoor events. Packages include use of the recently renovated and retrofitted Main House, a lovely five-bedroom residence, for couples and their guests. 1730 Bayside Drive, Dover; 677-1730; kingcolefarm.com

Do you have specific preferences for your ceremony or reception? Bally’s Dover Casino Resort is well-equipped to fulfill all your requirements. Whether you have an extensive guest list of up to 600 or prefer a more intimate celebration, Bally’s offers ample space for seated dinners and dancing. The resort is adaptable to both large and small celebrations. If you are planning a personalized ethnic or religious celebration, the glamorous resort is eager to collaborate with you to ensure that every detail is carefully arranged. 1131 N. Dupont Highway; 674-4600; casinos.ballys.com

Sussex County

Overlook the ocean at the Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast, which accommodates weddings of up to 25 guests. This Victorian home features authentic antique furnishings, original tin roof ceilings and intricate woodwork. An oceanfront arch makes a breathtaking ceremony site. If you dream of a seaside wedding with a guest list of up to 120, tenting options are available. For private events, the entire bed and breakfast, can be rented exclusively. 99 Ocean View Parkway, Bethany Beach; 539-3707; addysea.com

Micro weddings shine at Willowbrook, where a special outdoor courtyard boasts a graceful waterfall. For larger guest counts, there are four additional inside and outside ceremony locations available. Couples can choose their setting by the pond, in the courtyard or on the scenic pavilion. Indoor receptions can entertain up to 250 guests. 8275 Cannon Road, Bridgeville; 228-0787; willowbrookde.com

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Invite up to 100 guests to commemorate your special day in the grandeur of the Victorian era with a ceremony and reception at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. Situated right on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, the venue’s expansive wraparound porch, garden and gazebo lend themselves well to midsize events. 2 Olive Ave. and the Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach; 227-7169; boardwalkplaza.com

With its rough-cut pine walls, exposed ducts and full glass overhead door, Honey Bee Barn at Hopkins Heartland offers a modern take on a wedding venue. It is suitable for parties of up to 85. The Covered Bridge on the working farm is a traditional barn wedding space with room for up to 225 guests. Rental includes three nights/four days of accommodation for 16 guests (a one-day option is available during the off-season). Honey Bee, 29090 Fisher Road, The Covered Bridge, 30249 Fisher Road, Lewes; 542-9605; hopkinsheartland.com

Hopkins Heartland
Courtesy of Hopkins Heartland

While the Virden Retreat Center on the University of Delaware Lewes campus can handle weddings up to 300 with tents from April to October on the patio, this venue specializes in midsize ceremonies and seated reception dinners indoors. The center’s design and décor appeal to couples with modern style and vision. 1155 College Drive, Lewes; 645-4100; conferences.udel.edu

Make your entrance to the aisle on the Clubhouse at Baywood’s Paver Patio with its living green wall and, during certain seasons, white flowers as a backdrop. You can also opt for the Veranda (best for smaller parties of up to 100) overlooking the gardens and greens of the Baywood Golf Course or the Ceremony Garden with its multihued blooms. The ballroom can serve 200 guests with seated dinner and dancing. 32267 Clubhouse Way, Millsboro; 947-9225; baywoodclubhouse.com

Beach weddings are a specialty at Salero. Say your “I do’s” under an adorned seaside arch. Inside the newly remodeled oceanfront venue, 87 plate glass windows allow the sun to illuminate your special day. Enjoy the coastal charm that surrounds you and up to 200 guests as you dine and dance indoors. 511 N. Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach; 841-2229; saleroonthebeach.com

Related: 5 Wedding Trends We’re Predicting for 2024

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