What guest would be mad about the 50 minute drive to our current venue spotlight: CHQ Barn? The answer is no guest would be mad about it because it’s Chautauqua. (Though these fingers might already be mad at the typing of that word… anyone else? ((ha)) )
To write about this venue is worth the constant back and forth of the keys and the delete button to spell Chautauqua because it’s such a beautiful place to get married.
On top of the actual venue being so gorgeous, you’re mere minutes from the institute so you could turn this into a little, mini vacay and stay on the grounds. You could take advantage of all they have to offer, from such a great bookstore to the beauty of the small lake to the peace and quiet overall.
You might even find a great music event or speaker the weekend you have a wedding to attend, so check that out before you head up.
(Also, check out other wedding venues we’ve spotlighted in and near Erie, PA.)
As wedding photographers, we could not love this venue more. The sheer variety of options for photos and the beauty of those options… off the charts.
Let’s dig into some details for this venue:
The Basics about CHQ Barn
The grounds
Once you see the site, we’re sure that you’ll be inspired by the landscape and choose to host your ceremony right there. Every season features its own unique landscape of color and atmosphere. (You can imagine that summer and fall are super popular at this venue so move fast to get on the books.)
The property has a variety of features that create many different beautiful backdrops, including the front staircase, the Garden Pergola, and too many stunning spots to list all over the grounds. Especially beautiful are some of the wide open vistas with the expansive horizon as a backdrop.
The site itself is nothing short of lush and edenic. And how many wedding venues can say that you can hang out with some horses while you’re there?!
The Barn
The Barn can seat up to 250 guests comfortably and features an expansive bar and sprawling dance floor in the nearly 6,000 square foot space. And just outside, there is a newly built Men’s and Women’s restroom building for everyone’s convenience and comfort.
Enter the outdoor spaces through the large sliding doors that open the barn almost entirely on one side, bringing the outdoors in. You can enjoy both the indoor and outdoor elements during the May to October season. (Before all the snow hits, though a winter wedding here would be breathtakingly beautiful also.)
What’s Included
Besides the beautiful grounds, you’re wondering what comes with the wedding package here at the Barn. Here’s a list that covers enough to give you a good idea of what to expect. (As always, each wedding is unique and the CHQ Barn will work to work with your needs and dreams.)
- Rustic 6,000-square-foot barn
- Two ceremony sites
- Outdoor spaces, front terrace
- Fire pit stocked with Firewood
- Fully Handicap accessible facility
- Expansive bar with a walk-in beverage cooler and a full Beer Tap System
- Parking areas including Handicap Accessible Parking & Building
- Tables and Chairs for 250 guests
- Bridal Lounge with a private restroom just for the Bride and her inner circle
- Access for two days prior to event to set up/decorate and you can return following day to pack up
- Full kitchen for catering/bar needs
CHQ Barn Add on: On Site Cabin
The Cabin sits atop a hill across the property and sleeps up to 6 guests, featuring one king, two doubles, and two single beds. (Check out photos here.)
The staff can also point you to other local properties, Airbnbs, and hotels that can accommodate overnight needs for you and/or your guests.
The staff at the CHQ Barn can also help you to find and choose the other vendors you need. They’ve worked extensively with and know the vendors local to the area (whereas a couple coming from Erie may not).
Testimonials about the CHQ Barn
We can wax poetic all day long about this venue, but really? Who better to speak of its excellence than the couples who have used it for their most important day:
Beautiful wedding spot! Everything about this place was nice from the staff to the bathrooms. Everything needed for a special day right there. (Kayla)
We got married at CHQ Barn in September. The property and scenery were beautiful! It was nice being able to have our ceremony and reception all in one place… the food was delicious! Our guests raved about the BBQ buffet selection. The other amenities such as adding the fire pit on to our package entertained our guests who didn’t like to dance. (Emily)
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