At Oak Hill Farm, we believe that beauty comes in all sizes, especially when it comes to weddings. While grand celebrations have their charm, there’s something uniquely special about intimate weddings and elopements. Nestled in the heart of nature, our venue provides the perfect backdrop for couples looking to celebrate their love in a more personal and serene setting.

The Appeal of Smaller Weddings

In recent years, intimate weddings and elopements have gained popularity, and it’s easy to see why. These gatherings are not only cost-effective but allow couples to share their special day with their closest friends and family in a setting that feels warm and personal. At Oak Hill, we cater to these desires with various picturesque locations that turn your wedding into a magical, close-knit affair.

Venues Perfect for Intimacy

1. The Woodland Forest – For couples dreaming of a fairy-tale beginning, our Woodland Forest offers a secluded and enchanting setting. Exchange vows under the canopy of ancient trees, surrounded by the gentle sounds of nature.
2. The Meadow – Recently opened, The Meadow is ideal for those who envision a sunny, open-air ceremony. With expansive views and vibrant natural backdrops, it’s perfect for a daytime event or a starlit celebration.
3. Twin Oaks – Twin Oaks provides a serene spot under the shelter of majestic oaks, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels both grand and grounded.
4. The Chapel – For those who prefer a traditional touch, our quaint chapel provides a timeless setting with its rustic charm.

Ideas and Inspiration for Intimate Ceremonies at Oak Hill

At Oak Hill Farm, every intimate wedding and elopement is a unique reflection of the couple’s journey together, set against the stunning backdrop of our various venues. Here, we share some ideas and inspirations that might help envision your perfect day:

• Sunrise and Sunset Ceremonies: Imagine saying your vows as the sun rises or sets, creating a breathtaking ambiance that is both romantic and serene. Our Twin Oaks or The Meadow are perfect for these moments, offering unobstructed views of the sky’s natural beauty.
• Nature as Your Decor: Let the natural beauty of The Woodland Forest serve as your decor. Minimalist floral arrangements, simple pathways lined with lanterns, and the natural canopy of trees create a magical, earthy setting.
• Chapel Intimacy: For those who envision a more traditional setting, our Chapel is ideal for its quaint and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a small gathering. Enhance the space with soft candlelight and classical music to make the ceremony intimate and timeless.
• Pavilion Receptions Under the Stars: Celebrate your reception in our open-air Pavilion, where dreamy lights and rustic elegance set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a delicious, intimate dinner surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature.
• Themed Elopements: Themed elopements are a fun way to celebrate your union in a way that feels exclusively yours. Whether it’s vintage, bohemian, cottage core, or something uniquely personal, Oak Hill Farm’s versatile landscapes offer the perfect canvas for your creative vision.

Why Choose Oak Hill Farm for Your Intimate Wedding or Elopement?

Choosing Oak Hill Farm means more than just a venue; it means a team dedicated to making your small wedding or elopement as stress-free and enchanting as possible. We offer personalized services, from decor to catering, ensuring that your wedding reflects your unique love story.

Whether it’s an elopement or an intimate wedding, Oak Hill Farm offers the privacy, beauty, and personalized attention every couple deserves on their special day. Here, your wedding will not just be an event; it will be a heartfelt celebration of your journey together.

Dreaming of an intimate wedding or a magical elopement? Contact us at info@oakhillfarmgalena.com to learn more about how we can make your small wedding a big moment.

Photos are from Morgan and Hunter’s beautiful spring wedding, photographed by Corrina Nicole Photography.

The Ultimate Guide to a Holiday Weekend Wedding at Oak Hill

Choosing a holiday weekend for your wedding is a great way to add a little extra magic to your special day. We’ve hosted countless holiday wedding weekends at Oak Hill Farm over the years. Needless to say, we know how to turn that long weekend into an unforgettable celebration of love. Let’s dive into why a holiday weekend might just be the perfect time to say “I do.”

Benefits of a Holiday Weekend Wedding

1. Extended Celebrations: One of the best parts about a holiday weekend wedding is the gift of time—time to celebrate, connect, and cherish each moment with loved ones. With an extra day or two, your wedding can evolve from a single-day event to a memorable weekend getaway for your guests.
2. Increased Guest Availability: Holiday weekends generally mean time off work for many of your guests, increasing the likelihood that they can attend without worrying about rushing back to work. This is particularly advantageous for those planning a destination wedding or expecting many out-of-town guests.
3. Memorable Date: Holiday weekends come with a built-in sense of festivity and celebration. Whether it’s the colorful fireworks of a Fourth of July wedding or the cozy charm of a Thanksgiving gathering, these dates make your wedding anniversary all the more memorable.

Things to Consider

1. Accommodation and Travel: Holiday weekends are popular times for travel, so it’s crucial to plan accommodations well in advance. Encourage your guests to book their stay early to avoid the last-minute rush and elevated prices.
2. Venue and Vendor Availability: Given their popularity, holiday weekends often mean venues and vendors are booked early. We recommend securing your date as soon as possible to ensure that your wedding vision becomes a reality.
3. Budget Implications: Be aware that some costs, such as accommodations, travel, and even vendor services, may be higher on significant holiday weekends. Planning ahead can help manage these potential increases.

Planning Tips

1. Send Save-the-Dates Early: With the added complexities of holiday travel, sending your save-the-dates early can make a big difference. We suggest sending them out at least eight to ten months in advance, giving your guests plenty of time to make arrangements.
2. Plan for Traffic and Travel Delays: When planning your wedding timeline, consider potential traffic and travel delays. A little buffer can ensure that your day runs smoothly, and everyone is present for those key moments.
3. Incorporate Holiday Themes: There’s a unique charm in tying your wedding theme to the holiday. Whether it’s subtle touches like floral arrangements in July Fourth colors or a New Year’s Eve countdown toast at midnight, these elements can make your wedding stand out. We’ve even hosted Halloween weddings over the years, and it’s so fun to see our creative couples play into the holiday for their overall wedding vibe.

Highlighting Oak Hill Farm’s Offerings

Oak Hill Farm offers a variety of venues that can beautifully accommodate your holiday weekend wedding. From the rustic elegance of our barn to the serene beauty of our newly introduced Meadow, each setting provides a unique backdrop for your celebration.

Special amenities like our golf cart transport service, on-site catering facilities, and customizable décor options allow us to cater to your specific needs and ensure your wedding is as unique as your love story.

Choosing Oak Hill Farm as your holiday weekend wedding destination ensures a blend of natural beauty, exceptional service, and memorable moments. As you embark on this magical journey, remember that the best celebrations are those spent surrounded by love, laughter, and a touch of Oak Hill charm.

Ready to start planning your holiday weekend wedding? Contact us at info@oakhillfarmgalena.com to discuss your plans or schedule a tour. Let’s make your wedding day as spectacular as your love!

VENDORS SHOWCASED IN THIS BLOG POST:

Shannon and Rick’s summer wedding:

https://www.orangeanchor.photo/

Britnie and Austin’s Halloween wedding:

https://www.orangeanchor.photo/

https://rivervalleydesigns.us/

4th of July wedding:

https://thesiegersphotovideo.com/ 

 

Galena Wedding Venue Cottage Core Wedding Essentials:

How to Incorporate Romantic, Vintage, and Whimsical Elements

Step into a world where whimsy meets vintage elegance: the cottage core wedding. Ideal for couples who cherish the charm of pastoral landscapes and timeless romance, this theme weaves the simplicity and beauty of the countryside with a touch of nostalgic sophistication. In this post, we’ll guide you through selecting the perfect pastoral venue, decorating with idyllic florals, and choosing attire that echoes the ethereal qualities of a bygone era. Dive into the essence of cottage core and discover how to infuse your special day with its enchanting, romantic spirit.

 

Choosing a Galena Wedding Venue

For a cottage core wedding, selecting a venue that epitomizes the idyllic and pastoral essence is key. Oak Hill Farm, with our varied settings, perfectly captures this spirit. Imagine exchanging vows amidst a backdrop of soft, rolling hills, with the gentle sound of animals contributing to the bucolic atmosphere. We also have so much versatility here at Oak Hill Farm, from the enchanting barn to the serene countryside sunsets, each offering a unique canvas for your special day. The presence of wildlife and natural landscapes adds an authentic touch of pastoral life, making every moment picture-perfect and steeped in vintage charm.

 

Florals and Décor

To truly embrace the cottage core aesthetic, florals and décor should reflect an era of vintage elegance mixed with whimsical romance. Think pastel color schemes, floral prints, and the delicate use of lace. Incorporate vintage pieces like colored glassware, brass candleholders, and mismatched china to create a sense of time-honored beauty. Signage with cursive, romantic lettering set against natural materials like wood or aged paper adds a personal touch, while garlands of wildflowers and greenery evoke a sense of being nestled in an enchanted garden.

 

Food and Cocktail Hour

The culinary experience of a cottage core wedding should mirror the freshness of the countryside and the nostalgia of vintage elegance. Opt for farm-to-table fare that highlights the season’s bounty, served on vintage dishware that complements the pastel and floral theme. Colored glassware, not just for decoration but also for serving signature floral-infused cocktails, adds a pop of whimsy. Desserts can be an exploration of floral flavors as well, with lavender-infused cakes, rose petal cupcakes, and edible flowers adorning each delicacy, making them almost too beautiful to eat.

 

Wedding Fashion and Dress Code

Cottage core fashion exudes romance and simplicity, with a nod to vintage styles. Brides might choose dresses with puff sleeves, empire waists, and delicate floral embroidery, embodying the theme’s essence. Fabrics should be light and airy, like chiffon or lace, with a preference for pastel shades that complement the natural surroundings. For grooms, think provincial charm with tweed vests, linen suits, and soft, earthy tones. Encourage guests to embrace the theme with romantic styles, ruffles, and floral accessories, ensuring everyone feels part of this timeless fairy tale.

 

Additional Ideas For Your Cottage Core Wedding

• Stationery: Your invitations and save-the-dates are the first glimpses your guests will have of your wedding theme. Choose paper with a natural texture and edges that mimic hand-torn, adorned with watercolor florals and vintage stamps.
• Entertainment: Consider a folk music ensemble for an authentic auditory experience that complements the bucolic setting. Lawn games like croquet and bocce ball can offer a playful nod to traditional pastimes, adding a layer of whimsical enjoyment for guests.
• Eco-conscious Elements: Emphasize sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices such as using locally sourced flowers, biodegradable decor, and gifts like seed packets or small potted plants that guests can take home and watch grow.

Creating a cottage core wedding is all about embracing the gentle grace of nature, the elegance of vintage aesthetics, and the joy of whimsical details. From the idyllic setting of Oak Hill Farm to the delicate floral touches and pastoral fashion, each element plays a part in crafting a day that feels both timeless and intimately personal. As you plan your wedding, let these ideas inspire you to blend the old with the new in a celebration that’s as unforgettable as your love story. Whether you’re dreaming of soft pastels, floral abundance, or a feast rooted in the bounty of the land, your cottage core wedding will be a beautiful testament to the enduring beauty of love and tradition.

 

The photos in this blog post showcase Julie and Christopher’s beautiful wedding at Oak Hill Farm, a Galena wedding venue:

Photos: Torey Rohde Photography

Venue: Oak Hill Farm

Florist: Clara Joyce Flowers

 

We have been hosting weddings at our family estate for over 24 years. Needless to say, we’ve learned some major tips that help weddings run smoothly! As a bride and groom, your main goal should be to create a wedding weekend that’s fun and memorable. Strategically planning your big day makes that possible. Enjoy some of our top tips to streamline the planning process, reduce stress, and ensure a memorable and beautiful wedding day.

Start with a Clear Vision and Budget: Before diving into the details, have a clear vision of what you want your wedding day to look like. Are you envisioning a grand affair or a more intimate gathering? What style or theme do you prefer? Equally important is setting a realistic budget early on. Knowing your financial parameters will guide your decisions and help avoid unnecessary stress down the line. Remember to allocate a little extra for unforeseen expenses – they happen!

Prioritize Your Vendors: Some aspects of your wedding will be more important to you than others. Identify your top three priorities (e.g., venue, photography, catering) and allocate your budget accordingly. Secure these key vendors early, as the best ones often get booked up quickly. Remember, the quality of your vendors can significantly impact the overall experience of your wedding day.

Create a Detailed Planning Timeline: A well-organized timeline is your best friend when planning a wedding. Break down the planning process into manageable tasks with specific deadlines. This approach not only keeps you on track but also helps distribute the workload over time, making the process less overwhelming. Consider using wedding planning apps or tools to keep everything organized.

Delegate and Ask for Help: Don’t try to do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to trusted friends, family members, or a professional wedding planner who can help bring your vision to life. This not only lightens your load but also involves your loved ones in the joyous process. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on the expertise of others. After all, this is one of the biggest days of your life!

Don’t Forget What’s Important: Amid the hustle and bustle of planning, it’s easy to lose sight of the essence of your wedding day—celebrating your love and commitment to each other. Make decisions that reflect you as a couple, and don’t get too caught up in trying to please everyone else. Take time to enjoy the planning process and envision the joy and love that your wedding day will bring.

We hope these practical tips and reminders help you keep joy and love at the forefront of wedding planning. And remember, we’re here for you every step of the way! If you have questions along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@oakhillfarmgalena.com.

 

Vendors for Alicia and Michael’s beautiful wedding:

Venue: Oak Hill Farm

Photographer: Medina Photo + Film

To me, making a memory has a lot (okay, almost everything) to do with the details. When it comes to weddings, there are so many ways – and most of them are super simple – to make your day stand out. Here are the top five ideas that we love –

1. Your choice of venue speaks the most about who you are as a couple and sets the tone for the party. Whether you are dreaming of a wooded wonderland, a ceremony overlooking the water or a simple white church on a hill, Oak Hill has you covered! If you like twinkle lights, this is your place.
2. The snacks! Who doesn’t love a candy or popcorn buffet (super cute set up in our Country Store)?! Food trucks – yes, please! Coffee and donuts at 10:30pm? SIGN ME UP! There are so many ways to surprise and please your guests (and yourselves!). Provide s’more ingredients at the firepit, incorporate a family cookie recipe into your sweets table or provide candied apples in the schoolhouse. The possibilities are delicious!
3. The drinks! Who doesn’t love an open bar? No one! Many couples who want to limit the alcohol provided choose to serve a few options of mixed drinks along with beer, wine and soft drinks. Other couples choose to provide everything under the sun and that’s fine too! Signature drinks are especially popular and often go with the Oak Hill’s theme of country elegance. We’ve even seen drink signs featuring our donkeys…Earl’s Choice and JoJo’s Choice!
4. Personalizing a program with a timeline of the wedding day and adding a map of our venue goes a long way with guests. When couples are making the most of the various spaces at Oak Hill, it is helpful to include a map that describes what is happening when and where. Guests are much more likely to visit the Country Store, Schoolhouse and Firepit if they know what is featured in each location.
5. Entertainment…even if dancing the night away is your vision, it may not be for every one of your guests. Offering a photobooth (stay tuned for our vintage camper soon to be unveiled!), the firepit, lawn games or even trivia on each table can be great ways to keep your guests engaged for the entire evening. Oh, and cue our miniature donkeys Earl & JoJo to add some special interest to your event!

Some additional ideas to add to the mix include…

• Welcome bags for your out of town guests
• Designing a seating chart to please
• Thinking of guests’ comfort; wraps and flip flops are always a hit
• Lounge areas in and out of the reception area (Oak Hill has plenty!)
• Charging stations throughout the venue
• Creating a wedding hashtag
• Skip traditions that don’t mean anything to you and maybe create something new!