When planning a wedding in Akron, you can start with the obvious, most popular locations for the ceremony--but don't stop there. You can get inventive, and, for some couples, the sky really is the limit!
2- Firestone Country Club
3- Lake Forest Country Club (Hudson)
4- Canterbury Chapel
6- Hilton Quaker Square
7- Sheraton Akron-Cuyahoga Falls (Cuyahoga Falls)
8- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
9- Carriage Trade Farms (Northfield)
10- In a hot air balloon! (various companies)
Undoubtedly, Stan Hywet Hall hosts some of Akron's finest weddings. If the price puts you off, or the date you've set isn't available, don't despair. Stan Hywet hosts smaller weddings in their gatehouse, which is a splendid location in its own right.
The country club set (and those who aspire to it) should inquire about options at Firestone Country Club and, just north of town, Lake Forest Country Club in Hudson. No one can argue with the service at a country club, and since they're accustomed to hosting a crowd, the club will certainly be able to offer you (or your wedding planner) good advice for your big event.
A lesser-known but very appealing option is the Canterbury Chapel, a restored 1927 church that features a huge fireplace and stained-glass windows. The setting is romantic and quiet, and, located just a few minutes from the Akron-Canton Airport, it also makes it easy for the happy couple to escape to their honeymoon. (Plus, they'll feel smart snagging sensible fares from Akron vs. from Cleveland).
Inventive couples may prefer a more unusual setting, such as Akron's own Inventure Place (the Inventor's Hall of Fame). Since they probably won't close the whole hall for your wedding, you'll have to keep the guest list on the short side, but WOW, talk about some interesting wedding photos"¦and your guests can even make their own inventions to take home as favors!
Also downtown, Hilton Quaker Square provides a more traditional wedding venue, and their bridal package makes it both memorable and affordable. A special rate includes champagne in your silo (yes, silo) room, a king-size bed and an extra-late checkout time. (Not familiar with the Hilton Quaker Square? It's a dandy reuse of the original Quaker Oat company silos""featuring unique round rooms!)
Just north a few miles, romance bubbles on the Cuyahoga River at the gorgeous Sheraton Akron/Cuyahoga Falls location, which also offers special bridal packages (for the bridal couple, bridal party, and guests, too!) The Sheraton Falls location sits right up against the boisterous rapids of the Cuyahoga; most rooms on the east side of the hotel have balconies overlooking it. The impeccable service at RiverFront restaurant and Reflections lounge inside perfectly complement the chef's good taste, and since nearly every table in the restaurant comes with a river view, your guests will be impressed.
If a glimpse of the river isn't enough to satisfy the nature lover in you, call the National Park Service to inquire about wedding permits and open dates at various romantic spots in the Cuyhoga Valley National Park. Brandywine Falls has long been a favorite, however, other spots in the valley""the train depot in Peninsula and some of the canal lock sites, for example""are growing in popularity. (Note: permits are required for weddings and for any professional photography in the park""your wedding guests are free to take snapshots, but professionals have to have a permit.)
Just outside of the park's boundaries, Carriage Trade in Northfield offers the ultimate romantic package: say your vows overlooking the falls, and then ride off in a horse-drawn carriage! Length of tours and packages vary. They've got years of experience with weddings of all sorts, so let their experts help you plan the ceremony that will set your heart galloping.
If these suggestions are just too ho-hum for your wedding, consider this: at least two local hot-air balloon companies offer special wedding packages. You could say, "When we said our vows, we were floating on air!" and really mean it. Of course, since most balloons hold 12 people or fewer (including the pilot!) some ceremonies are held with the couple in the balloon, but on the ground, so more guests can witness the main event. Then, the couple takes off""weather permitting, of course. Call America's Unknown Destinations or Fun-Makers for information about how your marriage can start in the skies over Akron, Ohio.
