Weddings are no longer just about one day—they’re about the experience. The connection. The memories built with the people who matter most. That’s why wedding weekends have become such a powerful trend among couples looking to create a deeper, more immersive celebration.
At Nature Valley Lodge, we’ve designed our entire property to support multi-day weddings that feel intentional, elegant, and completely effortless. Whether you’re dreaming of a full destination wedding or simply want to stretch the magic a little longer, here’s how to plan a wedding weekend that takes full advantage of everything NVL has to offer.
Why plan a wedding weekend?
A wedding weekend gives you time. Time to connect, time to relax, and time to actually enjoy the moment with your guests, instead of rushing from ceremony to send-off. It also gives your loved ones a chance to bond and explore, especially when your venue offers more than just a beautiful ceremony space.
With 53 acres of fields, trails, lodging, and lakefront views, Nature Valley Lodge offers the perfect setting for a wedding weekend rooted in nature, family, and intentionality.
Sample wedding weekend itinerary at NVL
Friday: Arrival & Rehearsal
Guests begin arriving and settle into the on-site accommodation, including the historic Farmhouse, located just steps from the Lodge. Larger groups check into the Smucker Family Cottage, a spacious home across the road, or the Sherwood Forest Park Ranch, just minutes away.
Kick off the weekend with a rehearsal dinner or welcome cookout. The Cottage’s deck and game area—with four lighted pickleball courts, bocce ball, and a game room with a stage—make it easy to host casual fun. Add a bonfire or lakeside gathering to get everyone in the celebratory spirit.
Saturday: Ceremony & Celebration
Wake up to birdsong and a cup of coffee on the Farmhouse porch. Take a morning walk around Hoyt Lake, enjoy a moment of reflection by the dock, or stretch out in the Lodge’s private dressing rooms.
The ceremony takes place against the sweeping views of our spring-fed lake and the warm timber frame of the Lodge, providing a stunning backdrop. Cocktail hour can unfold on the deck for up to 40 guests, followed by dinner and dancing inside our 9,000+ sq. ft. venue, built by Amish craftsmen with massive Douglas Fir beams and a handcrafted tongue-and-groove ceiling.
Rain or shine, your celebration is powered—literally—by our on-site 50,000-watt generator, so there’s no interruption, even in a storm.
Sunday: Farewell & Forest Walks
Cap the weekend with a farewell brunch on the lawn or at the Cottage, featuring fruit from our on-site orchard and organic gardens. For those lingering a bit longer, explore the trails at Sherwood Forest Park, a 22-acre wooded nature preserve with private hiking and biking paths.
It’s a peaceful, connected way to close a beautiful weekend.
Why choose Nature Valley Lodge for your weekend wedding in Ohio?
On-site lodging makes it seamless
Nature Valley Lodge offers three distinct properties, allowing you to host guests close to the event while giving everyone a space to call home:
The Farmhouse, a restored century-old home steps from the Lodge, features two bedrooms, tall ceilings, vintage appliances, and a yard full of mature trees—including a rare blackberry tree that can drop 1,000 berries a day in season.
The Smucker Family Cottage, once owned by the Smucker family of Orrville, includes five bedrooms, outdoor courts, a game room, and space for up to 10 guests.
Sherwood Forest Park, a six-bedroom ranch on 22 acres of forest, offers true privacy, pet-friendly space, and incredible natural beauty.
We also partner with Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Orrville for overflow guests, and shuttle service is available by request for easy transport between venues and lodging.
Learn more about our accommodations here
2. Local Experiences & Add-Ons
Planning a wedding weekend in North Lawrence opens the door to exploring Wayne County and the surrounding Amish Country. Your guests can enjoy:
Winery tours and tastings at local vineyards
Fresh produce from nearby farm stands and orchards
Antique shopping and artisan crafts
Spa services, trail walks, or quiet lakeside reading
A yoga class or sound bath in the lodge or on the deck
A group visit to a local Amish bakery or market
Guided hikes or bike rides through our private trails
We’re happy to help recommend vendors and build a weekend itinerary that matches your vibe, whether it’s relaxed, adventurous, or something in between.
Planning tips for a smooth wedding weekend
Book early: We recommend 9–18 months in advance for peak season weekends (May–October)
Use our planning portal (Weven) to stay organized and manage vendor coordination
Built-in downtime: Leave space for guests to explore, rest, and connect
Create welcome bags with local treats, schedules, and maps
Communicate clearly: Send a weekend itinerary in advance so guests know what to expect
Our on-site team is here to help coordinate logistics and ensure your wedding weekend is smooth, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Ready to make it a weekend to remember?
Nature Valley Lodge was built for timeless celebrations. With handcrafted beauty, forested privacy, and every amenity you need for a multi-day wedding in Ohio, get ready for a weekend that feels like a true getaway. Whether you’re planning a relaxed country celebration, an intentional wellness retreat, or a multi-day wedding with all your favorite people, Nature Valley Lodge in North Lawrence, Ohio, is waiting to welcome you.
Tour the property, meet the team, and start building a weekend filled with joy, ease, and unforgettable moments.
Contact us to schedule your tour or check availability
