Your Lakeside Wedding Venue for Scenic Outdoor Celebrations in Ohio
Outdoor Garden Weddings at Nature Valley Lodge
Say “I do” by the water, then celebrate on the garden terraces with an easy move into the lodge when it's time to dine and dance.
For couples dreaming of an outdoor wedding venue surrounded by natural beauty, our lakeside ceremony space delivers. With peaceful water as your backdrop and mature trees framing the setting, it’s an idyllic location for spring, summer, and early fall celebrations. Nestled on our family farm in North Lawrence,Ohio, you are an easy trip from Akron and Canton and within reach of the Cleveland area. If you are comparing lakeside wedding venues or garden wedding venues in Ohio, our space blends both.
What makes lakefront weddings special at Nature Valley Lodge
Exchange your vows by the water in a natural, garden-inspired setting. The ceremony site sits steps from the lodge, giving guests wide views and your wedding party effortless access. The upper and lower terraces offer ample space for mingling, a cocktail hour, and additional seating.
The open-air ceremony space lets you embrace the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing comfort. From the moment guests arrive to the final lakeside photos, every detail of your wedding day is enhanced by the surrounding views, lush greenery, and timeless charm of Nature Valley Lodge.
Your lakeside celebration could look like this…
Garden ceremony beneath the open-air timber arbor with a tree-lined backdrop and the lake in view to one side.
Champagne hour and cocktails on the garden terrace, with the lake as your backdrop and easy group photos while guests mingle.
Style pub tables with umbrellas, cafe tables, soft seating on the upper terrace overlooking the water or keep toasts outdoors, then step inside the lodge for dinner and dancing under timber beams.
Golden-hour portraits along the shoreline and on the terraces
Plan B that still feels like Plan A
Ohio weather can change quickly. You’ll have an indoor layout on standby in the lodge with floor-to-ceiling windows, climate control, heated floors, and a full-power backup generator. Covered walkways and terraces make quick transitions simple, so the day stays relaxed. If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding without compromising on style, our lodge keeps the lake as your backdrop while you enjoy warm, elegant indoor spaces.
What is included in your venue hire
Lakeside ceremony site with natural, garden-style surroundings
Upper and lower terraces for cocktails and outdoor seating
Lawn access for games and open-air moments
Lodge access for hybrid or full indoor reception plans
Tables, chairs, bar stations, and dishware
Remote indoor microphone and speaker system
Professional catering kitchen for licensed caterers
Event setup and standard cleaning
Ample on-site parking, valet service available for an upcharge
Optional hosted bar packages in four tiers, with bar staff, setup, and glassware included
Nature Valley Lodge is the perfect outdoor venue for you, if:
You want a lakeside wedding venue with room to celebrate outdoors
You are seeking a wedding venue with outdoor ceremony space and flexible reception options
You love the idea of a lakefront wedding venue with terraces and lawn for mingling
You want a weather-ready plan that keeps the day easy and elegant
You would like on-site lodging to turn the celebration into a weekend together
Keep everyone close with on-site accommodations just steps away. Host a welcome evening with bonfire the night before, enjoy a slow morning by the lake, and share brunch the next day without leaving the property.
Why not make it a full-on wedding weekend?
The Farmhouse: Situated right next to the lodge, sleeps 6 guests.
Smucker’s Country Cottage: Sleeps 10 with games and hot tub.
Sherwood Park Ranch: Surrounded by nature, sleeps 12.
Venue Rental Breakdown
2025
Starting at…
Friday - $6,000
Saturday - $7,500
Sunday - $4,500
2026
Peak Season (May - October)
Friday - $8,000
Saturday - $12,500
Sunday - $6,000
Off Season (Nov - April)
Friday - $6,000
Saturday - $8,000
Sunday - $4,500
Holiday Rates
Memorial Weekend, July 4th, Labour Day Weekend, New Year’s
Eve & Day - $12,500
FAQs
Here are a few questions we hear most as couples plan. If something’s missing, reach out and we’ll guide you.
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June to October is usually great for outdoor lakeside ceremonies with more favourable weather conditions.
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You, as the couple, your wedding planner/coordinator and the venue lead make the decision to seamlessly move the activities inside.
You can have your ceremony at the split staircase, use the loft for cocktail hour and appetizers.
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Yes, feel free to work through the details and your vision with us. The couple will be responsible for any tent rental fees. Additional venue charges will apply for the set up of tables/chairs outside.
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Yes, all items will need to be rented through a venue-approved vendor. Rental costs will belong to the couple.
The approved vendor list is provided to couples who book with NVL.
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Yes, professional DJs are allowed to provide outdoor music. All music and activities must conclude by 11pm. You can also have live band or musicians.
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Yes. Choose the caterers, planners, and creatives you love, as long as they are licensed, full-service and insured. No drop off service. Food trucks are still required to have servers for clearing tables and clean up. We provide planning tools and layout guides to make setup easy.
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Yes. You can choose from four package options. Package pricing is per person:
• The Lake: $14
• The Garden: $27
• The Barn: $42
• Platinum: $49
Package price includes 6.5% tax and 15% service fee. Review package details on the Beverage Options Page.
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No. All alcohol/beverages must be purchased through our venue drink packages; outside alcohol is not permitted. Choose from four curated options, including the Lake Package for events without alcohol.
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Sparklers: Yes, outdoors only with a few safety guidelines such as adult supervision, metal buckets with sand/water for disposal, and a designated exit area.
Confetti: Only biodegradable/dried flower petals are permitted outdoors.
Open-flame décor: Allowed only when fully enclosed in glass (votives, hurricanes, cylinders). No exposed tapers.
Sky lanterns: prohibited
Cold Sparks: prohibited
Fireworks: prohibited
If you’re planning a send-off, let us know. We’ll share the exact setup spot and timing to keep everything beautiful and safe.
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Yes. For food trucks, they need to be a licensed vendor with staff to clear tables, clean up and bring their own generator. No outdoor electrical hook up.
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Yes, we love seeing furbabies included in the ceremonies and photos. Afterwards, pets will need to be taken off venue property for the remainder of the event.
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Upon Booking: $2,000 non-refundable booking fee at signing
9 months before: 100% of venue rental due
3 months before: 80% of bar package + taxes/service charge due
14 days before: Final bar balance and guest count due
Post-Event: Any additional charges due immediately; refunds processed within 10 business days
Ready to Plan Your Outdoor Lakeside Wedding?
Check dates, request a quote, or schedule a site tour. If you are exploring outdoor wedding venues or lakeside venues for weddings in Ohio, we would love to show you around Nature Valley Lodge.