FEATURED IN
FALL/WINTER 2016
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Your resource guide to planning your Canaan Valley wedding.
< TIE THE KNOT IN >
THE OBERPORTS
CANAAN VALLEY
Located in one of the most stunning natural environments in West Virginia, Canaan Valley is a oneof-a-kind wedding destination, where the land buckles and
folds into spiny ridges and dramatic monoliths. Lush valleys and grassy plains with wildflowers sway in the wind, and snowcapped mountains are stippled with ice-tipped trees. Easily accessible from major interstates and highways, Canaan’s rivers, forests, valleys, and vistas provide limitless opportunities for breathtaking ceremonies and festive receptions. With distinctive venues and lodging options that cater to everything from intimate to large gatherings, you’ll say “I do” to Canaan Valley. For area information, visit canaanvalley.org or call 800.782.2775. CANAAN VALLEY RESORT STATE
KATE FISHER PHOTOGRAPHY (2); WEDDINGS BY ALISA
PARK pulls triple duty as a luxurious resort, a four-season wedding destination, and a pristine 6,000-acre state park. From pre-wedding party outings and bachelor/ bachelorette parties to rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions, Canaan Valley Resort provides enough activities to keep your wedding party entertained for the entire weekend. With space that will accommodate 20 to 300 people and price points for every budget, the resort offers a range of options: from the covered outdoor pavilion with its spectacular view of the mountains, to the ballroom with its wall of windows and panoramic valley vista, to Bear Paw Lodge with its 6,750 square feet of open space and unique mountain setting overlooking the ski slopes. canaanresort.com; 304.866.4121 ext. 2671 BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK is best known for its energetic waters that rush through an eight-mile gorge before plummeting 63 feet into the canyon below. With outdoor and indoor options perfect for the budget-minded bride, the park offers scenic overlooks with endless photo opportunities. Lindy Point is one of the most famous views in the state—a breath-stealing drop-off into Blackwater Canyon where 45 acres of wild country stretch out in all directions. But don’t miss Pendleton Point Overlook, showcasing the canyon’s deepest and widest point, where the dramatic curves of the landscape spread out before you. The Blackwater Falls Conference Center seats 150 guests with floor space for a head table and dancing. blackwaterfalls.com; 304.259.5216
DOLLY SODS With its bogs, heaths, and boulder-strewn plains, Dolly Sods is a unique romantic windswept wedding venue, with terrain more typical of Canada than south of the Mason-Dixon. The view from Dolly Sods’ perch on a ridge to the west of the Allegheny Front is incredible. On a clear day you can see seven mountain ridges across a 30-mile stretch to the east. NELSON FARM is a top-of-the-mountain paradise, owned by Jim and Linda Nelson since 1984. Located two miles from Canaan Valley Resort State Park, it’s a private and secluded venue with panoramic mountain views that gives couples the freedom to build the wedding they want. The barn is a blank slate for rustic weddings, and tables and chairs are provided. Nelson Farm is available for weddings from April to September. 140 Almosta Road, Dryfork; 304.866.8745 (after 5 p.m.) BLACK BEAR RESORT Set on more than 40 landscaped acres, Black Bear Resort offers sweeping views of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Cabin Mountain, and Timberline ski area. Located on Canaan Mountain at the north end of Canaan Valley between Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State Park, four miles from the town of Davis, Black Bear offers several on-site amenities, including an outdoor heated pool, fish ponds, a scenic nature trail, miles of private roads for bike riding, and a large mountain lodge with spacious decks for weddings and receptions. blackbearwv.com; 304.866.4391
For area information, visit canaanvalley.org or call 800.782.2775
MAKE IT A WEEKEND CELEBRATION GROOMSMEN GETAWAY Golf is a major attraction at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, featuring one of the top 10 courses is the state.
CHEERS!
The Perfect Plan ELLA WEDDINGS & EVENTS specializes in
OUTDOOR RECREATION Whether it’s fishing, shooting clays, kayaking, whitewater rafting, tubing, hiking, mountain biking, or skiing, there’s an abundance of activities for the outdoor enthusiast.
SCENIC CHAIR LIFT Want to see the views from the highest peaks? Both Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort offer year-round chair lift rides for amazing vistas.
eclectic, vintage, handmade, and unique specialty rentals as well as custom design and décor styling. Planning packages include: “The Real Deal”, Full Planning & Design; “Half Way There”, Partial Planning & Design; and “No Worries Wedding Weekend”, Day-of Coordination. Ella Weddings & Events has a storefront in Thomas curated and owned by Erika Smith, where you’ll find everything including custom paper goods, repurposed and handmade furniture, décor, and antiques. Her shop is the go-to place for the area’s vintage event rentals and wedding and event planning services. Erika says, “I truly believe that life (and love) is better in the mountains. As a Mountain State native, I have a deep love for my home, my state, and people, and nothing makes me more happy than being able to bring big dreams to life for couples who want to celebrate their love and new beginnings among the mountains. Let’s adventure together.” ellaandcompanywv@gmail.com; 250 East Avenue, Thomas; 304.614.7273; facebook.com/ellaandcompanywv
Tucker’d? You and your guests will enjoy the wide variety of lodging options. From slopeside vacation homes with hot tubs and premium amenities to an abundance of hotel/motel rooms to lodge accommodations at the resorts, the choice is yours. CANAAN VALLEY RESORT STATE PARK With 160 new guest rooms and fireplace suites and 23 cabins and cottages for your guests’ accommodations as well as amenities that include an indoor pool, hot tub, saunas, 18-hole golf course, scenic chairlift rides, and more; Canaan Valley Resort is perfect for weddings, of all needs and sizes. Add delicious cuisine catered by the resort’s chef, and your wedding will be memorable not only for you, but for your guests as well. canaanresort.com; 304.866.4121, ext. 2671
BLACK BEAR RESORT Black Bear Resort may be best known for its charming pedestal homes, but there are also large suites in the inn that overlook Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. With amenities that include an outdoor heated pool, fish ponds, mini golf, playground, tennis, basketball, volleyball, a nature trail, 24-hour security, miles of private roads for riding bikes, and a large mountain lodge with large decks for meetings, events, weddings, or reunions, your wedding party will never want to leave. blackbearwv.com; 304.866.4391/800.553.2327
For area information, visit canaanvalley.org or call 800.782.2775
CALLIE LINDSEY PHOTOGRAPHY; MYKAH PHOTOGRAPHY
Celebrate with a before- and/ or after-party at one of the area’s amazing craft breweries, music venues, or coffee shops. Stumptown Ales, Mountain State Brewery, Blackwater Brewing Company, Purple Fiddle, and Tip Top are popular spots.
THE OBERPORTS
BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK
TIMBERLINE FOUR SEASONS RESORT
Blackwater Falls State Park is an iconic four-season state park, offering 54 lodge guest rooms that provide sweeping views of the densely forested gorge. In addition to lodge rooms, there are 39 fully furnished cabins—13 deluxe cabins and 26 vacation cabins—to choose from. blackwaterfalls.com; 304.259.5216
While there are plenty of adventures to be had in the area, another option is to just relax while you are at Timberline resort. Timbers Inn, a slopeside hotel, offers all the amenities you need to kick back after a day of celebrating. Vacation homes and condominiums are another option. Many homes feature hot tubs, decks, and fireplaces. t4sr. com; 866.438.7259
GOLDEN ANCHOR CABINS
RENT A VACATION HOME
Conveniently located two miles south of Canaan Valley State Park with panoramic views of Mount Porte Crayon, one of the five highest points on the Eastern Continental Divide, Golden Anchor Cabins offers luxury honeymoon cabin rentals with private hot tubs and gas fireplaces. Enhance your stay by adding hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries, a custom welcome banner, a rose petal heart on the bed, a dozen long stem roses, and a chilled bottle of wine. goldenanchorcabins.com; 304.866.2722
With a plethora of rental companies in the area offering everything from intimate cabins perfect for the honeymooning couple to estate homes large enough to house your entire wedding party, it’s easy to make your destination wedding a weekend-long affair.
For area information, visit canaanvalley.org or call 800.782.2775
BEST OF CANAAN bestofcanaan.com; 304.866.8680/877.484.8680 CANAAN REALTY canaanrealty.com; 304.866.4400/800.448.0074 MOUNTAIN TOP REALTY mountaintoprealty.com; 304.866.4300/800.624.4341 TIMBERLINE FOUR SEASONS REALTY t4sr.com; 304.866.2127/866.438.7259
Bear Paw Lodge overlooks the slopes, photo courtesy of Canaan Valley Resort. Brides have many indoor reception sites to choose from, photo courtesy of The Oberports.
Countryside weddings are popular, photo courtesy of Photography by Amanda. Nelson Farms has indoor and outdoor options, photo courtesy of Erika Smith. Indoor sites
are easily personalized, photo courtesy of The Oberports. Old Timberline offers scenic backdrops, photo courtesy of The Oberports.
For area information, visit canaanvalley.org or call 800.782.2775
Top Spots for Photo Ops Mother Nature is a guest at your wedding. Encompassing some of the most majestic scenery in the highlands, it will feel as if you’ve stepped into a painting. Here scenic destinations outnumber traffic lights and your options for fabulous photography know no bounds. In Canaan Valley, the highest valley east of the Mississippi,
THE OBERPORTS; CALLIE LINDSEY PHOTOGRAPHY; JESSICA WALDO
1. Dolly Sods Wilderness The 17,000-acre Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in the Monongahela National Forest is filled with heart-stopping scenic opportunities—from blueberry bogs to waterfalls to plateaus of pines. Bear Rocks Preserve is a boulderstrewn, windswept expanse that lies on a ridge crest that forms part of the Eastern Continental Divide.
2. Blackwater Falls It’s easy to get to a beautiful spot to capture the tumbling headwaters of the Blackwater River plunging 63 feet behind you. With a well-maintained wooden walkway and stairs, the path to the falls offer several viewing platforms that place the falls in picture perfect position.
3. Lindy and Pendleton Point Overlooks These two locations located within Blackwater Falls State Park are a short hike and the vistas are worth it. The dramatic dips and curves of Blackwater Canyon are a breathtaking backdrop.
NEED A CATERER? If your reception is held at Canaan Valley Resort State Park or Blackwater Falls State Park, your catering needs will be provided by the venue. But for other locations, check out these creative culinary options. White Grass Café, 304.866.4114, wgcafe@yahoo.com is known for its vegetarian options and locally sourced cuisine and exceptional service. Sirianni’s 304.259.5454 is an institution in the valley, known for its casual fare and range of home-style options. Tuscan Grille Catering, 304.478.4020, dishes out Americana cuisine. Be sure to try the much-requested Oak Barrel Steak. For area information, visit canaanvalley.org or call 800.782.2775
4. Canaan Valley National Wildlife Area The 16,000-acre refuge is comprised of unique topography. The expansive views over grasslands and wetlands are bookended by mountains and dotted with wildflowers, waterways, and manicured trails.
FLORALS For your bouquets, centerpieces, and floral décor, these area florists will help make your vision a reality. Morning Glory Floral by Heather Nelson morninggloryfloralwv@gmail.com; facebook.com/morninggloryfloralwv; Thomas Yard, 304.463.4999; Steven’s Florist, 304.478.2161.