Planning a Wedding Weekend at Nature Valley Lodge: Tips for a Seamless, Multi-Day Celebration
Why Plan a Wedding Weekend?
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.
A wedding weekend gives you time. Time to connect, time to relax, time to actually enjoy the moment with your guests instead of rushing from ceremony to sendoff. 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.
What a Wedding Weekend Looks Like at NVL
Friday: Arrival & Rehearsal
Guests begin arriving and settle into the on-site 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 with sweeping views of our spring-fed lake and the warm timber frame of the Lodge as your 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.
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.
Read more about our accommodations →
Local Experiences & Add-Ons
Planning a wedding weekend in North Lawrence opens the door to exploring Wayne County and 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
Build 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 waitng to welcome you.
Tour the property, meet the team, and start building a weekend filled with joy, ease, and unforgettable moments.