Many couples get engaged on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or Valentine’s Day— all right around the corner. And shortly after showing off the engagement ring to family and friends, the happy couple starts planning the ‘big day.’
Kate Manders, owner of Scarlet Oaks Estate off U.S. Route 68 in Findlay, knows about the stresses and joys of creating a perfect wedding day. She’s hosted over 100 weddings at Scarlet Oaks since it opened in 2015. “Every wedding here has been unique and special,” she says. “I love getting to know my brides!”
Set the date, find a location
The first step in wedding planning in setting a date and finding a location. A destination wedding venue, Scarlet Oaks isn’t just popular with locals. “We’ve hosted weddings for couples across the country and even had a couple from London, England get married here,” Kate explains. For some, Findlay, Ohio, happens to be a central location for families living on opposite ends of the country. Other out-of-towners have just fallen in love with the country setting and offerings at Scarlet Oaks.
Wedding in the country
Every wedding package at Scarlet Oaks includes access to the entire property, 13 country acres with mature trees, a fenced pasture and meandering stream; a 1900s-era wood barn; 1865 historic 4,880 square feet Manor House; and a comfortable cottage. “We provide the tables and chairs and set up,” explains Kate. “Couples make their own arrangements for caterers and decorators.”
The barn, a stunning spot for a weddings is rustic and charming, with a beautiful crystal chandelier, wooden floors and large barn doors that slide open to let in the breeze and sunshine. Handicap accessible with an adjacent indoor restroom facility, the barn can accommodate 155 guests for dinner. Tents are provided and can be set up in the pasture to accommodate larger weddings.
The Big Day
The Manor House is reserved for the bride and her bridesmaids, where guests can stay overnight one or two nights before the wedding. Featuring a kitchen and living areas, three bedrooms and 2 ½ baths, plus a specially-designed pink room for the bride to get ready. Kate says, “Brides enjoy being photographed in this room because it’s so picturesque.”
The Cottage— with a game room, three bedrooms and 1½ baths— is perfect for the groom and groomsmen before the wedding.
Wedding festivities (and guests) usually spill out onto the shaded grounds with mature trees surrounded by pastures and farm fields. Many couples choose to get married outdoors beneath a wooden arbor that can be draped with fresh flowers.
For Kate, nothing beats the magic of giving a couple a memorable wedding day. “I’ve had brides literally cry when they see this place because it fits their ideal of a dream wedding venue,” she says. “I love building relationships with couples and providing that personal touch to make their day special.”
To learn more about Scarlet Oaks Estate
and to preview upcoming public events, visit
scarletoaksestate.com or email Kate Manders
at scarletoaksestate@gmail.com.
