Oglebay Weddings | An Insider’s Guide

Hello and WELCOME to the Oglebay Weddings insider’s guide written by me, a photographer, who has no official affiliation with Oglebay except it’s my favorite wedding venue to photograph! I’ve got a decade’s worth of wedding photos at this venue on my hard drive and hopefully many more in the future so it’s my hope you landed here because you’re planning your own event at one of Oglebay’s many options. Full disclaimer – I recently took a website course that recommended blogging one of your favorite spots where you’ve provided a service and as a huge blogger myself, there was no question for me…not one…it was going to be this venue. So, HERE WE GO! By reading this I aim to help you know all things Oglebay – inside and out – from someone unbiased who’s worked behind the scenes. ENJOY and happy planning!

WELCOME to the wild, wonderful state of West Virginia! This venue, in my opinion, is one of the best kept destination secrets in our state! Nestled in the northern panhandle less than two hours from both Pittsburgh and Columbus, Oglebay offers the mountain view experience, a dramatic cadence of all four seasons and so many options and variety for your big day. There’s no way you can have an Oglebay wedding or event and not have it be unique! So, if you’re looking for the big destination wedding experience with the small town culture and kindness feel, look no further…you’ve found it. I’ve photographed people and weddings of all kinds throughout the years and I can’t ever pick a favorite because there’s always just…something…about these weddings. Let me show you!

I’m about to break it down more for you below based on my own experiences as a wedding photographer!

Let’s start with ceremony spaces!

Alright! Let’s break it down even further and discuss my thoughts…and all the nitty gritty from a photographer’s standpoint!

WEST SPA PATIO

West Spa Patio (My FAVORITE): I don’t know what it is about the West Spa Patio, but it’s my favorite of all the ceremony options on site at Oglebay. Check out that VIEW! It’s easy to access being that it’s connected to the lodge. THAT makes it easier for your guests too. No traveling from one location to another except on foot. However, THIS can become tricky for some guests because Oglebay’s floors don’t line up. What do I mean? Well, when you’re walking through their large lodge, past the restaurant and toward the West Spa Patio, you’ll find yourself on level B2. However, once you cross their bridge, you’ll find yourself on L4. Level 2 straight to 4?! With no stairs or elevator rides? HOW? Have no fear, the staff at Oglebay (or even another happy passerby) will be happy to help point guests in the right direction and I highly recommend signage throughout the lodge to make it easy for guests to find their own way. Huge bonus, there are elevators available so guests needing accessibility options will be able to get to your ceremony with ease. The only con I can really point out about this location aside from the field trip you may go on to get there…is the heat. OooOo the HEAT! If you’re having a summer wedding and the heat isn’t for you, you may want to consider one of their other locations like the Iron Gates. The beautiful concrete stone is stunning to the eye but boy OooOo boy does it radiate the heat. So, not only will you get sun from above, you’re going to get heat from below (I mean…in the winter? YES!). Keep this in mind too if your furry friends are attending the wedding! They may need booties or at least something to stand/lay on to protect their paws from the hot ground.

Advantages: Customize your layout! There are many options to customize your chair layout the way you’d like. I’ve had couples have chairs placed in traditional lines, or curved and I even had one couple change the whole direction of their ceremony (which is great so guests aren’t staring into the sun). Connected to the lodge (close to guests’ rooms, no traveling plus quick access to covered areas in the event of bad weather). No grass means no mud! And well, it’s GORGEOUS.

Things to Consider: Bathrooms not super close. Possible longer trek to get there depending on where you park or where you are staying. Hot in sun. Sometimes very windy.

Tips: Use signage to aide guests to navigating Oglebay’s massive lodge. Prepare for the heat (think parasols or fans). Prepare for the wind (hair up, veil tucked, etc). Have guests not staying in the lodge utilize the back parking lot if they’d like near the West Spa entrance (this will put their parking spot farther from Glessner if you’d having that space for your reception, however).

FORMAL GARDENS

Formal Gardens: Located just minutes away from the lodge right behind and to the side of Oglebay’s famous, yellow mansion, and smack dap in the middle of their stunning floral gardens, this location is quite grand and you really need to visit it to experience the feeling you get when you walk up on it. It offers both sun and shaded areas. MAYBE this is my second favorite ceremony location? It’s hard to decide. Everyone sits in the grass but that’s ok because anyone needing accessibility options can utilize the ramp to reach the top level (important to note there are stairs to get to the bottom level). You are going to want everyone to come down the same side during processional unless your photographer has a strong second shooter (or you forgo the photo from the back) because it’s a large area so covering the wedding party coming down both sides can be tricky. You do have the option to do curved chairs or straight lines, guests on one level or both.

Advantages: Sun and shade! Accessible (easy unloading and loading area for vehicles plus the ramp to the upper grass level). Bathrooms on site right off to the side. Well, it’s just gorgeous and Oglebay’s flowers are unmatched so guests get lots of viewing pleasure, as well. There are covered areas near in the event of a pop up rainstorm.

Things to Consider: No center aisle. I have seen weddings where they have added a ramp over the pool (barely visible in the photo above). This was years ago so I would ask one of Oglebay’s wedding specialists if this is still allowed (it’s also an extra cost on your part). The grass levels are tiered (as you’ll see below). If you’re having a large wedding, guests will be seated together, but on different levels, as pictured (above).

Tips: Provide parasols or fans in the hot summer months. Be prepared – that brick will grab a bride’s dress and veil…like I mean grab it and hang on pulling backwards. Put on that poker face and keep walking! I’ve got plenty of outtakes of this happening – TRUST! I always tell my brides to tuck their veil under their armpits.

IRON GATES

Iron Gates: Coming in hot with #3 – this ceremony location is way back behind Oglebay’s yellow mansion. Do you want a truly GRAND march down a long aisle to build up suspense for the most perfect moment? Well, this is your ceremony spot! There is nothing like the walk a bride or groom makes down this brick path to get to the front of this ceremony space. Stone pillars and a black iron gate are the center point of this stunning space and if you’re a lover of all things fall, I CAN attest that this space has the most beautiful fall colors and fall foliage (toward the end of October/beginning of November). This space can also be easily accessed by a close parking lot (back there where the trolley is parked in the photo above) but a lot of people may not know about that parking lot or find it. Signage may be wise for this location, as well, to help your guests get there fast. BUT…if you want them to enjoy all that is Oglebay (their flowers are to-die-for gorgeous), let ’em walk! They’ve got a good bit of steps to get in to get from the mansion’s parking lot to this area. Make sure to tell any person with a disability needing accessible options to utilize the parking lot close to this location (not the mansion’s parking lot).

Advantages: Close parking lot for accessibility options. Far parking lot to ultimate leisurely walk and guest experience. Lots of shade close. Long, Center Aisle. Both sun and shade.

Things to Consider: It’s possible you’ll have walkers who often enjoy Oglebay’s views with their friends or pups but most people are super respectful and some even stop and watch you get married. If you’re having an October wedding, Oglebay’s October fest tents can be set up so make sure to plan accordingly. Snow fences are often in the background in the winter. Parking can be tricky if you don’t know about the upper lot that is close and many guests will find themselves on a long stroll (but again it’s beautiful…so there’s that). Light can be super harsh – hot sun to dark shade spots.

Tips: Provide your guests with a map of Oglebay and give them their options. I’m a walker so I’ll always choose the longer route. Oglebay has maps available on their site. Use signage for the accessible parking lot and/or put a note in your invitation. Provide parasols/fans in those hot summer months. Wear comfy shoes!

Extra Note from a Photographer’s Standpoint: The light can be very “spotty” in this location especially during the summer with the trees. Make sure your photographer is aware and comfortable with “spotty light”. Ceremonies can be tricky because we can’t stop and move you for the best light so it’s nice to be prepared. You can catch walkers and snow fences in the background too so some photoshop work may be necessary for a clean photo. The red brick creates what we call a “color cast” leaving a red/orange hue on your dress and under you chin. This is “extreme” and something only photographers usually thing about but something worth mentioning. A newer photographer may struggle to remove the color cast in post production.

MANSION LAWN

Mansion Lawn: Want a covered ceremony location? Oglebay’s famous, yellow mansion is one of those spots everyone knows about…or someone positively gushes over once they see it for the first time. While not as popular as the first three ceremony locations, this one has so many advantages. It’s just steps away from the parking lot and has a great loading and unloading area for those needing accessibly options. Bathrooms are close (down by the formal gardens and/or welcome center).

Advantages: Easy to access with large parking lot nearby. Bathrooms are close. Both sun and shade options for guests. Couple is covered from rain and sun.

Things to Consider: Not too many cons with this location. The center aisle is curved if we’re being super picky and have to find something…but again, that’s being super fussy! The big beautiful, white pillars may block a few guests view. Near the 4th of July, the lawn is decorated with flags so keep that in mind, as well. I’m all for being patriotic (my husband has had a career in the military) BUT hundreds of American flags may not match your wedding aesthetic so it’s worth mentioning.

Tips: None that I can think of off the top of my head. This location is pretty straightforward.

FORT HENRY ROOM

Fort Henry Room: Having a wedding during the cold winter months or rainy season? Want a back up location in the event is rains for your summer wedding? This is the room for you!

Advantages: Fantastic indoor space for ceremonies. Oglebay does a great job of keeping it private (see the blinds on the windows to the left?). The ambiance is unmatched. There’s a lounge right outside where guests can mingle. Located inside the lodge.

Things to Consider: Smaller space in comparison to the above options. It’s DARK in this room (but this is also a pro for the ambiance). Lots of traffic outside the room during peak season (especially Christmas). TVs on the wall (covered in draping to the right in the photo above). Some couples put monograms on the TVs!

Tips: Prepare your photographer for a DARK room. This may be one of the darkest ceremony spaces I photograph. While some utilize flash, most of my couples prefer the ambiance so make sure your photographer has equipment and capability to shoot in low light situations.

GLESSNER AUDITORIUM

Glessner Auditorium: Want the total WOW factor? This venue space is GRAND and like no other and what will give your guests the ultimate “stop in your tracks” moment when entering. It’s nestled inside the lodge but away from all the hustle and bustle right down the hall from check in and reception. Guests can very easily find this room and there are bathrooms super close typically not being used by anyone else in the back. Cocktail hour can be held in the hallway, the gathering area outside the ballroom, or in the lawn – so lots of options. Want to be able to sneak out for those golden hour and sunset moments without your guests knowing? That spot is just steps out the door so you’ll be there and back without anyone missing you on the dance floor!

Advantages: This room is LARGE. If you’re having a large wedding, this is probably at the top of the list of options for you! You can use the stage to utilize your wedding party table. Because of the large, tall ceilings, you can have some kind of ceiling treatment installed for that extra punch of decor. Close to the parking lot. Can’t beat it golden hour and sunset location.

Things to Consider: The ceiling is tall. Both your DJ and photographer should be aware of this. The room is set up with levels so guests won’t all be seating on the same level by about two steps (have no fear, they’re still very close).

PINE ROOM

Pine Room: Just minutes down the road from the lodge and nestled in the hollow near some of the small creeks, this space gives you that “lodge vibe” but in different ways. We can call this venue “quaint” in a way…but also giving you that elegant feel. Cocktail hour can be held on their newly renovated patio just outside the door and triple bonus…you can have your ceremony, cocktail hour AND reception all in one place. Guests park…and never have to go anywhere else!

Advantages: Everything can be in one place (but doesn’t have to be). You CAN have your ceremony at their other locations, if you wish. You can bring in your own caterer (this was an old “rule” that may have changed as I type this…please check with a wedding specialist). Easy unloading and loading for vendors and guests. It tends to be cooler in temperature down here than some of the other locations.

Things to Consider: It’s a dark room. Your photographer should be prepared for this and have knowledge and use flash. During peak pool season, you can expect lots of activity around this venue as the pool is connected to this building and located on a lower level. For ceremonies, the parking lot falls in the background BUT Oglebay has added some trees creating some background.

LAKEVIEW BALLROOMS

Lakeview Ballrooms (West Ballrooms): The one thing about Oglebay weddings is that you don’t have to go with their typical lodge vibe. Want a traditional ballroom feel? THIS is your reception venue at Oglebay and it’s not like any of the others! This newly renovated space features subtle colors so almost any wedding vibe and aesthetic can be incorporated (I’ve also done ceremonies in this space as an indoor option during the winter months). It’s bright without being too much with average height, white ceilings. It’s probably the “easiest” space to photograph, in my opinion.

Advantages: Traditional ballroom feel. Inside Oglebay’s lodge. Restaurant right next door. Bathrooms close.

Things to Consider: There could be traffic outside the ballroom during peak season. There is a restaurant/bar right next door (but I can’t remember ever hearing sound bleeding through). The elevator is not close but still totally accessible for guests (use the elevator near the check in desk, go up, then through the lounge and past the restaurant).

FORT HENRY ROOM

Fort Henry Room: Not just for ceremonies but receptions too – think smaller weddings. This room is utilized a lot for indoor ceremonies, as mentioned above, but I’ve also photographed wedding receptions in this room for smaller weddings and elopements.

Advantages: It’s part of Oglebay’s main lodge. Amazing lounge area outside room. Warm and cozy.

Things to Consider: It’s a dark room (do you see a recurring theme here?). Your photographer should be aware of this. Lots of traffic outside (I find it’s a quiet room so this shouldn’t deter you too much).

ADDITIONAL OGLEBAY WEDDINGS RECEPTION SPACES

Terrance Dining Room: Having a small, intimate gathering? Think SMALL wedding groupings who aren’t having all the traditional happenings and partying and this is your “reception”, dinner space. I’ve done wedding “receptions” in this room that were actually just intimate dinners with cake cutting and a first dance. Most people don’t even have a DJ in this room.

Wheeling’s White Palace: This is a whole other venue by itself located off Oglebay’s main property but still in Wheeling, WV. Located about 5 miles (under 15 minutes) from Oglebay’s other venues, the White Palace is a popular spot for many local couples. The closest hotel is just down the road with Oglebay’s lodge being another great option for guests.

Camp Russell: This location is past Oglebay’s Good Zoo and gives a very private experience with the lodge and cabins ever so close. Bonus – there is both a shelter for a ceremony and a room for a reception at this space.

EVEN MORE OPTIONS THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE

Random throughs before I close based on my experiences as a photographer over the years…

Navigating Oglebay: Oglebay’s property is LARGE (thousands of acres) and can be tricky to navigate if you’ve never visited. Lucky for you, they offer a map right off the bat that can be accessed HERE.

Oglebay DOES offer trolley service. I highly recommend utilizing their services for Oglebay weddings as those driver’s know the park inside and out. You won’t run late (which commonly happens to my bridal parties and guests with third party services). I highly recommend giving your third party shuttle or bus driver a map and send pins they can follow.

Accommodations: Book cabins/cottages or rooms that are close to one another for wedding parties. Your photographer will thank you and it will make the timeline for the day run smoothly. Just like the property, Oglebay’s lodge is huge. If you’re not familiar, it’s very easy to get yourself turned around. You don’t want Dad missing the first look because he ended up on L2 instead of B2!

Consider the Seasons: Here in West Virginia, we get the beauty of all four seasons and we experience what each has to offer in a grand way. Oglebay’s spring and summer flowers are unmatched and it’ll be hard to find tulips that beat theirs…but it rains. So plan accordingly and offer umbrellas for your outdoor ceremonies (you can also book the Fort Henry Room for a backup rain location). We get the Summer heat and humidity so if you don’t love the heat, you may want to utilize one of their shaded ceremony spaces. Fall is absolutely, breathtakingly gorgeous here and we bask in all the colors but Oglebay also hosts a huge Octoberfest and other events that is crazy successful adding to lots of traffic. The same goes for winter and holiday weddings…the Festival of Lights is great until your limo is stuck in the traffic (so it’d be wise to keep ceremony and reception together).

Check Proms and Homecoming: Local schools have large groups that love to take advantage of the magnitude of photo spots available at Oglebay. This is a public area that people love so Oglebay weddings have to share the space too! Have your photographer check the local school’s schedules so you can avoid choosing a popular location or being gridlocked in traffic.

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That’s a wrap!

Oglebay is not like any other place I’ve visited and Oglebay weddings are truly something remarkable to be photographed…and I’ve lived a half hour from this park my whole life. With thousands of acres to explore, you and your guests will never be bored. Whether you’re someone who likes to hike, play tennis or someone who likes to stay in and enjoy your favorite drink in front of a massive fireplace or maybe you love to golf or would rather lay by the pool, Oglebay has that experience for you. If you’re someone wanting a grand wedding but guests to have a great time too, this is the venue for you. Whatever it is you’re looking for…Oglebay probably has it so look no further…you’ve found your wedding venue!

…and HEY! If you ware interested in having me photograph it…happy to do it!

You can contact me HERE.

info@hannahbarlowphoto.com or 304.794.8131

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Check Oglebay’s Events:

Their Daily Calendar

More of my own Oglebay weddings on the BLOG!

Venue Location:

Oglebay Park Resort
465 Lodge Drive
Wheeling, WV 26003

Phone: 304.243.4000
Contact an Oglebay Weddings Specialist Directly: 304.243.4062