Mar 10

Ruthven Park National Historic Site Wedding

How To Plan A Charming Wedding At A Historic Site

If you live in Europe, this is probably an easy question to answer. If, like me you live somewhere with fewer historic sites, you may have to improvise. In order to achieve the charm and character of a true historic wedding, look to the designated list of historic sites near you. I recently had a chance to shoot a wedding at the Ruthven Park National Historic Site, just outside of Hamilton, Ontario. The first thing that popped out at me was how much it felt like I was shooting a wedding in Savannah, Georgia! Your eyes gaze upon the large stone columns and friezes in the Greek tradition, sweeping willow branches, and a sprawling 1,500 acre estate located along the river. Dating back to the 1840’s, this Ontario historic site has so much charm and character. It is the perfect setting for those wondering how to plan a charming historic wedding and make you feel transported to an era long since past. You don’t need to get married on the acropolis to have historic charm and Greek columns.

A True Timeless Beauty

The first characteristic you’re looking for is obvious. You want the visual impression of something very old. These are hard to find in places like Canada, but it’s not impossible. With a little creativity and thoughtful details, the Ruthven Park National Historic Site made a great wedding venue. It was easy to imagine yourself at the social event of the season somewhere between New Orleans and Charlotte. When you look at the front of Ruthven Park National Historic Site you’ll have a warm Southern breeze rush past you and smell the mint jelups.

A Country Estate Is Perfect For First Looks

Finding a location for your historic inspired wedding is the most challenging part. Once you’ve found it, the fun begins! Now you can add the details that will take this from country estate to fairytale setting. One aspect that is very important is the estate grounds. Ruthven Park National Historic Site was a great spot because it had sweeping willows and the Grand River in the background. With these sorts of details you feel like you’re in a classic movie like Gone With The Wind!

Simple, Elegant, and Classic

Take the details one step further. Your decor can include leather bound books, bourbon cocktails and mint julebs, and you can even cater your attire to the occasion. For the men that can include bowties, soft neutral colours and greys, and suspenders. The classic look will really make guests feel like their attending a wedding from an era long since passed by. For the women of the bridal party, and for the bride, think lace! Also searching out a cathedral vale and trying to find a vintage dress if you can. Try creating your floral arrangements with magnolias and roses since they really harken back to a more classic era.

Bring The Brass

Finding the right band to compliment your historic style wedding will also add a lot of charm and fun to your day. I love when people find brass bands to finish off the look perfectly. Not only does it really give that old historic feel, it’s also so much fun to have those beautiful sounds fill the venue!

A Northern Belle

The Ruthven National Historic Site is a great option for those looking to plan a charming wedding at a historic site. If you live somewhere near Hamilton this will make a great venue for achieving your dream wedding day. If you want more suggestions, I’d love to help! Contact me , or heck let’s just hop on a plane and fly somewhere packed with history and charm, like Edinburgh or Rome!