So, you’re getting married. Congratulations! After the initial excitement wears off, the real adventures begin. It’s time to plan! You have to try on outfits, find a photographer, sample foods, and, obviously, decide on a venue.
Hi, my name is Janelle and I’m a freshly engaged woman searching for the perfect Adirondack wedding. There are so many websites out there that break wedding planning down for you, step by step, day by day. Honestly, it’s overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’m here to help. Lucky for you, dearly engaged, there are two new venues in the Lake Champlain region, each with a unique personality that will wow your entire guest list (even the difficult-to-please relatives!). I recently visited The Barns at Edgemont Inn and Furnace Point Lake Resort to tour the properties and get a little more information—all from a to-be-bride’s perspective, of course. My conclusion: it's definitely time to get married in the Lake Champlain Region.
The Barns at Edgemont Inn
You’re getting married. Chances are you’ve put in a few Pinterest hours so far. You know barn weddings are among the most popular. In the quiet hills above Port Henry and Lake Champlain, The Barns at Edgemont Inn is a picturesque image of tranquility and peacefulness.
Built in 1900, the original buildings on the Edgemont property were a jewel in the fine building collection owned by George D. Sherman, the son of an iron magnate who was a founder of the Witherbee, Sherman, & Co. mining enterprise. As someone who lives in the Adirondacks and is deeply intrigued with history and regional stories, The Barns at Edgemont Inn is very appealing. As someone who wants to check all the boxes for her dream wedding, The Barns at Edgemont Inn are still very appealing. What do we all want in our weddings? We want space to accommodate our guest lists, room for dancing, real bathrooms, tasteful decor, and, most of all, a manager at the venue who is willing to go above and beyond to help make our dreams come true. At Edgemont, over 200 guests can comfortably be seated, and there is plenty of space to spread out on the 20-acre property once the meal is over: fire pits, an open pavilion, barn doors that open on all sides to promote a nice flow, ample parking (away from photo ops, too!), and rustic charm abounds.
There is a large barn for celebrations, but also there is a more intimate space available that could be for smaller events or rehearsal dinners. Worried about finding space for family and friends who are traveling from a distance? No fear, The Barns at Edgemont Inn started as a B&B. There’s a full house available to book for the weekend, complete with a kitchen, private bathrooms, and beds to sleep multiple family members. Besides the beautiful grounds, inside the vintage house is a remarkable place for memorable photos.
Renovating and constructing the buildings on site has been a labor of love since 2012, and it could not have been done without the help of friends or neighbors. In fact, Buck Beebe, a friend and neighbor, helped provide barn wood used to capture the authentic, local feel here. Truly, this is a place for coming together. It's perfect for weddings, family reunions, and big parties. Vincent Dupont, the owner, said fall weddings are absolutely spectacular. (Hint, hint.)
Furnace Point Lake Resort
On any given weekend in the summer, you can probably find me canoeing or boating. I love being on the water. So, naturally, the allure of Furnace Point Lake Resort caught my attention. It’s location on a peninsula on Lake Champlain boasts incredible water views, as well as something that is rare on the New York side of the lake: views of sunrise and sunset! It’s right across the bay from the Westport DEC boat launch, so I immediately had visions of paddling to the altar instead of tripping over my own feet walking down the aisle.
As is the case with The Barns at Edgemont Inn, Furnace Point Lake Resort is packed with interesting history, but leaves room for you to create your own as well. In 1847, the Sisco Blast Furnace was built by Francis H. Jackson on the present-day wedding site. The area was called Jacksonville then and evidence of the mining past is still seen on premise. The furnace itself is still there, and so is the slag. Slag sounds disgusting, but trust me, it’s really interesting. Slag is the byproduct separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore, and the slag found here is so pretty I couldn’t bring myself to describe it as “waste,” despite it actually being so. The vibrant blue hues of the slag are present in the architecture of the buildings and on the grounds. Even the intricate and robust stonework on the main building has slag embedded (see photo below). If you’re choosing wedding theme colors, I vote blue for Furnace Point!
I know you’re probably saying “enough about the rocks Janelle,” so, I will expand on the venue more. Furnace Point is a resort: there’s a pool, tennis courts, a basketball court, dock space, a private beach (I KNOW! I’m excited, too), 7-acres of space, and so much more. The best part? When all the renovations are complete, the property can house north of 60 people overnight. This gives you a really wonderful chance to spend time with friends and family before and after a ceremony and reception. You don’t have to rush to decorate and tear down: you can spend a weekend or a week relaxing, and having the stress-free wedding celebration you deserve. Speaking of stress-free, the outdoor reception area is right on the lake and there’s a full bar space with incredible views. At your reception you’ll only hear the sound of the occasional motorboat passing by and your guests, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Outdoor receptions can be scary for a to-be bride who knows weather doesn’t always cooperate. Furnace Point Lake Resort has you covered, though. Literally. In the event of a forecast that is less than ideal, they will provide a tent. I mean, really, what more could you ask for?
What is most attractive to me about Furnace Point (besides the GORGEOUS bridal suite, which is included in the cost) is the opportunity to spend time with both families above and beyond one wedding day. A wedding is a celebration, a joining of two people. Why should that be rushed into a few hours? Elizabeth Bazzano and the Furnace Point Team (which is, not coincidentally, her family) agree. This team is a devoted family that took over Furnace Point Lake Resort to ensure that future weddings in the Lake Champlain Region could be all about the celebration and not all about a hurried party. To me, nothing is sweeter than that. Plus, a private wedding beach with a newly built stone staircase? Now, that is amazing.
Get ready to say “I do”
This barely scratches the surface of what both these venues can offer. My advice is to call or email them if you’d like more information or want to see how they can help you have the perfect wedding! Managers take the stress away by providing preferred vendor lists and will take no shortcuts in designing your event. A tour is the best way to get a feel for the properties. Either way, I think you'll fall in love.
Make the Lake Champlain Region part of your destination wedding plans! There is plenty of things to do outdoors, places to visit, and good food to eat while you’re in town.
