Start the future in the past with Centre County historic wedding venues

So you’re getting married. Congratulations.

These past few months have been a whirlwind of planning and prep work. You’re mailing invitations, ordering cakes and registering for gifts.

It’s going well. There’s something new, something borrowed and something blue.

All that’s missing is the something old — so why not make it your wedding venue?

Centre County is home to a variety of historical sites willing to be the backdrop to somebody’s special day, places that — like any good marriage — have already stood the test of time.

Bellefonte Art Museum

There is no shortage of conversation pieces at this burgeoning venue.

With two floors full of beautiful works of art, not to mention historical import, the Bellefonte Art Museum will host its first rehearsal dinner this summer.

The guests will be responsible for providing their own catering, but visitors will be free to roam the collection of paintings, photographs and other works on display.

“I think the artwork appeals to a lot of people,” Amy Koll, member and visitor relations manager, said.

Don’t underestimate the visual appeal of the building itself, which is included on both the National Historic Registry and National American Buildings Registry. Known as the Linn House, the structure was built in 1810 out of Trenton Limestone.

“I think the artwork appeals to a lot of people,” said Amy Koll, member and visitor relations manager at the Bellefonte Art Museum.

Conklin’s Corner Antique and Gift Barn

Conklin’s banquet hall is located in the upper level of the barn and can hold up to 200 people plus the bridal party.

Winter weddings are out of the question. The banquet hall at Conklin’s Corner is only available from April through September.

The Martha Furnace House

Bridal showers. Outdoor weddings. Family reunions. Basically, if you’re looking hold a friendly gathering in a house built by a pioneer iron maker, The Martha Furnace House is the destination for you.

The house works in conjunction with The Atherton Hotel for wedding coordinator services, catering and wedding blocks.

Constructed in 1831 by Roland Curtin as part of the expansion of Eagle Iron Works, the house was named after his daughter, Martha, and the grounds can hold up to 100 people for an outdoor wedding.

The Rowland Theatre

If you’re thinking about having a big wedding or reception, the Rowland Theatre has plenty of open seats.

The Philipsburg-based venue was built in 1917 and has hosted theatrical productions, blockbuster films and even a couple of nuptials throughout the years.

“It’s just a beautiful old building,” said Rebecca Inlow, a Rowland board member.

Megan Grivas was raised in Philipsburg and when she and her now-husband were searching for places to host their wedding reception, they had a very specific set of criteria in mind.

“We were looking for something that was unique,” Grivas said.

When somebody suggested the Rowland, they discovered that it suited all of those requirements and more.

A buffet was set up on the massive stage along with the DJ, while the kids were given free rein to run up and down the aisles and explore the balcony. The names of the newly betrothed couple were even added to the marquee outside.

“It’s a regal place, it really is,” Grivas said.

“We wanted it to be an extension of a big sit-down dinner,” said Sarah Matthews.

Centre Furnace Mansion

Mary Sorensen, executive director of the Centre County Historical Society, said that weddings and receptions are typically held in the mansion’s garden, a sprawling landscape that is graced by a 250-year-old sycamore tree and botanical offerings that echo the plants and flowers at the disposal of 19th century garden.

Sarah and John Matthews were looking for someplace intimate and casual to gather with friends and family to celebrate their nuptials.

“We wanted it to be an extension of a big sit-down dinner,” Sarah Matthews said.

She and her husband held their reception at the mansion. Docents were available to provide tours of property and the staff even allowed the Matthews to leave their wedding tents up for an extra day so that they could hold a leisurely brunch for their guests the following morning.

“The staff was super nice and friendly,” Sarah Matthews said.

This story was originally published January 23, 2016 at 11:44 PM with the headline "Start the future in the past with Centre County historic wedding venues."