Looking to get married? Coshocton County is a top spot for ceremonies and receptions

COSHOCTON ? Coshocton County is considered a top wedding destination that brings in people from around Ohio, many without a local connection. Some residents might be surprised to learn those involved in the wedding industry know its a major economic driver during the summer months.

Coshocton has a great variety of churches, outdoor venues and reception halls, not to mention picturesque scenery for wedding photos and videos. The Coshocton Visitors Bureau even has a section on its website for wedding venues and event spaces.

Mindy Brems, executive director of the CVB, said tourism can often be the first step to someone getting married here. People will come in to visit Roscoe Village, the Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival or another attraction and fall in love with the area. However, some just randomly find Coshocton County online and like what they discover.

Anytime people come into Coshocton County for a trip it's an economic boost as they shop at local stores, eat at restaurants, buy gas and stay at hotels and airbnbs. A 2021 economic report from the Ohio Department of Development reported an average of 490,000 visitors to Coshocton County related to $49 million in visitor spending and 752 jobs supported by tourism annually.

"It's definitely making a positive impact on our tourism economic numbers," Brems said. "When you have a wedding, you're bringing guests in from out of town and they're going to spend the night, buy meals and maybe shop for gifts while they're hear. It adds up."

Brems said her office has helped with a few destination weddings and have provided information for those coming in along with helping to make connections regarding lodging, locations for rehearsal dinners and such. She said one couple had their rehearsal dinner in Roscoe Village, followed by a cruise on the Monticello III canal boat and wedding at Raven's Glenn Winery. They now return every year on their anniversary.

"That's the beauty of a small, close knit community. We have this network of people we all know, or we know somebody who knows somebody, so you don't have to work too hard to find what you need. Because somebody can make a recommendation that you know who has experience with that vendor or event venue," Brems said.

Wedding planners and event coordinators

AnnieDale Johns of Annidale + Co. and Deb Croft of Rustic Elegance are wedding planners and event decorators. Johns recently added being a day-of wedding coordinator to her business along with the ability to rent photo booths, backdrops, balloon décor and more. She wants to add an ice cream/dessert cart next year and expand her coordinating and planning services.

Johns said most of her clients are local couples, but most have plenty of out of town guests. She's working on a wedding this summer that has people coming in from 13 states.

"There's a lot of charming things in Coshocton I don't think people think of initially. You have Roscoe Village and so many new small businesses adding to the charm and I think it's really drawing people in," Johns said. "It's the things you'd see in the big city, but it has the charm of Coshocton County."

Croft said a big driver is price. She knows the services she offers and the price for wedding venues and reception halls are much more expensive in bigger cities like Columbus and Cleveland.

"We're pretty fortunate to have the venues we have. We have inside and outside," Croft said. "We do get out of town people and it surprises me. But, I think our pricing helps that."

Croft has a showroom at her farm where people can review what she has ranging from table cloths and centerpieces to arches and welcome boards. She also offers decorating packages where her team will setup and tear down everything. She often partners with M Event Center.

Wedding and reception venues

Halley Jones is the event coordinator for M Event Centre and Coshocton KOA Campground, owned by Ryan and Camille McPeek. Jones said they specialize in smaller events from 30 to 125 people with the banquet hall good for intimate weddings. They have a few dates left for this year, but are booking for 2025 and 2026 as well. Being an indoor venue, they can book year around, Jones said.

One appeal of the M Event Centre is the connection with the campground. Jones said wedding couples and guests often stay at KOA and it makes for a nice festive atmosphere. They have everything from cabins to spots for tents and RVs.

"Coshocton is a great wedding destination, with affordable locally-owned venues, caterers, florists, decorators and bakeries; all of the services required to host a memorable wedding. Coshocton also has plenty of places close by for guests to stay with close proximity to town," Jones said. "With the Three Rivers Wine Trail, Roscoe Village, Main Street and outdoor recreation opportunities, Coshocton offers activities for guests to make a fun filled weekend out of the wedding trip."

The LeRetilley Event Center opened last summer. The former church was purchased by Zach and Janae Stevens in 2020 when their daughter needed a private venue to get married during the COVID-19 pandemic. The couple continued to renovate it from there. They also turned the bell tower into a suite couples can stay in for their wedding night.

Being a newer venue, they still have plenty of dates for this year, but it is picking up, Janae said. Some people just rent the event center for the reception or bridal shower. She said most couples are from Coshocton or have family here. They can hold up to 99 people.

"People tell me they love the feel of our venue. They say pictures don't do it justice and that it is more beautiful in person. I think the character of the building gives it that special feeling and the history is something you can't find in other newer venues," Janae said.

The Venue at Hidden Springs opened in 2022 by Tim Rogers and Chris Andrews. The facility can accommodate 200 people with an indoor venue for receptions and an outdoor wedding site. However, people can get married inside as well. Rogers said they're currently booking into 2025.

He said they have a mix of people from inside and outside the county, with many coming from adjacent counties. He chalks that up to the scenic views and country setting. They also offer have bridal and groom suites where the couple can prepared for the ceremony. Andrews said another thing people like is they don't have to go anywhere on the day, everything can be done there.

"If you choose us, we'll take good care of you. We make it your special day," he added.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton County is one of Ohio's top wedding destinations