Wedding Blog

The First Homestead Resort (c. 1840-1890s; burned in 1901), Hot Springs, Virginia

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We had planned a trip to the Homestead resort last year to, ostensibly, have a bit of a mini-vacation. Approximately 3 hours from our home in downtown Washington, DC, it’s close enough to drive and far enough to feel like a real getaway, so we visit quite often. However, this was the weekend after the proposal, and turned out to be no ordinary visit. And so it was… yet another surprise! Mr. P had actually planned it to be a wedding venue scouting trip!

Mr. P in front of the hotel on one of our visits last fall

For those who are unfamiliar with the Homestead, it is an old resort nestled in the stunningly beautiful Virginia countryside on 15,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Renowned for its natural hot springs, travelers have enjoyed their benefits for more than two centuries.

An early advertisement for the resort, c. 1910s Source

A brief history: The first incarnation of the resort was established in 1766. It was a decade before the American Revolution, when Lt. Thomas Bullett–friend and officer of George Washington’s Virginia Militia–was paid for his military service with 300 acres of land that included seven mineral springs. Lt. Bullett convinced members of the militia and their families to homestead in the Hot Springs area, where he improved the springs and built a rustic wooden lodge on the site of the current resort.

The resort was often referred to as the Grande Dame of the mountains. From the tiny wooden structure of Lt. Bullett, there came many improvements and expansions, as well as several changing of hands of ownership. One of those hands was the financier, JP Morgan, who was responsible for its revitalization after years of decline. At the turn of the 20th century (circa 1901), a fire razed many of the buildings. And so Morgan constructed a new, imposing Georgian-style brick main house (or hotel) to replace the structures damaged in the fire.

Given its proximity to Washington DC, many US Presidents have visited the resort, with everyone from Thomas Jefferson to William Jefferson Clinton; from Howard Taft to FDR to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and unique springs.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, c. 1930s Source

But aside from the neat history, the grounds and buildings are really beautiful (all these images below are borrowed, since apparently taking good pictures is not within my capabilities):

The front porch

The entry foyer

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The Spa Garden, where the ceremony will take place

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The lawn where we’ll have the cocktail hour

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The Crystal Ballroom where we’ll have the reception

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In the ballroom, various banquette seating areas around the perimeter of the dance floor are great for lounging

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It is the history, the natural beauty, and the relaxed grandeur that keeps us coming back… but it was only after much deliberation, narrowing the venue candidates down to three—1) friend’s horse farm in Leesburg, Virginia to 2) Mr. P’s family’s home, also in Virginia and, 3) this fave weekend getaway—that we chose the “grand lady”.

The defining factor was pretty much logistics. It seemed a daunting task to arrange tents, coordinate vendors, bathrooms, catering, etc. I admire those who can plan and execute their big day (with or without the help of a planner). We know our limitations, and the Homestead offers a great venue that includes an event “director” (which is typical of most hotels) to help pull things together.

The Homestead today. Source

Was convenience a major deciding factor in choosing your venue? Or did you opt for a venue that seemed trickier to work with, but was your “ideal” wedding venue?