Congratulations—you’re engaged or are the excited family member or friend of someone who is. While that engagement glow does last a while, it doesn’t take long before couples begin to realize there is a long list of decisions to be made between now and the day they say “I do.” First, they have to choose the tone and feel of the event. Each couple is different and must ask themselves, “What kind of mood are we hoping to strike at our wedding?” One of the best ways to establish the feel of your event is in the selection of where it will take place. It just so happens that the North Shore is home to some of the most spectacular and breathtaking locations for special occasions, no matter what season you’re planning to hear those wedding bells ring.
Kernwood Country Club
It makes little difference whether you are an avid golfer or have never stepped foot on a course, because country clubs are often able to deliver on the stunning backdrops that many engaged couples search for. Take, for example, Kernwood Country Club in Salem, which looks like it could have been gently lifted straight from the pages of a fairy tale. A long, winding road and a castle-like stone entryway lead to the property’s main building, which is surrounded by lush greens in the warmer months and is just as welcoming during the fall and winter seasons. The main dining room overlooks the Danvers River and can accommodate up to 300 guests, so this is certainly a place to consider if you are planning on a significant head count at your event. If you prefer an outdoor ceremony, the club is more than happy to accommodate and provides a stunning location with water views near the first tee, along with golf carts to shuttle guests and wedding parties around the grounds for photos. The space boasts several expansive patios, including one with cozy seating and upscale fire pits that serve as gathering places for guests. The club recently brought on new catering and events manager Moira Clawson, who is committed to making every occasion unique.
Renaissance
At the Renaissance in Haverhill, wedding sales director Holly Vose and events manager Jennifer Dewar describe the atmosphere as “casually elegant” and the staff as “extremely service oriented.” With a main ballroom that accommodates around 200 guests, stone terraces, and an outdoor cocktail space that boasts rich draping and an ornate chandelier, this space is one that’s hard to imitate. One of the most unique features of this club is an on-site guest suite and seven guest rooms that are available for couples to book for themselves as well as family and friends attending their event. As Vose describes, “Oftentimes a bride will spend the night before her wedding here with her bridesmaids.” If you’re picturing a standard hotel room, you’ll want to think again, as the chic yet comfortable furnishings and all-encompassing golf course views are far from what you would find at a typical hotel. Menus are updated often and change with the seasons. The venue hosts one wedding per day, so the focus is on a single event on any given date.
Ferncroft Country Club
In Middleton, the Ferncroft Country Club has a lot to offer. Fresh off a recently completed multi-million-dollar clubhouse renovation, the facility includes a brand-new ballroom as well as a rooftop deck complete with fireplace and sweeping views of the nearly 300-acre golf course that simply must be seen to be fully appreciated. Managing director Damon DeVito highlights the club’s commitment to providing the amenities one expects from a country club while simulta-
neously remaining fresh and modern, purposefully eschewing the sometimes stodgy feeling associated with country clubs of a bygone era. This is a philosophy very much mirrored by event sales specialist Alexandra Cardish, who is part of a team that works with each couple to “take the stress out of the wedding planning process by building a relationship with each person” who comes through the door.
Golf Club at Turner Hill
At the Golf Club at Turner Hill in Ipswich, couples and guests alike are in for a truly extraordinary experience, for the simple fact that it is difficult to replicate the atmosphere created by this Elizabethan mansion that was completed in 1903 and modeled after Christ Church in England. While the grounds are no doubt impressive, the entire property feels warm and inviting for such a striking space. Couples who select Turner Hill can expect to work with event sales manager Cecile Lauzon, who makes sure there is “a plan A and a plan B for everything,” as well as mansion club director Carol Travers, who also sees to it that couples have everything they need, ensuring they are taken care of at the mansion. In addition to the ceremony and reception sites, a butler’s house is available to reserve and is a popular choice for bridesmaids and groomsmen for the days leading up to the wedding. The mansion also includes a bridal chamber and a room where the groom and groomsmen can relax before the big event.
There’s little doubt that an event held at any one of these properties would be one to remember.
Ferncroft Country Club
10 Village Rd. Middleton
978-739-4040
Golf Club at Turner Hill
3 Manor House Ln.
978-356-7070
Kernwood Country Club
1 Kernwood St.
Salem
978-745-1210
Renaissance
377 Kenoza St. Haverhill
978-241-6712