Venue Feature: Running Horse Farms
Happy Tuesday! Considering the wedding boom that we are in, we have seen that couples are having to book venues, vendors, and rentals much further in advance than before. Engaged couples are likely struggling with finding the perfect venue for their wedding. Similarly, the wedding industry is seeing smaller, more intimate weddings becoming popular as well. If this is you, we have the best venue recommendation! Today we are going to highlight a hidden gem located in Ohio’s wine country in Geneva, Running Horse Farms. Not only is Running Horse located among numerous wineries, but it also is close to Geneva on the Lake! That being said, it makes a fantastic destination wedding location that is still close to home! We had the pleasure of getting to interview the owner of Running Horse Farms, Megan. She provided background, insight, and advice for couples looking for venues!
Q: How Did Running Horse Become A Venue?
A: When my husband and I got married 16 years ago, I wanted a rustic space but there was literally nothing around here besides the traditional party centers. We ended up having a simple backyard wedding, and it was beautiful, but it doesn't have the same sentiment as getting married in a historical venue. The idea of purchasing and renovating my husband's great-grandfather's barn came to me when I was taking my sister-in-law Abby's engagement photos there. The ceilings in the hay loft, the old floors, the sunshine peeking through the cracks....it was so beautiful and the idea stuck. When Gabe's cousins offered to sell us the place we didn't hesitate.
Q: What Is Your Favorite Part of Running Horse?
A: Oh that's a tough one. Aesthetically, I think the original ceiling is my favorite. Every time someone walks up the steps for the first time more than likely they gasp. It's simply breathtaking and that never gets old. Sentimentally, I love the fact that we were able to keep the barn and property in the family. The Stoltz's worked so hard on this property since the 1800s and the fact that now so many people are still making family memories here is just amazing to me. I also LOVE that it employs so many small businesses, like Lauren and Co Events!
Q: What Makes RHF Different From Other Venues?
A: There are a few things that make us stand out. The fact that we are on a quiet dirt road gives city-dwellers a welcome retreat to the country. We also offer a HUGE decor stash that allows couples to decorate their entire wedding, from the ceremony arch to the tables, for free. We also decorate at no additional cost. This is a huge savings in cost, takes a ton of the stress away, and is environmentally friendly, and I love seeing all the different ways that couples choose to decorate on their big day. We also allow you to bring in your own alcohol, which is also a big cost savings since other venues upcharge for alcohol packages.
Running Horse is the best of both worlds! As Megan mentioned, RHF is located in the quiet country! Being close to local hotspot, Geveva-on-the-Lake is perfect for guests to stay the weekend with plenty to do!
Being a wedding venue owner, Megan is the perfect person to ask advice for couples searching for a venue. We asked Megan what questions she recommends couples ask when touring venues. She recommends to, “Ask about any hidden costs, the time frame that you get the location, what is the maximum capacity and is that capacity comfortable, and check reviews online! If you have vendors that you absolutely love, make sure they are allowed at the venue.”
We could not agree with Megan more! It is extremely important to understand all of the requirements and restrictions of the venues you are looking at. Each one differs so make sure to understand what is permitted!
Megan also said she recommends that couples, “Choose the venue, then the date! We book up quickly and it's better to be flexible and have your dream wedding at the venue you really want instead of settling for whatever is open.”
Dates are booking up even faster and farther out than they have before! Date flexibility will ensure you are able to create the vision you have for your wedding. We recommend choosing a venue for its features which will make bringing your vision to life easier. Again, Megan hit the nail on the head with her advice!!
Q: What Are Your Requirements For Couples Who Want To Get Married At Running Horse?
A: We are pretty laid back here at RHF-the only vendors that we are picky about are our bartenders, you must choose from our list of preferred ones if you're serving alcohol, but other than that you can bring in whatever other vendors that you would like. Couples get the barn from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, and we have a payment plan for the cost.
The Lauren & Co Events Team would like to thank Megan immensely for being part of our June venue feature! We highly recommend reaching out to her if you are looking for an intimate, rustic wedding in the quiet country! Click below to learn more about Running Horse Farms!!
