The Inn Place To Wed

B&B can provide romantic atmosphere for intimate ceremony and reception

By Mike Whye

Bed-and-breakfast inns are common honeymoon destinations. But what about booking the house for your nuptials, complete with lodging for your guests? Some B&Bs can handle that. This sampling includes several historic urban mansions and a landmark inn with a saloon. While amenities vary, innkeepers recommend making reservations at least three months in advance; six months if you have your heart set on June.

The Cornerstone Mansion
140 N. 39th St., Omaha
402-558-7600; www.cornerstonemansion.com
This 1894, 17-room mansion in midtown Omaha can accommodate any part of a wedding — the ceremony, the reception, the honeymoon — or all three. You’re on your own, however, for food beyond the traditional B&B breakfast. The main floor includes a parlor, formal dining room, grand staircase with stained-glass windows and a library with stately fireplace. “The library is more homelike, more intimate,” said co-owner Julie Mierau. For $1,500, she’ll give you full use of the main floor (including a sunroom and patio) for eight hours, and overnight stays in six guest rooms. The dining room table seats 16 and your caterer can use the kitchen, which has warming ovens.

The Atwood House
740 S. 17th St., Lincoln
402-438-4567 or 800-884-6554; www.atwoodhouse.com
An elegant 1890s home, two blocks from the State Capitol. Owners Ruth and Larry Stoll have hosted nearly 200 weddings since 1995. When couples rent the house for just the ceremony, they get the public areas plus two guestrooms as changing rooms. “Many of the weddings are held in the foyer and the bride comes down the main staircase,” Larry Stoll said. The staircase is wide enough for two people, allowing the bride to be escorted down the stairs. Capacity is 40. Receptions must be held offsite. “Some people head to a nearby restaurant and then come back for an overnight stay,” Stoll said.

Carrousel Stables B&B
1368 Country Road B, near Ceresco, Neb.
402-665-2771; www.carrouselstables.com/weddings.html
Have your wedding in the farmhouse parlor or in a gazebo where the surrounding 24 acres assure privacy. Owners Debi and David Stegman limit weddings to about 40 guests and do not cater receptions. “We provide the location and (the couple) provides the rest,” said Debi Stegman. Horse lovers might like the idea of getting hitched in the stable. Barn dance, anyone?

Olde Main Street Inn
115 Main St., Chadron, Neb.
308-432-3380; www.chadron.com/oldemain
Tie the knot in one of the inn’s many rooms and then toast your marriage in the Long Branch Saloon. Owner Jeanne Goetzinger is happy to let you take over her three-story inn and its nine suites for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception. She’ll coordinate your meals with help from a daughter and two chefs. Think you’d enjoy an outdoor dance? Can do. How about a ride in a horse-drawn wagon or posh white carriage with green velvet seats? Goetzinger is happy to oblige.

The Inn at Harbour Ridge
6334 Red Barn Road, Osage Beach, Mo.
573-302-0411, 877-744-6020; www.harbourridgeinn.com
For southern comfort, head for Lake of the Ozarks and Missouri Life magazine’s top wedding destination. Co-owner Sue Westenhaver can arrange for you to be married outdoors in the gazebo or in the inn’s large dining room. In addition to the inn’s four guest rooms, a red barn has been renovated into a one-bedroom condo. “Our receptions aren’t elaborate, basically a cake and punch or catered barbecue,” said Westenhaver. “If we have 25 guests, that’s one of our biggies.”

Southmoreland on the Plaza
116 E. 46th St., Kansas City, Mo.
816-531-7979; www.southmoreland.com
If you enjoy Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, make a weekend of it with a wedding at the Southmoreland Inn. This 1913 mansion hosts ceremonies and receptions (catered by the inn) and overnight stays for up to 24 people in its 12 rooms and very private carriage house.

Big Grove Country Inn
18807 450th St., near Oakland, Iowa
712-482-6840; www.biggrove.com
Still want to marry in a church? This rustic inn has an 1889 chapel. “I also have two ministers,” said owner Penny Wright, who cooks all the meals. “We handle 50 comfortably for the receptions, although 60 is OK.” The inn has three guestrooms; four additional rooms are available at a hotel on the grounds. Book the premises for your wedding and the guest rooms are yours for $50 per night, Wright said.

Metcalf House
225 Geneseo, Storm Lake, Iowa
712-732-5576, 866-277-1757; www.metcalfhouse.com
Innkeeper Pamela Adams doesn’t have to call a minister for couples who marry here. That’s because she is one. “We can host a ceremony and cater the reception, inside or outside, for up to 25 or 30 people,” said Adams.