If you: 

• Love historic venues and big mature trees;
• Are wild about locally sourced produce and upscale farm to table fare
• Are looking for a beautiful but unfussy space that can be personalized just for you…

then you really need to check out the Elkridge Furnace Inn & Manor House in Elkridge, Maryland. 

The buildings on this property are old. One even dates back to pre-Revolutionary War! The Tavern (1744), Manor House (1810), and Brick House (1830) were actually in danger of being demolished until The Department of Natural Resources purchased the property to save it! Donna Wecker and her family provided the vision for the restoration and help run things day to day on this gorgeous property.

Since 1992, they’ve been feeding the Elkridge community, first as caterers, then as an onsite restaurant, and finally as a wedding venue. It’s a truly family-run business, with Donna running the sales and management, husband Chef Dan handling the food, daughter Genelle providing the pastries, and son Matthias helping out behind the scenes. 

We asked owner Donna Wecker to share some of her thoughts with us about what makes Elkridge Furnace Inn special, and some of the wildest things she’s seen in her years at weddings. 

Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.

Tell us the story of your wedding venue! 

We have been making wedding memories for 27 years at the Manor, which is uniquely apportioned for weddings. Chef Dan's famous cuisine is one of the highlights — couples come back and say their guests are still talking about it! With our location right on the Patapsco River, most of our couples choose to share an outdoor ceremony with us. Our couples appreciate the way we personalize and customize their day.

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

When our couples arrive, they are greeted and taken to either the Celebration Lounge or Celebration Suite for changing, sharing some bubbly, laughing and taking photos.  Then with our main Ceremony Point just above the banks of the Patapsco River, couples and their loved ones are enveloped within wild and tamed natural spaces for the nuptials.  The front yard and Manor House are gracious spaces for Cocktail Hour.  When guests are invited into the Celebration Tent, we line up the bridal party for announcements while excitement mounts.  After first dances and formalities are completed over a carefully chosen menu by Chef Dan, it’s time for uplights and a bit of unrestrained revelry on the dance floor. (Note — this is Maryland’s DJ’s time to shine!)

The large side yard allows guests to spill out to enjoy the chef's Kitchen Garden and other fruit trees and berries grown on this Farm to Table venue. There is a unique space for every aspect of Wedding Day and a team of professionals ready to make memories happen.

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

What is the most unusual or unexpected wedding you've ever had at your venue? 

We've had wedding rings delivered by a hawk and a dog ring bearer...who "misplaced" the ring.  It was finally found after many intense minutes. 

What's the wildest thing a couple has ever asked for?

That's a toss up between the adult-sized white bouncy castle or the wedding cake stand that hung from our tent rafters. 

What's the best "little kid moment" you've seen at a wedding?

Of course, we love our blended families and love them being part of the ceremonies.  But honestly, seeing the Flower Grannies meticulously tossing their petals before the grand entrance of a bride was priceless. 

What's one thing you wish people knew about running a wedding or event venue?

Just how much time and coordination it takes to pull off with staff who is mostly part-time!

Photo by Dani Leigh Photography

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

Photo by Winnie Dora Photography

Thanks so much to Donna for sharing your gorgeous Elkridge wedding venue with us! If you’re getting married at Elkridge Furnace Inn, we can help you cut loose. Fill out our quick online form to secure your date.

Header Photo by Winnie Dora Photography