Do you dream of hosting a wedding straight out of the gilded age, in a castle with a grand staircase, manicured gardens, and opulent accommodations? Then a Cairnwood Estate wedding may be the ideal fit for your style.
Cairnwood Estate is a luxurious, grand French country chateau that was built in the 1890s, and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.
The venue has panoramic views of the Bryn Athyn Cathedral and Glencairn Museum and is a tribute to French Renaissance influences blended with classical Roman and Greek architecture. A drop-dead gorgeous architectural masterpiece located in Bryn Athyn, Bucks County, both the buildings and grounds make a Cairnwood Estate wedding an elegant choice for couples from the U.S. and abroad.
Cairnwood was built by John Pitcairn, a wealthy industrialist and co-founder of Pittsburgh Plate Glass. He built the estate as a home for his wife Gertrude and their family. One of their children built a home on the property and both remained in the family until 1979. At that time both Cairnwood and Glencairn were donated to the Academy of the New Church.
The prestigious property has 28 rooms and a chapel in their third story turret, an ideal spot for your Cairnwood Estate wedding ceremony that looks as stunning today as it did when it was built more than 100 years ago.
Flowering gardens and expansive lawns give Cairnwood endless indoor and outdoor event possibilities to wow your guests. As a frequent Carinwood wedding photographer, I love shooting on their several terraces, the grand staircase, and throughout their beautiful gardens and balconies. There is an outdoor fountain near a 40-foot-long covered veranda and large terraces that I often use for my portraits. Six luxurious and historic rooms are located on the first floor and the venue canhost sit-down dinners for 200 or station-style receptions for up to 275 in adjoining rooms. You’ll love treating your guests to the sweeping views and impeccable service.
The Garden House has been restored and is available for smaller events of up to 40 people. The site fee is $600 for two hours.
If you want to celebrate outdoors, a 20-by-100-foot tent is available from March to December for an additional fee, and the easy to work with staff at Cairnwood will help and guide you through the ordering process and coordinate the installation. Five complimentary chandeliers with dimmers are included, and there are many other upgrades available.
The location hosts only one reception per day so your Cairnwood Estate wedding will be totally private. Although historic, the site is fully air-conditioned and has two luxury dressing suites that are great for getting ready which are available up to 3 hours before your celebration. There is lots of window light and gorgeous furnishings so I never tire of capturing the backdrops as well as the moments. Free parking is provided, and the facility is ADA compliant. A large variety of hotel accommodations are nearby should you need additional space.
There is no minimum guest count requirement. Rental fees range from $1,800 to $8,800 for a reception, depending on the day of the week and time of year. This includes five hours of event time, though set up and clean up time is offered at no additional charge. Additional time can be added at $500 per hour.
Pricing for Tent Rentals
White Tent: The white tent package is $3,750, and is available April through December. This includes a 16-by-32-foot white top awning for the Upper Terrace and a 20-by-100-foot white top tent for the Lower Terrace.
Clear Tent
The clear top-tent package is $4,750 and is available April through May, and September through November. This includes a 16-by-32-foot white-top awning for the Upper Terrace and a 20-by-100-foot clear top tent for the Lower Terrace.
Awning Only
A 16-by-32-foot white awning for the Upper Terrace is included in the Estate rental from April through October.
Other Options for Tent Rentals;
Temperature controls
Tent Heater: $275 per heater. Six are recommended for winter events.
Patio "mushroom" heaters for the veranda: $150 each, with two or three recommended in cooler weather.
Pole fans are $600, and 10 fans are in a "package."
Fabric Draping
Rib Draping: Fabric covering the steel of the tent ceiling.
Billowing Side Walls: Fabric covering the walls of the tent.
Ceiling Liner: A fabric liner for the entire tent ceiling. This is $3,800, and you may combine this with the billowing side walls for a total of $5,450.
Uplighting and Market Lights
In addition to the already beautifully lit spaces, a variety of romantic lighting options are offered throughout the property whether it's inside the Estate, inside the tent, on the terraces or in the fountain garden.
Because of its beauty and historic significance, Cairnwood is available for wedding receptions and photo shoots including portrait or engagement sessions. Both the Estate grounds and interior rooms are also available. Photo shoots are $350 for one hour or $500 for two hours. Reservations are a must.
Cairnwood Estate 1005 Cathedral Road Bryn Athyn, PA
Want to find out more or talk about your wedding photography? Drop me a line and I’ll let you in on all the insider information!
Cairnwood Estate 1005 Cathedral Road Bryn Athyn, PA
