Divine Destination: 1840 Manor House Blends History and Luxury for Unforgettable Weddings

In a rustic space called the carriage house, those getting married at 1840 Manor House in the Akron area can etch their names and the date of their wedding into the walls. Covered with historical photographs, the walls are crafted with refurbished wood from a chicken coop originally on the property — once a farm owned by the Miller family.

“To me, it was important to share the history and give back to the family that gave so much love to this property,” says co-owner Jennifer Boyd. “The love is going to continue with weddings and celebrations.”

Now an 11-acre venue, 1840 Manor House’s rich history was part of what drew Boyd and her husband, also owners of Akron’s Boyd Construction company, to purchase the property. They renovated its 1800s farmhouse into a luxury, boutique space for the groom, bride and wedding party to get ready and constructed a grand ballroom for receptions, indoor weddings and events. They kept intact the property’s natural features, such as a nearly 300-year-old maple. Inside the ballroom, marvel at vaulted ceilings and large circular chandeliers.

The Boyds built a speakeasy-inspired bourbon lounge, with a large bar, stool and booth seating, caged crystal-drip chandeliers and premium bourbons on display. They also updated two cottages — perfect for overnight guests — to fit a midcentury vibe, complete with screened-in porches and stylish living room areas with fireplaces.

“We tried to marry it all together, so it almost makes our couples feel like they’re going through time, and that they’re part of the history of 1840 Manor House,” Boyd says.

Enter the Manor House itself — which features an expansive front porch and a balcony — and you’re greeted by a modernized interior, complete with a moody, lounge-inspired color palette. The groom and his groomsmen have full use of the main floor, which features a beamed bar and an additional room accessible via a hidden door.

“We have our own liquor license, so we can bring them cocktails, get ready beverages, and then we can also bring in some sandwiches for them or pastries,” Boyd says.

Head upstairs to visit the bridal suite — an airy, relaxing space complete with a full bath with a star-patterned tile floor. There’s also a massage room with a unique butterfly light fixture — 1840 Manor House offers massage therapy on-site.

In the ballroom, spot massive, custom chandeliers made by Glass Asylum in Chagrin Falls, as well as pendant lights mimicking a starry sky over the dance floor. A large mirror offers space for selfies.

In the courtyard, host yard games or cocktail hours, and continue past rabbit hutches to the grove where ceremonies take place. Framed by trees and a koi pond with a waterfall, guests feel like they’re miles away from the city.

“We have up lights here, we have outdoor lighting here, electric back here, and then we do the white padded chairs here,” Boyd notes. “All of our packages include valet, so when they get dropped off … they’d be able to walk by the koi pond, see the waterfalls for pictures.”

Couples love to snap photos by the pond, on a swing out front, on the porch of the Manor House and in the bourbon lounge, which has a lingering scent of fired orange from the smoked cocktails made within.

“We’re creating a luxury experience,” Boyd says. “Our hearts are into it.”

Boyd’s son recently got married at the Manor House. Able to attend as a guest, she experienced the enchantment of the venue through a different lens.

“To remove myself as the business owner and be a guest made me realize, at that evening, that we were a success,” she says. “To be able to see my staff, to see the vendors, and to see what they’re able to give back to these families and their friends and their closest and best was magical to me.”

804 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234-255-2350, 1840manorhouse.com