Small Business Spotlight: Forget Me Knot Wedding and Event Venue
Wedding planning is stressful especially when it comes to choosing a venue that sets the right tone for your special day. For couples who want a venue that feels rustic but with all the modern amenities, Forget Me Knot Wedding and Event Venue in Vinton County could be the right choice. This family owned and operated business takes pride in offering a beautiful space that feels like home for budget conscious couples.
Situated down a quiet country lane just minutes from Lake Hope State Park, Forget Me Knot feels like a retreat.
For couples who want country rustic with elegant touches, Forget Me Knot is paradise.
Guests are wowed on arrival by the ceiling which features elegant drapery, twinkling lights, and a chandelier that gradually call the eye down to walls of reclaimed barn wood. “It’s beautiful without decorations but brides can elevate the décor as much or as little as they wish and it will still look beautiful, said Abigail Saylor who owns Forget Me Knot along with her husband Nate.
“We get a lot of brides on a budget who are DIYing a lot of things for their wedding. So, we keep a closet full of supplies they can use like vases and wood rounds, even some things they may have forgotten to bring. We are a more cost-effective choice especially when you compare us to city or Hocking Hills venues where they charge a lot to use the venue but then nickel and dime for things like tables and chairs and access to the Wi-Fi. If we have it, you are welcome to use it,” Abigail explained.
That includes everything from technology like a full sound system, projector with motorized screen, WI-FI, climate control to outdoor spaces perfect for ceremonies and for relaxing afterward.
The bridal suite is light and bright with a full-length mirror, tables for hair and make up and a comfortable place for the bride to relax and reflect. The groom’s space is equipped with a 65” television, Nintendo Switch and a mini-fridge.
The indoor venue can host up to 150 guests and there are two picturesque spaces to choose from for outdoor ceremonies. They have four arches to choose from. There’s even a rustic swing for two - perfect for the bride and groom to sneak away for a stolen moment alone or for pictures that will last a lifetime.
A small nineteenth century barn, original to the property, has been converted into a hangout spot with chairs, a fire pit, some outdoor games and a bar top made with wood beams from the old Zaleski post office.
“We want this place to feel like home for everyone. It’s a self-serve venue so you can decorate as you wish. I’m just twelve minutes away if you need something but I won’t breathe down your throat. We want your guests to sit on the front porch, to stay a while and chat. We want it to feel like a reunion for the people you love. We want you to end the day outside around the fire pit under a dark sky where you can still see the stars at night. We want everyone to leave feeling like this day was special. We want you to feel like it was the best day of your life,” she explained.
They offer a weekend wedding package that includes Friday for setup and rehearsal and Saturday for the wedding. Other packages are available for Sunday only or for weekdays. “The weekend package takes a lot of stress off of the bride. We do get a lot of brides who are doing everything themselves so it’s wonderful when they can decorate and get everything in place on Friday. Then they can take a breath and relax before their big day.”
For bridal parties who wish to have more space to spread out or who want to extend their stay, the property also features a four bedroom, two bath house and a romantic efficiency apartment that can be rented through Airbnb.
Abigail’s husband Nathan is a Vinton County native. The couple lived other places early in their relationship but jumped at the opportunity to make McArthur their home a few years ago. They are actively involved in local business community and the growing tourism industry. “We are trying to do Vinton County proud. This is our home, it’s where we are raising our children. We want to see the community prosper and by giving brides this beautiful place, we hope that reflects well on the entire community,” Abigail said.
To learn more about Forget Me Knot Wedding and Event Venue or to book a venue tour with Abigail, visit them online at forgetmeknotweddingvenue.com or follow them on Facebook.
Scroll down for a slide show of images from weddings at Forget Me Knot.