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| Here goes nothing!! |
9:30 AM: The Lazy B Barn, off Gooch Hill Road near Gallatin Gateway
10:30 AM: The Woodlands in Cottonwood Canyon
Noon: Springhill Pavilion in the Springhill Community
We got to The Lazy B Barn right on time (took about 20 minutes to get there from town) and were surprised how close off the road it was. I was expecting the reception barn to be tucked in on the farm by the hay fields, but it was literally right off Gooch Hill Road, by the entrance driveway for the location. While this venue was really fun, it wasn't as private as we had imagined, and the top floor of the barn didn't seem large enough to eat in + have a dance floor and there were lots of beams throughout the floor interrupting the space (since it was the top story of a barn!) Plus, with the buffet, bathrooms and bar on the first floor, it would be hard for the older crowd to get up and down easily between the floors. AND... you can only have beer, wine, and champagne... no hard alcohol (which could be considered a good thing or a bad thing!) They did have some cool horses though, and a cute little guest house!!
Here are some pictures of the Lazy B Barn:
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| Lazy B Barn |
Then we moved along to the Woodlands, knowing this next venue would be great. Tucked in the woods up Cottonwood Canyon about 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman, this venue was beautiful, with a large meadow for the ceremony, a nice porch off the remodeled barn/garage-like building for appetizers, and a large "Great Room" for tables, dining, and dancing. They even have a 'Honeymoon Cabin" for the newlywed couple to stay that night (included in some of the packages) and a loft above the reception area for getting ready or family lodging the night of the event (of course, additional $$$).
This venue is currently available the following days:
- Friday, Sept 20
- Sat, Sept 21
- The first Friday/Sat of October (Oct 4 and 5th)
You have to be out of this venue by midnight the night of the wedding, and tables and chairs are included in the rental price. You can rent linens directly through them and in most of the packages, some basic decorations (all we would really need!) are included in the package price. Plus, Elsa, the owner, really has her poop in a group, and will help you work through a lot of the details to make set-up and everything easy (of course you can also get her to help coordinate everything for an additional price, as well!) Also, there are three heated, indoor restrooms on location (you'll see why I mention this later).
Here are pictures of that venue.
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| Woodlands |
As we left the Woodlands, we felt pretty confident in that location, so we went to the Springhill Pavilion thinking we were already all set. THEN we got there had toured this historic gem. I had called Sally and Chum (yes, that's really the owner's names) on our way over there to tell them that we were running a bit late because this location is on the complete other side of town. Sally had said that actually worked really well for them, because she still had her hair in rollers since she was getting ready for the Bozeman Christmas Stroll later that day!!! The drive to the Springhill Community is absolutely beautiful, with a picturesque view of the Bridger Mountain range all to the north. You drive straight up to the Pavilion which is basically right at the base of Ross Peak, with mountain views all around you. The big Montana views were one thing we really liked about this location, compared to the Woodlands which is tucked in the woods a bit with meadow views. And that was even with a cloudy day outside... imagine on a blue bird Montana Fall Day in late September!
Chum answered the door with their two Bernese dogs and instantly welcomed us into their home, which sits on the same property as the Pavilion and Dining Hall. We saw pictures all around the home of them with Robert Redford, Brad Pitt, and Mel Gibson and with different brides and grooms from the 1500 weddings they have had there in the past. Turns out this property has a ton of history (check it out here!) and Robert Redford had come there to film a River Runs through it. Later when they had needed to find another "Pavilion" location for his next movie The Horse Whisperer, his production team had said they could build him a new one in Big Timber for cheaper (about a hour away, closer to where they filmed the rest of the movie in Livingston, MT) and Robert Redford had said "No way, I know the best Pavilion in town with the best views, and it's the Springhill Pavilion".... and he made the film team head over to Springhill to film the romantic dancing scene for that movie. There is also a lot of Montana history there, with an old town that used to sit right at this location, and this venue serving as the main dance hall in town.
Chum showed us through many old photo albums of weddings at the Pavilion over some hot apple cider (ironically Elsa, the owner of the Woodlands, had gotten married there many years ago!) and showed us how formal or relaxed the venue could be. The beautiful, yet simple Pavilion easily holds up to 200 people and only requirea slight decoration and lighting to really glow for the evening. The side windows fold down on the Pavilion to show the beautiful Montana mountains and sunset, and bring in fresh air to balance the wood burning stove and beautiful cobblestone fireplace inside. The Dining Hall (complete with dinner bell) is only 5 feet away from the Pavilion and can hold a double sided buffet for people to go through and bring their dinners back to the Pavilion. There is a raised stage for a DJ or Band. There are many spots on the grounds for a beautiful ceremony, and a gazebo among the apple trees. It was REALLY charming. The restrooms are 'Al Fresco' outhouses, which are basically Martha Stewart-ized outhouses, but they are a nice size and after looking at them, I don't think anyone would have a problem using them. HOWEVER, tables, chairs, and linens are not included here, so you basically have to rent everything out. On the plus side though, you don't have to leave the location at any given time (you can party until 9 am the next morning if you want), and you can actually crash out/camp on the property if you want... :) Plus, we just LOVED Chum and Sally - they were so great.
It looks like this location has availability on:
- Friday, Sept 20
- Sat, Sept 21 (there is currently a hold on that date until tomorrow but the other people aren't returning their calls so Sally & Chum think they are going to back out and they will update us tomorrow)
- Friday, Sept 27
Here are some pictures of this beautiful location:
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| Springhill |
Adam and I were EXHAUSTED after viewing all these properties, so have a lot of thinking and pro/conning to do about the Woodlands and Springhill to see what we think.
We'll talk to you all about it soon!
MISS YOU ALL!
Jill and Adam
Jill and Adam
