A grand opening was held Friday night for a new local business, The Era Wedding and Events Center, in Greene County.

Venue Manager and Wedding Coordinator Abby McConnell said they wanted to keep some of the elements of the barn, which was previously a vineyard, but transform it into a full service location for weddings.

“I think it’s a little out of the box for most people. It was kind of like a ‘This is not what I would anticipate, but we’ll give it a try and see how it goes.’ And so it was really fun to watch it all come together and people (would) be like, ‘Oh, I really like how all of these different, you know, colors, and designs, and concepts came together.’ And it gives it a really unique feel that I think you don’t find in a lot of places.”

There is a bridal suite, on-site lodging with children’s play nooks, the groom’s suite, an outdoor entertainment area, along with a reception room with a bar, and the loft that features several makeup stations. McConnell pointed out another feature was the wedding aisle, which she noted that it is a 450 feet concrete walkway to the altar that is set back into a scenic greenery.

Travis Hardin is the property owner and he described how he was inspired to buy the land and turn it into a wedding venue.

“I toured it for an entirely different reason and while I was walking through, I just thought of Alex and Abby (McConnell), thought they would be a great match for this property, and pursued that for a little bit. They said, ‘yes’ and here we are.”   

Hardin was thrilled with how everything turned out and he hopes people can consider The Era for their future weddings and receptions. Click here to find more information.