Old Carter Barn is a special venue, blending rustic charm with modernity through its mixture of the location’s historic architecture, dating back 150 years.
Tucked away on Lake Carey in Tunkhannock, Old Carter Barn stands as a hidden gem on Pennsylvania’s wedding scene. A historic lakeside venue, Old Carter Barn has been renovated and beautified by owners Lewis Flinn and his husband, Douglas Carter Beane.
“In the summer of 2021, somebody around the lake asked if they could get married in our barn, which had never crossed our minds before. We added up the bills from the renovation and decided that we should turn this space into a wedding venue.”
Old Carter Barn is a special venue, blending rustic charm with modernity through its mixture of the location’s historic architecture, dating back 150 years. Originally built in 1884, the venue can hold up to 158 guests, making it ideal for a medium-to-large wedding.
Surrounded by nature, each aspect of the venue offers something special.
“Our ceremony space is right on the lake, on a historic gazebo alongside the barn. We’ve developed a whole cocktail patio and pavilion for cocktail hour, too.”
The scenery and intimate setting isn’t the only unique thing about Old Carter Barn; Flinn and Beane pride themselves on the venue being LGBTQ+-owned. The couple makes an effort to ensure the same-sex couples getting married there feel at ease.
“I think it's a bit of a relief for same-sex couples to know that they don't have to have a barrier awkwardness with the owners. To be able to go to a venue owned by a same sex couple, it just makes it easier for gay couples. It's just one less thing to worry about when you know there is going to be a big welcome mat with support and love for you and your partner.”
When looking to choose a wedding venue, while factors such as size and location are important, it’s also important to ensure you and your partner feel comfortable with who you’re working with. Old Carter Barn places an emphasis on helping their clients feel relaxed about their wedding.
“[Old Carter Barn] is in a very rural red area, which can, on the surface, be scary, but with us being a gay-owned venue, you're guaranteed from the start not to have any hurdles, issues or awkwardness about being queer. We know how to handle and run gay ceremonies. You won't want to have to deal with any discomfort during your wedding.”
When it comes to planning a wedding, it can feel intimidating, especially for queer couples. Weddings and venues can feel heternormative at times, but Flinn maintains that when handled with respect and care, queer weddings and heterosexual weddings aren’t that dissimilar.
“A gay wedding is not profoundly different than any other heterosexual wedding. Every wedding is going to have its own personality, and although a couple might be the same sex, there aren’t that many differences.”
For queer couples planning their weddings, a great starting place is to specifically search for vendors that promote themselves as LGBTQ+-friendly. This is a good way to make sure your research is pointed in the right direction and that the vendors you’re looking at will be the best match for your special day.
In addition to Old Carter Barn, there are numerous Pennsylvania-based vendors that are LGBTQ+-owned. Naomi Jean Photography is a wedding and portrait photographer operated out of Bucks County who focuses her work on promoting inclusion. The Bearded Iris is a floral company based in Pittsburgh, specializing in small-to-medium weddings and intimate parties.
Events By Merida, based in the Philadelphia area, specializes in alternative and unique wedding planning, offering a wide range of services. BEloved Events, also located in Philadelphia, focuses specifically on LGBTQ+ clientele and places an emphasis on inclusion.
The most important aspect of your wedding day is ensuring both you and your partner feel comfortable and welcomed.
Looking for LGBTQ+-friendly vendors in Pennsylvania? Browse our inclusive vendors here.
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