Any thoughts or reviews of the Essex Conference Center and Retreat for ceremony/reception?

mariapeppas

I have been searching for somewhere economical that was in either a natural or historic environment (or of course both).  Its not a deal breaker but I would also love it if it was a location built for overnight accomodations so friends and family could stay in one place. My total budget is 15k.

My dream is to have the ceremony outdoors but have the option of an indoor if it rains. I am not sure if this fits that bill (not sure if there is an indoor option).

I can't find much in the way of reviews and would love some feedback and thoughts from anyone. 

Thank you!

maelic

I don't know about the indoor option, but our friends got married there in July and it was lovely. Only con was the number of bugs, but they had Off available so it wasn't too bad.

Mcnasby

I am booked with them for next June, so far they have been great to work with. Their Sunday special was the best deal I found in the area, I am on a similar budget. The Sunday special goes from noon Sunday to noon Monday, and included 10 rooms for overnight stay, no fee for ceremony. When we visited they were very standard dorm like rooms, but clean. 

As for the indoor option, it is there, but it is a bit of a tight fit, if I remember correctly will comfortably fit about 75 or 80, but can accomodate more if necessary. They also have additional tents available for rent if that kind of a rain optio is something you want, or if your guest list exceeds their indoor capacity. 

I'll keep you posted on my progress with the venue!

bostonbride319

Hey Lauren - I saw you left this post awhile ago so you may not even get this - but I am considering Essex as well and was wondering how you're experience went with them?