A haunted hotel wedding offers couples both a historic venue and ghost tales that generations have handed down over time. Couples who want to change the style of their wedding ceremony select this theme instead of the conventional ballroom or garden wedding. Today’s weddings in Oklahoma vary from simple courthouse signings to full destination weddings. A large number of these hotels have years of history, war stories, and local legend to tell. All the ceremonies have a reason to tell them due to that history. The marriage officiants at Lifelong Wedding Ceremonies here tell of nine haunted hotels. We delve into the reasons for each one resonating with aspiring ghoulish ghost weddings. This article also details how a wedding officiant can assist in arranging a wedding at any of these memorable locations.
So What is it about a Hotel that makes them a favourite place for a Spooky Wedding?
A haunted hotel is one with history that guests and staff have heard and documented numerous times. Of these, many have been through wars, epidemics, or tragic accidents. History infuses each spot with a tale to tell on a wedding day.
Couples also choose such venues just because of the architecture. Candlelit hallways, Dramatic photos made by grand staircases, Victorian parlors. These settings are also frequently a wedding photographer’s best friend as opposed to a modern, simple ballroom.
There are also choices for couples within Oklahoma, including. Guthrie’s downtown is also quite historic, so it has all the gothic feeling, but no long drive. A wedding officiant that understands how to utilize the older buildings is in Guthrie.
Against the backdrop of ghost stories, these hotels have some common characteristics. Most weathered a significant period of history, whether it be war, fire, or economic collapse. That survival, indeed, provides each building its own real authenticity which no new building could ever duplicate.
Top 9 Hotels With Ghosts, If You’re Looking for Creepy Weddings
These 9 hotels stand out not only for their ghost stories, but also for their wedding packages.
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Montgomery’s VFW Post #77 — Montgomery, Alabama
Constructed in 1907, the Stone Lion Inn is the first Bed and Breakfast in Oklahoma. It’s even one of the state’s most talked-about haunted places. Throughout the years, children have appeared on the higher levels, talking to guests and employees. Many people think that it is the property of a young girl who died in the house years ago. The inn is even home to a Wedding Suite of its very own. It’s a perfect and story-filled spot for couples to exchange vows.
A Guthrie wedding officiant may coordinate a wedding ceremony here together with the popular murder mystery dinners that the inn provides. This is one of the few places that combine local history and fun spookiness.
Prior to or after the wedding, couples have a variety of suites to choose from at the inn that are all themed. Original oak floors, antique furnishings, and leaded glass fill the mansion throughout.
The Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City, OK.
The Skirvin, which opened in 1911, continues to be one of Oklahoma City’s most impressive historic hotel buildings. Local legend tells of a hotel maid remembered as ‘Effie’. Her story took a sad ending on one of the upper floors. Both guests and staff have since reported footsteps and crying. The self-propelled objects provide a boost to the hotel’s reputation.
The roomy ballroom and retooled lobby furnish a fancy setting for a ceremony. For those who are planning a wedding in Oklahoma City, a wedding officiant can help to organize a wedding service that celebrates this iconic structure.
The Skirvin is also close to a number of downtown reception facilities. Couples may hold a wedding here and arrange for the reception in another location in the immediate vicinity, eliminating the need for guests to travel as far.
The Mayo Hotel is located in the heart of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Mayo Hotel rose up in 1925 during the time of Tulsa’s oil boom. It soon became the hub of the city’s society. Guests and staff have reportedly seen a lady in period attire walking the hallways at night. Today the hotel’s Crystal Ballroom and marble staircase continue to be popular backdrops for weddings.
Tulsa couples can import a marriage officiant that’s knowledgeable about historic downtown locations. A celebratory wedding weekend of art deco and old ghost stories.
This hotel also has a rooftop lounge with views of downtown Tulsa. The Mayo can have it all – both grand inside and views outside.
The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa—Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Renowned as America’s Most Haunted Hotel, the Crescent continues to attract couples all year long. Despite its spooky reputation, it holds almost 300 weddings every year. The most popular tale is that of the Irish stonemason Michael. He died while workers were building the house, and many believe he still haunts room 218. Other guests have also seen a ghost dancing through the dining room, in Victorian dress.
The hotel is truly a beautiful wedding venue due to its location on the mountaintop and its glass Conservatory. All this beauty is there even if no ghosts are there.
Many couples that love traveling like to combine a Crescent Hotel wedding with a longer trip to the Ozark Mountains. Eureka Springs, located nearby, has plenty to see for wedding guests, so plan a multi-day celebration.
The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado.
Stephen King built his novel The Shining around the Stanley Hotel, which workers constructed in 1909. The idea came about from his horrific confinement in Room 217. The haunted reputation of the hotel is based on former employees and owners. One story is of a housekeeper who survived a gas explosion decades ago. Today, the Stanley hosts weddings and events in its historic music room.
The hotel offers couples mountain views and a taste of literary history. The ghost stories are just an added bonus!
Horror scene fans dare to appreciate this hotel particularly because of its literary association. It served as the impetus for one of the most well-known haunted locations in horror fiction. The Rocky Mountain scenery creates the dramatic, natural backdrop for any of the wedding photos.
Located in San Antonio, Texas, the Menger Hotel
Since its opening in 1859, the Menger Hotel has stood beside the Alamo and has a long, storied history. Many people consider it one of the best haunted lodging destinations in present-day Texas. It has its more celebrated ghost, Sallie White, who was a previous chambermaid. She’s reputed to be still walking the halls with towels for guests. Over the years, the hotel’s Victorian courtyard and large lobby have been the site for a multitude of weddings.
Here’s one extra thing that history enthusiasts will love about this location. Theodore Roosevelt recruited soldiers in the bar of the hotel.
From the hotel, there is a walking path that leads to the Alamo. This lets couples easily fit a sightseeing day in with a ceremony. The hotel’s shade-covered Spanish courtyard offers a romantic place to get married.
Washington Irving’s House — New York City, New York
The Read House had an illustrious name, and it has been a part of the operation since 1872. It is the longest-staying hotel in the Southeast. Its most famous ghost story is about Room 311. The room has a story to tell, one that has to do with a guest who died tragically there in the 1920s. Some wedding guests have also spotted people wearing period costumes in the ballrooms of the hotel.
The hotel’s central location makes it convenient for tourists traveling the South by couple.
A recent multi-million dollar renovation restored much of the 1920s glamour the hotel once enjoyed. Couples enjoy historic ambiance while at the same time having very contemporary amenities, which is attractive for many guests of honor at weddings.
Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana
Workers built the Myrtles at the end of the 1700s, and it has since earned quite a reputation. Many believe that it is one of the most haunted homes in America. It was the site of a splendid wedding in 1852. Locals still remember that event as the “Wedding of the Decade.” Historians have found very little evidence to explain the plantation’s most dramatic ghost stories. Visitors have noticed footsteps, voices, and handprints on an old mirror.
Those who love this style will find no shortage of Southern architecture and moss-covered oak trees.
The Marshall House (Savannah, Georgia)
Workers opened the Marshall House in 1851, and the building served as a hospital during the Civil War. It also served the same purpose during two subsequent yellow fever epidemics. Some of the friendliest in Savannah, say guests of the resulting spirits. Most reports occur for playful noises, not for any fearsome noises. The hotel is still a popular choice among some of the wedding groups that are going to the historic district.
The cobbled streets of Savannah and Spanish moss only give more ambiance to a wedding weekend here.
The hotel features an on-site restaurant which is able to cater for groups of up to 250 people for weddings. The advantage of that is that it makes it a lot easier for those who are coming in from out of town to plan a multi-day wedding weekend in Savannah.
What to Take into Account After you are considering a Haunted Wedding Venue?
Make sure the venue does actually permit wedding ceremonies prior to the ghost stories. Some historic hotels offer an event room, but space is limited. Others require booking a year or more in advance.
Inquire about quiet hours and how many guests can stay as well. Older buildings sometimes have limited electrical capacity. There are also usually strict regulations concerning music and decorations. A wedding officiant who’s knowledgeable about the location can make note of this early on in the organizing process.
For venue destinations, such as the Crescent or Stanley, weather and travel are also important. But local Oklahoma couples don’t have to deal with that hassle. If you’re looking for a historic property, it’s easy to plan when you can count on a venue like one in Guthrie or downtown Oklahoma City.
Insurance is important to consider as well. There are historic hotels where you need to have event liability coverage before you book, as a couple. Sometimes, a wedding officiant can help guide couples in the right direction in what paperwork they need if he or she has officiated a wedding at the wedding venue previously.
So how does a marriage pastor officiate a ghost themed wedding?
Marriage Pastors adapt the script of the marriage ceremony in keeping with the wedding theme that the couple decides. These haunted wedding events adhere to the very same legal process as any other marriage.
Can be a few references to the venue’s history. It is never a novelty act, however, the ceremony. The vows and legalities remain the same as any “typical” wedding.
An ordained minister is responsible for signing and filing the marriage license. This is true even if the environment is really frightful. Couples have the option of asking for a wedding minister who will take a more traditional approach. A playful tone is equally effective when it comes to the right couple, one that is more theatrical.
Some couples opt to entirely forego the big venue and instead go with simple signings. Even a small package for an elopement or Courthouse wedding ceremonies are still effective. Couples may choose to go with a haunted history theme by selecting the date, the clothes, or even the photo opportunity.
Typically, wedding elopements and elopement packages involve just the couple, some witnesses, and the officiant. However, this small group is still able to create a spooky, atmospheric setting without the expense of a full venue rental. Each wedding ceremony package we present is malleable to suit a wedding couple’s topic.
Wedding Photography and Wedding videography Tips for a Haunted Hotel Wedding
Older hotels often have poor lighting that can complicate the work for an inexperienced wedding photographer Oklahoma couples may opt for, simply because of the lack of light. Having a Professional Oklahoma Wedding Video is helpful. So it’s the same with a photographer who gets to know historic interiors.
With the proper lighting setup, photographers can capture those grand staircases and long hallways beautifully. A professional wedding videographer OKC couples rely on to record these moments in action. That movement is the depth that one photo can’t express. Couples need to inquire about their experience in older buildings with any wedding photography Oklahoma team. This is true with any wedding videography Oklahoma couples may use. What low-light, historic conditions are really about is the skill that’s behind the camera.
Many exterior ghostly images make for golden hour shots near a hotel’s entrance that prove more interesting than the ghost story itself. Even the spookiest location still requires good light to capture better shots.
It’s also important for couples to inquire about backup equipment prior to booking. An older building can create challenges for a wedding videographer, because outdated electric outlets or restricted power access may limit options. When you plan things out for light and sound, it will help you avoid any “surprises” on the wedding day.
When you’re searching for a wedding officiant near you, you might be wondering what to look out for.
Seek a wedding officiant who has experience in historic or unconventional locations. Older buildings and small spaces are important and need to be comfortable. If the acoustics are unusual, it can also muck up an inexperienced officiant.
Inquire about options when it comes to the kind of ceremony the officiant provides. The OKC wedding officiant should have no problem conducting the entire traditional ceremony. That same officiant should also handle a short, simple elopement signing with ease. Flexibility protects couples who may develop a different vision as they plan later on.
But local experience is extremely important as well. A Wedding Officiant Edmond OK couples trust provides expertise about the historic places nearby. This applies to a Wedding Officiant Guthrie families have been working with for many years. Local knowledge, no surprises, and time saved.
When you begin planning your wedding, many couples turn to the internet and type in Wedding Officiant Oklahoma City or OKC Wedding officiant. A search of the Professor of the Pileus website for an Edmond Wedding Officiant yields similar local results. For any search you use, avoid clicking on ads and search for genuine reviews prior to booking.
Personal qualities are as important as experience. You need an officiant who can balance seriousness and fun when you’re about to embark on a ghost-themed wedding. Request a sample ceremony script prior to booking, so you will know what to anticipate in the tone.
It is also important to consider availability on the date selected, particularly for the Halloween season. Popular historic locations, as well as their preferred officiant, tend to fill up fast in late October for weddings.
Make use of Lifelong Wedding Ceremonies to schedule your ghostly wedding!
Couples can tell a story for a lifetime at a haunted hotel wedding. The Lifelong Wedding Ceremonies officiants can help couples in Oklahoma City, Edmond, and Guthrie with all their marriage needs. We will craft a ceremony that is suitable to any theme – spooky or traditional. We are also able to help coordinate with trusted wedding photography and videography partners to ensure that everything is complete. From a beautiful historic hotel to an unpretentious courthouse signing, we make it our own. All couples deserve a wedding day that is all theirs.
Contact us today if you’re planning a wedding ceremony, elopement, or just signing in Oklahoma. We’d be happy to assist you with the “I do” part in an environment as special as your love story.
(405) 696-6450 lifelongWeddingceremonies@gmail.com Lifelong Wedding Ceremonies
