When Shawn & I (we) decided to get married and we first walked in to tour the venue, we had a feeling and knew that we were making the right choice. The venue and vibe was different from the moment we set foot on the property. Cathy greeted us professionally, with kindness and respect. 

The outdoors garden area is a forest secret garden vibe with 2 waterfalls with the inside area contrasting it with an art deco Great Gatsby and classic old Hollywood Glamour vibe that we loved at first site! (Take a look at the ornate ceiling tiles!)

What I will first tell you is the pictures that first pop up on Google are outdated, so please do your research! It was an older venue; however, COVID-19 shutdowns allowed for the venue to add new additions and upgrades. Look for the recent pictures and videos! It's a hidden gem!

The outside gardens are lovely with waterfalls and numerous areas for an outside ceremony. We chose to have our ceremony and seating set under the pavillion which is concrete and flat. Our wedding was July 6 and with the weather forecast changing throughout the week, high temperatures, elderly, and some disabled guests, we took everyone's safety into consideration to provide cover (and shade) because we wanted an outside ceremony. We had a family friend that couldn't get out of their vehicle due to their health conditions and were able to be witness the ceremony from the handicapped parking nearby. The pavillion has a waterfall in the center of it that allowed for a perfect backdrop! Their is also a beautiful walking path from the center of the property down to the pavillion that gave the perfect grand entrance.


There is also a beautiful pond on the property where we did our "first look" prior to our ceremony. We had many of our pictures done prior to the ceremony so we could spend more time with our guests. The wedding day went by way too fast (probably because we were enjoying the day so much!) So use your time wisely...

For our outdoor cocktail hour, there were areas for seating with tables, a some bar tables, a patio off the bar/pavillion area and others just sat in the chairs from the ceremony to mingle and snack. (The coconut shrimp is fantastic by the way!) For one of our 2 signature drinks, we had the option of Arnold Palmer iced tea that could be spiked. It gave another option to family members that don't drink alcohol and didn't put them into an awkward situation. When we stood infront of the waterfall after we came back from wedding party pictures and were chatting with some of our guests, it turned into an impromptu receiving line where we unexpectedly got many pictures with our guests! 


For the inside, don't have the layout fool you. It is a perfect layout! We had tables surrounding 3 sides of what you would think would be the main dance floor (but wasn't used that way). The inside ceiling is always drapped and has uplightong installed in the ceilings so that is one less thing you have to worry about! We had a sweetheart table for us at the top of the dance floor and had an intimate first dance while "dancing on the clouds" and some additional uplighting from pur DJ, had our matron of honor and best man give their speeches and did our cake cutting there. 


We then moved the dancing after dinner and dessert to the other dance floor by having the father-of-the-bride/bride dance along with other dances on the other dance floor by the bar. It was my parents' 40th wedding anniversary on June 23rd and my cousins 50th anniversary on the date of the actual wedding so we extended and dance to them too. It allowed a seamless transition for others to make their way to the other dance floor. We also had 2 extra tables and the photobooth set up near the bar and damce floor to make guests want to be in that area. Also, there is an outdoor patio right outside the dance floor so guests outside getting some fresh air could still feel like they were part of the action. The initial seating for dinner also allowed a more quiet area for guests who wanted to watch but have some space to have that option too.

Our bar package also had frozen drinks (pina coladas) and top shelf liquor which helped cooling off in the 90°F heat.

We ended the night with a private and intimate couple dance while our guests were assembled outside by the fountain and our marquis leaders for a sparkler send off and photo and video opportunity outside the building.

Carmen's Country Inn & Gardens staff treated us like family.
Cathy paid attention to all details and made sure our needs were met.
She was thorough with timelines and reminders which I appreciated. With so many things going on planning a wedding, careers changes and the nonprofits we volunteer with, she ensured that we were on time and everything was remembered.

I received not only a venue and catering package that included a cake, but also a wedding coordinator on top of it!

Also, with Carmen's having its own bakery and catering, I was able to address concerns ahead of time for guests with food allergies. This included gluten (Celiac's), vegetarians, peanut allergies, tree nut allergies, soy allergies and msg intolerances. I made sure Cathy had the seating chart ahead of time so she knew where special meals needed to go. I also had a cookie table instead of cookie trays for each table so I could have allergy-friendly cookies separated and marked so all could enjoy. All of my desserts came from Carmen's and were part of my package.

Because of all the adrenaline from the wedding day, not being hungry during the event and being interrupted by guests during dinner, Cathy ensures that there are meals packed for the Bride and Groom to enjoy after the wedding which we truly appreciated!

Also, you are the only event for the day. You have the gardens, the indoor building, etc. You are not sharing the venue with anyone else.

One last thing: brides and grooms, remember to thank your vendors and take care of them. When we gave our speech, we made sure to thank them and so many of our vendors gave us hugs and had tears in their eyes because many times it is a thankless job for what they do. They do so much for you to make your day perfect. Include them in your meal count and make sure you have a table dedicated to them so they can have something to eat when there is downtime. Your photographer(s), videographer(s), DJ, photobooth attendant, hair and make up artist, etc need fuel to operate too!

What I love most of all is the connection made with the DeLese/Kutchi family and workers from having our wedding at Carmen's Country Inn and Gardens.

I was recently at the Bloomsburg Fair and Melanie, one of our fabulous bartenders, made it a point to stop and talk to us with her husband.

Also, right before our honeymoon, our fridge failed and we lost our anniversary tier. Cathy replaced it for us which she did not have to do.

We made lifelong connections with the family and employees at the venue. We are so grateful we made the choice of picking this venue!

Our dream came true because of you! ⭐️❤️

Venue, Catering, Cake & Desserts: Carmen's Country Inn and Gardens
Bridal gowns & Veil: ShawnYearick.com
Tuxedos: ShawnYearick.com and Tuxedo by Sarno
Decor: @Sayyesbookit and SLG Designs
DJ, Photobooth & Additional uplighting: Skuba Entertainment
HMU: Famous Salon
Flowers: Smith Floral
Photography: Nardone Photography
Videgraphy: Samson Productions
Alterations: Designs Unlimited by Barbara Haraschak
Favors: SayYesBookIt and Honeyhole Winery

Check out this venue on wedding spot. I got my initial pricing estimate there.
As for the first consultation visit, we made an appointment. The area is quiet, even with being near a major road. The place is extremely affordable, and Cathy was very understanding that we are still figuring everything out. After our tour, we walked around the ceremony sites to get a better feel of the place. Right then and there we knew this was the place for our wedding.
I also want to say thanks again for the suggestion of moving our wedding date. It was initially April, but weather in Mt. Pocono is never dependable. So glad we picked June for the same price.
We will post another review after the Wedding.

My daughter's wedding was this past weekend and we couldn't be any happier! The gardens were beautiful and the set up was perfect for our guests for cocktail hour. Guests loved the firepit areas. The inside was set up perfectly and Cathy was always in communication for the big and small questions. She even rounded at tables during the event to make sure our guests were happy! She adapted when changes were needed for us and she and her staff were so helpful and accommodating. Our event went beautifully and we've had so many compliments from our guests!