Equani Lodge is an exclusive destination wedding venue where the embrace of lush Ozark hillsides and the shimmering waters of Lake Norfork transport you and your guests to a magical place far away from reality. Perfect for couples who crave elegance, luxury, and seclusion, in an affordable setting, where ‘doing-it-yourself’ is an absolute possibility.
The large level deck at Equani provides the perfect stage for a lakefront wedding with sweeping lake views as the backdrop to your photos. There are no buildings in sight, and since the lodge is set on 11 acres of lush woodland, you really do feel as though you are in another world. With a combination of wooden deck and grass, there is space to seat up to 100 wedding guests. Once the ceremony is over, guests can head to the pool bar for some champagne whilst the chairs are moved for a seated dinner. Included in the wedding fee, we provide 100 chairs, tables for up to 100 guests, a birch wedding arch with white fabric, and the flower boxes it stands in. There are many ways for you to personalize your wedding with colors, flowers and decorations, but the main components will be there ready for you to add your own special touch.
Why have a ‘wedding day’ when you can have a whole ‘wedding weekend’, or how about a ‘wedding week’? Equani sleeps up to 30 people with a minimum stay of 3 nights, so you could arrive on Thursday afternoon (Welcome Drinks), have plenty of time to prepare for the wedding on Friday (Rehearsal Dinner), and have the ceremony on Saturday, with everyone departing on Sunday. Since your guests are all present, you will have lots of help with the preparations, the clean-up afterwards, and also with paying for the venue since it is also doubling as accommodations for the weekend.
Should you require extra rooms, there is a resort within walking distance which offers both cabins and houses.
We would be happy to recommend a local band or DJ. As there are outlets by the pool, they can set up at the far end, and you can dance the night away under the stars as the pool lights change color. Since there are multiple decks, Equani offers many options to suit your wedding party. The top deck enjoys a wonderful view over the proceedings for those who wish to have a more relaxing wedding experience.
The bar has a full size refrigerator/freezer and cabinets to store drinks, ice etc. There is a blender, and shelf for liquor bottles, so you can invent your own wedding cocktail to serve your guests. In the house there are 3 additional full size refrigerators plus an ice machine, and a double oven. There is ample parking for up to 15 cars, with atmospheric lighting around the house, landscaped gardens, decks, pool and bar. The house is wheelchair accessible, and there is a wonderful bridal suite with King Canopy Bed with stunning lake views, extra large standing mirror, private balcony, ensuite bathroom with lake view egg bath, rainfall shower, and twin sinks. The bride and/or groom can even make an appearance on the private balcony of the Bridal Suite.
Equani Lodge Price Rates
Team of Equani Lodge
Hilary Altman
Owner
Hi! I'm Hilary, I am originally from England and moved here 16 years ago, I live with my husband and 2 small children in New York. I run a luxury travel company and we specialize in Europe. We were drawn to the Ozark Mountains as my husband's family spent summers there growing up. He took me to visit as soon as we started dating, and I fell in love with the natural beauty, and slower pace of life. We drew from our travel experience to create Equani Lodge, both in the style, and the feeling of living in another world for a few days. We had a destination wedding ourselves, and really enjoyed spending a whole week with our families and friends - and having everyone get to know each other. Our guests still talk about it a decade later, and there was even a new marriage, and babies that came from our wedding! We want to make this as stress-free as possible for you, so we have included all the chairs and tables in the wedding package. You just have to show up and set it up!
