Reception far from an airport

Well I am not from DMV but my FH is from Baltimore. He has uncles in Ohio and Pennsylvania. They have this tradition where they meet at Deep Creek Lake for Easter every year. They usually drive and consider it the mid point between FFIL in Baltimore and his brothers. Since we live in MA we sometimes fly to join them. So, I know a little something about getting there! You can also fly into the airport in Pittsburgh.

They like to go there in the Spring and rent a lake house because it's the off season. They can actually afford to rent a big house and fit the whole family. Looks like your guests would have a short drive if they wanted to rent a lake house, so that is kind of a plus.

I don't think it's impossible. We do consider it a bit of a pain to get to the annual Easter party. But FH loves it and Deep Creek is a cute area. We've been to a nice wine tasting at a vineyard, there is a Simon Pearce factory store, there are fun activities nearby. You have to look at this as a destination wedding if you choose to do it. Everyone will be travelling a significant distance. Some people won't be able to make it, some people won't be able to afford a gift right away with all the travel, think about the pros and cons of destinations weddings when you make your decision. It will be a pain to meet with your vendors, for example...

To be honest, not a single wedding I attended was close to an airport. Unless it's a wedding in a major city, people expect that.

Our wedding venue is 1.5 hours from the nearest airport. I didn't even think about it when I was booking.

Just realize that this will add a lot of time and expense for your guests (they may have to take more time off of work to accommodate the extra drive, will need to rent a car, etc.). If I were on the fence about being able to afford attending a wedding due to time or cost, this might push it over the edge. I'm not a fan of the "if they want to be there, they will" mentality at all. Sometimes people really, really want to be there but work obligations or money limitations are very real. I had to turn down several weddings when I was in grad school because I just didn't have the extra funds and there was no way I could make it work. That doesn't mean I didn't want to be there.

But as long as you understand that, and you're okay with some people not being able to make it (which, honestly, is a reality of inviting people to any out of town wedding, not just one far from an airport), then go with the venue you love!

I wouldn't even think twice about the hour drive. Not too many things are THAT close to airports....but I would think twice about he 3.5 hour drive. That distance means that anyone that is flying would probably have to rent a car as a taxi would be extremely expensive. If I had to fly and was then still THAT far from the venue.... I imagine it would be a big hassle. Will you provide any transportation?

If most guests are flying and would have that long drive.. I would think if you would feel okay about them not going. If most of the guests will flying, it would be enough to make me want to choose a different venue. if it is easy enough for most people to get there, then go for it

Thanks everyone this is helpful. And I certainly don't mean to be inconsiderate - I know there are some folks who won't be able to come... but many of them maybe also wouldn't have been able to come to DC. And, surely hotel rooms are cheaper outside of the DC area!! Maybe??

In any case, I'm at least keeping it on the short list of places to visit so we can make an informed decision.

My FH and I are planning a DW to Montana. Our venue is an hour and 20 mins away from the nearest airport. I live in BFE of South Dakota so to me an hour and 20 minutes is nothing but some of my guests from CA may have a difference of opinion on how far that would be :-). I am not worried in the least about people having to drive since it is beautiful scenery the entire way but I never even thought about the possibility that that would be far to them before now! Now I'm feeling guilty!! :-/

That venue reminds me so much of a winery near Leesburg where I went this summer for a bachelorette party. It has the same red barn with a silo and pond, definitely not as swanky but way closer and the nicest staff ever. And they make fabulous wine:

https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/douknie-winery-purcellville/61a907f8943366e1.html

I wouldn't think anything of an hour drive. Put on your site that it's only an hour from Morgantown so people don't mess up and book a flight into, say, BWI or Reagan and then find out they have to drive 4+ hours. (You'd think most adults could use google map, but you'd be surprised.)

@Ali N. - I thought I'd seen every damn venue in the area but I hadn't seen this yet. Thanks!!