Why the Willowbrook Courtyard Creates Picture-Perfect Ceremonies
Every couple dreams of that perfect ceremony moment when all eyes are on them and everything feels just right. We've watched hundreds of couples say their vows in our Willowbrook Weddings, and the Willowbrook Courtyard offers a timeless setting that feels both personal and inviting.
An Intimate Space That Feels Grand
Our Willowbrook Courtyard strikes that perfect balance between intimate and spacious. While we can accommodate up to 250 guests across our property, the courtyard creates a more personal feeling that makes your ceremony feel like it's meant just for your closest loved ones. The natural boundaries of the space help your guests feel connected to your moment without feeling crowded or distant.
The beauty lies in the details you might not notice at first glance. The Willowbrook Courtyard is a spacious concrete patio located behind our main venue building, strung with bistro lights that create an elegant glow for evening ceremonies. Your guests can see and hear everything clearly without needing additional equipment or complicated seating arrangements.
Weather Protection Without Compromise
Delaware weather can be unpredictable, but we've built flexibility right into your day. The courtyard is open-air, giving you an outdoor ceremony atmosphere with natural charm. Since it is not fully covered, in the event of rain, the plan would be to move the celebration into our Pavilion or indoor hall. This way, you can still enjoy peace of mind knowing there’s a reliable backup while keeping that elegant flow for your day. If Mother Nature has bigger plans, we seamlessly transition to our Willowbrook Pavilion or move everything indoors to our climate-controlled main hall.
You get to focus on each other while we handle the logistics. If the weather changes, we help you transition smoothly into the Pavilion or indoor hall, so your celebration continues without disruption.
Willowbrook’s Walk In the Park
This newest addition to our ceremony locations, Willowbrook’s Walk In the Park, offers an intimate setting for couples seeking a romantic outdoor ceremony. The black iron doors provide an unforgettable entrance as the bride walks into a lush, peaceful space surrounded by nature.
From Ceremony to Celebration Flow
The courtyard connects beautifully to the rest of our property, creating natural movement for your guests. After your ceremony, couples often head to our gardens, pond, or woods for photos while guests enjoy cocktails nearby. The transition feels organic rather than forced, keeping your celebration energy flowing.
Our golf cart is available to take you to photo spots across our 20 acres, including the back forty area that offers even more scenic options. Meanwhile, your guests can mingle in spaces that feel connected to where you just exchanged vows.
Why Couples Choose the Courtyard
We offer six different ceremony locations, but couples often gravitate toward the courtyard for several practical reasons. It photographs beautifully at any time of day, with natural lighting that flatters everyone. The space works equally well for micro weddings with 50 guests or larger celebrations, scaling up or down without losing its charm.
The setup is straightforward, too. Our 250 white padded folding chairs arrange perfectly in the space, and the natural focal point means you don't need elaborate decorations to create impact. Simple touches like our Floral Ring rental or Antique Doors add personality without competing with the setting itself.
Conclusion
Every courtyard ceremony looks different because each couple brings their own style. Some choose our Boxwood Wall as a backdrop for photos, while others let the natural landscaping speak for itself. The space works beautifully for everything from celebrations to more formal affairs.
Your ceremony can be as simple or elaborate as you envision. The courtyard provides the foundation, and you add the personal touches that make it uniquely yours.
Ready to see how the Willowbrook Courtyard could work for your ceremony? We'd love to show you around and help you envision your perfect day. Email us at willowbrookofdelaware@gmail.com with your preferred dates, or call 302.228.0787 to schedule your tour.
FAQs
When can we access the courtyard for our ceremony?
Venue access begins at your contract start time on your wedding day. We don't allow early entry, but our team handles all the setup logistics, so everything is ready when you arrive.
What happens if it rains during our courtyard ceremony?
The courtyard is open-air and not fully covered. If the weather threatens, ceremonies transition smoothly into the Willowbrook Pavilion or Willowbrook Hall, ensuring your celebration continues without disruption.
Can we bring our dog to the courtyard ceremony?
Yes, dogs are allowed for ceremonies and photos with preapproval. Your pet must be leashed and managed by someone other than the couple. We just ask that animals stay outside and away from food service areas.
How early can we start getting ready on-site?
Our bridal suite is available as early as 8:00 AM (depending on your specific date), and the groom's room opens at 11:00 AM. This gives your wedding party plenty of time to prepare before your ceremony.