Why Sussex County Couples Choose Willowbrook for Garden Wedding Ceremonies

When you picture your ceremony, do you see natural beauty all around you? Maybe you imagine walking down an aisle surrounded by seasonal blooms, or exchanging vows near water with trees framing the moment. At Willowbrook, a countryside venue in Bridgeville, Delaware, and Sussex County, couples tell us they want nature without giving up the comfort of a backup plan. Our property gives them both.

What Makes Our Garden Ceremony Spaces Different

Garden ceremonies offer something truly special: the sound of leaves rustling, natural light filtering through trees, and an organic backdrop that changes with each season. At Willowbrook, couples fall in love with our outdoor spaces because they feel both intimate and expansive at once.

Seven Ceremony Locations, All Included

We offer seven ceremony locations, and each is included in your venue rental: Willowbrook's Walk In the Park is the newest ceremony location featuring stunning hand-done black iron doors where brides make their grand entrance. The Willowbrook Woods features an aged stone wall accent against a natural wooded backdrop. The Willowbrook Pond is surrounded by gardens that change beautifully with the seasons. The Willowbrook Courtyard is a large patio under bistro lights, perfect for evening ceremonies. The Willowbrook Pavilion works as a ceremony site and doubles as your outdoor backup on rainy days. For intimate gatherings, the Willowbrook Waterfall creates a quiet setting. And if you prefer an indoor option, Willowbrook Hall is climate controlled and seats up to 250 guests.

We provide 250 white padded folding chairs for ceremonies, so your guests sit comfortably no matter which location you pick.

Two Backup Plans for Rain

Weather is the biggest question we hear from couples planning outdoor ceremonies. If rain arrives, you can move your ceremony indoors in Willowbrook Hall, or you can use the Willowbrook Pavilion. We do not charge extra for the backup plan, and our team helps you decide on the day if needed.

The Grounds Are Your Photo Gallery

Our property sits on about 20 acres. You have access to gardens, woods, the pond, the courtyard, the waterfall, the pavilion, and open grounds. Photographers especially love the back forty for sunset portraits. If a location feels far, our team can drive you there in a golf cart. Everything you see in our seasonal galleries happens right here.

One Event Per Day

We only host one event per day. Your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all happen without rushed timelines or overlapping setups. Our team stays onsite throughout your event, so if you need help accessing a photo spot or have a question, a staff member is always available to assist.

What Is Included with Your Booking

Your venue rental includes all seven ceremony locations, ceremony chairs, and everything you need for your reception: 30 round tables, farmhouse tables, high-top cocktail tables, and 250 black chiavari chairs with cushions. You also get a cake table, dessert table, bar tables with skirting, and your choice of three dance floor color options. We provide dimmable lighting, wheelchair-accessible restrooms, and a permanent bar, along with flexible bar setup options in other spaces.

You will need to rent linens and tableware separately. We give you a preferred vendor list with caterers and bar services. All other vendors are your choice.

Conclusion:

We do not set guest count minimums or food and beverage minimums. You pay the same venue rental fee whether you bring 50 guests or 250. Some couples host intimate gatherings, others fill the space. Both work here.

We understand that garden ceremonies matter to Sussex County couples who want natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort. Willowbrook gives you both, with gardens that change beautifully with the seasons and two solid backup options if the weather does not cooperate. You get exclusive use of the property, all seven ceremony locations, and our team stays onsite throughout your day.

If you want to see the ceremony locations in person, schedule a tour or visit one of our monthly open houses. To check availability for 2026 and 2027, or to request our pricing guide, visit our website or email us at willowbrookofdelaware@gmail.com. You can also call 302.228.0787.

FAQs

What happens if it rains on my outdoor ceremony day?
We include two backup plans with every booking. You can move your ceremony indoors in Willowbrook Hall, which seats up to 250 guests, or you can use the Willowbrook Pavilion. Both options are included in your venue rental, and we do not charge extra.

Are all seven ceremony locations included in the venue rental?
Yes. You can choose from the Willowbrook Woods, Willowbrook’s Walk in the Park, Willowbrook Pond, Willowbrook Courtyard, Willowbrook Pavilion, Willowbrook Waterfall, or Willowbrook Hall. All seven are included in your booking, along with 250 white padded folding chairs for your ceremony.

Do you require a minimum guest count?
No. We do not set guest count minimums or food and beverage minimums. You pay the same venue rental fee whether you host 50 guests or 250.

Can we take photos around the property?
Absolutely. Our property sits on about 20 acres with access to gardens, woods, the pond, the courtyard, the waterfall, the pavilion, grounds, and the back forty. Our team can drive you there in a golf cart if needed.