Highgate Carriage House
Highgate Carriage House Weddings
Highgate Carriage House © Tim Ray Photography
A Luxury, Editorial Wedding Venue in Fairmont, West Virginia
For couples seeking a wedding venue that feels elevated, historic, and unmistakably refined, Highgate Carriage Housestands apart as one of West Virginia’s most visually compelling estates. With its early-20th-century architecture, manicured grounds, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow, Highgate delivers a wedding experience that feels timeless, intentional, and effortlessly luxurious.
Spaces and guest capacity
One of Highgate’s biggest strengths is that it doesn’t force you into one single layout. You can build the day around what matters most—ceremony vibes, guest experience, and weather-proofing.
Indoor celebrations in the Carriage House
Highgate’s indoor Carriage House setup is ideal for weddings in the 120–150 guest range (depending on layout). This is a great fit for couples who want a classic ceremony and reception flow with a warm, historic backdrop.
Outdoor weddings under the garden tent
Seasonally, Highgate offers a high-peaked event tent placed in the garden/upper lawn that can accommodate up to 300 guests. This is the “big wedding” option without losing that estate feel—and it creates a gorgeous open look for receptions and dancing.
More than weddings
Highgate is also positioned for corporate and social events, community events, showers, and celebrations—so the property is designed to host people comfortably and keep things flowing.
A versatile canvas for refined celebrations
Indoor Carriage House receptions
The Carriage House interior offers a warm, intimate setting ideal for refined celebrations in the 120–150 guest range. Its proportions and finishes photograph beautifully—allowing florals, table design, and candlelight to take center stage without visual distraction.
This space is especially well-suited for:
Black-tie or formal weddings
Winter and early-spring celebrations
Couples prioritizing atmosphere and intimacy
Garden tent receptions for grand affairs
For larger guest counts, Highgate offers a high-peaked luxury tent set atop the upper lawn, accommodating up to 300 guests. The tent preserves the elegance of the estate while offering scale, openness, and dramatic reception lighting possibilities.
The result is a reception that feels expansive yet curated—never overwhelming, always intentional.
Why Highgate Carriage House is exceptional for luxury photography
Editorial architecture
Clean lines, historic textures, and refined symmetry make Highgate an exceptional backdrop for editorial-style portraiture. The estate photographs beautifully from every angle, allowing for variety without ever feeling disjointed.
Curated outdoor portrait locations
The gardens, walkways, and exterior facades provide a built-in collection of portrait settings—ideal for first looks, bridal portraits, and romantic couple imagery without leaving the property.
Naturally flattering light
Soft open shade throughout the grounds
Golden-hour warmth reflecting off stone and brick
Clean, elevated light inside the tent and Carriage House
This consistency allows imagery to feel cohesive and magazine-ready from start to finish.
Seasonal beauty at Highgate
While Highgate is stunning year-round, each season brings its own refined character:
Spring: Fresh greens and florals with soft, romantic light
Summer: Lush gardens and elegant tented receptions
Fall: Rich tones, crisp air, and cinematic golden light
Winter: Intimate indoor celebrations with historic warmth
Planning notes for a seamless, elevated wedding day
Design with the venue, not against it
Highgate’s strength lies in its understated elegance. Neutral palettes, refined florals, and thoughtful lighting enhance the venue’s natural beauty rather than competing with it.
Build intentional portrait time
Because the estate offers so much visual variety, even brief portrait windows yield extraordinary results—especially during golden hour.
Plan a graceful weather transition
Highgate’s indoor-outdoor flexibility allows couples to maintain a luxury experience regardless of weather, without compromising aesthetics.
Local convenience: where it is and how to tour
Highgate Carriage House is located at 830 Walnut Ave, Fairmont, WV 26554 and the venue lists a virtual tour option on their site—helpful if you’re planning from out of town or narrowing venues before scheduling visits.
Venue contact details (from the venue):
Phone: 304-333-2552
Email: Events@highgatecarriagehouse.com
