Engage! Summits (a luxury wedding business summit established in 2008) is known not only for their mind-blowing events showcasing boundless creativity, talent, and inspiration — but they’re also known for the venues they choose to host these iconic gatherings. From the Amalfi Coast to Africa and Boca Raton to the Bahamas, the destinations they select always take center stage. The most recent one was held in Farmington, Pennsylvania at a luxury resort called Nemacolin.

Located in the scenic Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, this 2,200+ acre property is emerging as a top choice for couples planning a destination wedding and for good reason. During our recent time at Engage! we were able to experience all Nemacolin has to offer and they truly blew us away.

Between the sprawling grounds, distinctive venue options, diverse accommodations and impeccable service, there’s no doubt, Nemacolin will be the darling of wedding celebration locations for years to come. 

The Destination 

The family-owned Nemacolin isn’t just a few beautiful hotels sharing the same bit of wilderness where you can vacation or throw a fun party — it’s an entirely different world. The minute you begin the drive onto the property, you’re transported. Nemacolin feels more like a campus than a resort and luxury shuttles run around the clock to move guests from one area of the property to the other, adding to the convenience and overall experience.

Nemacolin encompasses five distinct resorts, each boasting its own unique character. The Chateau is the first resort you’ll encounter and feels like stepping onto the set of Bridgerton. It offers opulent rooms and suites with elegant furnishings and fine art.

For those seeking a more contemporary vibe, Falling Rock provides a modern, boutique experience with personalized butler service.

The Grand Lodge combines a sylvan sophistication with modern amenities, giving visitors a luxurious, yet cozy atmosphere. For guests wanting a home-away-from-home, (perfect for destination weddings) The Estates can house up to 21 guests under one (very posh) roof. The Homes are another option for those wanting to stay together and come complete with full kitchens and outdoor patios.

The Venues

Getting to experience the different venues at Nemacolin is almost something you have to see to believe. They have everything from grand ballrooms and sprawling lawns to intimate and elegant spaces. When I say, they can cater to every couple’s vision, it’s not some marketing jargon, they really can. During Engage! we were able to explore many of their venues which helped us gain an understanding of all they have to offer.

We were treated to cocktails and caviar at Lone Tree (a gorgeous grassy area with a giant beautiful shade tree perfect for a large outdoor ceremony), had a dessert party in The Chateau Gardens (an outdoor space with manicured topiaries, marble statues and Parisian charm) with the final black-tie gala event culminating in a “cathedral in the clearing.”

The “cathedral” was a glass tent surrounded by 200 mature trees and 800 different plants (all brought in to create an enchanted forest). 

The Experience

Engage! is known for harnessing the innovative genius of their creative partners to treat wedding professionals to inspired parties, delectable cuisine and some of the most incredible décor ever seen and this event delivered in every way. Ed Libby served as the event’s Creative Director and was behind the jaw-dropping design ideas shown at the event.

“At Nemacolin, I’ve discovered a haven that deeply appreciates the creative prowess and integrity of designers, planners, photographers, and visionaries,” writes Libby in a recent Instagram post. “This is a place where our inner artists can flourish in a world of endless possibilities.” Libby also serves on the Nemacolin team where you can find his design details across the resort – from floral centerpieces to selected art pieces. 

Throughout the three-day event, wedding pros experienced the restaurants, The Casino at Nemacolin, spa and wellness center, late-night clubs, and bars that the property is known for. The event’s itinerary allowed for attendees to be wowed by the incredible talent that participating vendors created at every turn.

TPD Design House floored everyone with their ingenious art direction, branding, gift curation, and paper goods. Each event was masterfully planned by LeFeast and the entertainment by Élan Artists was second to none.

The two biggest moments came when SOP House assisted Nemacolin in securing and managing not one, but two surprise headliners. Kesha performed a private concert at the welcome party and Diana Ross closed out the event at the black-tie gala, treating attendees to the night of their lives. And every detail was captured by an entire lineup of some of the industry’s best photographers and videographers.

The property has been family-owned since 1987 and the legacy of the late Joseph A. Hardy III is honored in the special place Nemacolin is. Since 2002, Maggie Hardy worked alongside her father and is now working alongside her own son, PJ Magerko-Liquorice, as they take Nemacolin into the next generation with Joseph Hardy’s words ringing in their ears that, “Nothing is impossible.”

And after my experience at Engage! Nemacolin, it’s no doubt, they are taking those words and running with them. 

Vendors: Event: Engage! Summits; Host Property: Nemacolin; Creative Director, Event Design & Floral: Ed Libby; Art Direction, Branding, Gifting Curation & Paper: TPD Design House; Event Planning: LeFeast; Entertainment: Élan Artists; Custom Linen: Nuage Designs; AV & Production: Seehear Productions; Tabletop Rentals: Maison de Carine; Furniture Rentals: Luxe Event Rentals; Drone Show: Sky Elements Drones; Caviar: Calvisius USA; Photography: Paul Morse Photography, Boshi Photography, Kylee Yee Photography, Joel & Justyna Photography, Ryan Greenleaf Photography, Josh Gooden Photography, Roey Yohai Studios, Afrikarmando; Social Media Video: Sculpting With Time & Shackleford Films; Linens: Party Mosaic; Entertainment (Emcee): DJ Brian B; Weather Reporting: Ironic Reports