Porto

We're getting so many inquiries for small-ish weddings these days. For some it's a second wedding and for some it's just a preference for a more intimate affair. I have a personal affinity for small weddings - I had 60 people at my own wedding - and I think I convey that to all couples who are looking at The Abbey as a possible reception site.


By far my favorite room at The Abbey for small weddings is Porto. Porto is located on the upper level inside our signature A-frame.


Porto used to be a fine dining Italian restaurant but shortly before my arrival at The Abbey in April of 2008 it was closed and designated as banquet space for private events. Porto is ideal for the bride who is willing to work with the existing colors and decor because there is a lot of it that's "built-in." Most banquet rooms are a blank slate, but NOT Porto!

The above wedding took place on New Year's Eve, hence all the Christmas decor.



See the chairs? They are a dark orangey-red color. How beautiful for a fall wedding! Yes, we can (and have) brought in regular banquet chairs (with and without covers) for brides who have a definite color scheme that can't accomodate the chairs. But if you can work with the color, these Porto chairs are REALLY comfortable for guests.

Porto has an existing bar, gas fireplace, its own restroom facilities and can seat up to 64 people on the lower level. It also has a CD player wired to house sound, so most couples use that for their music. We usually set the dance floor on the second level, although we could put additional tables there, as well, to seat another 16 people.

Another great thing about Porto, is it's ideal for small indoor ceremonies. We've used it for a lot of winter weddings that can't use the gazebo. Seating is limited to 65 guests and you would have your cocktail hour downstairs in The Helm while we re-set for dinner.

Here's how a ceremony in Porto looks:

The bride enters from the second level.

The ceremony takes place under the big chandelier. Pretty, huh?

So if you're having a small wedding - no matter the season - please as us to show you Porto when you're visiting The Abbey. (It's also a great place for rehearsal dinners and gift-opening brunches!)