Long Days. Golden Light. Unforgettable Weekends- Just 30 Minutes from Erie, PA
If you’re planning a summer wedding in Erie, PA, and dreaming of somewhere peaceful, scenic, and totally private, but still close to home- Bear Ridge Destination might just be your perfect match.
There’s something special about summer weddings at Bear Ridge. Maybe it’s the glow of golden hour across the pond. Or the way your guests stay out by the firepit long after the music winds down. Or how everything feels a little more alive when you’re tucked into 99 private acres of Pennsylvania woods.
Whatever it is- summer here hits different. And if you’re planning a wedding near Erie, PA, it might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Located only 30 minutes from downtown Erie, Bear Ridge offers the feel of a destination wedding without the long drive or complicated logistics. With on-site lodging, multiple ceremony spaces, and wide-open natural beauty, it’s a venue built for unforgettable wedding weekends.
Photo credit: Jessica Husted Photography
A Peaceful, Easy-to-Reach Escape
We’re just 30 minutes outside of downtown Erie, but when you arrive at Bear Ridge, it doesn’t feel like you’re “just outside the city.” It feels like you’ve been dropped into your own private getaway- surrounded by trees, trails, and wide-open skies.
Couples from Erie love that they can create a full wedding weekend here without needing to coordinate hotels, transportation, or a dozen moving pieces. Everyone stays on-site. No one has to rush. You just… settle in.
Here’s What Summer Looks Like at Bear Ridge
- Ceremonies at golden hour, with sunlight streaming through the trees
- Cocktail hour on the lawn or our 20 ft balconies, with lemonade, signature drinks, and charcuterie boards
- Dinner in the Burly Bear barn, or under the stars with café lights overhead
- Firepit hangs, where guests kick off their shoes and make s’mores
- Sleeping in the next morning, followed by brunch on the porch
And yes-there’s kayaking. There’s a tipi. There are goats (not kidding). It’s the kind of place that’s full of unexpected fun but still feels calm, cozy, and totally your own.
Photo credit: Rosie Photo + Video
Hosting Your Wedding Weekend (Not Just a Day)
We believe weddings should feel like more. More time with your people. More room to breathe. More space to be present.
That’s why Bear Ridge is built for full weekends, not one-and-done events. When you book here, you get:
- Exclusive access to the whole property
- On-site lodging at our Estate and Manor homes
- Full use of the Burly Bear or Cozy Bear venues
- Firepits, trails, porches, ponds-use it all
And the best part? You’re not worrying about check-in times or finding your guests an Airbnb. You’ve got everything right here.
From Our Couples
“One of the highlights was the barndominium where our wedding party stayed, which significantly minimized any stress related to timing and logistics. It allowed us to relax and enjoy every moment leading up to the ceremony.”
– Kayla
“My wife and I were clearly biased, but we had so much fun seeing our guest reactions to seeing our wedding venue for the first time and staring wide-eyed with amazement! It was great for hosting people from out of town and with nearby hotels, it’s perfect weddings of any size.”
– Ross
Ready to See It For Yourself?
If you’re looking for a wedding venue near Erie that gives you time, space, and a peaceful place to celebrate- we’d love to show you around Bear Ridge.
📍 Just 30 minutes from downtown
📸 Gorgeous photo spots in every direction
🛏 Sleeps your closest people right on-site
✨ Built for weekends, not just weddings
Let’s make summer memories that last a lifetime.
