Lenee Curtis Photography

You might think you’ve somehow ended up in the English countryside when you first lay eyes on Cross Iron Cottage. But the adorable English bridal cottage-inspired wedding venue is very much in Arkansas — Glen Rose, Arkansas to be exact. And it’s absolutely darling.

Behind the Cottage

Tonia Griffin is a multitasking pro. For years, she helped brides coordinate their weddings, all the while also designing and building homes.

“This field of work sparked my imagination and creativity, inspiring me to unite both my passions together and design and construct Cross Iron Cottage, a fairytale venue where couples can create their own lasting memories as they celebrate the first day of the rest of their lives together,” she says.

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A Vision Come to Life

Griffin and her husband Jess purchased the first 50 acres of what is now Cross Iron Cottage in 2012. In 2017, they purchased 50 more acres and the barn next to it. The two are now proud owners of 100 acres of open pastures and woods in Glen Rose, Arkansas. Griffin says she was inspired to share the space with others after experiencing incredibly beautiful sunsets on her property.

“I wondered how I could use this family farm for more than just personal use,” she says. “And this was the beginning of Cross Iron Cottage!”

Griffin spent countless hours researching English country design, architecture, and decor. It wasn’t much of a chore since the style is a personal favorite of Griffin’s. Once she had her plan for the property in mind, the couple broke ground on Cross Iron Cottage in 2016.

“My aim was to create an English Cottage venue right here at home that would make our guests feel like they traveled back in time to England.”

We’d consider it a job well done.

Lenee Curtis Photography

What Brides Can Expect

Wedding packages at Cross Iron Cottage include seating for up to 100 guests and the use of the venue, which includes the English Cottage, French Country Barn, Moon Gate and Open Chapel. Typically, brides use the English Cottage as a space to get ready with their bridesmaids before the ceremony. Griffin also offers coordinating advice upon request.

“Weddings and receptions, depending on the amount of guests, can be held inside Cross Iron Cottage, under the Moon Gate, in our Open Chapel, breathtaking pastures, French Country Barn, historical rock structure, [or] under a huge oak,” Griffin says. “Your imagination is the limit!”

In addition to venue options galore, Griffin offers an assortment of decor, china, crystal, and linens for the head table. The venue also offers seating and tables for 100 guests and the use of their decorations for the reception.

Elopement packages begin at $595 for the bride and groom only, and extends to $1,295 for 15 guests or less. Wedding packages range anywhere from $1,195-$2,295 for up to 100 guests. Since opening in 2017, Cross Iron Cottage has already hosted 20 weddings. Griffin says she has around 15-20 booked for 2018 so far, with booking tours of the venue every week.

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For more information on this beautiful new venue, head to Cross Iron Cottage’s website.