When it comes to Pittsburgh wedding venues, none have quite the features that The Grand Estate at Hidden Acres proudly boasts. You may be familiar with this hidden gem of a space that sits in Freeport, PA but we bet you still have a lot to learn. After all, there is only so much info that you can gather from an Instagram photo, right? We went straight to the source on this one to bring you some hidden facts and not-so-well-known nuggets of info so you can get to know The Grand Estate just a little bit better!
The 10k square foot home was built in 1978.
Over its 40-year history, the Grand Estate has become just what the name suggests…GRAND! Originally built by husband and wife John and Margaret Ann Liperote, the home was once a modest 3,000 square foot abode. As their family grew larger with children and grandchildren, the Liperotes expanded to 10k square feet and added the swimming pool, tennis court, and many other property additions you see today. Now owned and operated by the Waddell family, The Grand Estate is a bed and breakfast as well as a wedding and event venue. We’re sure the Liperotes are proud of all that they started!
Their 15-foot gazebo is the perfect place to say “I do”.
Exchanging vows has never been prettier than when done at The Grand Estate al fresco style. Behind the home sits an expansive lawn which makes for a unique and refreshing ceremony spot. A stone path will lead the bride to a white wooden gazebo with a sky-high cover, which offers the happy couple shade while guests sit in the lawn watching it all unfold. You’ll be surrounded by blooming trees, vibrant florals, and all the beauty that nature has to offer. There’s truly nothing quite like it!
There’s an outdoor pool and yes, you can have your cocktail reception around it.
Adjacent to the ceremony site sits an in-ground pool that rivals any beach front property. Allow your guests to mix and mingle around the water while you take those just married portraits. Or serve up freshly made s’mores or late-night snacks after the last dance and you and you friends can close out the night in an epic manner. Either way, the pool is just waiting to be a part of your celebration!
Rentals at The Grand Estate are made easy.
Weddings need a lot of STUFF…tables, chairs, centerpieces, place settings, serving equipment, the list goes on and on. At The Grand Estate, you have one less thing to worry about because the Waddell family also owns Classic Tent Rental. From flooring to staging to table top décor, you’re able to dress your wedding day with all of the necessary accoutrements in one fell swoop thanks to this sister business!
The pretty chandeliers are included.
We’ve never met a wedding tent we didn’t like but the one at The Grand Estate takes the (wedding) cake! Having access to all sorts of tenting equipment (see above) has its perks, we guess. Situated on top of the tennis court, the Grand Estate’s tent is something to behold. The ceiling of the tent is draped in lush white fabric, while a glamorous finishing touch comes courtesy of 13 hanging crystal chandeliers that add extra pizzazz and that are included in the rental!
Speaking of the tent, this one is suitable for all kinds of weather.
Here in southwestern PA, we deal with some crazy weather. Snow in May, blazing heat in October, we’ve seen it all. And it’s these exact crazy Mother Nature trends that deter a lot of couples from having an outdoor or tented wedding. Fear not, friends! The Grand Estate’s tent is equipped to manage all kinds of conditions. Collapsible walls keep rain or wind at bay, while cooling fans will keep the heat out in the dead of summer. If it’s a gorgeous day, draw the side walls up for a true breezy, outdoor feel while still being in the shade. Here, you no longer have to let the weather dictate your wedding day!
You and 25 of your closest friends can spend the night…or the weekend.
Ten thousand square feet of space comes in quite handy when you’re looking to house some of your nearest and dearest. The Italian-villa inspired house boasts five main bedrooms, multiple living areas, a dedicated bridal suite, and plenty of space for everyone to stretch out, making it easy for your entire bridal party to spend the night at The Grand Estate. Getting ready is convenient and you’ll feel extra pampered when all of your glam squad comes to you. Plus, you can make the celebration last even longer by extending your stay. Who doesn’t want to milk their wedding day for all it’s worth?!
You can also host your rehearsal dinner and farewell brunch there.
Plan a party x 2…or even 3…by hosting your rehearsal dinner and/or farewell brunch at The Grand Estate. Entertaining is made easy at the property, and the genuine care and hospitality exhibited by the Waddell family will make you feel right at home. Skip the restaurant or post-wedding hotel good-bye and opt for something more sophisticated and familial. Even on an estate this large, you’ll feel the intimacy and togetherness that these wedding events are all about.
Still want to learn more about this breathtaking Pittsburgh wedding venue? Read all about them in the Burgh Brides Vendor Guide and then head to The Grand Estate’s website to schedule a tour! Better yet, follow them on Instagram for all of the behind the scenes action, to virtually meet the Waddell family, and see Grand Estate weddings take place every weekend!
Thanks Burgh Brides for sharing our venue! Love all of these photos and the couples behind them!
The Grand Estate is truly a special place! I’m so happy to hear that so many couples are loving it as much as I do.