The Farm at Cottrell Lake is one of my top 5 favorite barn venues in Scranton, from the owners to the simple elegance and the laid back weddings that it draws in…I would be perfectly content photographing a wedding here every weekend. Let’s start with the owners, Brian & Melissa Kaufman are gems. I like to refer to them as the Northeast PA Chip & Joanna. They are amazing, they compliment each other and you can see how how much they love each other, their family and now their job! Melissa is the ultimate hostess and has such hospitality for everyone who comes. Brian lights up when he gets to talk about the renovations and how they’ve made it unique.

I wanted to interview them to be able to show you about their special venue that they have created!

Tell us how the Farm at Cottrell Lake came about?

It’s funny, we were not really expecting to buy a farm and open a wedding venue! Several years ago, when the property went up for sale, I think it was on the market for about 45 minutes before Brian called to arrange a meeting.  We did not have any immediate plans for the property, we just knew how special it was and that it was a once in a life time opportunity.   Brian and I both grew up at Cottrell Lake and so we had been driving by the farm our entire lives, always admiring it’s beauty.

Shortly after purchasing the farm we had a housewarming — or should we say barn-warming party.  We had so much fun that it got both our guests and ourselves saying “we should do this!”  In fact, the first couple to get married at the barn was at that party!  It was obvious the property had all the features that would make an extraordinary gathering place (for weddings, family reunions or other special events — we also learned that the previous owners had an annual church picnic on the property).  So that’s how it all started!

What do you offer? How many does guests can you accommodate?

We can accommodate up to 200 guests on our private, spacious 52 acre property with plenty of room for parking and outdoor activities. Most importantly we offer a very unique setting for a wedding or special occasions. The farm is nestled in the mountains of northeastern PA and surrounded by breathtaking country landscapes. There are so many textures that make for remarkable photography–rolling fields, orchards, corn, hay fields, meadows, a lake. We have magnificent views of Elk Mountain and surrounding mountain ridges. The sunrises and sunsets are extraordinary!

Three beautiful vintage barns and an adjacent farmhouse are all central to the property, offering one outdoor ceremony site, a special cocktail hour barn, and two indoor ceremony and reception locations:

• The Farmhouse is spacious, bright and beautiful.  It is the perfect place to get ready for your wedding and to stay afterwards.  It features a beautiful bridal suite, three bathrooms, three bedrooms, a charming fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen.  Outside you, can relax and enjoy the views with our wraparound porch and fire pit.
• Our main Barn, the Red Barn, is spacious enough to accommodate up to 200 guests and features two bars and chandelier lighting.  Elegant restrooms are located in the barn for your convenience.  In addition, there is a comfortable Groomsmen lounge for the guys to prepare and relax.
• The White Barn, or, our Cocktail and Caterer’s barn is immediately adjacent to the Red Barn.  It is a classic rustic barn with an outdoor patio area where your guests may enjoy a post ceremony cocktail hour.
• The Gray Barn is our simple but beautiful tractor barn that can be used as a back up ceremony location or for photography.
• The outdoor ceremony site is perfectly situated to behold spectacular sunsets, with a view of Elk Mountain and surrounding mountain ridges.  Manicured paths are mowed and open up to the ceremony lawn and is designed for up to 200 guests.

What is your favorite part of wedding days?

We’ve worked so hard to give this venue elegance and simplicity. It’s a canvas on which our couples can work from to put their own individual tastes, decorating styles, and vendors to work. We’ve been so impressed by how every couple has made the farm their own.  Walking in the barns for the first time on each wedding day,  just before the big event begins is really special.  To see everyone’s collective hard work come together is truly amazing.  But, seeing the couple’s family and friends all gathered in the natural beauty of the back field for one of life’s most important events is the most humbling and moving for us.   The happiness and smiles that come from it make it all worth it.

4.  What makes the Farm at Cottrell Lake special?

Wow! There’s a lot!   It’s the unique setting.  For us personally, it’s the story of multiple generations of family history at Cottrell Lake.  It’s our story because it’s where and how we met.  It’s the magnificent property, the setting, the views.  It’s the history of the place and knowing of all the hard work done by the farmers who built the structures. In fact, we named White barn after The White family who owned the original homestead.  Truly remarkable work.

To get in contact with them, visit their Facebook Page!

A little birdie told me, that Confetti Photo Booth & Seneca Ryan Co. have some specials going on for 2020 & 2021 weddings at the Farm at Cottrell Lake for couples!