Rustic Elegance at Worsell Manor: The Ideal Wedding Venue for Delaware Couples

Delaware couples searching for an authentic wedding venue face the same challenge: finding a space that delivers both rustic character and refined elegance without compromise. At Worsell Manor, just 10 minutes from Middletown, you don’t choose between the two. Our 1683 colonial Manor House and restored 300 year old barn exist on the same property, creating a rare combination for Delaware weddings.

Delaware couples choose Worsell Manor because it offers both refined colonial elegance and authentic rustic charm on one property. A 1683 Manor House and a restored 300 year old barn provide distinct yet connected spaces for getting ready and celebrating, with modern amenities, room for 200 guests, and a convenient location near Middletown.

Colonial Elegance in the 1683 Manor House

The Manor House brings genuine colonial architecture to your Delaware wedding. Built in 1683 and once visited by George Washington, this isn’t manufactured history. High vertical windows flood each room with natural light. Original fireplaces anchor the formal dining room, sitting and breakfast room, and bar room. The brick floored sun porch overlooks gardens and farmland, creating refined spaces that need minimal styling to photograph beautifully.

Six bedrooms sleep up to 16 guests, with two third floor rooms showcasing original beams and four second floor rooms offering modern bathrooms. Delaware couples use these spaces for wedding party preparation, solving logistics while adding elegant morning moments to their timeline. The expansive foyer sets an immediate, sophisticated tone that requires no extra decoration.

Authentic Rustic Character in the Historic Barn

Our restored historic barn delivers the rustic aesthetic without sacrificing modern comfort. High beamed ceilings and authentic 300 year old character create the barn atmosphere Delaware couples envision, while the HVAC system provides year round climate control. Custom lighting sets any mood. A raised stage accommodates entertainment. Large doors and windows offer flexible open air or enclosed options.

The barn comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests, one of the largest reception capacities in the tri state area. Located next to our wooded glen and fountain garden, the space sits naturally within our grounds. Delaware couples with bigger guest lists get an intimate barn atmosphere without feeling cramped.

Convenient Location for Delaware Weddings

We’re 10 minutes from Middletown, making us accessible throughout Delaware. Wilmington guests arrive in 20 minutes. Dover relatives drive 30 minutes. We’re also within 1.5 hours of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington D.C. for out of state family.

Hotels sit 10 minutes away. We offer rental accommodations through our Manor Home and Cottage for guests preferring to stay closer. Ample parking and handicap accessibility ensure everyone arrives comfortably.

Complete Venue Package

Your 12 hour rental includes both the Manor House and barn, ceremony seating for 200, white padded ceremony chairs, Chiavari reception chairs with cushions, 20 reception tables, a wooden sweetheart table, wine barrels, cocktail tables, and an on site venue manager. We provide a tent and backup generator for Delaware weather shifts.

Saturday weddings include Friday setup and rehearsal from 12 pm to 5 pm, giving you time to blend rustic and elegant elements thoughtfully. Cleanup happens by Sunday at 3 pm. Use of the property for engagement photos comes with every booking, letting you scout both spaces before your wedding day.

We provide curated bar packages designed for weddings, with all alcohol going through our in house bar company.

Conclusion

Delaware couples choose Worsell Manor because we deliver authentic rustic character in a 300 year old barn and genuine colonial elegance in a 1683 Manor House on one property. You get both aesthetics, 10 minutes from Middletown, without compromise. The combination creates weddings that feel collected and intentional rather than staged.

Contact us to schedule a tour and request our pricing guide.

FAQs

Why is Worsell Manor ideal for Delaware couples specifically?
We’re 10 minutes from Middletown, Delaware, making us accessible throughout the state while offering something most Delaware venues don’t: a 1683 colonial Manor House paired with an authentic 300 year old barn. You get both rustic and elegant settings on one property.

What makes Worsell Manor both rustic and elegant?
Our 1683 Manor House provides colonial elegance with high vertical windows, original fireplaces, and refined architecture. Our restored historic barn delivers authentic rustic character with high beamed ceilings and 300 year old charm. You receive full use of both spaces, letting your wedding day transition naturally between aesthetics.

How many guests can the venue accommodate?
The historic barn comfortably accommodates up to 200 guests for receptions, one of the largest capacities in the tri state area. We provide ceremony seating for 200 guests across four outdoor ceremony sites.

What’s included with the venue rental?
Your 12 hour rental includes both the Manor House and barn, all ceremony and reception seating, reception tables, wooden sweetheart table, wine barrels, cocktail tables, on site venue manager, tent and backup generator, Friday setup for Saturday weddings, and use of the property for engagement photos.