Josiah’s Meetinghouse
Tucked away next to one of New Hampshire’s most scenic roads, Josiah’s Meetinghouse in
Epping awaits those who envision an authentic, rustic wedding with a big helping of country
charm and a dash of modern luxury. Built in 1800 by Josiah Chase, this historic barn boasts
original timber beams. Details carefully placed throughout permeate the authenticity of this barn,
with remnants of an original hay crane from the 1820s hanging on the main beam high above.
The height of the barn’s impressive beam-supported ceiling is grounded by the original
wood-planked flooring below. Soft lighting cast from strings of Edison-style bulbs adds to the
intimacy and old-country charm. Seating of up to 100 guests is available with round tables
strategically placed throughout the main floor.
Encased in railings made of refurbished rebar, parallel lofts perched above provide additional
seating for guests and a bird’s-eye view of the main floor below. Both lofts are conveniently
connected by a centrally-placed catwalk, allowing guests to intermingle and access their own
buffet. The catwalk also provides the opportunity for guests to capture memorable photographs.
An additional space tucked away on the upper level offers the choice of having a large circular
table for additional seating, high-top tables for cocktails, or the always popular wedding photo
booth.
A bridal room with make-up lighting, a 3-sided mirror, wicker seating, and antique touches offer
a private and comfortable atmosphere for pre-wedding preparations.
Couples can choose to have their wedding ceremony in the pavilion attached to the barn or
outdoors. The pavilion, which comfortably seats up to 65 guests, offers shelter from the
elements in case of unfavorable weather. Yet with the open barn doors, wedding parties can still
enjoy all the charm of an outdoor wedding. A strategically placed gas fireplace resembling an
old-fashioned wood-burning stove keeps guests warm and cozy on chillier days. The backdrop
for the bride and groom from this vantage point is the picturesque view of the adjacent
landscape’s rolling hills, picket fences lining the fields, and Chase’s Pond. Adding to this natural
and dreamy scenery is an antique red fire truck that pops in the background. A brick path leads
to the “Gateway to the Gazebo”. For outdoor wedding ceremonies, this impressive, handcrafted
structure with a large, rustic red-accented barn door slides open for the “big reveal”, as the bride
proceeds towards her awaiting groom and guests.
After the main ceremony, guests can continue post-ceremony celebrations indoors on the
roomy dance floor, which is tastefully enhanced with professional stage lighting. An impressive,
state-of-the-art DJ station is creatively concealed by an equally impressive glass-faced 100-inch
gas fireplace, featuring rocks ignited in flames of orange and/or blue. A 120-inch projector
screen can be pulled down to showcase photo montages, videos, and more.
Also located in the main barn is a cozy tavern-like bar area with 6 beers on tap. Guests can
mingle in this area and have easy access to the wrap-around porch, where they can enjoy
beers, cocktails, and conversations, kick back on teak lounge chairs or at the large teak table
inlaid with a gas fire pit. The porch is also handicap-accessible with a ramp that is often used for
the father of the bride to walk the bride to the outdoor ceremony.
Additional features include a serving room located on the lower level of the main barn for the
use of caterers. Specific locations in the entryway can also be used to place seating
arrangements, a guest book, framed photographs, and a coffee station. An optional in-house
wedding coordinator can help with rehearsals and ensure your wedding day runs smoothly and
seamlessly.
Custom-made sconces constructed of galvanized buckets, providing uplighting in the main barn.
A floor-to-ceiling wall of windows, made of stacked French doors, allowing a generous amount
of natural light to filter into the barn. A reclaimed brick path leading to the gazebo, capped with a
tin roof reclaimed from an older farm. These are just some of the many features that make
Josiah’s Meetinghouse unique and align with the owner’s mantra of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”.
With multiple photo opportunities indoors and out, multi-functional rooms, and options within
your budget, Josiah’s Meetinghouse offers rustic elegance with country charm to create a
wedding to cherish for a lifetime.
Josiah’s Meetinghouse is located at 521 Calef Highway (Route 125) in Epping, NH. Bookings
are being taken for dates in April through December. Inquires can be made by calling
603-397-9077. Additional photos and information can be found by visiting
www.josiahsmeetinghouse.com
Written by: Christine Altan
