A large sailcloth blanketed the parking lot. Benches around the Cowboy Cauldron were replaced with cocktail tables and floral arrangements. The cottage sweet transformed into a staging area for a groom. The Dogfish INN was hosting its first ever large-scale wedding, and it couldn’t have come together any better. 

When Kelci and Jack Temple first began wedding planning, they were adamant about wanting something different out of a venue. Something, dare we say, off-centered. They were searching for a venue off the beaten path, and they kept coming back to wanting a spot in downtown Lewes. That’s when the Dogfish INN came to mind. It was just a thought at first. One that they brought to our then-General Manager, Tom Bastian, over a night-cap following Hospitality Night. Tom lit up with the prospect and got to work. The INN team was determined to make the mere suggestion a reality.  

Fast forward 10-months, and the INN was transformed. Kelci and Jack said “I Do” under the cover of the sweeping trees in the Zwaanandael Museum’s park, and then were led along Savannah Road by members of the Cape Henlopen High School marching band back to the INN, where the celebrating began.  

The talented team at Styled worked with Coastal Tented Events and SoDel Weddings to transform our parking lot into a 130-person, canalfront event venue. The floral arrangements were accented by a sweet side-dish of analog fixtures. Gorgeous tablescapes were paired alongside beer-centric decorations. The result: a stunning wedding with a dash of off-centered goodness.  

“The INN had everything we were looking for,” says the bride, Kelci. “It gave us water views, an eccentric vibe, rooms for our wedding party and friends to stay in, and the ability to tie the knot in Lewes – a town that’s very near and dear to us.” 

Kelci and Jack were officially married on October 21, 2023 and celebrated shortly after with dinner, speeches and dancing, all right there at the INN. The firepit area housed cocktail hour. The lobby became the holding space for gifts, guest books and dessert. And the main party took place under a beautifully tented parking lot, that was fully converted with flooring, chandeliers, and floral trimmings.  

“We were blown away to see the INN come to life for our first fully tented wedding. This vision has been a long time coming and to see it materialize has now opened the doors for so many wonderful opportunities for weddings and community events.” The INN’s General Manager, Sethe, came aboard with only three months until the wedding. “I fell in love with Kelci and Jack's design, fully embracing the INN's natural aesthetics and showing the space in a new light. Our team came together, going above and beyond to make the entire weekend a success.” 

Got a Dogfish Head love story of your own? Share it with us on Instagram at @VisitDogfish. And whether your valentine is your SO, PIC, BFF, or, heck, even your pet … we wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Dogfish Head! 

Vendors: 
Ceremony Venue: Zwaanandael Museum 
Reception Venue: Dogfish INN 
Wedding Coordinator / Flowers: Styled
Rentals: Coastal Tented Events 
Catering: SoDel Weddings  
Photographer: Maria DeForrest