Historic property provides a magical event setting

Located in one of the most beautiful natural areas of Southwest Missouri, Rockford Grange at Bear Hollow Ranch & Preserve in Washburn, Missouri is a one-of-a-kind destination for weddings and events.

“Our 2,500 acre creek-front property provides limitless opportunities for stunning ceremonies and receptions,” said Rowdy Motts, who with his wife Samantha Mott-Founders opened Rockford Grange in 2015. “Our indoor event space is over 20,000 square feet with multiple halls to accommodate any size of event. Original structures, such as the Rockford Grange Cottage, can be rented out for overnight use. The property also includes nine bungalows that can be rented individually or in a package.”

Along with the benefits of being in a beautiful, secluded natural setting, they have the capability of being a destination resort for weddings and events because of their overnight accommodation options.

“Not only that, but we are also a nature preserve and working ranch,” Rowdy said. “Guests often enjoy exotic animal sightings. Our pricing is very competitive, and we also include tables and chairs in our rental packages.”

Rowdy is an entrepreneur with a marketing degree from the University of Arkansas. Opening Rockford Grange was born out of Rowdy and Samantha’s desire to have the perfect location for their own wedding.

“We decided to remodel and convert the space into an event venue for our own wedding in 2014,” he explained. “We wanted to be able to share the experience we had at our wedding with the public, so we opened it up as a business and have been hosting weddings and various events ever since.”

Samantha has a biology degree from the University of Arkansas and shifted gears into the business world once the couple opened Rockford Grange’s doors to the public. She has always loved weddings and enjoys getting to be a small part of someone’s most cherished day.

“It’s been our greatest joy to get to know our clients and families from the area and watch them get married and start their own journeys together,” Rowdy said. “We love the beautiful scenery and landscape of McDonald County but most of all we love its people and community.”

Rockford Grange customers are anyone who wants to have a wedding or event in a space that offers all the best features of the Ozarks. Other activities they offer range from yoga and paddle boarding on the lakes, to gravel rides, fishing, hiking, kayaking, as well as private on-site tennis lessons.

“We also offer short-term rentals through Airbnb for the Rockford Grange Cottage and one of our bungalows,” Rowdy added. “We host a wide variety of events beyond just weddings. The property and venue are large enough to host anything our clients could dream up.”

www.rockfordgrange.com