Little Bit of Paradise
Patsy Smeed
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
AWARD WINNER (1X)
Thanks to recommendations from couples on The Knot
Summit Hill Gardens Events Center is a beautiful barn wedding venue in Chanute, KS. Summit Hill Gardens Event Center is a bit of paradise with numerous flower beds, sculptures, a stone schoolhouse built in 1874, a honeymoon cottage, and a retail soap shop in a reclaimed and renovated barn with a loft. The charming bridal lounge is in the loft of the soap shop, and the quaint groom's room is in the stone schoolhouse. As the sun sets on the pond, the school bell rings, and a magical wedding begins under the Osage orange tree on the hillside.
In this peaceful setting at Summit Hill Gardens Event Center, it's my dream to give wedding couples, their families, and friends a magical day in a little bit of paradise. We offer several different packages to bring your wedding vision to life, with the event center available for one- to three-day wedding rentals. Couples can host everything from the ceremony to the reception in this idyllic setting. A variety of event items are available for your convenience, including tables, chairs, centerpieces, decor, a photo booth, and more. We have plenty of space for celebrations of up to 250 guests, and we look forward to working with you to create an unforgettable time for you and your loved ones.
Pricing details
Starting prices
Reception:
$2,750
Ceremony:
$2,750
Bar services:
Contact for price
Catering:
Contact for price
Starting prices don't include service fees, taxes, gratuity, and rental fees. Guest count and seasonality may also affect prices. Peak season for this venue is Mar-Jun and Sept-Dec.
Amenities + details
Amenities
Ceremony Area
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Liability Insurance
On-Site Accommodations
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Ceremony Types
Civil Union
Commitment Ceremony
Elopement
Interfaith Ceremony
Non-Religious Ceremony
Religious Ceremony
Second Wedding
Vow Renewal Ceremony
Settings
Backyard
Barn
Farm & Ranch
Garden
Historic Venue
Trees
Venue Service Offerings
Rentals & Equipment
Awards and Affiliations
Any questions?
Meet the team
Showing slide number 1 out of 2
- Patsy SmeedOwnerHello! MY NAME IS PATSY In my life I have experienced extensive world travel with my artist/art historian husband, the late Laurence Wooster. We traveled all across the world falling in love with art and culture. We settled in Chanute, KS and started pouring our love for art into our first home, an abandoned school house, called Summit Hill. My family and I have torn down and moved buildings, mixed concrete, hauled stone, laid stone, and had our fair share of smashed fingers and toes. All of my life lessons and journeys have resulted in a lovely mix of history, art, and my own paradise. Summit Hill Gardens has been a labor of love for 40+ years. It started with the renovation of the old native stone school house that was built on site in 1874. And with this also came an insatiable love for plants. So there is the natural beauty of Summit Hill with native plants and numerous flower beds. Now with the completion of the event center, the "Hill" seems to be complete. With help, I still built arbors, paint, plant copious amounts of plants, continuing to add to the charm here at Summit Hill. I have hosted weddings, bridal and baby showers, house concerts, birthday parties, alumni events among many other events in this story book setting that is Summit Hill Gardens. I have been able to give couples and many families a magical day to remember by providing a little bit of paradise; and with that-I have achieved my dream.
- Patsy SmeedownerHello, I'm Patsy I grew up just a couple of miles from Summit Hill, so a Chanute Ks girl through and through. I was married to the late Laurence Wooster, an artist by nature a gentleman at heart, when we bought Summit Hill Gardens. This place has experienced birthdays parties, weddings, showers and many other life events through the years. When I'm not working in the venue, making soaps or keeping up with my AirBnB, you can find me at the thrift shop looking for linens, antique dishes or cool one-of-kind decor items for the venue. I enjoy reading and creating projects that allow me to work with my power tools. I absolutely love hosting so I am thrilled to be part of your special day. I thrive when I get in the creative mindset, so let's brain storm your ideas for your perfect wedding day and bring them to life!
Reviews
5.0
out of 5.019 reviews
Your trust is our goal. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
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Heather L
Highlighted review.
5.0
1/20/2019
Summit Hill was absolutely the best! We couldn't have picked a more perfect venue! Everything was so beautiful! There were several options for our outdoor wedding on the property, each being beautiful! It truly was one of the best days of my life, and Patsy and Summit Hill were a huge part of it! Definitely my dream wedding!
response 01/20/2019
Thank you so much Heather! I loved the pies you had for your guests! They were delicious!...
Patsy
Chelsea V
5.0
5/03/2019
This location was more beautiful than I ever expected! It was so perfect! I love that they had tables/chairs for us to use and let us come see and set up for the wedding early-eliminating so much stress and worry. We stayed at the cute cabin on property which was so convenient.
This place was magical and a true gem!
Any questions?
Kenna K
5.0
2/19/2019
Last month, I was a guest at the most beautiful elopement at Summit Hill Gardens. It was a bitter cold January day but, we stayed cozied up and watched the couple marry in front of a stone fireplace. It was the perfect intimate wedding!
response 03/01/2019
Thank you Kenna-Yes it was a beautiful magical day! Glad you were here at the elopement! P...
atsy and Gretchen
Caitlin M
5.0
2/18/2019
First off, I’d like to thank Patsy and Gretchen for allowing me to rent out their beautiful property to make my special day happen exactly how I wanted it to! My husband and I had decided to elope out of state in July 2018 and then return back to our home town of Chanute, KS to have a big celebration/reception with all of our friends and family. We chose Summit Hill Gardens Event Center for a plethora of reasons, but our main reasons were that it had the rustic feel we were going for, they have onsite bride and groom parlors/suites to ready at, the owners allow you to access the property for the entire weekend for set up/tear down and we knew our guests would enjoy the outside space as much as we would!
Multiple times throughout the months leading up to our reception on 9/22/2018 I had asked Patsy if we could swing by the event center to take measurements, table count, DJ set up, etc. She always allowed us to come and was always reachable and open with her communication which made my job as a bride that much easier! We were able to set up all of our décor and tables the day before our reception, 9/21/2018, and Patsy and Gretchen were even out there helping us out and putting last minute touches on the venue itself! Having them there for questions and extra hands really lifted a big weight off of our shoulders and we are thankful for them! The morning of our wedding was a breeze! All of the bridesmaids, myself and the mothers were able to spend the morning in the bridal suite above the soap shop doing our hair, make up, getting dressed, snacking on some food and drinking mimosas. (I couldn’t have asked for a better morning!)
The groomsmen and groom were all able to get ready in the onsite cabin as well. Patsy and Gretchen were there throughout the reception to make sure things were going okay and to help when/if needed. The outside area is phenomenal! My guests enjoyed some outside dancing, visiting around the fire pit, making s’mores, and drinks under the stars and lights in the trees! To put it lightly, the outside of the venue is so magical at night!! At 12AM they came out to help close up the barn and shut the party down. My husband and I were able to stay the night in the onsite cabin, which was fantastic as well! We woke up the following morning and Patsy and Gretchen has made us breakfast and brought it to us to enjoy outside on the patio. They helped us clean up the venue and pack everything away.
If you are looking to book this venue for your big day, do it! I promise, you will not regret it! Patsy and Gretchen have a very special event center and the additional amenities are just the icing on the cake! Thank you again!!!
All our love,
Caitlin & Kevin Martin
response 02/18/2019
Caitlin and Kevin-thank you for such a great review! Weddings like yours and people like y...
ou are the reasons Gretchen and I love doing weddings so much at our venue!
Sara R
5.0
2/18/2019
As a photographer, this venue was the perfect setting for a garden wedding. I loved the sunset and romantic feel that the venue had for my amazing couple. I hope to be able to shoot there again very soon!
response 02/19/2019
Thank You for your review of our venue!! Gretchen and I loved the pictures from that da...
y here . You certainly captured the essence of that event for the wedding couple! Thank you!
Ike & Katie S
5.0
2/03/2019
We had our wedding at Summit Hill Gardens in the fall of October 2018. The venue itself was exactly what we were looking for in terms of atmosphere and overall a peaceful experience. Kathy and Gretchen were so helpful through the process. They showed grace and tact while preparing for our upcoming wedding. They were extremely attentive, making sure our wedding party and guests were well taken care of. Our family and friends were right next to us, providing love and support. This allowed us (bride and groom) to relax and enjoy the day surrounded by the ones we love in a beautiful venue.
response 02/03/2019
Gretchen and I loved this wedding-what a beautiful couple you are! Thank you for choosin...
g this little bit of paradise for your special day.
Nadene E
5.0
1/23/2019
We recently had a Shrine event at this venue. We had approximately 70 people for a sit down dinner. The kitchen, though small, is very efficient. Lots of extras that we were able to use. The staff is excellent. They went above and beyond helping us with last minute details. We were very satisfied and the cost was reasonable. I would highly recommend this location for your event.
response 01/24/2019
Thank you so much for the review Nadine. Gretchen and I loved the event-there was so much ...
camaraderie. Everyone was so proud of this organization, and with good reason, this truly is an organization that does so much good.
Mirande Y
5.0
1/23/2019
We had a lovely last minute elopement at Summit Hill Gardens. I contacted them on Tuesday and had everything planned for our wedding by that Saturday. Patsy and Gretchen were both very welcoming and wanted to make sure everything was just perfect for us. We had a private ceremony in the 1874 school house in front of the warm fireplace. There was a private loft upstairs that I got ready in while the men messed around and played pool in the downstairs adjoining room. There were candles lit around the fireplace and stained glass windows. As an added bonus they had wine and glasses ready for us to have a toast offer the ceremony. They were also more than happy to let us go take pictures in other building and other places on the property. Truly an experience we couldn’t have found anywhere else. This place is truly unique.
response 01/23/2019
Thank you so much for the review! Gretchen and I love last minute weddings! There is some...
thing so sweet about them! Love is in the air!
Jen H
5.0
1/21/2019
I highly recommend Summit Hill Gardens! I had the opportunity to attend my best friends wedding at this venue. The moment I pulled into the drive, I was amazed at the beauty of the property. Patsy and Gretchen have put so much time, hard work and love into this venue. Not to mention their kindness and hospitality! Even if you don't need the venue itself, the soap shop is worth the country drive to Summit Hill. Quality, natural products. From the almond moisturizer to shampoo bars...I won't use anything else!
response 01/22/2019
Jen Thank you so much for the review! What a fun wedding that was for Gretchen and I! Th...
ank you for being such a loyal customer as well! I always look forward to seeing you! Patsy
Sharon E
5.0
1/20/2019
We were married 7 years ago at Summit Hill Gardens and this was an incredible venue. Very friendly and professional folks who exceeded every expectation! The staircase behind the fireplace was a special feature where the groom entered. I had the very beautifully appointed guest house to get prepared for my groom and the pictures of my walk outdoors to the room to meet my groom are special. The finger foods were served by the hostess while the wedding party had their outdoor pictures taken. The cake event was elegant with colored glass pane windows adding to the ambience.
Overall I would say my hostess and her helpers took on the role as tho of family or friends. It was truly a memorable wedding day made possible by the attention to every detail by Summit Hill Gardens
response 01/21/2019
Thank you so much Sharon. I'v done weddings for a long time and have enjoyed them all-ever...
y wedding -with the bride and groom and their guests- is so special, so unique and so personal. It is nice to be part of that!
Holly R
5.0
1/18/2019
I love shooting Weddings at Summit Hill Gardens! What a unique facility with kind owners! Each building tells its own story and makes for very beautiful photos. With a rustic setting and neat history this venue is a top pick in Southeast Kansas for a beautiful Wedding Venue!
response 01/20/2019
Thank you so much! Your photos say it all!
Katie T
5.0
1/16/2019
Beautiful, one of a kind place! Patsy and Gretchen were so helpful making our day perfect! Couldn't ask for a better location and people to work with. Nothing else compares to how beautiful and unique the Summit Hill Gardens Event Center is.
response 01/20/2019
I love your pictures at Summit Hill with the lilacs! A beautiful spring wedding! Thank yo...
u for having your special day here!
Karen M
5.0
1/15/2019
Beautiful setting. Very pretty and a great country setting . Patsy and Gretchen were very prompt and helpful . Great place to have a wedding 😊
response 01/15/2019
Thank you Karen! I especially love the picture where you are dancing with the groom-your...
son! The wedding/reception was so beautiful-Gretchen and I were so happy that our venue was chosen! Thank you!
Kimber W
5.0
1/10/2019
Summit Hill Gardens is incredibly beautiful, peaceful, impressive -- a hidden gem! Plus, Patsy and Gretchen are so kind and accommodating. I highly recommend checking it out!
response 01/20/2019
Gretchen and I loved your article about our venue and so did everyone else! We have gotte...
n so many compliments! Thank you for a wonderful review and we really enjoy your magazine, Southeast Kansas Living! Patsy
Meg S
5.0
12/30/2018
Summit Hill Gardens is a beautiful place to be, which is why I chose to have my wedding there. It has several amenities, each one unique and beautiful. If you look at the pictures, you can see no two weddings are the same because the breath taking scenery is ever changing thanks to Patsy and her creative mind. You won’t regret booking your event/wedding at Summit Hill!
response 01/02/2019
Thank you Meg for your review. and choosing to have your wedding here. When I look at you...
r pictures, I'm reminded how beautiful and perfect the day was.
Trish V
5.0
12/30/2018
Pictures do not do justice to this gorgeous venue. The barn and surrounding gardens are a stunning backdrop to any event. Pasty and Gretchen are wonderful to work with and they are there from start to finish to make sure everything is perfect.
response 01/02/2019
Thank you Trish! Gretchen and I loved having your wedding here! You and Mark made our job...
easy! Thank you!
Tyler S
5.0
12/29/2018
I cannot say enough about this venue and Patsy! Summit Hill is such an amazing place. You won't have to worry if the guests are having fun and entertained, the landscape, takes care of it for you! Patsy is a true artist and can help you find your vision or help create the one you have been dreaming of! My friends and family still talk about how beautiful and perfect it was! The bridal lounge is a great place to be and you have a window looking down onto the property where you can see guests arriving etc. It was a stress free perfect day! I can't recommend it enough!
response 01/02/2019
This wedding was so fun! Thank you for having it here! It was so special to use wild flowe...
rs picked on the hill and and my mothers vintage table cloths. Gretchen and I loved the day!
Krista C
5.0
12/24/2018
From the first time I visited Summit Hill Gardens, I fell in love. The event center, the staff, the beautiful grounds, and the atmosphere are perfect for weddings, but really any event. If you haven’t visited, check out their website, but make it a day and go visit, you won’t be sorry! You will forever fall in love with Summit Hill Gardens!!
response 01/02/2019
Thank you so much Krista. I love it every time you visit!
Diane F
5.0
12/24/2018
We could not have been more pleased with the beautiful setting and personal service received from Patsy and Gretchen at Summit Hill. The property was breathtakingly beautiful with lush gardens and trees that provided the backdrop for our daughter's "garden party" dream wedding. From their extensive supply of antique table linens and vases the barn was transformed into a magical dining experience to share with family and friends. The quaint bridal lounge located above the scents of Patsy's soap shop was a lovely space to prepare for the evening festivities. Our guests were blown away by this hidden gem right outside Chanute. Who knew?
response 01/02/2019
Diane Thank you for having your daughters wedding here! Your daughters "garden party" wedd...
ing was so special. Gretchen and I were so glad we were part of it!
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$2,750 starting price
Patsy Smeed
OWNER
Typically responds within 24h
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