The Hidden Abbey is a wedding venue and event center with history, charm, and a touch of nostalgia. Originally built as Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church, this building has been a gathering place for generations. The first church, a small white chapel, once stood where our courtyard is today. As the congregation grew, a larger church was needed, and in 1961, construction began on the Sanctuary and Lower Level part of the building. Once completed, the original white chapel was torn down to make way for what was called “The Education Wing”, which is now home to our overnight suites, bridal dressing rooms, and office. A fun piece of history? We still have the original blueprints, some bibles, and hymnals from the church stored safely in a firebox!

Over the years, as the congregation became smaller, the church was eventually sold in 2013 and transformed into an event center known as The Cross Eyed Moose. In April 2022, we—Amy Beth & Kenny Williamson—purchased the venue and renamed it The Hidden Abbey. The name reflects our secluded, off-the-beaten-path location, while “Abbey” gives a nod to the building’s past as a church (an abbey is another type of church…think Westminster Abbey). While certain aspects of the venue have been modernized, we have also embraced its history, from the original terrazzo floors of the foyers to the lattice-framed privacy glass windows in the Sanctuary, which give the space a beautifully diffused glow.

When Amy Beth purchased the venue, she had over eight years of experience in the wedding industry as a stationery designer and day-of coordinator. Amy Beth brings an eye for detail and a passion for creating seamless, stress-free celebrations. We love the character of the building and appreciate all the hard work that previous owners poured into transforming it into an event space. Today, The Hidden Abbey provides a unique, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed venue for weddings, showers, parties, and life’s biggest moments, blending modern elegance with the charm of its rich history.