Old Economy Village, which has been used for hosting weddings since before the 1960s, is available for weddings year-round.

CRANBERRY TWP — Brides this year may notice they're having a tougher time booking old inns, rustic farmhouses or botanical gardens for their weddings.

Historic venues are slowly catching up with banquet halls as the most highly sought-after types of venues for both weddings and receptions.

According to a study by wedding website TheKnot.com, banquet halls are still the most popular venue for couples tying the knot, accounting for 17 percent of all business. However, the study found those venues have seen a 10 percent decrease in popularity since 2009.

Farms, barns and ranches are a close second at 15 percent, while historical homes and buildings are third at 14 percent.

Hotels and resorts make up 12 percent of wedding reception venues, with country clubs rounding out the top five at 10 percent.

The Knot's research found the trend is indicative of couples wanting to find a unique experience, with many sparing no expense — the average cost of venues is $15,163 — to find that perfect location.

Sandy Caroll, who serves as Old Economy Village's site rental and motor coach tour associate in Ambridge, said her venue saw an increase of about 125 percent in bookings this year.

“A lot of (the couples) like history,” Caroll said. “Many want an outdoor wedding. Some have had family married here. We really get people from all over — Pittsburgh and even out of state.”

Caroll said Old Economy typically hosts 22 to 25 weddings a year, with its garden being the most-used place for ceremonies — though two buildings are also available as rain locations.

Caroll said she and the “young Harmonists” — volunteers under 18 — are usually the ones who work the weddings.

Rates at Old Economy Village vary depending on what services are requested, how many people are in attendance and for how long the space is to be rented. Caroll said she usually throws in “an extra hour” for people who book both a ceremony and reception.

Old Economy Village, which has been used for hosting weddings since before the 1960s, is available for weddings year-round, but the most frequently booked days are Saturdays from April and October.

Still, the classic, tried-and-true venues like banquet halls and hotels offer an all-inclusive package that can allow for a more easygoing wedding day.

Lance Rihn, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry, said the venue's goal is to make everything a “one-stop shop” for a couple. He said the hotel's wedding package includes everything needed for a reception, including the meal, cake, chair covers, linens, centerpieces and up lighting.

“That way, you're not getting nickel-and-dimed throughout the course of the wedding process,” he said. He added alcohol is also included in the package.

Additionally, the hotel employs a full-time wedding specialist who meets with the couple and serves as a point of contact throughout the planning process.

“He's there from the first day they meet right up until the time they walk through the doors for the reception,” Rihn said.