IYN Spotlight – The Ashton Depot

The Ashton Depot is a beautifully restored train station transformed into a full-service event venue that packages everything you need for a picture-perfect event! They are known for their all-inclusive packages, featuring fabulous food and drinks, full waitstaff, banquet tables, gold chiavari chairs, over 15 colors of couture linens, an event manager to help facilitate and organize your entire event & much more! 

We’re really excited about The Ashton Depot team’s latest venture as they have been offering a unique opportunity to experience their delectable catering in the comfort of your own home! Every Thursday, Chef Cesar creates a three-course menu of out-of-this-world options that is super simple to pick up, take home, reheat and will make you feel like you’re eating at a five-star restaurant right at your kitchen table. To order next week’s Father’s Day meal, visit their website here!

We caught up with Ashlee at The Ashton Depot to learn more about this stunning venue!

When did The Ashton Depot open for business?

The Ashton Depot, originally the Santa Fe Depot, was built in 1899, opened in 1901 and ran as a train station for over 100 years. In 1998 it was purchased by its current owners and when Amtrak moved down the block, the owners revitalized the building to its original glory and opened in 2006 for weddings and events. We have been open for 15 years and are going strong!

On average, how many weddings do you take on per month/year?

We do about 15 events per month so about 150-200 events per year, both onsite and offsite. 

What is your favorite feature at The Ashton Depot?

The Ashton Depot features many original features from the first days of the building being open, such as the crown molding, the original push plates and hinges on the doors and our famous stained glass windows. The windows depict the evolution of transportation as it was in the early 1900’s. They were originally removed from the building in the 1960’s so it could be torn down to be a parking lot. When the current owners purchased the building in 1998, they were able to locate the windows and return them to their rightful place and former glory.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

After the event is over, when clients share with us how easy the planning process was as well as how much they enjoyed everything. We strive to make every event special and fun for each of our clients and to hear they feel all the love we put into it is the most rewarding.

What are some of the hottest trends you’re seeing right now in the wedding industry?

We see a lot of couples moving away from lots of colors and sticking to the traditional ivory, black & gold. We also see a lot of couples moving away from traditional items such as coming up with creative options for sign in “books” and not using books at all. Couples are also moving away from having a traditional minister and moving toward using close families or friends to marry them.

During these trying times of navigating wedding planning during this pandemic, what advice would you give to couples that are in the midst of planning?

It’s okay to be sad and frustrated! Yes this is a difficult time for everyone, but you are also going through something very difficult too. Nobody plans a wedding and expects to have to postpone it due to an pandemic. The Ashton Depot team is here for you for anything you need!

How can couples get in contact with you to learn more about The Ashton Depot and to book a tour?

Thank you Ashlee!