Cedar Grove, a home on the East River, has received a conditional use permit from Mathews County to hold weddings and special events on its grounds.

Owners Tom and Sue Eley said they have eight acres of grounds to accommodate weddings and other special events, including plenty of space to park cars for guests attending those events. Up to 150 guests are allowed to attend a function under terms of the permit, Tom Eley said.

Wedding parties can change inside the historic house on Williams Wharf Road, but all functions will be held outside.

The oldest section of the house was built about 1825 by Thomas Williams, part of the family for which the nearby Williams Wharf is named. The kitchen, originally an outbuilding, was moved and is now connected to the main house, and the old smokehouse is now used as a garden shed and the former carriage house is currently serving as a garage. Sue Eley said they are excited to open a special events facility, which will utilize many other Mathews vendo...