The Ultimate Guide to Connecticut Wedding Venues

The best places to say I do in CT

Why Connecticut is a Great Place to Get Married

Connecticut is an excellent choice for weddings, featuring a rich diversity of scenic venues despite its small size. From the coastal charm of Old Saybrook, where I had my own wedding, to its scenic countryside and charming towns, the state is perfect for both intimate and large-scale celebrations. The diversity of Connecticut’s landscapes means you can choose a venue that fits your vision, whether it’s a summer beach wedding, fall festivities with stunning foliage, or a cozy winter ceremony.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve compiled this list of wedding venues to help couples find the perfect backdrop for their special day. I love exploring new locations and capturing the unique beauty each venue offers. Once you’ve found the perfect venue, I invite you to check out my portfolio to see if my style aligns with your vision for your big day.

Waterfront Wedding Venues

Connecticut’s coastline offers a variety of waterfront wedding venues, perfect for seaside ceremonies. The Branford House in Groton overlooks Long Island Sound, while Saybrook Point Resort & Marina combines picturesque settings with luxurious amenities. Venues in Mystic and New Haven, along with those on the Connecticut River, provide stunning outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, as well as indoor options with panoramic water views, ensuring your special day is memorable regardless of the weather.

Guilford Yacht Club

Guilford | Website

The Pavilion on Crystal Lake

Middletown | Website

The Inn at Longshore

Westport | Website

Owenego Inn

Branford | Website

Saybrook Point Resort & Marina

Old Saybrook | Website

The Riverview

Weatogue | Website

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa

Westbrook | Website

The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station

Haddam | Website

Westbrook Elks Lodge

Westbrook | Website

Lighthouse Point Park

New Haven | Website

Salem Woods on Gardner Lake

Salem | Website

Middlesex Yacht Club

Chester | Website

Barn and Farm Wedding Venues

For those who love the charm of rustic settings, Connecticut boasts numerous barn wedding venues that blend elegance with a cozy, countryside feel. Venues like The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown and The Lace Factory in Deep River offer stunning rustic backdrops with modern amenities. These venues typically include expansive grounds, perfect for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours, followed by receptions in beautifully restored barns that exude warmth and character.

South Farms

Morris | Website

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills

Middletown | Website

Castle Hill Farm

Newtown | Website

Tyrone Farm

Pomfret Center | Website

Winvian Farm

Morris | Website

The Webb Barn

Wethersfield | Website

The Salem Herbfarm

Salem | Website

Wrights Mill Farm

Canterbury | Website

Wood Acres Farm

Terryville | Website

Smith Farm Gardens

East Haddam | Website

Dean Mills Farm

Stonington | Website

Farm at Carter Hill

Marlborough | Website

Maple Lane Farms

Preston | Website

Mansion and Castle Wedding Venues

For couples seeking a fairytale wedding, Connecticut’s mansion and castle venues are sure to impress. Venues like the Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown and Gillette Castle in East Haddam offer grand settings with historical significance and architectural beauty. These venues often feature manicured gardens, elegant ballrooms, and stunning views, providing a luxurious backdrop for your wedding day. Whether you’re looking for classic elegance or a touch of royal splendor, these venues can make your wedding dreams come true.

Lounsbury House

Ridgefield | Website

Branford House

Groton | Website

Lord Thompson Manor

Thompson | Website

Wadsworth Mansion

Middletown | Website

Tarrywile Park and Mansion

Danbury | Website

The Spinning Wheel

Redding | Website

Eolia Mansion at Harkness State Park

Waterford | Website

Waveny House

New Canaan | Website

Le Chateau

South Salem, NY | Website

Hartford City Hall

Hartford | Website

Outdoor Wedding Venues

If you envision an outdoor wedding surrounded by nature, Connecticut has plenty of options to choose from. The state’s parks and gardens, such as the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden in Hartford and Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford, offer stunning outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions. These venues provide a beautiful, natural setting that can be transformed to fit any wedding theme, from casual and whimsical to formal and sophisticated.

Candlelight Farms Inn

New Milford | Website

Lion Rock Farm

Sharon | Website

Garden House at Keeler Tavern Museum

Ridgefield | Website

Inn at Mystic

Mystic | Website

Interlaken Inn

Lakeville | Website

The Overlook at Geer Tree Farm

Griswold | Website

The Inn at Woodstock Hill

Woodstock | Website

Gallaher Mansion and Cranbury Park Estate

Norwalk | Website

FAQs about Connecticut Wedding Venues

To get married in Connecticut, couples simply need to obtain a marriage license, find an officiant, and choose a location for their ceremony.

Choosing the best season to get married in Connecticut depends on your desired atmosphere. Spring is beautiful with blooming flowers and mild weather, though occasional rain is a possibility. Summer is warm and sunny, ideal for beach or outdoor weddings, but it can be humid. Fall offers stunning foliage and cooler temperatures, but it can get chilly in late fall. Winter provides a romantic setting with potential snow and lower off-season rates, but the weather can be cold and snowy.

It’s best to book your wedding venue as soon as possible, ideally 12 to 18 months in advance. Popular venues often fill up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons like spring and fall. Early booking gives you a better chance of securing your preferred date and location. If you’re planning a wedding during off-peak times, you might have more flexibility, but it’s still wise to book at least 9 to 12 months ahead.

Yes, you can definitely have your wedding ceremony at a church and the reception at a different location. This is a common choice for many couples who want a traditional ceremony followed by a more personalized or flexible reception venue. When planning this type of arrangement, consider the travel time between the church and reception site, ensuring it’s convenient for your guests. Provide clear directions and, if possible, transportation options.

The cost to rent a wedding venue in Connecticut can vary significantly depending on the location, venue type, and time of year. On average, couples can expect to spend between $4,000 and $12,000. High-end venues or those in popular areas like coastal towns or scenic countryside locations may charge more, sometimes upwards of $15,000. Venues in less sought-after areas or those booked during off-peak seasons may be more affordable, starting around $3,000. Additional costs such as catering, decorations, and rentals can also affect the total expense, so it’s crucial to get detailed quotes and understand what’s included in the venue rental fee to plan your budget accurately.

bride and guests on the dance floor
bride and groom walking down the aisle after a ceremony

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