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13 Incredible Vermont Wedding Venues

by Alicia Forth | Jun 5, 2022 | Wedding

From mountain retreats to a unique Lake Champlain venue, here are 13 favorites.

Basin Harbor

The state of Vermont may be on the smaller side, but that hardly means the Green Mountain State doesn’t pack a big ‘wow’ factor, especially when it comes to the best Vermont wedding venues. With gorgeous mountain ranges stretching the length of the state, Vermont offers picturesque views at nearly every angle—making it an ideal spot for an outdoor wedding, or a wedding with a mountain or lodge vibe.

Of course, the New England winters can be a bit blustery, but if you and your fiancé are avid skiers or just love the snow, you won’t mind; in fact, you may just find winter in Vermont to be the perfect fairytale-esque backdrop for your big day. Whatever the season you’re considering for hosting a Vermont wedding, you can find a spectacular and impressive wedding or reception venue on The Knot Marketplace. Here are 13 of our favorites.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak in Stowe, Vermont

Just minutes away from charming downtown Stowe, The Lodge at Spruce Peakimpresses no matter the season. Outdoor weddings are a possibility regardless of sunshine or snow, but whatever the weather, your event will be set against the lovely Vermont mountains, including the state’s tallest peak, Mount Mansfield. The lodge offers a variety of unique wedding venues to choose from, all located on-property (including one that’s also an ice rink!), and there’s something for weddings of every size, from intimate destination weddings to big bashes hosting up to 300 of your favorite people. And their in-house caterers will make planning a breeze.

Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont

If you want that Vermont mountain backdrop, but you don’t necessarily want the alpine lodge feel, you should consider Sugarbush Resort, a beautifully rustic hideaway near Lincoln Peak. Rather than feeling like an all-out ski destination, this venue channels Vermont’s agricultural history, with its striking red barn exterior and quintessential round barn. For couples seeking a combination of mountain views and the barn wedding vibe, Sugarbush is one of the only venues to give you the best of both worlds. There are several ceremony and reception locations to choose from, with options suitable for weddings of 50 to 300 guests.

The Inn at the Round Barn Farm in Waitsfield, Vermont

Sure, Vermont has mountains, but it also boasts rolling hills of wildflowers, tranquil ponds flanked by weeping willows, and lush farmland—all of which you can find at The Inn at the Round Barn Farm. For a country-inspired wedding, this venue ticks all of the boxes. Just imagine those perfect wedding portraits featuring you and your honey drifting across the tree-lined pond in a rowboat (and if that’s not straight off the page of a romance novel, we’re not sure what is). Follow up the ceremony with a reception in the rustic round barn, all decked out in fairy lights, and you have a dreamy special day your guests won’t soon forget.

Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Proctorsville, Vermont

Wedding venue in Proctorsville, Vermont.

Looking for a Vermont wedding venue with historic appeal? Castle Hill Resort & Spa, a National Register of Historic Places-listed venue, is waiting. The English Cotswold-style mansion, with its elegantly landscaped gardens, is ideal for an upscale wedding. With a library and two formal dining rooms inside and the gardens outside all at your disposal, you’re sure to find the perfect backdrop for your wedding. Invite your guests to stay at the resort (or at least book a room for you and your spouse-to-be) to enjoy the equally gorgeous guest rooms, outfitted with period furnishings and the utmost in historic luxury.

The Spirit of Ethan Allen in Burlington, Vermont

Why settle for a waterside wedding venue, when you can exchange your vows literally right on the water? The Spirit of Ethan Allen is the only cruise ship on Lake Champlain, harbored conveniently in Burlington. Rent the entire ship for a wedding for up to 300 guests and then set sail for your big day. An extra bonus to taking to the lake for your ceremony and reception? You get not only the amazing views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, but also the views of the Adirondacks across the water in New York.

Basin Harbor in Vergennes, Vermont

For a waterfront wedding venue without putting your entire guest list on the water, however (after all, if someone, say the flower girl, gets seasick that’s a wedding disaster you definitely don’t want), look to Basin Harbor in Vergennes. This lovely lakeside venue boasts a handful of spectacular ceremony spots, including a dock that juts out into Lake Champlain and features a backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains. As a perfect finishing touch to your big day, trade out your getaway car for a getaway speed boat. The photos alone are worth it.

The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont

Channel one of the most well-known musicals of all time as you plan your wedding at The Trapp Family Lodge, just a few miles from downtown Stowe. This venue was founded by the real family that inspired The Sound of Music and, as such, you’ll find Austrian influences at every turn. With 2,500 acres, the venue offers plenty of space for you to choose from—including a croquet lawn and two separate meadows, and various indoor spaces—and if you and your fiancé are beer fans, you’ll love the on-site beirhall.

The Trailside Inn in Killington, Vermont

If you and your partner are avid hikers, you’ll definitely want to check out The Trailside Inn, near Killington. From the most casual to the most elegant weddings, this large venue can do it all. The real draw, though, is all the wooded outdoor space, perfect for more intimate ceremonies, receptions, and wedding portraits, all surrounded by the great outdoors. One of the best parts of booking your dream wedding here, though? When you do, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to the entire property, for a level of privacy you’ll be hard-pressed to find at other, similar venues.

River Road Farm in Manchester, Vermont

This is a far cry from your average barn wedding. River Road Farm does offer a barn for your event space, but this is certainly unlike any other barn venue you’ve likely spotted during your wedding planning. The deep-stained flooring, rich leather and wood accents, stone walls, and chandeliers all make the space as dramatic as they come. You would never guess that the venue was actually a 110-year-old horse barn. The venue is suitable for up to 200 guests and you’ll find other ceremony spots beyond the barn across the farm, including the gardens, lawn, and trout pond bridge.

The Henry House in Bennington, Vermont

For the most bang for your buck (because, let’s face it, weddings can get pricey), look to The Henry House. The 250-year-old, Revolutionary War-era home offers an array of features that all add a little extra something special to your wedding. There’s a 14-foot stone fireplace for fireside ceremonies; an expansive slate patio for wedding party portraits; and a converted barn-turned-bar for reception drinks. The home itself sleeps 13 guests and features period furnishings among the Georgian-style architecture. You and your wedding party can take up residence for the entire wedding weekend and enjoy it all, all on a budget.

Turning Stone Farm in Greensboro, Vermont

This 1880s rustic barn venue is lovely any time of year, but it really shines in the fall. Surrounded by woods, the trees come alive in vibrant hues of red and orange come autumn, perfectly complementing the expansive red barn. Just add a few pumpkins and maybe a bonfire or two and you have the fall-time wedding you’ve been dreaming of. Turning Stone Farm is suitable for weddings of up to 300 guests and you can host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in the one spot, moving between the barn, orchard, gardens, and other plentiful spaces.

Stratton Mountain Resort in Stratton Mountain, Vermont

Wedding venue in Stratton Mountain, Vermont.

A lot of Vermont resorts and other wedding venues offer outdoor ceremony and reception spaces with fantastic views of the Green Mountains, but if you truly want to take your wedding to another level, don’t settle for mere mountain views—say ‘I do’ on the mountain summit itself. That’s exactly what you can do at Stratton Mountain Resort, which offers its summit deck for intimate weddings, accessible only via the ski gondola. From the top, you and your guests will be able to view up to four states and mountain ranges.

Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion in North Bennington, Vermont

Wedding venue in North Bennington, Vermont.

Your inner romantic may just let out a squee when you see this stunner of a historic wedding venue. Park-McCullough Historic Governor’s Mansion is just the gingerbread-style mansion that you’d want for a truly romance-themed wedding, with its Romantic Revival and Second Empire architecture, surrounded by 200 acres of parkland and gardens. From the terraces to the gardens to the carriage barn, take your pick of multiple wedding ceremony and reception spots (suitable for guest lists up to 200 people) to plan a wedding day steeped in sweetness.

What Really Matters On Your Wedding Day

by Alicia Forth | May 22, 2022 | Wedding

10 Things No One Tells You About the Wedding Day

No matter how many weddings you’ve attended before, or how many times you’ve been a bridesmaid, there are some things you just don’t find out about until your wedding day.

Talk to anyone who’s gone through it before and they’ll tell you that your wedding day absolutely flies by. You’ll be so busy going from one thing to the next that before you know it, you’ll be cutting the cake. You may already know that you need an emergency kit (just in case), that it can be difficult to use the bathroom in your ball gown, and to pack a stain remover. But aside from the logistics, there are tons of intangible, special moments that make up the wedding day itself. Here, 10 truths about the wedding day that no one ever talks about.

1. Ten minutes before the ceremony is the most nerve-racking part.

The time leading up to the walk down the aisle will be the most anxiety-ridden 10 minutes you’ll ever have. And it makes sense—you’re about to make a life-changing decision in front of all the people you love and care about the most. Just remember that your other half is waiting for you at the end of the journey and you’re going to have a huge party to celebrate (not to mention the reason why you said “yes” in the first place).

2. The ceremony is the best part.

There’s something truly amazing about the wedding ceremony. The traditions, the vows and all your emotional family members and friends make it one of the most special moments of your life. Our advice? Take it all in and drink it up. You’ll want these memories to last a lifetime.

3. You’ll definitely cry.

Okay, this one might not be such a secret—all we can say is that crying is basically inevitable. And since you already know the waterworks are coming, the best thing to do is just be prepared. Store some tissues nearby, and if you’re a bride, make sure to wear waterproof makeup (or even get eyelash extensions) and keep some mascara and lipstick readily available for quick touch-ups.

4. Your face will hurt from smiling so much.

Thousands of pictures aside, you’ll be smiling all day because it’s going to be the bestday ever. You’re marrying your best friend, after all! Between finally “making it official” with your partner and dancing like crazy with all of your close friends and family, there’s literally no reason to frown (even if it rains).

5. You’ll be amazed by the love and support of your family and friends.

They all showed up for one reason—you! You and your soon-to-be spouse will get all—and we really mean all—of the attention. You may not even be able to eat dinner, since you’ll have so many people to talk to and so many pictures to take. Between the pinches on the cheek from your grandma and the side-punches from your college pals, you’ll be overcome by the love and support of those around you.

6. You’ll want a little alone time.

In fact, you might be so overcome with emotion that you may want to take a few moments just for you, or the two of you. Some of the most special minutes of the day are the few you get to spend alone, preparing for what’s to come, or together with your new spouse, taking it all in.

7. You might be a little exhausted.

Let’s face it, you won’t get too much sleep the night before your wedding. Between stressing over the seating chart, a tiff with your mom or just overall excitement for the day to come, you’ll be seriously lacking in shut-eye. Pro tip: Under-eye concealer will be your best friend.

8. It won’t all go as planned.

Something might end up going wrong. It could be little, or it could be big, but our best advice is to soldier on and try to think of the big picture. Can you solve this problem easily? Does it make a huge difference in the long run? Are your guests still having fun? Are you having fun? If these questions are easily answered, then don’t sweat it—just keep enjoying your celebration, and feel free to delegate tasks to planners and relatives so you don’t have to deal with drama.

9. The most magical moment will be when you least expect it.

We promise that the most special time of the day, or weekend, is going to be something you never expected. A stolen minute or two with your soon-to-be spouse, a hug from your dad or an impromptu speech by your college roommate could end up meaning the world to you.

10. You’ll feel different.

Even if you and your other half have been cohabiting for years, once you’re legally wed, things will feel official. It might just be a slight shift or it could feel like a noticeable change, but it will definitely seem like the real deal—because it is!

See the top postwedding to-dos here.

Find out how to easily change your last name after the wedding here.

Gorgeously Detailed Union On Eighth Wedding *

by riley | Aug 9, 2021 | Wedding

Matching wedding party baseball jerseys, furry friends in flower collars, and epic bridal fashion complete with a fringe wedding dress and seriously killer bridal pantsuit–what more could you ask for in a wedding? Whitney and Haley’s Union On Eighth nuptials were focused less on trends and more on details that they loved. The results were stunning, to say the least.

With the help of planner Simply XO Events, the couple transformed the old mechanic shop into a wedding venue. The building was filled with bold florals from Ida Mayes Floristry, romantic table settings, and a huge hanging neon sign from Brite Light Tribe. But enough about the decor, the fringey free-spirited Tara Laurenwedding dress looked dazzling paired with the clean-cut Rime Arodaky and Kira Kouture bridal suit combo.

The photos captured by Map + Compass Photography are sure to inspire more boho “I do’s,” so keep scrolling and get ready to save every last photo.

The Couple:

Whitney and Haley

The Wedding:

The Union on Eighth, Georgetown, Texas

Memorable Wedding Gifts

I did a boudoir shoot and gifted Haley a leather book of the photos. I wanted this to be something that we could look back on when we are older and remember who we were at this stage in life. Haley gifted me a ring that she had custom-made for me. She took a few stones from one of my Nana’s rings and had a jeweler create the most perfectly dainty gold ring. My Nana was my favorite person in the whole wide world, and unfortunately, she passed away years ago. She wasn’t able to attend our wedding or ever know Haley. So Haley wanted me to always have a piece of her with me, especially on such a special day. One of the stones was a blue sapphire, which made it my “something blue” too.

Shop similar bridesmaid dresses:

A Special Ceremony Musician

We had a musician perform during the ceremony, and he was someone that we had heard at dinner one night a couple of years prior to us even being engaged. That night years ago I told Haley that if we ever got married, I wanted him there, and proceeded to wait for him to finish so that I could get his contact information.

Creating The Wedding Day Aesthetic

I try not to decorate or design based on trends because I know that those will fade. We applied this same thought process to our wedding. We began choosing designs and items that we loved and that we knew we would love for a long, long time. Once we had narrowed things down, we created a mood board to get a good idea of how everything would work together.

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Why A Union On Eighth Wedding

We chose our venue because it felt like us. It wasn’t a brand new building with brand new light fixtures and no character. It was an old mechanic shop turned wedding venue, and the moment you walk in, you just know that those walls have held love, life, and stories.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Map + Compass Photography
Event Planning – Simply XO Events
Venue – The Union on Eighth
Floral Design – Ida Mayes Floristry
Catering – The Peached Tortilla + P. Terry’s
Cake – Iced Cakes and Confections
King Cake – Antoine’s Famous Cakes New Orleans
DJ – Brian Weber
Live Music – Isaac Routh
Videography – The Portos
Invitation Design – Eliza Fahrenholz
Hair Styling + Makeup Artist – Lux Beauty and Bridal
Wedding Dress – Tara Lauren
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Jenny Yoo + ASOS
Bridal Suit – Rime Arodaky + Kira Kouture
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Studio Suits
Rings – Melanie Casey
Rentals – Loot Rentals
Neon Sign – Brite Lite Tribe

Congratulations again to Whitney and Haley on their Union on Eighth wedding! Big thank you to Map + Compass Photography for capturing and sharing their special day with us. To get in on the bridal two-piece trend yourself, be sure to check out our favorite bridal jumpsuits and pantsuits that are perfect for the non-traditional bride!

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The perfect gender-neutral wedding playlist *

by Jenna Avery | Jun 23, 2021 | Wedding

Even in 2021, it’s hard to find gender-neutral wedding songs, let alone a gender-neutral wedding playlist. The world is so binary, especially in the mainstream media. But you’re on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and as such, you want/demand/hope for something that is a bit more unique. As a transhuman, I want to help others find ways to celebrate their love and commitment together, while not feeling awkward as your first dance song plays, singing about a gender that neither you nor your partner identify with!

This playlist was built with pronouns, or the lack-there-of, in mind. As such, a significant amount of modern and even past songs are scratched off the list. These songs can be great for your first dance or even a dance with another significant other such as a parental unit!

However, as a wedding photographer, I’m also avoiding some popular songs because of their insane overuse at weddings. Sorry Bruno Mars, but today just simply isn’t your day. Uhm, if you chose this song, my deepest apologies. I’ve just been to way more events than you have, I guarantee.

But ignore my hypocritical ass, because I love the shit out of “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri. Makes me choke up every time. I’m also a massive sucker for “Fools Rush In,” by any singer. That is probably my favorite and my skin is covered in goosebumps every time I hear it! It does mention, “men,” but I take it in abstract form. I’m sure you’ll find something to love on this LGBTQIA+ wedding playlist. These gender-neutral wedding songs are on repeat for me!

A modern gender-neutral wedding playlist

Arro Verse – Marry Me
Norah Jones – Come Away with me
Stevie Wonder – For once in my life
Keane – Somewhere Only We Know
Bright Eyes – First Day of My Life
Death Cab for Cutie – I Will Follow You into the Dark
Etta James – At Last
David Gray – This Years Love
Train – Marry Me
Sara Bareilles – I Choose You
Brett Every – What a Beautiful Day
The Beatles – Here Comes the Sun
The Beatles – I Will
Culture Club – Love is Love
Sam Smith – Latch (Acoustic)
He is We – Skip to the Good Part
Christina Perri – A Thousand Years
Queen – Love of My Life
Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
Audrey Hepburn – Moon River
Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply (hello, nostalgia!)
Extreme – More Than Words
Little Mix – Secret Love Songs, Pt II
Miley Cyrus – Obsessed
John Legend – All of Me
Ella Henderson – Yours
Jason Mraz – Love Someone
Sam Smith – Latch
Ray LaMontagne – You Are the Best Thing
Ellie Goulding – Love Me Like You Do
Adele – Make You Feel My Love
Maren Morris – The Bone (loooove this song)
Calvin Harris – Feel So Close
Calum Scott – You Are the Reason
Cat Power – Sea of Love
Mariah Carey – Dreamlover
Temper Trap – Sweet Disposition
Ben Folds – The Luckiest
LP – When We’re High
Billie Eilish – Ocean Eyes
Labrinth – Sexy MF (dirty but upbeat)

There you have it! If you have any gender-neutral romance songs that aren’t mentioned here, be sure to add them in the comments!

Fresh, Modern, and Minimalist Micro Wedding at Tops’l Farm *

by riley | Jun 9, 2021 | Wedding

Winter may be coming to a close, but we still can’t get enough of cozy winter wedding inspiration. Photographer Hope Allison Photography–who also happened to plan the entire shoot and do the invitation design–organized a small yet talented group of vendors to bring this contemporary minimalist micro wedding to life at Tops’l Farm.

After tying the knot in front of a small A-frame cabin, the two sharply dressed grooms moved to the barn, which was decorated with white florals arranged by Sarah’s Floral Design, black dinnerware and chairs which contrasted the natural wood of the venue beautifully, and Instagram-worthy charcuterie boards from Boards by Mo. And of course, we can’t forget the cake from Charlie’s Cake Co. that looks like it’s covered in fresh snow.

Whether you’re looking to say “I do” in a dreamy snowy affair, or you’re looking for modern inspo, this styled shoot has a little bit of everything.

Shop Similar Chargers For Your Minimalist Micro Wedding

Black Charger Plate 12 Pack by Ashland ($17.52); The Party Aisle Twinkle 13″ Charger Pack of 4 ($24.99); Tiger Chef Charger Plate Set of 12 ($39.99)

Recommended Reading: 25 Small Cakes That Will Make You Swoon

The Talented Team:

Photography, Event Planning & Invitation Design – Hope Allison Photography
Venue – Tops’l Farm
Floral Design – Sarah’s Floral Design
Catering – Boards by Mo
Cake – Charlie’s Cake Co.
Groom’s Apparel – Hugo Boss & H&M

Thank you again to Hope Allison Photography for planning, capturing, and sharing this minimalist micro wedding at Tops’l Farm! Although smaller than typical weddings, we know how much work goes into planning micro weddings. That’s why we’ve put together a guide on hosting your own creative micro wedding!

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