Imagine a wedding venue that’s so stunning and exquisite that you’ll remember it for the rest of your life. That’s the case with a Smith Farm Gardens wedding!
Located in East Haddam, Connecticut, with its enchanting farmhouse aglow with unique, light-filled rooms, Smith Farm Gardens is really the perfect haven (that doesn’t even feel like a venue) for your big day. Beautiful year-round, but especially in the fall, this is one of those venues that you visit once and absolutely fall in love with.
As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing a few weddings at this enchanting venue, and can’t wait to share all about it in this blog post. Keep reading to learn more about the Smith Farm Gardens wedding venue. By the end, you’ll know if it should make your shortlist or not! (Hint: it definitely should).
The History of Smith Farm Gardens
Before we dive into the “good stuff” about this venue, let’s take a moment to look back at its history. This property was purchased back in 1718, and a home was constructed here in 1778. It was used as a small family farm (thanks to Matthew Smith) through the early 1900s and after years of being neglected, was repurchased in 1985.
The new owners put a lot of time into restoring the main house (featuring beautiful French doors and a 12-foot ceiling). It truly paid off, as Smith Farm Gardens is now one of those wedding venues that you see once and can’t forget about because of its historical and architectural beauty. We are absolutely obsessed, and I think you will be, too!
The Farmhouse & The Gardens
As you can probably tell by now, the Farmhouse and the gardens are the main focal points of Smith Farm Gardens.
The Farmhouse is an 18th-century home that was built only a few years after the founding of the United States, and within its 5,000 square feet, features 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It’s even available for rent and can host 11 guests at a time overnight.
The farmhouse, despite being historic, is outfitted with all the amenities you could ever want, from wireless speakers to a thoughtfully designed dressing room, tastefully curated place settings, and everything in between.
Gardens can be seen throughout the venue as well, as you can imagine by the name. There’s a gorgeous floral garden in front of the farmhouse, an apple orchard next to the farmhouse, a beautiful sunken garden for ceremonies, and the areas around the venue, particularly to the right side, which boast the most spectacular foliage in the fall.
Smith Farm Gardens Amenities
Curious about the amenities at Smith Farm Gardens? Here are some of the amenities that you can expect when you host your wedding at this incredible venue.
Historic House
The most obvious amenity is access to the 5,000-square-foot historic house right on the property. This space is truly timeless, and it’s furnished with artwork and other antiques that give it a unique sense of historic character.
Getting-Ready Suite
There’s a getting-ready suite with incredible lighting that really feels like an oasis. This is the perfect spot to prepare and have peaceful surroundings for those last few moments before you say, “I do.” Other rooms in the farmhouse provide additional spaces for your partner, family members, or friends to prepare for your day.
Personalized Wedding Website
To assist with the planning and organizing of your big day, Smith Farm Gardens offers a custom wedding website service. This digital platform will serve as a central hub for all of your wedding details, making it easy for you to stay informed and excited about your upcoming celebration.
Elegant Sailcloth Tent
For your reception, Smith Farm Gardens conveniently supplies an elegant sailcloth tent measuring 83 feet by 44 feet. This structure will combine the charm of outdoor festivities with the shelter and comfort needed for a seamless reception, ensuring you and your guests can revel in the beauty of the area without compromise (and unexpected weather).
Fireside Bliss
Access a cozy fire pit on site (with accompanying s’mores) to provide a perfect way to warm up and chit-chat during your wedding day. Everyone can gather around the warmth of the fire, share stories, and enjoy the simple pleasure of s’mores, creating memories that will warm your hearts for years to come.
Rehearsal Dinner Access
Gain exclusive access to the house and property for your rehearsal dinner so that you can practice before the big day. This amenity allows you to familiarize yourself with the venue beforehand, ensuring a smooth and stress-free celebration.
Flexibility with Food
Last but not least, this is one of the great venues that offers culinary flexibility. With the option to bring your own caterer (or even a food truck!), Smith Farm Gardens ensures your wedding menu can be super personalized to your unique day. This flexibility allows you to craft an unforgettable dining experience that truly reflects your tastes and preferences.
Smith Farm Gardens Wedding Packages
So, how much does it cost to have a wedding at Smith Farm Gardens? The majority of wedding venues will have different investment pricing depending on whether it’s a weekday or weekend, the size of the wedding (micro-wedding or larger wedding), or even the time of year. The best option is to get in touch with Smith Farm Gardens directly to get the most accurate pricing.
My Experience at Smith Farm Gardens
I’ve photographed a few weddings at Smith Farm Gardens and am SO impressed by the venue every time I go. The Farmhouse is stunning as a getting-ready space, with its beautiful light-filled rooms that lend themselves to photography, ensuring you get beautiful getting-ready photos.
The outdoors is also exquisite, with incredibly beautiful gardens and multiple ceremony and photography locations throughout. One of the best parts about the venue is that it is all so elegantly curated, so you honestly never really feel like you’re at a “wedding venue” in the traditional sense. If you’re looking for effortlessly beautiful, and if you love the idea of an outdoor, garden wedding while still having a fantastic weather plan – this is your venue!
As you can imagine, in the fall, the foliage around the venue is truly spectacular. There’s nothing this property can’t do, as it’s gorgeous for tented weddings and even when the entire affair is outside.
The ambiance of the estate house at this venue, coupled with the beautifully planned gardens and grounds outdoors, make this venue an exquisite option for anyone looking for an exceptional Connecticut wedding venue. Plus, who doesn’t want to end their wedding day with a fire pit and s’mores?
Final Thoughts: Weddings at Smith Farm Gardens Venue
Hopefully, this post has shown you why this venue offers more than just a setting for your wedding. Smith Farm Gardens provides an experience that really feels like a unique getaway in Connecticut. Every detail at Smith Farm Gardens is intentionally curated and has an intimate charm about it, ensuring your wedding day is nothing short of magical.
If you’re still in the midst of your wedding planning journey and you’re looking for a perfect-fit photographer, that’s where I come in. As a wedding photographer in CT with a keen eye for candid and heartfelt moments, I’m here to document your day as it happens. From the soft morning light in the getting-ready suite to the spectacular beauty of the gardens and the warm glow of the fire pit under the starry sky, I’ll be there to capture the laughter, the tears, and everything in between.
Click here to learn more about my offers and here to get in touch.
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