Are you looking for the best unique wedding venues in Connecticut? You’re in the right place!
Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable moments in your life, and as a couple, you’ll want every detail to be perfect. From the outfits to the flowers to the venue, every decision has a significant impact on your big day.
As you start planning, it’s essential to find a location that truly reflects your love story and captures your vision for this celebration. And what better place than Connecticut? The picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history make it an ideal destination for weddings. But with so many options available, how do you choose?
Well, as a Connecticut wedding photographer, I’ve compiled a list of ten incredibly unique wedding venues in the state that are sure to set the tone for an unforgettable experience. Even better? They’re all venues that I’ve personally photographed weddings at, so you can rest assured that they’re incredible.
Get ready to be inspired by these breathtaking locations – keep reading to learn all about the most unique wedding venues in Connecticut.
Unique Wedding Venues in Connecticut
Saltwater Farm Vineyard, Stonington
First is none other than Saltwater Farm Vineyard, located on 108 acres in picturesque Stonington, Connecticut. With its rich history dating back 300+ years and views of the Long Island Sound, it’s easy to see why this award-winning venue is the perfect setting for a dream wedding.
Recognized as one of the top 50 most romantic venues in the US (yes, you read that right), this venue offers an array of options for your celebration. It even features a WWII-era private airstrip, and the old airfield was turned into a vineyard in the early 2000s.
With a wedding here, you can enjoy the vineyard’s fine selection of small-batch wines, which are meticulously crafted by winemaker Giles Martin. This is an ideal wedding venue in Connecticut for anyone wanting a peaceful and picturesque venue steeped in history.
Wadsworth Mansion, Wadsworth
If a classic New England mansion is more your style, let me introduce to you Wadsworth Mansion. With Gilded Age style and more than 100 acres of land, this Middletown getaway is the perfect backdrop for an elegant wedding.
Historically, this mansion was owned by Colonel Clarence S. Wadsworth and began construction in the early 20th century. You may even hear it referred to as “Long Hill” or the “Estate at Long Hill.”
This estate can host up to 200 guests and features so many beautiful spaces, including outdoor pavilions, patios, and more. There’s even a ballroom with glamorous chandelier lighting and a fireplace to help set the ambiance.
Despite having a pretty luxurious atmosphere about it, Wadsworth Mansion is ideal for any type of wedding aesthetic. Whether you want something glamorous or more down-to-earth, the venue is fairly accommodating. Enjoy amenities like dressing rooms, onsite parking, and a catering kitchen, in addition to other services.
New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain
For anyone looking for unique wedding venues in Connecticut, did you know you can get married in a museum? That’s right, the New Britain Museum of American Art is a great wedding venue in CT!
There are a few different spaces throughout this venue, including the Sylvia Bonney Halcyon Lounge and the Stanley Works Center. The lounge is renovated and is great for smaller receptions or even a cocktail hour, providing a great mix of historic elegance with modern-day pieces, and is suitable for up to 50 guests. Meanwhile, the center is perfect for larger events, with up to 200 guests.
Any art lover will absolutely love getting married in a museum like this. Amenities here include a champagne toast, a day-of coordinator, seating, and more.
Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
Another incredibly unconventional CT wedding venue is Mystic Aquarium. Just imagine getting married and exchanging vows in front of beluga whales! Juno, the Aquarium’s most well-known beluga, often “officiates” ceremonies, staying close by while our couples say their vows!
There are so many possibilities here, including having penguins at cocktail hour, a private sea lion show, and other amazing experiences that you can truly only get at this venue.
Mystic itself is a beautiful place to explore, with lots of accommodations for those having a larger wedding, and is filled with tasty restaurants. This Mystic mainstay is conveniently located close to Olde Mistick Village, the Mystic Seaport, and is just 5 minutes to the vibrant downtown area of this beautiful seaside community.
The venue can host up to 180 guests at a time, either indoors or outdoors. The floor plans are flexible, allowing you to really suit the event space to your specific wedding needs. By the way, did I mention that the exhibit galleries can be turned into event spaces? It’s true!
Events here are hosted by Lancer Catering, which has incredible menus and renowned chefs – so if you’re a foodie, you’ll love this venue.
Mystic Seaport, Mystic
Want to say “I do” right next to the Connecticut shore? Mystic Seaport can be a great option for you. The seaport itself was founded in the early 20th century and has since become one of the most-visited attractions in all of Mystic.
Anyone who loves the water will be in awe of this venue, which features maritime exhibits and artifacts and is a unique village modeled after a 19th-century seaport. You can even say your vows right next to the lighthouse – what more could you ask for?
One of the great things about getting married at Mystic Seaport is that it can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it perfect for larger gatherings. Lancer Catering is the hospitality partner for all Mystic Seaport weddings, and one of our absolute favorite vendors to work with. Not only are their menus and food offerings top-notch, but their hospitality and onsite staff are phenomenal partners who truly care about the experience you and your guests have.
The Lace Factory, Deep River
One of the more historic spots on this list, The Lace Factory in Deep River was built in 1875. This venue served as a shipbuilding yard and was later dubbed “The Lace Factory” when it became a wedding venue.
The venue itself is perfect for larger weddings, as it can host up to 225 guests at a time. Because it was a warehouse, the venue itself is incredibly spacious and can also be decorated to suit any wedding theme or aesthetic. The outdoor spaces include a beautiful sunken garden; an iconic courtyard with beautiful flowering plants; the Essex Steam Train and station; and a large deck overlooking the Connecticut River.
Exclusively catered by Cloud Nine Catering, you can rest assured that your meals (and cocktails) will be top-of-the-line during your wedding, too. For couples wanting a wedding venue near the water with a unique charm, The Lace Factory is a great option.
Lord Thompson Manor, Thompson
Another elegant manor house/mansion venue is Lord Thompson Manor. It’s conveniently located not far from many of New England’s bigger cities, including Providence, Boston, and even nearby New York.
Lord Thompson Manor is set apart by their “Weekend Wedding,” which essentially means that everything is hosted Friday through Sunday. On Friday, you’ll enjoy the rehearsal dinner; Saturday includes morning spa treatments as well as the wedding and afterparty; and on Sunday, a huge farewell brunch is hosted for all of your loved ones.
Their indoor conservatory is an incredible highlight of this venue, allowing for stunning natural light in a covered space, along with exquisitely curated dining areas. The grounds are flawlessly manicured, and the outside of Lord Thompson Manor offers us endless options for photography, including the stunning architecture of this estate.
Amenities at this event space include a hotel, dressing rooms, indoor and outdoor event spaces (including covered options), a spa, a reception area, and more! By the way, their team is AMAZING. Every single wedding receives an incredible level of personal service, making Lord Thompson Manor’s guest experience second to none.
Union League Cafe, New Haven
For a unique Connecticut wedding experience, consider having your big day at Union League Cafe! This Beaux-Arts building has a variety of private areas to choose between, depending on your aesthetic, like:
- The Ballroom, with wood paneling, marble columns, and beautiful views of Yale University
- The Sherman Room, with classic detailing, ideal for smaller weddings
- The Restaurant, with interesting decor on the walls in a setting perfect for conversation
- The Club Room, a classic New England-style space that’s semi-private
Union League Cafe itself is a French restaurant right in New Haven’s theater district which can host up to 160 guests. The Ballroom is the main area that’s perfect for a wedding ceremony right near Yale. When our couples book at Union League Cafe, it also gives us the option to photograph getting-ready at iconic nearby locations, like the Graduate New Haven, and the photographically stunning Yale University Campus.,
Branford House, Groton
Branford House is a 20th-century reception hall that served as a summer home for philanthropist Morton Freeman Plant, located at the UCONN Avery Point campus. This is another seaside wedding venue offering incredible views no matter where you look.
The indoor spaces at Branford House are equally stunning, with soaring ceilings, beautiful original woodwork, a spectacular fireplace, and a flawlessly maintained dining and dancing area that’s reminiscent of “Downton Abbey.”
The historic venue can host up to 200 guests with its Grand Ballroom, but if anyone wants even more attendees to be accommodated, there’s an outdoor lawn area, too. With nearby spots like Mystic Seaport and just a short drive to the oceanside grandeur of Newport, Rhode Island, it’s easy to see why Branford House is a popular venue in Connecticut.
The Mansion at Bald Hill, Woodstock
Last but certainly not least is The Mansion at Bald Hill. Located in Woodstock – also known as the heart of Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, this venue is ideal for those wanting a classic, fairytale venue. The Banquet Center has some of the most beautiful architectural detailing and can host up to 275 guests at a time, featuring a giant ballroom and reception area. Outdoors, the sunken garden offers one of the area’s most spectacular ceremony spaces, with stunning landscaping and beautiful original stone architecture.
You may be wondering, what is The Mansion at Bald Hill, really? Well, in addition to being a wedding venue, it’s also a bed and breakfast and restaurant with incredible food. (Pro tip: try the bacon-wrapped scallops at cocktail hour, and you’ll find one of the best Caesar salads you’ve ever had at dinner). The venue itself is perfectly secluded, surrounded by expansive vistas, making this Connecticut wedding venue the perfect getaway – truly a hidden gem.
Final Thoughts: Unique Connecticut Wedding Venues
From enchanting vineyards to historic estates, it’s clear that Connecticut has some really unique wedding venues for your big day. These venues not only provide an exquisite backdrop with its own charm and story but also showcase some of the most beautiful scenery you can find in the Nutmeg state.Capturing your event at these unique venues and the unforgettable moments that come with them is where my passion lies. If you’re still looking for a Connecticut wedding photographer, I’d love for you to get in touch. As your wedding photographer, I am dedicated to immortalizing the magic of your day, from the intimate glances to the grandeur of the setting. My approach is to blend seamlessly into your celebration, ensuring that every photograph reflects the authenticity and emotion of your wedding. Click here to get in touch.
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