Finding "The One" (Venue, That Is!): 20 Connecticut Gems & How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Spot

You said "YES!" The initial excitement is bubbling over, and now... the planning begins! One of the biggest, most foundational decisions you'll make is choosing your wedding venue. It's more than just a location; it's the stage for your vows, the atmosphere for your celebration, and the stunning backdrop for the memories we, as your photographers, aim to capture forever.


Here at Viva Por Ti Photography, we've explored countless corners of Connecticut, documenting love stories in settings that range from breathtakingly grand to intimately charming. The Nutmeg State is brimming with incredible options, and finding the right one – the one that truly feels like you – is key.


To inspire you, we've gathered a list of 20 standout Connecticut wedding venues we adore. And because we want your search to be successful, we've also included our essential tips for finding that perfect venue, paying special attention to matching the vibe and style to your unique vision.

20 Amazing Connecticut Wedding Venues (In No Particular Order):


  1. The Lace Factory (Deep River): Unique industrial-chic space meets waterfront beauty. Exposed brick, large windows, and river views create an atmosphere that photographs incredibly well.
  2. Lord Thompson Manor (Thompson): An exclusive, all-inclusive estate offering weekend-long celebrations, impeccable service, and stunning, manicured grounds for a truly luxurious feel.
  3. Jonathan Edwards Winery (North Stonington): Picturesque vineyard setting providing rustic elegance, award-winning wines, and golden hour light that's simply magical for photos.
  4. The Barns at Wesleyan Hills (Middletown): Quintessential New England charm featuring beautifully restored barns, ponds, and weeping willows – a perfect blend of rustic and elegant.
  5. Saint Clements Castle & Marina (Portland): Fairytale setting in a historic castle overlooking the Connecticut River, offering grand ballrooms and romantic, European-inspired gardens.
  6. Saltwater Farm Vineyard (Stonington): A stunning fusion of modern architecture (in a renovated WWII hangar) and coastal vineyard charm, overlooking tidal marshes. Unique and photogenic.
  7. Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park (Waterford): A magnificent seaside estate with Italian gardens, expansive lawns, and ocean vistas. A dream location for timeless, elegant photos.
  8. Winvian Farm (Morris): Unparalleled luxury and whimsy in the Litchfield Hills, featuring unique themed cottages and pristine grounds for an intimate, bespoke wedding.
  9. Geer Tree Farm (Griswold): Embrace rustic charm amidst a working Christmas tree farm! Offers beautiful outdoor ceremony sites, a rustic barn, and a wonderfully relaxed, natural vibe – especially stunning in the fall.
  10. The Society Room of Hartford (Hartford): Step into timeless grandeur in this former bank building downtown, boasting soaring, ornate ceilings and majestic marble columns.
  11. Interlaken Inn (Lakeville): Versatile resort venue nestled between two lakes, offering lakeside ceremonies, elegant ballrooms, and charming country inn settings.
  12. Water's Edge Resort & Spa (Westbrook): Your quintessential beach wedding venue with direct access to the sand, oceanfront ballrooms, and comprehensive resort amenities.
  13. Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill (Middletown): Elegant Beaux-Arts mansion set within expansive parklands, offering classic architecture and versatile indoor/outdoor spaces.
  14. Guilford Yacht Club (Guilford): Chic coastal venue with panoramic views of Long Island Sound, perfect for sophisticated, nautical-themed celebrations.
  15. The Inn at Longshore by OnTheMarc (Westport): Picturesque waterfront setting with manicured lawns, elegant event spaces, and beautiful views along the Saugatuck River.
  16. Bill Miller's Castle (Branford): A truly unique, medieval-inspired venue with stone walls, fireplaces, and distinctive character for a memorable, storybook wedding.
  17. The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station (Haddam): Offers dramatic, sweeping views of the Connecticut River and the iconic Goodspeed Opera House bridge from its elegant ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.
  18. Mayflower Inn & Spa, Auberge Resorts Collection (Washington): Exquisite luxury retreat in the Litchfield Hills known for refined elegance, stunning gardens, and impeccable service.
  19. Aria (Prospect): Modern, upscale venue featuring grand ballrooms, beautiful water features on meticulously landscaped grounds, and stunning hilltop views.
  20. The Inn at Woodstock Hill (Woodstock): Historic charm in Connecticut's "Quiet Corner," offering beautiful gardens, a romantic ambiance, and classic New England elegance.

Finding Your Perfect Fit: Key Venue Search Tips

Choosing a venue is about logistics and feelings.


Here’s what to focus on:


  1. Nail Down Your Vibe & Venue Style: This is crucial! How do you want your wedding to feel? Romantic and classic? Modern and chic? Rustic and relaxed? Bohemian and natural? Knowing your desired vibe helps you filter venues by style (e.g., barn, ballroom, estate, industrial space, vineyard, garden). Does the venue's architecture, décor, and landscape align with your vision?
  2. Budget Honestly: Determine what you can realistically allocate to the venue, catering, and rentals (which are often intertwined). Always ask for detailed pricing and understand exactly what's included – don't forget taxes and service fees!
  3. Estimate Your Guest Count: Size matters! Ensure the venues you consider can comfortably accommodate your anticipated number of guests for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.
  4. Location, Location, Location: Think about travel time for the majority of your guests. Is it easily accessible? Is parking available? Are there nearby hotels if needed? Consider the logistics between ceremony and reception if they aren't at the same site.
  5. Check Availability: Prime dates (Saturdays in peak season) book up fast – often 1-2 years out! Be prepared with a few potential dates or consider off-season or weekday options if your dream venue is booked.
  6. Know the Rules & Inclusions: What's included in the rental fee (tables, chairs, linens, staff)? Are there preferred or exclusive vendor lists (especially caterers and sometimes photographers)? Understand policies on décor, noise levels, and end times.
  7. Think Like a Photographer (We Can Help!): Consider the photo opportunities! Look for good natural light (big windows!), beautiful architectural details, diverse outdoor spaces (gardens, fields, waterfront, interesting textures), and a solid rain plan location that's still photogenic.
  8. Visit and Feel the Space: You must visit your top contenders. Pay attention to how the space feels, the flow between areas, the upkeep, and the professionalism of the staff. Imagine your guests celebrating there.
  9. Read Reviews & Ask Questions: Check recent reviews from other couples. Prepare a list of questions for your tour – don't be shy about asking anything and everything!


Your wedding venue is the heart of your celebration day. It sets the tone and holds the memories. Connecticut offers so many incredible places to start your forever, and we hope this list helps you discover the one that speaks to your heart.


Once you've secured that dream location, let's talk about capturing every laugh, tear, and dance move! At Viva Por Ti Photography, we're passionate about preserving the genuine emotion and unique beauty of your wedding day.


Ready to capture your Connecticut love story? Reach out to Viva Por Ti Photography today! We'd love to chat.