New England is chock full of some of the most luxurious wedding venues on the East Coast, and today I’m going to be sharing some of my favorites with you! I know just how tough it can be to start searching for a venue that aligns with your vision, your values, and your budget. So my hope with this guide is that you’re able to get a bit of a head start, and narrow down a few potential favorites to at least get you started. From historic Connecticut mansions to boutique hotels in the Catskills, this guide to the top New England luxury wedding venues has it all—and I hope that one of them ends up being the perfect place for your unique event!

1. Smith Farm Gardens | East Haddam, CT

Type of venue: Garden, farmhouse, countryside

Guest capacity: 250

I’ve worked at Smith Farm Gardens multiple times over the years and let me tell you, it is one of my favorite local Connecticut venues to photograph. Located in East Haddam, this historic estate welcomes you in with the grace and charm of eras past, with 15 acres of breathtaking property to explore. This venue is the epitome of the quaint New England countryside, featuring an 18th-century farmhouse, spacious grassy lawns, romantic apple orchards, and foliage-framed walking trails, all of which come together to create an atmosphere of elegance, grandeur, and rich history. Smith Farm Gardens is family-owned, meaning it’s cared for by a team of talented humans who pour their absolute hearts & souls into every event that comes to the premises. They’ve done a fabulous job of creating a venue that is versatile and easily customizable to cater to any type of event, whether you’d like to plan an intimate garden party soirée beneath the trees, or a grand celebration with all the people you love most.

Smith Farm Gardens has curated an array of wedding packages to fit any and every type of event, including a weekday micro wedding package for smaller parties & budgets. If you choose to get married at Smith Farm Gardens, your package will include:

• 5,000 square foot house

• Overnight accommodations for up to 11 guests

• Access to the house & property for rehearsal dinner

• Farm tables & chairs

• Cozy fire pit & s’mores

• Custom wedding website

• Custom-built bridal suite

• Outdoor restroom facilities

The venue’s website currently doesn’t have their specific prices listed, but you can contact them here for more info, and to find out if your date is available!

To see some real-life Smith Farm Gardens wedding inspiration, take a peek at Shelby & Justin’s Citrus Inspired Summer Garden Party Allie & Billy’s Elegant Connecticut Wedding Celebration.

2. Wadsworth Mansion | Middletown, CT

Type of venue: Historic mansion, country estate

Guest capacity: 200; more with use of tent

Nestled in the wooded parklands of Middletown, Connecticut is the Wadsworth Mansion—a gilded age-style estate embodying the quintessential New England countryside vibes. This historic mansion has been featured in multiple “best of” venue lists, including TLC’s 50 States of Gorgeous Weddings, and is without a doubt one of the premiere wedding venues in Connecticut. With a whopping 103 acres of manicured land, Wadsworth Mansion has a wide array of spaces to celebrate including multiple Beaux Arts-style ballrooms, lush parklands, an expansive lawn, and a charming terrace overlooking the property; there are really ways to make this venue into anything you want it to be: classic and timeless, Gatsby-style glitz & glam, bohemian chic. . . the options are endless for couples who get married here.

Wadsworth Mansion charges a flat rental fee for use of the property, which varies based on the season & day of the week. Here’s a quick overview of Wadsworth Mansion wedding fees as of March 2024:

April 1 – November 30

• Saturdays, holidays, & eves of holidays: $7,000

• Fridays: $6,500

• Sundays of non-holiday weekends: $6,000

New Year’s Eve: $10,000

December 1 – March 31

• Friday – Sunday: $4,500

• Monday – Thursday: $4,000 for full use of the Mansion or $2,500 for partial use

Your rental of the mansion will include 9 hours of use, as well as items such as tables, chairs, and a dance floor. You’ll also have the help of a professional staff member who will be present the day of your wedding to help coordinate with vendors and oversee your timeline, which is a lifesaver! Contact Wadsworth Mansion here to get a quote for your unique day, and to schedule a tour—trust me, you’ll want to see this beauty in person.

3. Eolia - The Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park | Waterford, CT

Type of venue: Mansion, state park, garden

Guest capacity: 150

Sweeping views of Long Island Sound, expansive lawns, sprawling gardens, and an enchanting seaside mansion. . . what more could a couple dream of for a romantic wedding in Connecticut? Harkness Memorial State Park is home to an Italian villa-style mansion, Eolia, which was previously the stunning summer home of the Harkness family, and is now a highly sought-after wedding venue in Waterford. Surrounded by historical gardens with lush foliage and vibrant blooms galore, as well as a collection of sparkling fountains and oriental sculptures, Eolia is the place to celebrate if you’re envisioning a night of wonder & magic with your guests. You’ll have your choice of multiple gorgeous wedding sites including two 30-acre lawns, an open-air seaside amphitheater, and an award-winning Italian garden. Each offers its own unique ambiance and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, so you truly cannot go wrong with any of them. 

Eolia’s rental fees are not currently specified in its wedding brochure, but here’s a glimpse of what’s included with your rental of the mansion:

• 7.5 hours of venue use (2 hours for setup, 5 hours for the event, 30 minutes for breakdown)

• Custom tent

• Wedding suite to get ready in

• Multiple venue locations including the Terrace, Breakfast Room, and Music Room

• Extensive inventory of round & rectangular tables, plus chairs

• Reserved parking 

• Approved list of caterers to choose from

• On-site staff to assist you and your vendors day-of

You can contact Harkness Memorial State Park at (860) 443-5725 for more info about reserving the mansion for your wedding!

4. Wee Burn Country Club | Darien, CT

Type of venue: Country club, golf course

Wee Burn Country Club is the perfect Connecticut wedding venue for couples searching for a high-end, exclusive club atmosphere for their luxury celebration. With two equally elegant venues to choose from (the Main Club and the Beach Club), Wee Burn takes pride in their ability to execute each and every event with ease, providing their couples with only the best of the best and treating them with the utmost care. The Main Club is the, well, main part of the property, boasting a recently renovated interior and a refined exterior with panoramic views of the manicured golf courses. The inside bears a striking resemblance to an Italian villa. If you’d prefer a scenic beachfront location instead, you may want to tie the knot at the Beach Club, which is located close by in Rowayton; available for weddings in May, as well as from mid-September to mid-October. Depending on the details of your event (such as your group size, wedding date, and desired atmosphere), you may also be able to access the club’s athletic facilities, including the top-rated golf course, multiple bowling alleys, and tennis courts. I’m unsure of how many guests Wee Burn can accommodate as there isn’t a number listed on their website, but you can contact the club’s Event Manager here to inquire and get further information!

5. Glen Manor House | Portsmouth, RI

Type of venue: Historic estate, manor, gardens

Guest capacity: 200

A historic, French-inspired chateau on the coast of Rhode Island with waterfront views, top-tier architecture, and enchanting gardens? Say no more—I’m there in a heartbeat, and I’m fairly certain you will be, too. Glen Manor House is one of those venues that you simply can’t help but fall in love with the moment you step foot on the property, or more accurately, the moment your car hits the road leading up to it. This historic New England mansion sits right on the water outside of Newport, boasting the most romantic, European-inspired setting you can find without leaving Rhode Island and heading straight to the French countryside itself. The first thing you’ll see when you walk up to the towering mansion is a stunning large, wooden door that makes for the most memorable grand entrance; you’ll feel as though you’re walking straight into your own Disney movie, I swear (or maybe a romance novel, if you’re more of a reader). The blend of old world charm with the spectacular scenery is truly magical.

The entire estate was designed to imitate a classic, French-style chateau, boasting glorious marble fireplaces, opulent furnishings, thoughtful architecture, and timeless details & decor. One of my personal favorite parts of this venue is the set of three beautiful arches that face the grassy lawn—the portrait location of any photographer’s dreams! With such a variety of jaw-dropping spots around the property, you must take a little time to explore the grounds on your wedding day: walk through the historic mansion, stroll down to the dock for romantic portraits on the Sakonnet River, and definitely take your time checking out the lush gardens & endless greenery all around. And did I mention that only one event is permitted at the manor per day—so you’ll have the property entirely to yourselves? A dream!

To see a couple of examples of what your wedding at Glen Manor House could look like, take a peek at Joel & Erika’s Wedding, or Ari & Will’s Engagement Session

6. Foxfire Mountain House | Mt. Tremper, NY

Type of venue: Historic hotel, 

Guest capacity: 140

With a series of features in award-winning magazines such as Vogue, Junebug, and Green Wedding Shoes, Foxfire Mountain House is one of the most renowned wedding venues in the Catskills. Just 2.5 hours north of New York City, Foxfire is a boutique hotel and wedding venue nestled among 10 breathtaking acres of the Catskills, offering an ideal setting for couples who are planning an extended wedding retreat. I adore when couples plan a multi-day celebration to really allow plenty of space & time to celebrate with their loved ones; to be present without feeling a need to rush anything for the sake of a “schedule.” And trust me: you’ll want to stay at this boutique hotel for as long as you possibly can, being that it’s such a whimsical, nature-inspired setting that makes you feel like you’re in your own little fairytale. Relax in the property’s hammocks as you breathe in the crisp woodland air, lounge by the stone fireplace, or explore the grounds + stroll by the lily pool. . . it’s the dream mountain retreat, especially if you’re looking for a true escape from the big cities nearby.

When you rent Foxfire Mountain House for a wedding retreat, you’ll have exclusive use of the entire 10.5 acres from Friday afternoon all the way until Sunday morning—giving you so many opportunities for thoughtful celebrations and activities with your guests! Catering is provided by Foxfire’s in-house culinary team, who will collaborate with you to craft a unique set of menus perfectly suited to your wedding. You’ll also have access to exclusive overnight accommodations for up to 38 guests, so no need to say goodbye to your loved ones at the end of the night; instead, you can all celebrate as late as you’d like, without worrying about quieting down for other guests! This is one of my personal favorite aspects of Foxfire; the staff has truly designed an event atmosphere with their couples’ needs at the forefront, and every moment of their events are carefully thought out. Learn more about weddings at Foxfire Mountain House and contact their staff here!

7. Aldworth Manor | Harrisville, NH

Type of venue: Historic estate, manor

Guest capacity: 200

“Where picturesque New England meets historic elegance;” this is the first thing you’ll read once you visit Aldworth Manor’s website, and I could not have said it better myself! Aldworth Manor is yet another historic estate, located on nearly 200 rolling acres of beautiful countryside in southern New Hampshire (the state I proudly called home for all of my childhood). Picturesque views of Mount Monadnock are only one of the many spectacular things you’ll get if you host your wedding at Aldworth Manor; the property itself offers a wide array of incredibly scenic spots including wild meadows, lavish gardens, and an elegant manor house that will take your breath away. You’ll hardly believe you’re only a 2-hour drive from BostonAldworth Manor has SO much to offer to couples who want an effortless wedding day, from on-site catering, to overnight lodging packages, to an expert culinary team who will provide delectable dishes for you and your guests. You’ll have your choice of multiple incredible venues including a gorgeous garden, large lawn, charming pavilion, and the manor’s indoor rooms, all of which are equally as elegant and refined. With such a fantastic staff available to help execute your day, you can trust that no matter how big or small your celebration is, it’ll be in the best of hands!

Wedding packages at Aldworth Manor begin at $9,900 for small weddings during the off-season, and range up to $29,900 for larger weddings during prime season with a full weekend venue rental (my favorite!). I highly recommend booking the venue for an entire weekend if your budget allows for it, as it’s so special to spend that much quality time with your loved ones who are most likely traveling in to celebrate with you. You can find a full list of Aldworth Manor wedding rates here.

8. Wentworth Inn | Jackson, NH

Type of venue: Hotel, mountain views, gazebo, garden

Guest capacity: 200

I’m excited to showcase another incredible wedding venue from my childhood state. Looking for a venue that will allow you to relax, rejuvenate, and truly retreat from the craziness of daily life? Well, you’ve found just that at Wentworth Inn, a charming inn set among the spectacular White Mountains of Jackson, NH! Whether your ideal wedding includes a weekend full of outdoor adventure (cross-country skiing, golfing, hiking, etc.) or a romantic pre-wedding date involving hot stone massages, Wentworth Inn provides a wide variety of amenities and services to meet every couple where they’re at. With a very experienced team of wedding professionals, Wentworth has all the best recommendations when it comes to vendors, things to do in the area, and more, so you can trust that your unique celebration will be planned with care and expertise. Aside from the incredible staff and endless selection of unforgettable adventures in the area, Wentworth itself is just SO picturesque, offering beautiful mountain views, a charming pavilion, lush green lawns, and wide open meadows. Maybe the Wentworth Gazebo is exactly what you have in mind for your ceremony, or maybe you’d rather say “I do” on the Alpine Terrace. However you choose to celebrate here, your wedding will be an unforgettable experience all around. 

Wentworth can accommodate up to 200 guests in the White Mountain Pavilion, or up to 80 in the South Dining Room come wintertime. Wedding packages are customized to fit every couple’s unique needs, but will always include the help of their staff throughout your whole weekend! Get in touch with Wentworth here to get a quote for your romantic mountain celebration.

9. Boston Public Library | Boston, MA

Type of venue: Historic library, ballroom, gallery, courtyard

Guest capacity: 1,300

Did you know that you can get married at the Boston Public Library?! If you’ve never been to the BPL, then you might not know just how historic and beautiful of a venue it is, but let me just tell you: it is stunning. It was built all the way back in the late 1800’s by a wildly talented architect, who helped it become the first major Beaux Arts-style building in the country. From the exteriors of the library that feature multiple statues, arches, and unique patterns to the interiors that boast breathtaking marble lobbies, grand staircases, and mosaic tile-clad ceilings, the library is a phenomenal space to host a lavish celebration in the big city. 

The Boston Public Library offers a wide selection of historic venues to choose from, ranging from the spacious McKim building, to the romantic outdoor courtyard, to the charming Courtyard Team Room. Each part of the library has its own specific guest capacities, square footage, available dates, and rental fees, so I recommend browsing through the Private Event Pricing Guide for the nitty-gritty details. All you need to know right now is that the library is incredibly expansive, and with so many unique locations to choose from, you absolutely do not need to worry about guest capacities—there will be space for everyone! And if you are engaged and looking through this guide, there is also the option of renting the BPL for your Engagement Session and I would love to connect with you!

10. The Villa | East Bridgewater, MA

Type of venue: Ballroom

Guest capacity: 280

Our final New England wedding venue for today is the Villa, a high-end country club located just 30 minutes south of Boston. The Villa is an incredibly versatile and customizable venue, offering couples the ability to truly design their own unique celebration and make use of the property however they please. With a variety of ceremony and reception site options, including the Grand Ballroom, the Madera Ballroom, and the Tent, you’ll be able to curate your dream event from beginning to end. Envisioning a posh garden celebration? The Tent is perfect for you! Maybe you’d rather a French-inspired ballroom brimming with rustic elegance? You’ll adore the Madera. And if your dream wedding has always looked like a contemporary chic soirée under glistening chandeliers, the Grand Ballroom is the place for you. No matter where you choose to tie the knot and dance the night away, the Villa is one of the most impressive venues in the area and will have you enchanted, bedazzled, & in love from the moment you arrive! The venue’s website doesn’t specifically list out their pricing, but you can take a look at what’s included in their packages as well as their menu options here. Spoiler alert: all Villa packages include a personal event producer, a professional event manager, a private wedding suite, parking attendants, and everything else you could need for your luxury event.

New England Luxury Wedding Photographer

As a New England luxury wedding photographer, it is the privilege of my life to photograph some of life’s best beginnings at incredible venues like these. Your wedding day should be a reflection of all the things that make you feel most alive, and that includes picking a venue that lights you up—it’s a big, exciting decision, I know! And as your photographer, I’ll be here to support you every step of the way. I’d love nothing more than to hear about your dream celebration, and to find out which New England wedding venues you’re considering; fill out my contact form here, and we’ll start chatting about your ideal day together!