Connecticut is known for many things: the amazing ice cream, being the home to so much American culture and history, and its truly cinematic nature year-round. One of my favorite things about it having grown up here is the diversity of the state, where you can find a New York-esque building on one side and a castle on the other. Incredible, right? Connecticut is a beautiful state with a variety of stunning ceremony and reception venues that are perfect for a fairytale wedding. Whether you’re looking for a castle, a mansion, or a rustic barn, you’re sure to find the perfect place to say “I do” in Connecticut. As a wedding photographer in Connecticut, I have been honored to photograph at most of these venues, and even have some highlighted below or on social media!
Here are a few of the best places to have a fairytale wedding in Connecticut:
- Wichkam Park: is a 280-acre park in Manchester and East Hartford, Connecticut, with stunning scenery, a variety of venues, and a convenient location. Couples can choose from a variety of ceremony sites, including the popular Cabin at Hilltop Garden with panoramic views of the Hartford skyline. Reception venues include the Cabin at Hilltop Garden, the Emerald Room of the Irish Garden, the Rose Garden Pavilion, and tent rentals for larger weddings. The park also offers endless photography opportunities, catering services, parking, wheelchair accessibility, restrooms, a bridal suite, and a groom’s suite. Whether you’re planning a small, intimate wedding or a large celebration, Wickham Park is a beautiful and versatile venue that is sure to provide you with the perfect setting for your dream wedding day. Check out this beautiful intimate Nikkah that happened back in August here!
- Saint Clements Castle: This stunning castle is located on the banks of the Connecticut River and offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception. With its grand architecture and manicured grounds, Saint Clements Castle is the perfect place for a truly magical wedding day.
- The Wadsworth Mansion: This Gilded Age mansion is set on 103 acres of rolling hills and offers breathtaking views of the Connecticut River Valley. The Wadsworth Mansion offers a variety of elegant spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception, as well as overnight accommodations for your guests.
- The Aria: Aria Wedding Venue is the perfect place to create your dream fairytale wedding. With its elegant ballrooms, lush gardens, a newly added chapel, and stunning views, Aria offers everything you need to make your special day truly magical. Aria’s gardens offer endless opportunities for wedding photography, with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and sparkling fountains.For your reception, Aria’s experienced culinary team will work with you to create a custom menu that reflects your taste and style. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that will make your fairytale wedding come true, Aria Wedding Venue is the perfect choice for you.
- Eolia, the Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park: This waterfront mansion is located on a 230-acre state park and offers stunning views of the Long Island Sound. Eolia offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception, as well as overnight accommodations for your guests.
- Winvian: This luxury resort is located in the Litchfield Hills and offers a variety of unique accommodations for your guests, including cottages, treehouses, and a converted chapel. Winvian also offers a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for your wedding ceremony and reception.
- Tarrywile Mansion: Located within the expansive Tarrywile Park in Danbury, Connecticut, is a stunning historic estate that offers an idyllic setting for romantic and elegant weddings. The property spans over 700 acres, offering both the mansion itself and the picturesque parkland that surrounds it. Its reddish facade, graceful porches, and unique rooflines offer a distinctive backdrop for weddings. The inside has beautiful wood paneling, ornate fireplaces, and Victorian-era decor creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
No matter your budget or style, you’re sure to find the perfect place to have a fairytale wedding in Connecticut. And as a wedding photographer in Connecticut, I would love to capture all of the magical, fairytale moments of your special day!
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Here are a few tips for planning your fairytale wedding in Connecticut:
- Choose a venue that matches your style and budget. There are a variety of venues to choose from in Connecticut, so take some time to research your options and find the perfect place for your wedding.
- Watch the light: This is your first photography tip of many, but consider light to be your biggest ally on your day! During your venue visit, check to see if that beautiful ceremony location will be disrupted by weather or at different times of day (you probably don’t want to stand in direct sunlight for 40 minutes in July… ), or if your reception area allows for dimmable light if that is the vibe you are going for. Trust me,
- Book your venue early. Especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding season, it’s important to book your venue early and make sure to have some backup options just in case. You can also ask your venue to recommend a wedding photographer in Connecticut.
- Hire a wedding planner. A wedding planner can help you with everything from choosing vendors to coordinating the logistics of your wedding day. Sometimes, your venue will have an in-house coordinator as well to help out!
- Remember the details. The little things can make a big difference on your wedding day, so be sure to pay attention to the details, such as your accessories, wedding favors, table decorations, and music. Pinterest is a great place to get ideas organized and even find inspo to refine your vibe!
Most importantly, remember that it is not just the setting that makes your day special, but rather you, your partner, and being surrounded by those you both love most!
