Connecting for a Lifetime
Unique Ways to Wed in Connecticut
Formal or casual, intimate or enormous, traditional or offbeat: isn’t it interesting that when it comes to planning a wedding, there are virtually as many definitions of “romantic” as there are couples deciding to tie the knot? Well, all these moonstruck lovers can be assured that Connecticut offers a match for their most exacting wishes, whether the quest is for the perfect wedding place, the ideal rehearsal dinner location, a great idea for a bridal shower or simply the ultimate romantic getaway.
Elegant to Offbeat
With a landscape that ranges from the incomparable beauty of the Litchfield Hills and the pastoral charm of the Quiet Corner to the urban excitement of major cities and salty vibrancy of coastal villages, Connecticut provides a setting for every wedding imaginable. In many cases, a deep connection to almost 300 years of history as one of America’s original 13 colonies, adds another layer of charm and authenticity to choices for wedding receptions, dinners, showers and parties. Some examples:
Among the major hotels that specialize in weddings is the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton (860-446-2600). With an entire staff dedicated to helping couples plan the perfect day, the hotel can create customized and themed weddings and rehearsal dinners for up to 450 guests, with outdoor settings as well as flexible indoor space that can be transformed into anything a bride and groom might imagine. Adding to the appeal is the hotel’s Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, the perfect treat for the bride to be and her bridesmaids.
With two ballrooms and numerous other smaller spaces, including an indoor Garden Terrace and a gazebo, the Sheraton Stamford Hotel (203-359-1300) is also a favorite for traditional weddings, accommodating up to 800 guests. The hotel’s wedding staff can help arrange all the details for everything from a bridal shower to a gala reception. The Hilton Mystic (860-572-0731) also specializes in weddings, accommodating up to 250 guests in the newly renovated Amistad Ballroom and smaller function rooms. For couples looking for “big city, big hotel” locations for their wedding, other choices include the new Hartford Marriott Downtown (860-249-8000) and the Hilton Hartford (860-728-5151).
On a more intimate scale and often providing an appealing historical touch are Connecticut’s many country inns, B&B’s and other venues that cater to couples seeking an “all-inclusive” wedding package – accommodations, meals, rehearsal dinners and receptions. The Old Lyme Inn (860-434-2600), for example, offers lodging as well as a choice of locations for special events, including the Candlelight Dining Room and the Winslow Dining Room. In Westport, the “Beverly Hills of Connecticut,” the highly regarded Inn at National Hall (203-221-1351) has 16 guest rooms, and, in nearby Greenwich, The Homestead Inn (203-869-7500), a 1799 restored farmhouse mansion and Exclusive Relais & Chateaux luxury small hotel home is noted for its chef-proprietor, Thomas Henkelmann, one the top culinary masters of New England.
The Inn at Mystic (800-237-2415) is somewhat larger, offering 67 rooms, including some with working fireplaces and whirlpool baths; extensive gardens overlooking Long Island Sound, and the award-winning Flood Tide Restaurant for catered events. And, in the rural Pomfret in Connecticut’s Quiet Corner, located on 14 acres, The Gwyn Careg Inn (860-928-5018), a 1761 Colonial Revival estate, was recently rated as the top destination for outside country weddings by Connecticut Magazine.
Another choice is The Copper Beech Inn in Ivoryton (888-809-2056). In addition to 13 guest rooms and luxury suites furnished with period antiques and oriental rugs, the inn offers a AAA Four-Diamond restaurant and one of the top wine cellars in the region. The Dutch Iris Inn, in Granby (877-280-0743), is not only conveniently located in the Farmington Valley but puts an emphasis on romance with massage packages, flowers, chocolates and other appealing amenities.
For waterfront weddings, the Saybrook Point Inn (860-395-2000) in Old Saybrook with its luxurious spa, marina and fine dining, is a favorite among couples seeking an elegant coastal wedding. And, Water’s Edge Resort & Spa (860-399-5901) in Westbrook offers ceremonies in outdoor garden terraces and lawns featuring panoramic ocean views and a variety of reception packages to choose from.
Then there are the fabulously distinctive settings throughout the state for couples who prefer to make their own arrangements for accommodations. Ideal for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and every other wedding-related special event, these include:
• The Bushnell in Hartford (860-987-5900), offering a variety of dramatic spaces for parties of 12 to 2000, including the Autorino Great Hall, with its gabled ceilings, and Seaverns Room with its beautiful hand-carved woodwork and chandeliers. The Bushnell works with Max’s Catering to meet every need of wedding couples.
• The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme (860-434-5542), recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings and offering a variety of beautiful spaces indoors and out.
• The Village at Boulder Ridge, in Barkhamsted (860-379-4050), for more casual weddings in a setting that includes a heated swimming pool, new climbing tower and miniature golf course. On 70 acres, Boulder Ridge can accommodate groups of up to 350 for sit down receptions.
• The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center in Meriden (203-639-2856), a century-old marble Greek revival building that served as the city’s first library and is now a popular choice for weddings, receptions and showers.
• The Mark Twain House Museum Center in Hartford (860-247-0998), for couples whose appreciation for one of America’s towering literary figures may be as strong as their affection for one another, or those looking for a dramatic and unique setting for a reception and photographic opportunities. Many weddings here also include a private tour of the Mark Twain House.
• The Mystic Arts Center (860-536-7601), offering exceptional water views, a beautiful garden and terrace and, for indoor weddings or receptions, stunning art galleries reflecting the color and unique style of American Impressionism and other periods of art.
• Mystic Seaport, the “Museum of America and the Sea” and internationally renowned (860-572-5315), provides a unique historical backdrop to a memorable wedding and reception, including full-scale tall ships and an entire 19th century American fishing village. The Boat Shed at Lighthouse Point is particularly popular.
• The Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford (860-443-5725) is available for rentals between March and December. The mansion sits on 230 oceanfront acres with sweeping lawns, stately trees and spectacular gardens. A number of approved caterers from the area ensure that wedding couples will be delighted with their choice.
• Saint Clements Castle (860-342-0593) perches on 82 manicured acres fronting the Connecticut River in central Connecticut. The restored early 20th century European style estate includes sunken gardens, gracious courtyards and magnificent examples of French Tudor and Bavarian architecture. A trained staff and a choice of food and beverage venues will assure bridal couples that their wedding will be memorable.
• Wood Acres Farm, in Terryville (860-583-8670) features a restored carriage barn with a wrap-around porch, gardens and a gazebo for weddings, rehearsal dinners or showers with a distinctive country charm. Depending on the season, the special day can be further enhanced with horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides.
• Stonington Vineyards, one of Connecticut’s best known (800-421-WINE), offers an elegant ambiance and a lovely setting as well as fine food and wines for weddings.
• Lyman Orchards in Middlefield (860-349-1793) offers 1,100 acres of orchards, lawns and gardens as well as a homestead for special events. A wedding at apple blossom time (May) is a breathtaking explosion of pink and white blanketed across the countryside. Two golf courses can add another dimension to a casual wedding here.
• What about a wedding at a zoo or aquarium? The 84-year old Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport (203-394-6565) is a perennial favorite among wedding couples. There are indoor venues, including a lovely Victorian greenhouse and a variety of outdoor settings, with or without animals in the background. And, Mystic Aquarium (860-572-5955) can host a wedding with the fishes and sea creatures swimming around. From elegant seated dinners to chef attended stations, the aquarium is sure to dazzle guests at this distinctive venue.
Finally, for those who have all the basics covered and may be looking for just that final touch to make the most important day of their lives even more memorable – or need a great choice for a party or activity – Connecticut is full of choices. A few examples:
• For the perfect bachelorette party: a sunset dinner cruise in Mystic on the Windjammer Mystic Whaler (800-697-8420) or other tall ships operating in the area (dinner or evening cruises on the Connecticut River is another option).
• For the perfect rehearsal dinner: a sit down dinner or buffet at The Golden Lamb Buttery in Brooklyn (860-774-4423), a magical combination of history and nature on a 1000 acre farm with a historic barn.
• For the perfect bridal shower party: a beading excursion to “You’ve Got to be Beading” (several locations in Connecticut, 860-536-2552).
• For the perfect escape from everyone else: a picnic for two on the rocks or walk on the beach at Bradley Point in West Haven (a favorite choice for dramatic wedding photographs as well).
For further information about the 52 Getaways to Connecticut, restaurants, resorts, country inns, B&Bs and other places to stay in Connecticut, please call 888-CTvisit (888-288-4748) or log on at www.CTvisit.com. Connecticut offers visitors a multi-faceted wealth of attractions, historical, cultural and recreational activities, diverse and beautiful natural landscapes, parks, beaches and wilderness sure to fulfill any getaway need.