Looking for the most perfect venue that fits your unique vision? You’re in the right place! If you don’t have a planner yet, or you’re aiming to do some of the legwork before finding the perfect match for your planning needs, you’re probably starting your search with venues. Finding something with a unique flair can be challenging especially with all of the cookie cutter that is out there! That’s why after 8 years as a New England Wedding Photographer, I’ve compiled these unique wedding venues in Connecticut!
After this last season, I sat down and really thought about how some of the venues where I’d photographed made my couples feel. The answer for all of these venues and their amazing teams is: absolutely thrilled. Some of these unique venues are higher end, and some of them are more intimate. Regardless of your ideal investment for your venue, there is something for everyone here. Moreover, each one has something magical that makes it out of the ordinary and worth checking out in depth! Here are some of my favorite places to have a uniquely elegant, uniquely joyous or uniquely YOU wedding in Connecticut.
Consider magical and unique wedding venues in Connecticut for your one of a kind celebration
The Hartford Society Room
31 Pratt St, Hartford, CT 06103
The Hartford Society Room prides themselves on exceptional hospitality and breathtakingly luxurious and gorgeous decor. When you walk in, the richness of the ornate stonework, ballroom ceilings, grand staircase and moody lighting create an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Along with their delicious catering, this is one venue that you cannot miss if you want to make your dark academia or Outlander dream wedding come true. To top it off, your formal photos can place outside the grand doors, right on iconic Pratt Street.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard
349 Elm Street, Stonington, Connecticut 06378
At Saltwater Farm Vineyard you can find a unique blend of contemporary function and lovingly preserved history, tucked along the marshes of the Wequetequock River. This converted air hanger marries industrial vibes with a warmth and intimacy that is unlike any other venue. The 108 acres of coastal soil and climate are the reason that this venue has award winning wines that couples cherish for years to come for their anniversaries and milestone celebrations. You can get married amongst the vineyard and celebrate in the dark moody airport hanger with enormous wine sills and your 200 guests. It’s elevated and luxurious yet laid back in the perfect New England Summer way. Unquestionably, of all the unique wedding venues, Saltwater Farm Vineyard is here for its amazing architecture and landscape.
The Waveny House
677 South Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840
If you’re looking for a traditional English garden, rose borders, flagstone walkways, and a romantic indoor area with historic roots, the Waveny House, a historic tudor mansion, may be right up your alley. I fell in love the first time I went for a site visit there. It is truly a New Canaan treasure, with 300 acres of idyllic countryside, and gardens meticulously maintained by the New Canaan garden Club and Waveny Park Conservancy. It’s perfect for your robust guest list and elegant celebrations that last into the evening on the generous patio.
Smith Farm Gardens
60 Smith Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
If you love the vibes of the Waveny House, but you want a little more whimsy, a bit more cottage garden, and you want to make a wedding weekend out of it? Then Smith Farm gardens is the venue for you. It is a special place, unlike any other. It boasts accomodations for up to 11 guests, perfect your family or one partner and one side of a larger wedding party the night before and after your wedding to continue the celebration. With their inclusion of a sailcloth tent, you have ample space for elaborate and custom designs from your planner, plenty of guests, a live band, and more. The magic of Smith Farm Gardens cannot be overstated. An elegant country side venue that I would literally move into if I had the chance.
Bill Miller’s Castle
834 East Main St. (Route 1) Branford, CT 06405
Bill Miller’s Castle combines gothic vibes and amazing service (I’m looking at you Victoria!), to create a magical pick for this unique wedding venues blog. Originally built as a horse barn, Bill Miller’s is now a magnificent landmark due to meticulous attention to detail during its renovation. Now able to host weddings of up to 250 guests, the ornate windows, grand chandeliers, three story cathedral ceilings, antique furniture and period pieces throughout creates magic that couples recognize the instant they step inside. Additionally, this is a creatively challenging venue that lends itself to lots of off camera flash and dramatic lighting. Nothing says extraordinary quite like Bill Miller’s Castle.
Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard
113 Pendleton Hill Road, North Stonington, CT 06359
Kingdom of the Hawk Vineyard is Saltwater Farm Vineyard’s stunning little sister. Boasting views just as gorgeous but slightly more intimate, it is a beautiful location for a wedding. Sitting on 60 pastoral acres, it blends exceptionally contemporary design with an area that is historically significant for agriculture. One of their most popular caterers is Coastal Gourmet, and that’s with good reason.
The Aria
45 Murphy Rd, Prospect, CT 06712
The Aria can accommodate up to 500 guests in the Grand Ballroom. Their stunning and recently constructed non denominational chapel accommodates 300 guests. Their staff are unparallelled. The service is impeccable, the ballroom is absolutely divine, and the grounds are meticulously cared for. If you’re looking for grand ballroom, this is one that I would recommend over and over. And… with a permit and permission from the local FD, Aria is a wedding venue that can accomodate fireworks outside!
The Barns at Wesleyan Hills
616 Long Hill Rd, Middletown, CT 06457
The Barns at Wesleyan Hills knows its guests well! They are known for their inclusivity, and their exceptional catering and service as part of The Connecticut Wedding Group. If you’re looking for a rustic yet modern space with ample areas outdoors and the most uniquely lit receptional wall, this is one for the books. The ample getting ready space is especially wonderful for couple and their wedding party when they opt to get ready all together. Few things are quite as touching and magical.
Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park
275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT 06385
Say “unique wedding venues” and Eolia Mansion immediately jumps to mind! Not only can you enjoy panoramic views of the Long Island Sound with beach access for photos, but you can also dance the night away on the architecturally stunning stonework of the mansion’s outdoor space, take photos in the formal gardens that are absolutely bursting with color, and enjoy the additional green space and stone tower for your portraits too. This is truly a gem. No other venue gives you all of that in once place.
The Farmington Polo Club
162 Town Farm Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
The Farmington Polo Club is traditional yet wonderfully modern. The recently renovated Grand Clubhouse is perfect for your reception, and you can step right out the side doors onto the brand new patio for cocktail hour that gets drenched in warm golden light with every sunset – guests LOVE having their photos taken there. All this is after you have your ceremony by either of the formal gardens with or without a gazebo. The team that keep everything moving like a well oiled machine is unrivaled. If you want a classic feel with modern touches, and an abundance of space for your formal photos? Consider the Farmington Polo Club.
Lighthouse Point Park
2 Lighthouse Rd. New Haven, CT 06512
Lighthouse Point Park is one of the most unique wedding venues on this list. You will find yourself charmed by the functional historic Carousel that you can actually enjoy with your guests during the reception! It is truly magical!! Outside catering makes this venue wonderfully flexible. You can access the public beach right outside and enjoy views of the water and lighthouse. This is unlike any other venue and deserves five stars!
The Pavillion at Crystal Lake
144 Prout Hill Rd #1, Middletown, CT 06457
The Pavillion at Crystal Lake is incredibly charming! It has a warm, rustic interior for your reception, a lakeside beach, and a forest wonderland ceremony site. Add to that the on site guest house that can accomodate you, your soon to be spouse and the wedding party as you prepare for you festivities, and you have it all.
The Branford House
1084 Shennecossett Rd, Groton, CT 06340
Turn of the century mansion meets coastal New England lawns and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean at the Branford House. A part of Uconn’s Avery Point Campus, it is steeped in history and provides a regal, elevated location to enjoy your ceremony overlooking the water, and a reception that will leave every guest in awe of the mansion’s beauty. This venue has stood the test of time and is known for it’s fantastic views and flexibility of planning especially when it comes to your caterers. This one is unique because, while you will feel like royalty, the venue rental is a steal for the quality of the space that you have access to for your celebration!
Lord Thompson Manor
286 Thompson Hill Rd, Thompson, CT 06277
Lord Thompson Manor rounds out our unique weddings venues list with the most amazing space for a full wedding weekend. As glamorous as it is, it also feels incredibly intimate and warm. There certainly is some magic in the wall of the manor that allows for that to happen. The Manor’s team encourages guest to explore the property as they serve Hors d’oeuvres around the grounds and buildings. They emphasize guests participating in the excitement rather than just spectating. If you want all hands on deck, and all feet moving on the dance floor and the most private space but elevated space, look no further. There is even a Spa for getting ready nearby, and a cottage house to accomodate you and your guests. Lord Thompson manor is truly a gem.
Your celebration deserves unique wedding venues, and amazing teams – not cookie cutter!
Unique Wedding Venues help to capture your personalities and tell your stories!
My hope is that navigate these unique wedding venues in Connecticut with excitement and now, more information, as you embark on your search. As a New England Wedding photographer, I love working alongside some of Connecticut’s most wonderful planners and venues to ensure our couples have the most memorable days to start their lives together. If you would like more information about any of these venues and would like the perspective of someone who has photographed there, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I want you to have your dream wedding day! Whether you have a few questions or….
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