Southern Vermont: The Perfect Wedding Destination

by Janet Dunnington

jon-mollie-wedding-small The charm of historic villages, the warmth and coziness of country inns, and the area’s breathtaking beauty…couples travel from all over the world to celebrate their nuptials in Southern Vermont.

The gentle rolling hills of the green mountains, fields carpeted with wild flowers, babbling brooks, rustic old barns and covered bridges, and, of course, our signature fall foliage, make Vermont a place that naturally inspires romance. It’s no wonder that Vermont is one of the most popular spots for destination weddings.

Southern Vermont: The Perfect Wedding Destination

by Janet Dunnington

A small sampling of some of Southern Vermont’s top wedding destinations begins with two of it’s most beautiful villages—Grafton and Weston.

In Grafton, you can exchange vows in your own “village for the day.” Your guests can walk the village streets, browse the local galleries, or sample artisan cheeses. Grafton is home to Vermont’s renowned Grafton cheddar. You can marry in the white steeple church and host your reception in Phelps Barn at the Old Tavern. Another village that’s perfect for a Vermont Country wedding is Weston, a village that’s virtually untouched by time. Today the entire village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn at Weston provides one-stop shopping with beautiful grounds, two local churches, photography, officiant services, wedding planner and that’s just the beginning.

With its marble sculptures, Romanesque columns, and 1930s’ wall murals, the Latchis Hotel and Theatre in Brattleboro is an art-deco treasure. Known as one of the best small arts towns in America, Brattleboro sports a true small-town Main Street, lined with unique artisan shops. The Brattleboro Museum offers an elegant, bright space for a wedding with natural light from a skylight and large windows, brightly painted walls, marble accents and woodwork original to the 1916 building. After a nice stroll in the historic downtown, guests can stop by the Flat Street Pub and sample their locally crafted Microbrews.

A little further north in south-central Vermont the Okemo Valley’s resorts are all experienced in the art of weddings. If you’re looking for a small and intimate

wedding, Inn Victoria in Chester provides a great location, gourmet breakfasts and old world charm. Guests can stroll the village and browse Misty Valley Books and DaVallia gallery on the green.

Bennington and Manchester and the surrounding mountains offer a little bit of everything: from stunning views and vistas, cozy inns, historic sites with manicured gardens, rustic antique barns, and old-world resorts with elegant ballrooms. Guests can occupy themselves with the best outlet shopping in the region, as well as antique shops, art galleries, spas, and a bevy of wonderful restaurants.

For couples seeking a distinctive and awe-inspiring venue to showcase their love, the Bennington Museum offers stunning backdrops with antique clocks, statues, sculpture, along with paintings from the museum’s collection. Nestled in the village of Old Bennington, the museum has views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Guests can stay nearby at the Eddington House, a charming, elegantly restored boutique bed and breakfast that boasts clean, crisp rooms and suites, beautiful gardens and a charming North Bennington village location. Jay’s Frame shop is a great source for invitations, art & framing; and gift items. Divergence Design’s Kim Sutherland offers a custom design jewelry service in addition to her collections in shops and galleries.

A stone’s throw from Bennington, the Nipmoose Farm, in New York State, offers a variety of choices— casual or elegant, grand or intimate—with its historic barns and panoramic views.

The Mount Snow Valley also provides numerous options for your destination wedding, including a winery with vistas of two states, and many charming inns that host tented weddings on their grounds. The Hermitage Inn offers facilities for large and small groups in a superb country inn setting with the option of several venues to choose from including their exhibition wine cellar.

Mount Snow Resort is another option for small or large wedding parties featuring spectacular mountain views or indoor ballrooms. Another choice for small, intimate weddings is The Snow Goose Inn that has a great location set back from route 100 with country gardens and romantic rooms with fireplaces and all the amenities of home. The Deerhill Inn in West Dover produces beautiful garden weddings with panoramic mountain views, exquisite gourmet dining and the finest wines. Cooper Hill Inn boasts wedding couples can get married “on top of the world.”

Owned and operated by the same family for over 80 years, Boyd Family Farm specializes in Vermont country weddings and offers truly custom wedding flower designs. From flowers to superb bakeries, country inns and dining options, the valley is home to many talented professionals. Barn weddings are a specialty of the Colonel Williams Inn in nearby Marlboro. The Inn’s barn is the largest post & beam barn in Southern Vermont and dates to circa 1770. The innkeeper can even don the Colonel’s authentic uniform upon request.

Every season offers a special and magical time for a wedding in Vermont: from the vibrant colors of fall foliage, to the glistening of pristine winter snow, to the aromatic peonies and lilacs of spring, or the lush green fields and mountains of summer. Whenever, and wherever, you choose to host your wedding in Southern Vermont, it’s certain to be an unforgettable experience. We suggest you start with our chambers of commerce to help you refine your choices.