Venues-schmenues. . . one of the most fun AND most difficult parts of wedding planning. Do you want an indoor venue? Outdoor? A bit of both? Mountains or lakes? Luxury or rustic? All of the above?! Choosing your Vermont wedding venue can be a headache if you don’t know what you’re looking for, or if you don’t have a good starting point—which is why I’ve compiled a list of my personal favorite venues that I’d recommend to ANY couple looking for a beautiful place to tie the knot in Vermont.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Dream Vermont Wedding Venue

If you’re thinking “Okayyy Ali, but how are we supposed to choose?!”

I get it—I’ve been there. When we were planning our own wedding, it felt nearly impossible to find a perfect venue that checked off all our boxes and fit our budget. Soo many hours spent digging through The Knot and WeddingWire, and scrolling through Pinterest for inspo. . . eventually we were so overwhelmed with all the options in front of us that we didn’t even know where to start.

So to make the process a little easier for you, I’ve compiled a list of the most important things you should consider when choosing your Vermont wedding venue! These are filters you can put every venue through so that you immediately know whether or not they fit the bill of what you’re looking for—and so you won’t fall in love with a gorgeous venue only to realize it’s way over budget.

Vibe & atmosphere

Obviouslyyyy. The first thing you need to look at when considering a venue is the vibe it offers—what kind of setting, scenery, and landscapes does it provide? Mountain views? Near the water? Grassy meadows with rolling hills for days out in the distance?

Consider not only what you want your venue to look like, but what you want it to feel like. Do you want your reception to feel intimate and cozy, or elegant and full of grandeur? Are you looking for something more laid-back and casual, or a bit more luxury and high-end? Think about the type of experience you want to provide to your guests (and for yourselves), and how you want people to feel while they celebrate.

Indoor/outdoor spaces

Next, look at what indoor and outdoor spaces every potential venue has to offer. Take into account the weather & the season—for example, if you’re getting married in a month that might be rainy, it’ll be extra important to find somewhere with indoor spaces in case bad weather affects your original ceremony site. The last thing you want is to be caught out in a storm with nowhere to go!

Guest capacity

I know this one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how confusing guest capacities can be when you’re searching for venues! Wedding directories like WeddingWire might be able to filter your options to only venues with, let’s say, a capacity for 200 guests. . . but then you go to their website and find out that their average capacity is 50, and every head over that adds an EXORBITANT amount of extra costs. Often times, different ceremony & reception sites at venues will have their own individual guest capacities, so it’s important to look not only at the capacity of the entire venue, but of the specific spaces you want to use for your special day.

Accommodations

I looove me a good weekend camping getaway vibe—you know, the “we took all our friends and family into the woods for the weekend” kinda celebration—so a lot of my couples intentionally search for venues that offer on-site accommodations! Whether this looks like a spacious lodge venue, a farm with on-site cabins, a cozy, locally-owned inn, or a glamorous resort, there are tons of venues that offer accommodations for a really beautiful, unforgettable multi-day celebration with your friends & fam. After all, who wouldn’t wanna book a cute inn and invite all their favorite people to stay with them for the weekend, to celebrate even after the official stuff is done?!

Vendor exclusivity

Sometimes venues will require you to hire vendors from their preferred/exclusive list (especially when it comes to caterers/bartenders), so pay attention to that, if it’s important to you to have the freedom to hire whoever you want.

Parking & transportation

Parking is kiiinda one of the most boring parts of planning wedding logistics, but you gotta do it. Make sure your venue has enough parking space for you and your guests, and figure out if you’ll need to carpool day-of—as well as how everybody is going to travel to the venue. In their own cars? Vans? Party buses? Maybe even a fancy-schmancy wedding day limousine?

Costs

Last but not least, you gotta know what it’ll cost ya to get married at the venues you’re looking at—and pay attention to any additional fees that you might be charged. Every venue prices their weddings differently; some have an up-front cost and one-time deposit for the entire venue, others will have separate fees for renting the venue for your ceremony, and hosting your reception. Some venues might include sales tax in their pricing, others may not—and the last thing we want is for you to be surprised by an extra chunk of change billed to your credit card a month before the big day! Don’t be afraid to ask the venue team questions to make sure you know exactly how fees, payments, and deposits work. 

12 Best Vermont Wedding Venues 

Feelin’ more confident in your ability to pick the right venue to fit your vision? Yay! 

Let’s move onto a list of my personal faves to help get you started, so you don’t have to spend hours narrowing down the hundreds of venues you found on Google.

Camping Wedding Venues

Sterling Ridge Resort | Jeffersonville, VT

In my book, NOTHING beats a weekend spent at a log cabin resort with gorgeous mountain views, delicious food, and gooood people. And that’s exactly the vibe you get when you tie the knot at Sterling Ridge Resort, located in a dreamy part of the Green Mountains with cozy accommodations, stunning views, and top-notch amenities. The venue covers nearly 350 acres (!!) of picturesque alpine landscapes, filled with vibrant grassy lawns, lush greenery, and tree-lined shores that make for the dreamiest ceremony backdrop you could ask for.

Crofter’s Green | Montgomery Center, VT

If you want to tie the knot amidst the beauty of northeast Vermont, Crofter’s Green is going to be the place for you. Nestled between Montgomery Center and Jay Peak Resort, Crofter’s Green sits on 25 gorgeous acres that provide the perfect balance of rustic charm and modern elegance—the dream for a warm, welcoming, and laid-back celebration. I’m in love with all the enchanting outdoor spaces they have to offer (from spacious lawns to whimsical woodlands), plus the inviting cottages that are giving all the adult summer camp vibes!

Von Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe, VT

Where are all my Sound of Music lovers at? If you’re a sucker for the 1965 classic then you’re going to die when I tell you about the von Trapp Family Lodge. This Austrian-inspired lodge was where the von Trapp family settled in the early 1950s, eventually turning into a family home where they welcomed guests to join them in enjoying the spectacular alpine landscapes of Stowe. The entire property is actually still owned by the von Trapp family—how cool, right?!

Nerdy Sound of Music facts aside, this 2,600-acre lodge and resort is a haven overlooking the iconic New England Village, available for weddings year-round. With a spacious summer wedding tent and an indoor room featuring a wood-burning fireplace, sparkling chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling windows, it’s a magical place to say your “I do’s” no matter the weather. The huge variety of spaces makes it easy to customize the venue for your unique day, from the private Kaffeehaus perfect for a rehearsal dinner, to the enchanting Mozart Patio, all the way to the lush Croquet Lawn. Options galore!

Common Ground Center | Starksboro, VT

Common Ground Center is the ultimate wedding venue for couples who want to curate a personalized, DIY-esque celebration in a stunning part of Vermont! Located just a quick 30-minute drive from Burlington, this camp offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, with a variety of diverse ceremony and reception spaces to fit any kind of wedding day. Whether you’re having an intimate gathering of just a few loved ones and want to tie the knot in the Eco-Lodge or you’re inviting everyone you love for a grand celebration in one of the venue’s many open fields (which feature incredible mountain views, btw), Common Ground Center really does have something for everyone.

Adirondack Camp Iroquois | Saranac Lake, NY

Okayyy, this one isn’t technically in Vermont, but man. . . I would redo my entire wedding and host it at Camp Iroquois if I could. It’s this gorgeous private luxury vacation rental in the Adirondacks with the most phenomenal views and an upscale camp vibe to die for. The venue is secluded, filled to the brim with opportunities for outdoor adventure (kayaking and paddleboarding, anyone?), and designed with a wilderness-oriented aesthetic—aka the dreammm. Honestly, nothing sounds more memorable than spending a weekend here with all your loved ones, playing lawn games, heading out on the water on a sunny day, and cozying up around a bonfire under the starry night sky.

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Farm Wedding Venues

Common Roots Wheeler Homestead | Burlington, VT

For couples who want to prioritize sustainability, supporting local businesses, and coming back to the roots of Vermont, the Wheeler Homestead offers a really beautiful setting to do so in Burlington. Available for weddings of all sizes, the homestead, operated by Common Roots, boasts fabulous views of the Green Mountains, a comprehensive collection of wedding planning resources, and mouthwatering farm-to-fresh catering that will leave your guests drooling for more.

Bliss Ridge Farm | Moretown, VT

There’s no better place to experience pure bliss on your wedding day than, well, Bliss Ridge Farm 😉 360-degree views, a wedding meadow with vast mountain scenery, a historic dairy barn, and a romantic treehouse right in the middle of the wilderness?! Say less—this will forever be one of my favorite venues to see couples get married at. Also owned by members of the von Trapp family, Bliss Ridge Farm offers a naturally beautiful setting at the base of the Northfield Ridge that’s ready & waiting to be the backdrop for your special day.

Need to see a little real-life inspo before you decide if Bliss Ridge is “the one”? Take a peek at Mallor & Neil’s October Bliss Ridge Farm Wedding!

Maquam Barn & Winery | Milton, VT

I know that barn weddings can feel so 2016, but trust me. . . Maquam Barn & Winery does it right. Home to a beautiful barn and winery (duh) on hundreds of private acres in Milton, the rustic charm blended with elevated sophistication of this venue offers a pristine place to exchange your vows, party with your loved ones, and enjoy picturesque views while you’re at it. You can host your festivities under the high ceilings of the barn, pop out for a quick break at sunset for portraits amidst the grapevines, and then come back in for a night of dancing under the fairy lights—I don’t know about you but that sounds like a pretty great plan to me!

Farmhouse Flowers | Moretown, VT

This venue’s motto is “elegance meets fun,” and honestly what a perfect way to approach your Vermont wedding, with a little bit of both?! You’ll get to enjoy a warm, inviting barn built by local craftsmen with over 2,000 square feet of space on the main floor, plus a loft overlooking the gorgeous flower gardens. With space for up to 150 guests, the hilltop ceremony site is ideal for couples who want dreamy views of the Worcester Mountain Range while also meandering through wildflower fields, exploring expansive pastures, and the ability to stay on-site for an incredible weekend getaway.

River Road Farm | Manchester Village, VT

River Road Farm is a destination wedding venue dream come TRUE. Set amongst the natural beauty of the Green Mountains, the spacious farmland provides a stunning place to get away and enjoy a luxurious, totally personalized experience curated for you and the people you love most. You’ll be surrounded by lush hills, peaceful rivers, and tranquil fields that are just begging to serve as the glorious backdrop to your ceremony, then head into the barn for a reception full of grandeur and rustic charm. They’ve even got barn lodging available, with space for up to 14 guests!

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Estate Wedding Venues

Mountain Top Resort | Chittenden, VT

No matter the season or the weather, Mountain Top Resort offers a wildly enchanting place for any couple to tie the knot, with sweeping mountain views (shocker), tranquil lake shores, and year-round activities that your guests are sure to love. It’s the epitome of a secluded destination resort, offering an array of luxurious accommodations for you and your guests to enjoy for a full weekend together, as well as high-end dining, a lavish in-house spa, and all sorts of excursions that’ll immerse you in the surrounding wilderness—including (but not limited to) horseback riding, boating, tennis, snowshoeing, and more.

Hill Farm Inn | Sunderland, VT

70 acres of picturesque countryside, walking trails, and mountain views, all set on a historic farm just a few minutes from Manchester? Count me in. Hill Farm Inn is one of those places that you’ll step foot in and never want to leave, especially if you end up staying for a night or two with your closest loved ones. The main inn has actually been serving guests for a whopping 150+ years, so I’d say they know a thing or two about what it takes to create an unforgettable experience! With a seemingly endless amount of grassy meadows, lush foliage, and rolling hills in the distance, this venue offers a really beautiful and tranquil space to host your celebration out in nature.

Hiring Your Vermont Wedding Photographer

Oh hey there, I’m Ali—your friendly neighborhood Vermont wedding photographer who is just sitting over here dying to know which venue you’re going to choose! Did any stand out to you, or call to your heart as soon as you saw it?!

Whether you’re dead set on a venue you’ve fallen in love with, or you’re still in the process of searching, my job as your photographer is to support you along the way, helping you curate a celebration that prioritizes what matters most to you. With my laid-back storytelling approach, you’ll never feel like you have a camera in your face all day long; instead, you’ll be able to focus on the beauty around you at the venue you’ve so carefully chosen & invested in.

Learn about my Vermont wedding packages here, and if you think we’re a match made in heaven, get in touch for a personalized quote! I’ll get ya all the answers you’re looking for and guide you through every step that comes next. Can’t wait to see which venue you land on, and be there to document it all for you 😉

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More Vermont Wedding & Elopement Resources

Want a little (or a lot) more help planning your special day? That’s what I’m here for—check out some of my latest blog posts below!

Should You Do a First Look? How Your Choice Impacts Your Day

How Long Does it Really Take to Get Your Engagement Photos Back?

Tips to Personalize Your Intimate Vermont Elopement