Best New England Wedding Venues I’ve Photographed
Planning a New England wedding means one thing: options. We’ve got oceanfront inns in Maine, historic estates in Massachusetts, and retro event spaces unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This region has some of the most breathtaking, unique, and downright fun wedding venues out there. Over the years I’ve photographed weddings across all six states (plus upstate New York!) and each venue has its own personality.
This blog is my living list of my favorite venues I’ve photographed at, sorted by state, with links to full blog posts featuring real weddings at each location. If you’re venue-hunting, this is for you. If you just love browsing wedding inspiration, you’re also in the right place! I’ll be updating this list regularly as I explore new spots, so bookmark it and check back for more ideas!
Table of Contents
- Massachusetts Wedding Venues
- Connecticut Wedding Venues
- Rhode Island Wedding Venues
- New Hampshire Wedding Venues
- Vermont Wedding Venues
- Maine Wedding Venues
- New York Wedding Venues
Massachusetts Wedding Venues
Five Bridge Inn
Five Bridge Inn is that sweet spot where rustic romance meets full-weekend comfort. Couples often talk about how you get the whole inn for 24 hours- getting ready, ceremony, reception, after-party & breakfast the next day- all right on one gorgeous property. The barns (Innkeeper Barn & Retreat Barn), the arbor, the lush grounds, the photo-bombing goats, llamas, and dogs. Folks rave about the staff being calm, flexible, on-it (even when schedules shift or rain shows up), and how small touches- late-night fire pit, decorating shed full of decor items to borrow, herb garden, cozy upstairs rooms- make everything feel personal. One review said their guests still talk about how the barn felt elegant yet like home; another praises the food & the “magical weekend we never wanted to end.”
• See more from a February wedding at Five Bridge Inn
The Olio
The Olio is that modern-industrial dream space that makes you feel like your wedding is your art project. Think soaring ceilings, huge windows, dramatic walls, and hardwood floors that soak up golden light. Couples love Sarah and the team being not just organized, but truly responsive- someone who answers texts at weird hours and helps you pull off wild decor ideas without rolling their eyes. The flexibility is real: you can bring your own vendors, tailor the lighting, styling, even layout; the blank canvas vibe gives you room to make the space totally your own. Guests regularly mention how photogenic it is (and how every photo feels like a magazine shoot), and how the energy in the room at night, string lights, dance floor, laughter, feels electric.
• See more from an April wedding at The Olio
Grand View Mendon
Grand View gives you lake views plus a ballroom that feels both polished and warm. Couples often say working with this venue is what turns stress into smooth sailing: responding quickly, keeping tabs on details, and even helping shift things last minute when weather, guest counts, or decor change. Guests rave about how immaculate the grounds are, how stunning the cocktail hour patios are (one overlooks Lake Nipmuc, the other terrace style), and how the food is one of those rare things people still mention weeks later. Whether you’re exchanging vows by the lake, outside on one of the patios, or inside the grand ballroom, Grand View is a place where your photos, your people, and your vision all feel like they belong together.
• See more from a June wedding at Grand View
The Connor Center
The Connors Center is the kind of venue that feels both majestic and personal. Couples frequently mention that the stone mansion, ivy-lined gardens, and terraces feel like stepping into an English estate. It’s not far from Boston, yet entirely secluded. Reviews rave about how the team stays on top of every little detail, letting couples and guests stay onsite Friday through Sunday without worrying about travel or setup logistics. One couple said when the storm threatened, the staff pivoted smoothly and the day still felt magical. Gorgeous outdoors + elegant interiors + a weekend full of connection = this place is one you’ll remember long after your wedding has passed
• See more from a September wedding at The Connor Center
Union Station Banquets
Union Station Banquets feels like walking into another time; with historic train station architecture, soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and vintage details. Couples say that Neil and his team are calm, responsive, and somehow always three steps ahead: answering late emails, solving vendor chaos, making menu suggestions that surprise guests. With The Roosevelt Room inside, you hardly need extra décor. Its natural warmth and character do a lot of the heavy lifting. And food? Huge hit. From appetizers to dessert, people usually leave talking about both how gorgeous the place felt and how fed they were.
• See more from a September wedding at Union Station Banquets
Fruitlands Musuem
Fruitlands Museum is one of those venues that feels like you stepped straight into a storybook, or maybe even the pages of Little Women (scenes from the movie were filmed here!). The hillside overlooks rolling valleys and golden sunsets that have that same Concord-area magic Louisa May Alcott wrote about. Couples say the team keeps everything calm and seamless (rain plans, timelines, guest needs), and guests almost always mention how the food surprises them by being some of the best they’ve had at a wedding. Whether you’re under the tent or out on the lawn, the backdrop is pure New England romance with a touch of literary history.
• See more from an October wedding at Fruitlands Museum
Wychmere Beach Club
Wychmere Beach Club is pure Cape Cod: ceremonies right on the water, light-filled reception spaces, and decks that make sunset photos feel unreal. Couples say the views alone made them skip extra décor because the ocean and sky did all the work. The staff earns constant praise for being warm, organized, and ahead of every detail, and the food is another highlight guests can’t stop talking about. Even though it’s a large venue, reviews always note how personal and private the experience feels- like the entire Cape was just for them that day.
• See more from an August wedding at Wychmere Beach Club
The Gould Barn
The Gould Barn is that “little barn with big character” kind of venue. It’s a beautifully restored circa-1710 barn owned by the Topsfield Historical Society, with wide barn doors that open to a lawn lush enough for games, lounge chairs, and impromptu chats during cocktail hour. Couples love how it strikes the balance between rustic charm and functionality: there’s heat (no getting chilly at dusk!), a full kitchen, and enough indoor space to feel cozy without cramped. Photographers rave about the twinkle lights overhead + warm afternoon glow when the sun streams in, and guests always mention how personal the whole thing feels- everyone ends up mingling, relaxing, and making memories in corners of the lawn or under the barn rafters.
• See more from an October wedding at The Gould Barn
Red Lion Inn
The Red Lion Inn in Cohasset is such a gem. The heart of it is this incredible barn-style ballroom with huge timber beams, twinkle-lit chandeliers, and a cozy fireplace that makes winter weddings feel like a movie. Outside, you’ve got a sweet little courtyard for summer ceremonies, and the fact that there’s on-site lodging means no one has to stress about late-night drives. What I love most about this place is how versatile it feels. It’s moody and romantic once the sun goes down, but bright and inviting during the day.
• See more from an October wedding at Red Lion Inn
Southwick’s Zoo
Yes, you can actually get married at a zoo! Southwick’s Zoo makes it such a fun, unforgettable experience. It’s perfect for adventurous couples who want something totally out of the ordinary. Between the lush grounds, exotic animals, and unique photo ops, it’s a venue that guarantees your wedding won’t feel like anyone else’s.
• See more from an October wedding at Southwick’s Zoo
Danversport Yacht Club
Danversport Yacht Club is a waterfront spot with all the coastal New England feels. Ceremonies overlook the harbor, cocktail hour can happen out on the lawn, and receptions flow into big, bright ballrooms with views of the water. It’s equal parts classic and laid-back, giving you that “by the ocean” vibe without needing to trek all the way to Cape Cod. Reviews consistently praise the coordinators for smooth timelines and zero surprises, plus food that gets real compliments from guests
• See more from a June wedding at Danversport Yacht Club
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is one of the most creative places you can throw a wedding. You’re surrounded by massive sculptures and contemporary art, with a view of the reservoir as your backdrop. It has this cool mix of edgy and elegant, and it’s the kind of venue where guests wander around in awe before the party even starts.
• See more from a June wedding at deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
McGovern’s on the Water
McGovern’s on the Water is classic “waterfront New England” with a white gazebo by the pond, a patio for cocktail hour, and big, welcoming ballrooms inside. It’s family-run, and couples consistently mention how attentive the team is (think helpful coordinators, smooth timelines, and zero-stress setup) and how much guests rave about the food. There’s plenty of parking, ceremony + reception can happen in one spot, and…iconic detail: some celebrations even end with a flaming dessert parade that gets the whole room cheering. It’s easy to reach from Providence or Boston, but once you’re on the grounds, it feels like its own little world.
• See more from a September wedding at McGovern’s on the Water
The Barn at Bradstreet Farm
The Barn at Bradstreet Farm is one of those rare places where everything just makes sense. Couples gush about how its 18th-century barn feels both rustic and refined, how the grounds are impeccably kept, and how even when it rains they never lose their cool. I saw one couple talk about how their whole ceremony moved inside without it feeling like a let-down at all. The food earns rave reviews, the staff (especially Tiffany and team) are described as thoughtful, organized, and calming, and guests love the farm animals, vineyard strolls, and photo spots in every direction. If you want a venue that looks stunning on its own, feels personal, and gives you real backup when plans change, this one delivers
• See more from an October wedding at The Barn at Bradstreet Farm
Salem Cross Inn
Salem Cross Inn is the definition of cozy New England: a restored 18th-century farmhouse, crackling hearth vibes, and food your guests won’t stop talking about. Couples shout out the warm, on-it team (Donna gets name-checked a lot) and rave about the farmhouse-style menus: think fireplace-roasted prime rib and the kind of service that keeps the night effortless.
• See more from a July Salem Cross Inn wedding
• See more from a September Salem Cross Inn Wedding
Connecticut Wedding Venues
The Pond House Cafe
The Pond House is right in the middle of Hartford’s Elizabeth Park. It is surrounded by rose gardens, water views, and endless greenery everywhere you look. The Pond House gets steady praise for fresh, creative menus and a staff that keeps everything humming. Couples love that it feels nothing like a cookie-cutter banquet hall and that Elizabeth Park gives endless photo options.
• See more from an October Pond House Wedding
Aria
Aria is elegance dialed up but with a heart. Couples keep saying the moment they toured, they didn’t just like the ballroom, they felt taken care of. Big sweeping staircases, a beautiful chapel, gardens, and grand ballrooms with high ceilings and chandeliers give you that fairytale backdrop. But it’s the service people remember: the bridal attendant who gently reminds you to eat, the maître d’ who adjusts timings without stress, the way the venue flexes with you if plans shift. Guests rave that the food isn’t just good, it’s talked about for weeks afterwards. Aria feels expansive and luxurious, yet warm and personal from first hello to last dance
• See more from a May wedding at Aria
Aqua Turf Club
Aqua Turf Club feels like hitting that sweet balance between polished elegance and fun. Couples love that the team is responsive from tour right through last dance (there are regular shoutouts about how detail-oriented and kind everyone was). The food gets rave reviews for both flavor and portions (guests still talk days later about seconds and those late-night “to-go” boxes). The rooms- the Wagon Room, the chapel, the glass-rooms- offer plenty of versatility, so if weather shifts you’re covered without killing the vibe. And photographers often mention how beautiful the grounds are for portraits, even on overcast days.
• See more from a July wedding at Aqua Turf Club
Avon Old Farms Hotel
Avon Old Farms Hotel is the definition of classic New England charm. Picture rustic beams, cozy fireplaces, and countryside views that feel straight out of a postcard. It’s elegant without being over the top, and so welcoming for guests. It’s the kind of place where you can have that timeless inn vibe while still keeping things relaxed and comfortable.
• See more from a November Avon Old Farms Hotel Wedding
Gwyn Careg Inn
Gwyn Careg Inn in Pomfret honestly feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret estate in Europe. Think ivy-covered stone walls, dreamy gardens, and so much old-world charm tucked away in the Connecticut countryside. It’s quiet, romantic, and full of storybook vibes: perfect for couples who want their day to feel like a fairytale without leaving New England.
• See more from a September Gwyn Careg Inn Wedding
Hartford City Hall
Hartford City Hall is like elegance and history decided to elope together. From the moment you step under its skylight and up the sweeping marble staircases, it feels cinematic. Couples love how airy and architectural the atrium is; the natural light pouring through grand windows, the ornate details, the golden glow that even cloudy days can’t dim. There’s something powerful about saying “I do” in a place that has civic gravitas but still lets you make it all about you. It’s great for micro-weddings or elopements: simple, beautiful, and resonant. Bonus: you’re just steps from Hartford’s best photo spots and places to celebrate afterward.
• See more from an October elopement at Hartford City Hall
The Mansion at Bald Hill
The Mansion at Bald Hill is this gorgeous historic estate tucked away in the quiet countryside of Woodstock. It’s got all the elegance: grand architecture, sweeping lawns, and refined details but it still feels warm and welcoming instead of stuffy. I love that it balances timeless sophistication with that cozy New England charm, making it perfect for couples who want a setting that feels both upscale and intimate.
• See more from a September Mansion at Bald Hill Wedding
Lighthouse Point Park
Lighthouse Point Park is one of the most iconic coastal spots in Connecticut. With its historic carousel, sandy beaches, and that gorgeous lighthouse looking out over the water, it feels playful and nostalgic all at once. It’s the kind of place where you can sneak away for golden-hour photos by the waves and then party with the carousel horses with the sound of the ocean in the background.
• See more from an April micro-wedding at Lighthouse Point Park
• See more from an October wedding at Lighthouse Point Park
Allen Tree Farm
Allen Hill Farm is rustic magic meets intentional details. It sits on hundreds of acres that once were dairy and Christmas tree grounds, and couples often mention how all the trees, the fields, and the rolling hills make you feel like you’ve escaped city life without going too far. The barn has real New England post-and-beam charm, with string lights overhead and enough space inside so guests feel cozy, not squished. One wedding ended by the fire pit with blankets, cocktails, and the golden sunset hitting the treetops. Whether it’s shouting “I do” by the river’s edge, dancing under twinkle lights inside the barn, or wandering out for sunset photos in the orchard, Allen Hill Farm gives you that somewhere-between-farm-and-fairytale energy.
• See more from a May wedding at Lighthouse Point Park
Roseland Cottage
If fairytales had a summer home, Roseland Cottage might be it. Couples describe everything from “perfect lawn blooms” to guests raving about the house tour during cocktail hour. The gardens, boxwood hedges, flowering trees, and the crisp pink Gothic Revival architecture (juicy details like etchings in the windows and jewel-toned parlors) give photo moments all over the place. The team there (especially Laurie) is praised for being deeply helpful, flexible, and kind, even helping move tables under cover, pulling up pop-up tents at the last minute, and making guests with children feel totally included. It’s intimate, historic, artistic, and lovingly preserved, all in one iconic corner of rural CT.
• See more from an October wedding at Roseland Cottage
• See more from a June wedding at Roseland Cottage
Rhode Island Wedding Venues
Shepherd’s Run
Shepherd’s Run is half vineyard, half historic estate, and somehow manages to feel like a weekend getaway and wedding venue all in one. Couples love that you can actually stay there with your people: wake up, sip coffee on the terrace, then wander down to the gardens or vineyard for your ceremony. The staff gets shoutouts constantly for being calm, flexible, and genuinely kind (the type who fix problems before you even realize they’re problems). You’ve got options with the spaces: gardens, a tented terrace, a grand hall inside the mansion…each one with its own kind of magic. It’s elegant without being stiff, relaxed without losing any of the wow-factor.
• See more from a September wedding at Shepherd’s Run
The Guild
The Guild hits that sweet spot between “industrial edge” and warm celebration energy. Couples love the exposed brick walls, massive windows, and soaring ceilings. They say it’s rustic without feeling rough, modern without losing character. The staff get tons of praise for being calm, responsive, and super helpful the whole way through (one review called the planning “stress-free even when Mother Nature had plans of her own.”) The brewery + barn combo gives you built-in atmosphere (hello beer gardens, patio vibes) and the ability to let your personality shine through in décor or food choices. Lighting is dreamy, sound system is solid, and guests always say they had a blast because nothing felt too formal or forced.
• See more from a September wedding at The Guild
Agawam Hunt
Agawam Hunt brings together old-school charm and modern ease in a way couples often say felt like having the best parts of both worlds. The nearly 130-acre property is gorgeous: wooded river views, sweeping lawns, and terraces that feel private even when guests are mingling. The Clubhouse has those rich wood interiors that show up beautifully in photos. If you want a wedding day that feels grounded, elegant, and cared for from start to finish, this place often delivers.
• See more from a June wedding at Agawam Hunt
Kinney Azalea Garden
Kinney Azalea Gardens is a hidden gem that feels made for micro-weddings and elopements. Winding paths, a whimsical Moon Gate, and blooming azaleas (especially in late spring) turn the whole property into a natural backdrop that doesn’t need much else. Couples say it feels intimate, peaceful, and a little bit secret…like you’ve found your own private garden. It’s a spot where you can exchange vows surrounded by flowers, then wander off into the trails for portraits that look like something out of a fairytale.
• See more from a June micro-wedding at Kinney Azalea Garden
Roger Williams Park
Roger Williams Park is one of those spots that has everything. Gorgeous gardens, a botanical garden, lakes, bridges, historic buildings…you can wander just a few steps and end up with a totally different backdrop. It’s perfect for couples who want variety in their photos and a wedding day that feels a little adventurous, all without leaving the heart of Providence.
• See more from a May wedding at Roger Williams Park
• See more from an October wedding at Roger Williams Park
Crystal Lake Golf Club
Crystal Lake Golf Club is like finding a hidden lakeside dream in northern Rhode Island: big, leafy vistas, a gazebo over the water, and ceremony backdrops that’ll make your photos feel cinematic. Couples keep saying how relaxed and supported they felt with Kayla (and her team) running the show, especially when things change last minute (rain, vendor switches, etc.) and everything still looks and feels seamless. The indoor spaces are light + airy with large windows and twinkly lights, which means even if the weather shifts, you don’t lose the charm. If you want scenic views + peace of mind that your day will be beautiful no matter what, this club delivers.
• See more from an August wedding at Crystal Lake Golf Club
New Hampshire Wedding Venues
Fuller Gardens
Fuller Gardens is what day-dreams are made of if you love roses, delicate blooms, gardens everywhere, and the smell of floral air. Couples often say it’s quiet magic: the formal rose garden in full bloom, a Japanese garden with koi ponds, and English perennial borders that keep offering something beautiful from early summer through fall. Reviewers praise how the team helps everything feel effortless: even when the sun is blazing, guests remark the shade and pathways give breath-able space, and photographers say the garden provides endless spots for portraits (bridal party photos that don’t feel posed, just joyful). It has that intimate, artful vibe for smaller events where the details matter just as much as the big picture.
• See more from a July micro-wedding at Fuller Gardens
Birch Wood Vineyards
Birch Wood Vineyards feels like that perfect escape where rustic elegance meets full-hearted care. Couples can’t stop talking about how the staff are calm under pressure, attentive to every detail (from bustling your dress to packing up décor), and just plain kind. The grounds with their vineyards, courtyard fountains, and flower walls are gorgeous all year, and the indoor rooms (vineyard room with sweeping windows, an estate-ballroom feel) adapt so seamlessly when the weather plays its tricks. Guests rave about the food (welcome drinks, hors d’oeuvres through dinner, late night snacks (chicken fingers and fries!), generous portions, and how it never feels like the venue ran out of steam.
• See more from an April wedding at Birch Wood Vineyards
Union Lake Orchard
Tucked into a peach orchard and handcrafted with timber beams on three levels, Union Lake Orchard feels both grounded and magical. Couples say that Karen and Ryan (owners) are always present: helping move tables, recommending florists, and handling surprise weather days with a calm you don’t often find. The orchard blooms, the views across fields, 3000 sq ft of open barn space… it all comes together in a way that lets your wedding be lofty and romantic but still deeply personal. Guest capacity (~150) feels just right; not too overwhelming, not too tight.
• See more from a September wedding at Union Lake Orchard
The Governor’s Inn
The Governor’s Inn in Rochester is one of those places that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s got this old Victorian charm but with funky, eclectic details sprinkled everywhere, plus gardens and patios that make it feel like your own secret hideaway. The indoor spaces are cozy and full of character, so if a traditional ballroom or classic barn doesn’t quite feel like you, this spot might be your perfect match.
• See more from a September wedding at The Governor’s Inn
Vermont Wedding Venues
The Notch House
The Notch House feels like your own private Vermont retreat for the whole weekend, complete with cozy rooms, antique details, and wraparound porches overlooking Lake Willoughby. Couples rave about the multiple ceremony spots (gardens, lawns, the Lake Barn), the calm and kind owners who handle any curveballs with grace, and the way the whole property feels like a gathering space made just for your people.
• See more from a June wedding at The Notch House
Maine Wedding Venues
York Harbor Inn
York Harbor Inn is that perfect mix of seaside peace, cozy charm, and hospitality that makes wedding weekends feel like retreats. Guests say how attentive staff like Amy, Paul, and Cheyenne were, handling last-minute changes with grace, keeping elders and little ones happy, and never letting anyone feel rushed. The views are killer: your ceremony might be across the street at Hartley Mason Reserve with ocean cliffs and waves, then the reception in a ballroom with big windows and beach light pouring in. Expect beautiful décor, dining that people still talk about (seafood and steak done right), and easy flow between spaces so folks can wander from deck to pub to dining room seamlessly.
• See more from a June wedding from York Harbor Inn
Maple Rock Farm
Maple Rock Farm is the kind of place that makes you want to stay all weekend: farmhouse for getting ready, barn for dancing, apple orchards and sugar maples that turn your photos into postcards. Couples talk about how the owners go above and beyond with being friendly, attentive, and somehow making rustic charm feel polished. There’s rustic & refined in equal measure here: a big red barn with wide-open space, season-changing grounds that look magical in fall, and photo moments everywhere (orchards, stone walls, farmhouse porches). If you’re drawn to a place with personality, history, and warmth baked in, this farm checks all those boxes.
• See more from an October wedding at Maple Rock Farm
Bonus: Upstate New York Wedding Venues
Hiland Park Country Club
Hiland Park Country Club somehow looks both stately and inviting: gorgeous renovated interiors and sweeping mountain views. Couples talk about how the staff team anticipated every detail (even moving an outdoor setup inside smoothly when weather threatened), how the food during cocktail hour steals the show, and how the bridal + groom suites feel comfortable enough to relax into the day. Guests often mention the ballroom chandelier glow, the patio with fireplace, and the kind of flow from photo spots to dinner that just feels easy.
• See more from a June wedding at Hiland Park Country Club
Bluebird Farm
Bluebird Farm feels like a Catskills daydream. It has 100+ acres of fields, woods, a pond and streams, with a restored post-and-beam barn that dates to 1885. It’s family-run and couples consistently say the hospitality feels personal, with little touches that make the day easy. Think creek-side first looks, mountain-ridge sunsets, a twinkle-lit patio, and getting-ready rooms right in the farmhouse. Capacity runs to about 150 with multiple ceremony spots across the property, so you can keep things intimate or invite a crowd without losing the wild-but-peaceful vibe
• See more from a May wedding at Bluebird Farm
Lake Placid Lodge
Lake Placid Lodge feels like a dreamy Adirondack escape where cozy woods, rustic cabins, and luxury blend so well people say it’s “magical in any season.” Guests say that the staff go way above and beyond- helping with last-minute dress fixes, setting up tiny lakeside moments, and making every room feel like a retreat. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the dock, by a stone fireplace in the Moose Room, or under winter skies with snow all around, it gives that intimate, destination-wedding energy without it feeling generic. It’s the kind of place where you and your people stay, breathe, celebrate, and leave loving every minute.
• See more from an August micro-wedding at Lake Placid Lodge
A Note from Me, Andrea!
I’ve wandered all over New England with my cameras: through Vermont barns that still smell like hay, foggy Maine inns, tiny city halls, cozy Rhode Island clubs and secret gardens in Connecticut. What sticks with my couples isn’t the centerpieces, it’s the goosebumps they got during the vows or the inside joke their officiant slipped into the ceremony.
That’s why I treat a wedding day like it’s unfolding in real time instead of something to stage. After years of navigating weird lighting at seaside ballrooms, slipping couples out for ten minutes of sunset in the mountains and turning rainy city‑hall afternoons into something warm and cozy I know how to roll with whatever’s thrown at us. Timelines will get messy, weather will do whatever it wants, and sometimes the unexpected happens…I’m the calm person in your corner making sure you can soak it in and enjoy it.
So pick a venue because it feels like you, not because the brochure said “rustic elegance.” And when you need someone to show up and document the belly laughs, the happy‑ugly cries, the unexpected bits and the sweaty dance‑floor mayhem, I’m ready. I know these spaces, I know how to make them look good, and I’d love to help you remember how it all actually felt.
Ready to connect?
If you already have a venue in mind or want ideas that match your vibe, I’d love to hear what you’re dreaming up.
More Resources
The Best Micro-Wedding Venues in New England
I’ve Photographed 200+ Weddings. Here’s What Always Goes Right (and What Never Does)
“What I Wish I Knew Before My Wedding” – Advice from Real Couples
