There is something undeniably magical about a wedding weekend in Manchester, Vermont. Tucked within the Green Mountains, the town invites guests to slow down and settle into the rhythm of a quintessential New England getaway, whether that means leaf peeping in the fall, skiing nearby slopes in the winter, fly fishing and hiking in the summer, or simply wandering the boutiques, bookstores, inns, and local restaurants that line its picturesque streets. And sitting quietly among it all is one of Manchester’s true crown jewels: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home; the family estate once home to Robert Todd Lincoln, son of President Abraham Lincoln. With its sweeping grounds, timeless architecture, and newly added Lincoln Hall event space, Caitlyn and Austin’s celebration felt effortlessly woven into the romance that makes Southern Vermont so unforgettable. We can’t wait to share more of their special day with you below, complete with the stunning images by Vermont photographer Lillian Seibert Photography.
Hildene: A Stunning Southern Vermont Wedding Venue
Set on 412 acres overlooking the Battenkill Valley, Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home offers couples a wedding experience that feels deeply rooted in both history and the beauty of Southern Vermont. Once the summer home of Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of President Abraham Lincoln, the Georgian Revival estate blends timeless architecture with sweeping mountain views, formal gardens, and peaceful walking trails that make every corner feel cinematic! Beyond being a breathtaking wedding venue, Hildene also operates as a museum and historic estate, preserving the legacy of the Lincoln family through thoughtfully maintained gardens, exhibits, and the mansion itself. Long after the wedding day has passed, couples can return to wander the grounds and experience the estate in entirely new seasons alongside future family and friends.
One of Hildene’s newest additions, Lincoln Hall, brings a fresh and elevated event experience to the historic estate while honoring the property’s natural surroundings. The thoughtfully designed space allows couples to host celebrations that feel elegant yet relaxed, pairing modern comforts with the timeless character Hildene is known for.
A Rainy Morning Turned Romantic Vermont Wedding Day
Caitlyn and Austin’s wedding day began at the charming Barnstead Inn, where they and their loved ones gathered and got ready for the celebrations ahead. With its cozy atmosphere and classic Vermont charm, the inn provided the perfect home base for a relaxed and meaningful morning. Just across the street, Christ Our Savior Parish provided an incredibly convenient transition for the day, allowing members of the bridal party to enjoy an easy, picturesque walk between locations. Inside the church, beautiful floral arrangements by Lily Of The Valley Florist Events transformed the space with timeless elegance. Between bursts of laughter, happy tears, and meaningful moments shared with family and friends, the ceremony left everyone feeling the joy and love surrounding Caitlyn and Austin’s unforgettable day.
After their ceremony, Caitlyn and Austin arrived at Hildene in a vintage getaway car that felt perfectly suited to the estate’s old-world character. They carved out intentional time for portraits around the mansion, embracing both digital and 35mm film photography by Lillian Seibert.
As the rain slowly softened and the mist settled over Manchester, guests wandered through Hildene’s gardens during cocktail hour, taking in the estate’s historic charm and mountain views between conversations and signature drinks. The weather only seemed to add to the romance of the day, creating that unmistakable early September feeling in Vermont, where everything feels a little slower, moodier, and more intimate.
Inside Lincoln Hall, the reception space glowed beneath the warmth of countless candles, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere that felt both elegant and intimate. Soft neutral linens paired beautifully with the venue’s exposed wood beams, while delicate bud vases scattered throughout the tablescape gave the impression of a lush garden growing right down the center of each table. A thoughtful mix of round and long banquet tables added movement and dimension to the space, inviting guests to settle in, connect, and celebrate together throughout the evening. Music by DJ Dash Speaks carried the energy seamlessly from emotional dances to a lively packed dance floor, while delicious catering by Pangea Catering completed the experience with a meal that felt just as memorable as the setting itself!
From quiet moments tucked inside Hildene’s richly colored library rooms to celebratory cocktails raised at the bar and a classic cake cutting beneath the glow of the reception, every part of the evening felt sophisticated and deeply personal. Congratulations, Caitlyn and Austin, on your gorgeous wedding!
Vendors
Venue: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, Photographer: Lillian Seibert Photography, Videographer: Hopkins Films, Getting ready space: Barnstead Inn, Ceremony: Christ Our Savior Parish, Florist: Lily of the Valley Florist Events, Dress: Dana Harel, Beauty: Upstyle, Transportation: Fleet Transportation, DJ: Dash Speaks, Catering: Pangaea.
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