A Vermont Microwedding at White Doe Farm

If you’ve been dreaming of planning microwedding in Vermont, Madison and Kody’s celebration at White Doe Farm is sure to inspire you! Nestled in Rupert, Vermont, White Doe Farm provided the perfect backdrop for the couple’s relaxed June wedding, where every detail reflected what mattered most: meaningful moments, quality time with loved ones, and a stress-free experience. With just 20 guests, a beautiful outdoor ceremony and a stunning Vermont sunset to end the evening, their day was a wonderful reminder that weddings don’t have to be large to leave a lasting impression. Continue reading about their special day, complete with photos from Vermont wedding photographer Hazelton Creative.

Why Couples Love White Doe Farm

Nestled in the rolling countryside of Rupert, Vermont, White Doe Farm offers one of the most charming settings for an intimate wedding in Southern Vermont. Set on 10 private acres, this historic 1860 farmhouse wedding venue combines classic New England character with thoughtfully restored spaces designed for intimate celebrations. Couples planning a White Doe Farm wedding can choose from several picturesque ceremony and reception locations throughout the property, including a pondside patio, scenic apple orchard, sweeping upper pasture, and the beautifully renovated Shop Barn. With its blend of Vermont countryside beauty, historic charm, and private weekend-long experience, it’s easy to see why White Doe Farm has become a sought-after microwedding venue in Vermont.

An Intimate Vermont Wedding Day Filled with Heart

Madison and Kody’s vision for their wedding day was simple: celebrate their marriage surrounded by the people they love most. On a beautiful June day at White Doe Farm in Rupert, Vermont, they did exactly that, gathering with just 20 of their closest family members and friends for an intimate celebration. The couple spent the morning getting ready on-site at White Doe Farm, allowing them to fully soak in every moment of the day with loved ones. Madison and Kody’s wedding day was filled with thoughtful details that honored both their families and their journey together. One of the most meaningful touches was Madison’s veil, lovingly crafted from the wedding dress of Kody’s late aunt, allowing her memory to be part of the celebration in a special way.

Like many Vermont weddings, the weather had a story of its own to tell. The day began with rain as everyone finished setting up the final details, before giving way to soft, dreamy light during the getting-ready moments. By ceremony time, bright overcast skies created the perfect backdrop for the couple’s lush green outdoor ceremony, while the evening delivered a truly unforgettable golden hour.  Their ceremony took place beside the pond at White Doe Farm, surrounded by Vermont’s lush June landscape. As Madison made her way down the aisle, Kody couldn’t hold back his emotions, shedding tears as he saw his bride for the first time. Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a joyful cocktail hour filled with hugs, laughter, happy tears, and plenty of time to connect with the people who mattered most. Before returning to the celebration, Madison and Kody slipped away to White Doe Farm’s picturesque apple orchard for newlywed portraits, capturing some of their first moments together as husband and wife.

The newlyweds then made their way to their intimate reception in White Doe Farm’s Shop Barn. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour downstairs, where the barn’s welcoming bar area created the perfect space to mingle before heading up to the loft for dinner and dancing.  Kody added a nod to their Canadian heritage with “polar bear shots,” which quickly became a guest favorite. Thoughtful personal touches were woven throughout the celebration, from custom matchbook favors to a Polaroid guest book where loved ones could snap photos and leave messages. Heartfelt speeches brought both laughter and tears, while the dance floor filled with celebration and joy. One of the most touching moments of the evening was Madison’s dance with her mother, set to the theme song from Gilmore Girls. The dance served as a tribute to her mother’s sacrifices as a single parent and the close friendship they share today, leaving few dry eyes in the room.

Madison and Kody embraced the DIY spirit throughout their wedding day, pouring their creativity and personality into countless details. With the help of family and friends, they crafted their own florals, and Madison even baked their wedding cake herself. More than anything, the couple wanted their celebration to feel intentional, relaxed, and true to who they are. As the evening unfolded, the couple was treated to one final gift from Vermont: a breathtaking sunset painted in vivid shades of gold and orange. It was the perfect ending to a day defined by love, family, and the simple joy of being surrounded by their favorite people.

Congratulations, Madison and Kody, on your beautiful Vermont wedding day!

Vendors

Venue: White Doe Farm, Photographer: Hazelton Creative, Planner: Ladybird & Wren Events, Florals: DIY, Cake: made by Madison, the bride!

Your Next Read:

Looking for another DIY wedding packed with love and fun details? Check out this summer wedding at Follow Your Heart Farm.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

A “Vermont Formal” Wedding at Sleepy Hollow Inn

There’s something undeniably special about a wedding that feels deeply rooted in place, and Bailey and Caleb’s celebration at Sleepy Hollow Inn, was exactly that! Thoughtful, personal, and filled with meaningful details, their day was the perfect reflection of what they lovingly dubbed “Vermont Formal”: equal parts heartfelt, relaxed, and joyfully untraditional. From handmade touches to sunflowers woven throughout the day, every element felt intentional and true to who they are. And through it all, Vermont wedding photographer, Hazelton Creative, captured each moment with a softness and authenticity that lets you feel the day as it unfolded. Continue reading for all the wonderful details!

About Vermont Wedding Venue Sleepy Hollow Inn

Nestled in the rolling hills of Huntington, Sleepy Hollow Inn offers one of Vermont’s most scenic and immersive barn wedding experiences. Surrounded by hundreds of acres of pristine countryside, the venue features a stunning 17-sided Round Barn with sweeping views of Camel’s Hump, a covered pavilion for cocktail hour, and a peaceful pondside setting for ceremonies. Couples can enjoy a full wedding weekend with on-site accommodations in the inn’s cozy guest rooms, along with access to hiking, biking, and cross-country ski trails that make it feel like a true destination retreat. With its blend of rustic charm, natural beauty, and thoughtfully designed event spaces, Sleepy Hollow Inn creates an unforgettable backdrop for couples looking to host a relaxed, quintessential Vermont wedding. 

An Intimate Vermont Wedding Ceremony

Bailey and Caleb began their day relaxing at Sleepy Hollow Inn, getting ready with their respective wedding party members. As the festivities drew closer, Bailey was finishing up knitting a pair of socks for Caleb to wear down the aisle! As they headed toward the ceremony, Bailey looked absolutely stunning in a two-piece wedding outfit, hand made by her mom, while Caleb was equally dapper in a sage green suit with custom stitching honoring their favorite nickname from Bailey (“love you, bub”).

The couple’s ceremony took place at the pond by the inn under a handmade arbor, with birch trees cut from their family’s property in Vermont. Lush, vibrant flowers adorned the arbor and the aisles, styled and designed by Oak and Bee Florals, a dear friend to the couple and a guest at their wedding. Sunlight filled the space for Caleb and Bailey’s beautiful ceremony as the couple shared personalized vows and enjoyed a few jokes here and there from their loved ones. Following the ceremony, the couple enjoyed a moment alone before meeting with Bailey’s graduating 8th graders. Bailey is a teacher at the Waldorf school, so her 8th graders have been her students for many years. They were invited to the ceremony to be a part of it and had their own sunflower group photos afterwards with the newlyweds!

A Reception for the Ages

Caleb and Bailey’s reception was a true feast for the senses, featuring a canoe filled with drinks, pizzas slung by local favorite, Woodbelly Catering, and in true Vermont fashion, Ben & Jerry’s ice cream! The space was filled with even more stunning floral designs, beautifully contrasting against the rustic hardwood lining the walls and ceiling. The couple kicked off the reception by sharing a first dance to an acoustic version of “Simply The Best” performed by one of their close friends- a nod to their shared favorite TV show.

After the pizzas were thoroughly enjoyed and dinner was over, Bailey and Caleb changed into their preferred Birkenstock shoes (their attire was lovingly dubbed “Vermont Formal”) and danced the night away. The couple kicked off the dance floor with a moment of contra dancing, creating a fun and memorable moment for them and their guests. The evening was a truly joyous and cozy celebration for Bailey and Caleb, surrounded by all of their favorite people.

Congrats, Bailey and Caleb, on your spectacular day!

Vendors

Photographer: Hazelton Creative, Venue: Sleepy Hollow Inn, Florist: Oak and Bee Florals, Cake/Desserts: Ben & Jerry’s , DJ/Band: Patrick Quimby – DJ and Marcos Levy – Contra, Catering: Woodbelly Pizza, Bailey’s Attire: Eileen Bailey (Bailey’s mom), Caleb’s Attire: Indochino, Shoes: Birkenstock, Jewelry/Rings: Courtney Reckord, Save the Dates/Programs/Invites: made using English Stamp Co. stamps, Favors/Gifts: homemade cookies

Your Next Read:

Looking for another Vermont wedding with a laid-back summer feeling and colorful florals? You’ll love this wedding at Blueberry Hill Inn.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.

Best of 2025: Readers Choice Awards

This past January, we kicked off our annual Best of Series, which celebrates the incredible talent of Vermont’s wedding professionals. From jaw-dropping venues to breathtaking photography, we invited you, our amazing community, to cast your votes for your favorites. And now, the results are officially in! We’re so excited to reveal this year’s Readers’ Choice winners,  the Vermont wedding vendors, and moments that truly captured your hearts during the 2025 wedding season.

Before we jump in, I want to extend congratulations to every Vermont wedding professional who was featured. Each year, this series reminds me just how much creativity, passion, and artistry live within our small but mighty state. I am so grateful to celebrate this community with you!

To you, our readers, I hope this roundup of talent and real celebrations sparks inspiration as you plan your own special day. And above all else, remember that every wedding is beautiful when it reflects what feels most meaningful and true to you.

Best of Party Animals: Pooch Smooch

While getting ready for the day ahead, this bride leaned in for a smooch from her four-legged best friend, floral collar and all. A small, love-filled pause that you all adored.

Venue: Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Coordinator: Rebecca Fields

Florist: M’s Wedding Flowers

Photographer: Sean Hood Photography

Videographer: Mason Mashtare

Makeup Artist: Jesi Dubois

Hair Stylists: Kaylee Lamber + assistant

Officiant: Greg Trulson

Caterer: Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Baker: Blue House Bakeshop

Linens: The Linen Shop

DJ: Soundtraxx Entertainment

Best of Micro Weddings & Elopements: Snowy & Sweet

On a snowy St. Albans day, Breanna and Kristina gathered their closest 20 loved ones at Jeff’s Restaurant for a micro wedding that felt effortlessly right. With just one month of planning, their celebration proves that love and great timing are all you really need.
 
Photographer: Madison Anne Studio
 
Flowers: Howard’s The Flower Shop
 
Venue: Jeff’s Restaurant
 
Hair and Makeup: M.i.l.a Beauty
 
Attire: Fiori Bridal Boutique

Best of Design Details: A Recipe for a Lifetime

When one of your bridesmaids is also a wedding stationer, you’re likely to receive something truly special and creative from them as a gift. Grace gathered recipes from each wedding guest and designed them into a beautifully bound cookbook for the newlyweds, complete with a custom illustration of their wedding venue. Our readers loved that this thoughtful design element doubles as a keepsake that the couple will treasure for years to come!

Stationer: Grace Kennedy Design

Venue: Isham Family Farm

Best of Personal Style: Painted by the Season

Emma and Avery’s attire was inspired by the beauty of the natural landscape and the time of year for their joy-filled September celebration. Emma’s skirt was hand-painted by artist Tiff Manuel, inspired by that feeling of being on the lake at sunset right at the cusp of fall and the last breath of summer, while Avery’s delicate vintage-inspired Sezane attire showcased their elegance, grace and beauty.

Venue: Kingsland Bay State Park

Florist: June Farm Vermont 

Jewelry/Rings: Faeber Studio

Attire (Emma): Skirt – Tiff Manuel; Dress – Jenny Yoo

Attire (Avery): Sezane

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

Best of Just Married Moments: Officially Married Energy

The moment “we do” turned into “we did.” A beaming bride and a victorious fist pump say it all, pure joy, relief, and that holy cow, we’re married feeling. You all loved this groom’s very real reaction!

Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Photographer: Sydney K Andrew Photography

Florals: Lot 32 Flower Farm

Best of Florals: A Weekend Rich in Color & Culture

This weekend celebration balanced artistry with intention. Lauren and Kash’s wedding featured florals that were striking without feeling overdone. Stock, marigolds, dahlias, ranunculus, bee balm, and echinacea layered together to create designs that felt bold, rooted in tradition, and full of heart.

Florals: Honey Flora

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Second shooter: Danielle Allendorf Photography

Planner: Rachel Vitagliano Events

Videographer: Ink and Aperture

Desserts: The Goose Chase Cake Design

Venue: Maquam Barn & Winery

HMUA: Cashmeir Bridal

Bridal: Veilmonté Bridal Showroom

Best of Joyful Receptions: Soaking It All In

In this quick moment, the bride stands on the dance floor all by herself, smiling and clearly taking a mental snapshot of the day she’s dreamed about! No distractions, just gratitude and a smile that says everything words can’t. I feel the stress literally melting away in this photo… and so did all of you!

Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images
 
 
DJ: Dj Rome

Makeup: Lamoureaux Artistry

Floral: Spring Flower Farm

Best of Venues: Sterling Ridge Resort

Family-owned and nestled beneath Mt. Mansfield, Sterling Ridge Resort pairs sweeping mountain views with on-site lodging (from cozy log cabins to luxury homes), so guests can settle in and celebrate together all weekend long. With flexible vendor options, outdoor ceremony sites, and space to host everything from welcome parties to farewell brunches, weddings here feel personal, relaxed, and designed around what matters most.

Photographer: Gabby Torres Photography

Best of Dishes & Desserts: Baked with Meaning

This cake proves it doesn’t get sweeter than something made with meaning. Featuring fresh berries from the bride’s own farm, Arbor Farmstead, this dessert was a true celebration of place and story. Baker Beatrix shared, “I love collaborating with my clients to incorporate ingredients from their own Vermont businesses into their wedding desserts.” A beautiful reminder that the most memorable details are often the most personal.

Baker: Blue House Bakeshop

Venue: Grand Isle Lake House

Photographer: Gallery Nine North

That’s a Wrap on Best of Vermont Weddings 2025

Thank you to everyone who voted in our Readers’ Choice Awards! And a huge congratulations to every featured member in our Best of Vermont Weddings series! The Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide is truly made up of the most creative and dedicated wedding vendors. We are grateful for their support and their incredible work that continues to inspire all of us.

While this is one of our most popular string of blog posts for the year, we write about engagements, elopements, and weddings year-round. Have a celebration you’d like to share with us? Fill out a blog submission form for a chance to be featured.

It’s safe to say that 2025 was an amazing year for weddings, and we can’t wait to celebrate along with you all in 2026. (and beyond!) Happy planning, friends.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Dishes & Desserts

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! This category is all about catering and desserts. 

From thoughtfully sourced menus and elevated comfort food to late-night snacks and jaw-dropping dessert displays, food has a way of setting the tone for a celebration. It’s where guests linger, conversations spark, and memories are made, whether that’s over a beautifully plated dinner, a family-style feast, or a slice of cake worth talking about long after the last dance.

This Best Of category celebrates the caterers and dessert pros who went above and beyond, creating experiences that felt personal, intentional, and deeply connected to each couple’s vision. Whether you’re in the midst of planning or just love a little culinary inspiration, scroll on for some seriously delicious ideas, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Vermont wedding catering and desserts at the end of the post.

What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?

Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!

A Winter Night Sweet Spread

Set beside twinkling lights and glowing trees, this winter wedding dessert spread was pure magic! An epic assortment of cookies, cupcakes, mini donuts, and cake invited guests to linger and indulge all night long. Equal parts festive and indulgent, it felt less like a dessert table and more like a warm moment that perfectly matched the season.

Baker: Sweet Vermont Treats

Venue: Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

A Buttercream Dream in Bloom

This multi-tiered buttercream beauty stole the show with its whimsical pops of soft blue and pink florals cascading effortlessly down the side. But what truly makes this moment fun is the couple caught mid-bite, savoring their first taste together. A sweet reminder that sometimes the best design detail is simply enjoying the moment you’ve created.

Baker: Fancy Pants Cakes

 
Dress: Elizabeth Lee Bridal
 
Cake flowers: Petal on Main
 
Photographer: Anne Mientka Photo
 
Beauty: Lipstick N Lashes Beauty Bar

Seasonal and So Vermont

Boom & Bloom Catering is defined by thoughtful presentation and an unwavering commitment to detail and flavor. This place setting says it all: crisp local apples and a touch of maple syrup await guests at their seats. Effortless, intentional, and unmistakably fall in Vermont. Sometimes the smallest details leave the biggest impression.

Catering + Florals: Boom and Bloom

Venue: Reading Farms Estate

Photographer: GarrenTee Photography

Something Blue, Something Sweet

With delicate vintage piping and a dreamy touch of blue, this cake feels equal parts romantic and refreshed. The feminine design adds softness and personality, making it a standout moment that feels both intentional and effortlessly pretty.

Baker: The Goose Chase Cake Design

Venue: Bliss Ridge Farm

Photographer: Wood & Ether

A Little Nostalgia, A Lot of Joy

Stepping behind the counter of a classic creemee stand, this couple shares a sweet, unscripted moment that feels effortlessly joyful. It’s a scene that captures the delight of doing things their own way: simple, nostalgic, colorful, personal, and full of charm.
 
Creemee Truck: O&J’s Sweet Treats by Palmer Lane Maple
 
Photographer: Lisa Frare
 

Baked with Meaning

This cake proves it doesn’t get sweeter than something made with meaning. Featuring fresh berries from the bride’s own farm, Arbor Farmstead, this dessert was a true celebration of place and story. Baker Beatrix shared, “I love collaborating with my clients to incorporate ingredients from their own Vermont businesses into their wedding desserts.” A beautiful reminder that the most memorable details are often the most personal.

Baker: Blue House Bakeshop

Venue: Grand Isle Lake House

Photographer: Gallery Nine North

A Sweet Ending for Everyone

With dairy-free flexibility and crowd-pleasing flavors, Shy Guy Gelato helped this couple and their guests end the evening on the sweetest note. 

Gelato: Shy Guy Gelato

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

Where Playful Meets Polished

Proof that playful details can still feel elevated. Green buttercream, gold accents, rose piping, and moose figurines that steal the show!

Baker: That Cake Stand

Seamless From Start to Finish

Perfectly plated ravioli from the Essex Resort & Spa, where incredible food meets thoughtful coordination. For couples dreaming of a truly seamless wedding experience, having venue, planning support, and cuisine all under one roof makes every moment feel effortless and every bite unforgettable.

Venue + Catering: Essex Resort & Spa

Photographer: Portrait Gallery

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best dishes and desserts in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Joyful Receptions

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! And this year, we’re especially excited to introduce a brand-new category proposed (ha!) by our members: Joyful Receptions.

Think infectious smiles, hands in the air, and that unmistakable shift when the formalities are over, and the real party begins. These are the moments when timelines loosen, shoes come off, and couples or their guests fully let go. From packed dance floors and spontaneous sing-alongs to quiet laughs at the table and full-on, free-spirit celebration, this category captures the energy that makes receptions unforgettable.

More than just a good time, these moments reflect pure joy, connection, and the freedom to celebrate exactly as you are. This Best Of category highlights the receptions that felt electric, heartfelt, and wildly fun. Whether you’re planning your own celebration or just love reliving the party, scroll through, soak it all in, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite joyful reception moment at the end of the post.

What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?

Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!

Double the Celebration

As if their wedding day wasn’t already overflowing with joy, these brides surprised their guests with an unforgettable gender reveal during the reception. Cheers turned to happy tears as they celebrated not only their marriage, but the sweet new chapter they’re about to begin together. Congratulations, Katelyn and Amanda!

Photographer: Sandra Lee Photography

Venue: Outbound Stowe

Lifted by Love

Being tossed in the air and crowd surfing is usually reserved for the movies. But in this magical moment, it was real, and everyone in the tent could feel it! The ease, the laughter, the collective joy all pointed to one undeniable truth: this was the best night of her life.

Photographer: Colette Kulig Photography

Planners: The Event Sisters

Venue: Private property 
 
Tent + Rentals: Rain or Shine Tent Company
 
Rentals: Romeo & Juliette
 
Florals: Country House Florals
 
Hair & Makeup: True Vermont Beauty
 
Band: A House on Fire

Hype Crew Activated

When your bridesmaid is your biggest cheerleader and your loudest hype woman. With the dance floor buzzing, she proudly shows off her best friend’s new bling while celebrating the moment exactly as it deserves, loud, joyful, and full of love.

Venue: Lake Morey Resort

Makeup: Makeup by Gillian Bergeron 

Hair: Identity Salon

Video: Poulin Productions 

Photographer: Eaton Photo

Second Shooter: K&E Photography

DJ: Mix It Up!

Dessert: Miss Feather’s Bakery

Where the Party Truly Began

At Lincoln Hall at Hildene, the Lincoln family home, the reception space was transformed into a lush oasis with floral installations cascading overhead and a lively band poised and ready to set the tone for the night ahead. Even before the dance floor filled, the energy in the room hinted at what was to come: a celebration rooted in music and movement.

Planner: Jaclyn Watson Events

Venue: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Photographer: Elario Photography

Florals: Lily Of The Valley Florist Events

Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Music Company

Rentals: Peak Event Services, BBJ La Tavola 

Little Dance Party

The presence of nieces and nephews meant everything to this newlywed couple, and they made sure there was always room for them on the dance floor. From tiny twirls to big smiles, these moments remind us that the most joyful memories are shared across generations.

Photographer: Love Wins Photography

Soaking It All In

In this quick moment, the bride stands on the dance floor all by herself, smiling and clearly taking a mental snapshot of the day she’s dreamed about! No distractions, just gratitude and a smile that says everything words can’t. 

Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images
 
 
DJ: Dj Rome

Makeup: Lamoureaux Artistry

Floral: Spring Flower Farm

The Party Starts Now

With all their favorite people in one place, this couple kicked off the reception with a full-guest group photo before moving the celebration inside. A joyful, all-in moment that perfectly marked the transition from formalities to full-on party mode.

Venue: The Barn at Boyden Farm

Photographer: Storm Photography 

The More, the Merrier

Bubbles in the air, glow sticks lighting up the dance floor, and a full-on limbo party underway, a lot is happening here, and somehow it all works perfectly. The result? A high-energy, anything-goes celebration that kept the party moving and the smiles nonstop.

Photographer: Michelle Eaton Photography

Venue: Wilburton Inn

How Is She Doing That?!

Proof that formalities are officially over. With guests cheering them on, this bride and her bridesmaid dropped straight into the worm while the crowd watched in awe. A bold, hilarious, and unforgettable reception moment that perfectly captures the free-spirited joy of the dance floor.

Photographer:Hannah Photography

Venue: Sugarbush Resort

A First Look at Forever

Before guests made their way to the reception tent and the music began, this couple took a quiet moment to see their reception space for the very first time. This snapshot captures exactly why that pause is so worth it! The pure awe and joy on the couple’s faces say it all. A breath before the celebration, and the perfect foreshadowing of the unforgettable night that was about to unfold.

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Videographer: Ben Willis

Wedding Planner: Harlow Dahlia Events

Venue, Catering, and Bar: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort

Invitations: Mulberry & Elm

Florals:Honey Flora

Specialty design: Ryan Designs RI

Hair: Heather Garrow Studios

Make Up: Flawless Cosmetic Design

Suite: Banana Republic / JCrew

Dress: Anne Barge

Tent & Rentals: Vermont Tent

Transportation: Neil’s Wheels (vans) & Lamoille: (school buses)

Entertainment: East Coast Soul

Favors: Welcome bags- VT maple syrups made by Mary Skelton Altadonna

All In, All Night

A dance floor that never took a break. Glow sticks in the air, lush florals overhead, and a crowd that showed up ready to move, this reception was pure, nonstop energy. From the first song to the final encore, the vibe stayed high, and the party stayed packed!

Venue: Bliss Ridge Farm

Photographer: Grant Daniels Photography

Planner: Pop Parties

Florals: Birds of a Flower

Stationery: RH Design House 

Rentals: Gooseberry Tabletop, BBJ La Tavola, Atomic Pro Audio, Vermont Tent Company

Pastry (Bride’s Cake): Vermont Sweet Tooth

Pastry (Groom’s Cake): Red Poppy Cakery

Band / Reception Entertainment: Jordan Kahn Orchestra

 

Rockstar Energy Only

Nothing says epic dance floor energy quite like the groom crowd surfing. In this unforgettable moment, the rules are out the window, and the vibes are sky-high, because if there’s ever a time to live out your rockstar fantasy, it’s at your own wedding.

Venue: Topnotch Resort

Planner: Katie Hopkins Events

HMUA: Hillary Fay Studios

Florals:A Schoolhouse Garden

Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography

Teeing Off the Celebration

Teeing off on an unforgettable evening, this couple brought a playful twist to cocktail hour by adding golf to the mix. A fun, unexpected way to kick off the night and get the party energy flowing before the first song even began.

Photographer: Blooming Photo Company

Tears of Joy

Sometimes joy doesn’t come in loud cheers or packed dance floors. It sometimes shows up as happy tears. During heartfelt speeches from family and friends, this moment captures the kind of emotion that runs deep, where love and gratitude meet at once.

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

Venue: Kingsland Bay State Park

Florist: June Farm

Catering: Richard Witting

Party Pros at Work

This bride and groom truly know how to throw a party, and they’ve got the experience to prove it! Alongside their two best friends, they help produce the Green Mountain Reggae Festival, and that creative, high-energy spirit carried straight into their wedding reception. From the collaborative vision to the unforgettable transformation of this barn, every detail reflected a celebration designed by people who know exactly how to keep the energy going all night long.

Photographers: Photos by Kintz

Dip, Kiss, Repeat

Nothing beats a perfectly timed dip and kiss in the middle of the dance floor, with everyone cheering them on! A cinematic moment full of energy, love, and just the right amount of drama. Sometimes, the best wedding day memories happen right in the heart of the party.

Location: Mud City Loop at Rooney Farm 

Catering & Bar: Black Diamond BBQ

Planning : Green Mountain Gatherings

Photographer: Jesse Schloff

Videographer: Dale Nelson

Entertainment: Top Hat Entertainment 

Florals: Glad Farm

Linens: The Linen Shop

Rental: Scenic Tent

Restrooms: MC Restrooms

Joy in Every Seat

Sometimes the most joyful reception moments don’t happen on the dance floor; they happen right around the table! Set inside a vibrant, colorful barn, this snapshot is an instant mood boost and a reminder that the magic is often in the shared laughter and connection.

Photographer: Peaks and Pearls Photography

Venue: Private residence 

Fueled by Ice Cream & Love

Looking like total celebs, this couple had the wind working overtime like a paid actor. Ben & Jerry’s in hand and smiles turned all the way up, they’re fueled, refreshed, and more than ready to take on the rest of their lively evening.

Photographer: Lillian Seibert Photography

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Florals: Meadows Edge

DJ: Big Handsome DJ

Ice Cream: Ben & Jerry’s

Dance Floor Proof

The photo speaks for itself. When someone’s busting out epic moves like this, you know the dance floor is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. Because if there isn’t at least one unforgettable move, is it even a dance party?

Venue: ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Photographer: Arielle Thomas Photography

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best Vermont reception moments in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Personal Style

One of our favorite moments of the year has officially arrived: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series, and today we’re diving into all things wedding day fashion and style. From the first look to the final dance, what couples choose to wear sets the tone for the entire celebration and tells a story all its own.

Across Vermont, we saw style moments that went far beyond the expected: fashion that felt personal, intentional, and deeply reflective of each couple’s vision. Whether it was a show-stopping gown, a perfectly tailored suit, heirloom accessories, or thoughtful outfit changes that carried the day from ceremony to after-party, these looks prove that wedding style is about more than trends; it’s about self-expression and feeling like “you”! This Best Of category celebrates the fashion moments that truly stood out this past season. If you’re planning your own wedding or love swooning over beautiful details, scroll on for endless inspiration, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite wedding day look at the end of the post.

What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?

Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!

Perfectly In Sync (and In Plaid)

Everyone loves a matching moment, and this couple truly got it right. Their perfectly coordinated plaid looks felt effortless and natural, blending seamlessly with Vermont’s fall foliage. A timeless look rooted in both personality and place!
 
Venue: Sterling Falls Gorge
 
Florals, Officiating and Photography: Carmen George Weddings

The Pre-Ceremony Palette

This bridal party leaned into a chic getting-ready moment, dressing in patterned blue and white looks that felt fresh and playful. An easy, stylish way to kick things off, these thoughtful looks set the vibe for a day that felt intentional and fun!

Venue: The Woodstock Inn

Photographer: Last Light

Effortless, Elevated, Eternal

Trend-forward yet timeless, this bride nailed every style forecast for 2025 and beyond. From her sleek bun to her classic gown finished with a chic neck scarf, every detail felt elevated, and effortlessly cool.
 
Venue: Private Property
 
Photographer: Moy Dumadag Photography
 
Florals: F as in Flowers
 

Match Made in Menswear

These grooms nailed coordinated style in the best way. Their suits complemented one another beautifully while tying in seamlessly with the venue and florals, creating a look that felt intentional, polished, and perfectly in sync (with each other and the day itself!)

Venue: Mansfield Barn

Photographer: Portrait Gallery 

Where Style Meets the Start

All smiles and dressed to impress, these two truly brought their A-game. From the bride’s stunning look to the groom’s thoughtfully styled menswear, it’s a reminder that wedding-day fashion shines brightest when both partners feel confident, comfortable, and completely themselves!

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Formalwear: McNeil & Reedy

Gown: Veilmonté Bridal Showroom

Photographer: Silver Fox Productions

Slippers, Sentiment & Sisterhood

This bride and her bridal party truly put their best foot forward. From cozy, comfortable slippers to thoughtful personalization, each pair was customized with beaded icons reflecting every girl’s favorite things or personality. An effortless mix of comfort, creativity, and heartfelt detail that made the getting-ready moments even more special!

Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Photographer: Elario Photography

The Art of the Finishing Touch

This bride’s hairstyle proves that personal style goes far beyond the outfit. The addition of hair pearls transformed her sleek bun into a fashion-forward moment, blending elegance with personality in the most effortless way.
 
Photographer: K&E Photography
 
Venue: Burke Mountain Resort
 
Florist: Heather Thibodeau 
 
Makeup: CDH Makeup Artistry 
 

Cold Weather, Cool Style

Vermonters love their beanies, and wedding days are no exception! We love how this groom accessorized on his big day, staying warm while adding a personal, perfectly Vermont touch to his look.

Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images

Venue: Sleepy Hollow Inn – Weddings, Ski & Bike Center

The Power of a Thoughtful Detail

For their elopement look, Jess and Kelly skipped tradition in favor of intention, starting from the ground up. The standout detail? Their loafers. Simple, affordable shoes became a statement piece after they removed the chains and added custom charms that reflected them as a couple. A simple DIY that serves as a reminder that style details don’t need to be expensive (or expected) to be meaningful.

Photographer: Julia Ellie Photo

Florals: Eponym Florals

Color, Culture & Celebration

When it comes to Indian weddings, there’s no shortage of love, lively celebrations, color, and, of course, style! This couple’s multi-day, multi-cultural wedding was a true feast for the senses, and their Garba outfits (which were custom-made for the occasion and to honor tradition) were no exception. Vibrant, joyful, and full of movement, these looks perfectly captured the energy and spirit of the celebration.

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Florist: Honey Flora

Planner: Rachel Vitagliano Events 

A Study in Sophistication

Classic black tie meets modern elegance in this chic bridal party portrait. Polished, timeless, and effortlessly sophisticated, every detail comes together for a look that feels refined yet fresh.

Photographer: Jessica Notargiacomo Photography

Venue: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Art in Real Time

This custom painting, created live on the wedding day, beautifully captures a touching moment, down to the sweeping train of the bride’s gown. A meaningful keepsake in the making, it’s a beautiful blend of artistry and timeless detail!

Painter: Hope Sharp Art

Venue: Edson Hill

Planner: Randi Nonni Events

A Bride Rooted in History

Electra V is the great-great-great-granddaughter of Electra Havemeyer Webb, the founder of the Shelburne Museum. On her wedding day, she wore her mother’s dress (vintage pieces hand-chosen and combined by Electra IV), the original Electra’s veil (now part of the Shelburne Museum’s collection), and vintage Dior heels.
 
 
Planner: Harlow Dahlia Events
 
Venue: The Brick House. Shelburne Museum, Shelburne Farms
 
Florist: Blomma Flicka Design
 
Caterer: Sugar Snap
 
Band: The Bodacious Supreme
 
Cake: Sweet Simone’s
 
Rentals: Vermont Tent

Together, by Design

This bride’s toi et moi ring is a true showstopper. Translating to “you and me,” the design symbolizes two individuals coming together as one, perfectly represented here by an emerald-cut diamond paired with a soft pink stone. Romantic, modern, and deeply personal, it’s a meaningful take on a timeless style.

Ring: Bella Lusso Jewelers

Photographer: Jenna Brisson Photography

Dress: Jenny Yoo NYC

Venue: Maquam Barn & Winery

Timeless Doesn’t Have to Be Serious

A little bit playful, a whole lot timeless! This bride proved that classic style doesn’t have to be so serious. Her elegant gown, paired with a fun straw hat, finished with a perfectly tied ribbon, felt fresh, effortless, and completely her. Consider this our official vote for more hats on wedding days.

Photographer: Hannah Photography

Venue & Catering: Barrows House

Florals: Bantam Blooms

Coordinator: Most Valuable Bridesmaid

Content Creation: Caroline Carleton Socials

Live Painter: Hannah Paints Events

Band: Silver Arrow Band

Cake: Fancy Pants Cakes

When Accessories Tell the Tale

Chris couldn’t wait to show off his replica of The Sword of Gondor (The Lord of the Rings) that was gifted to him in the weeks before his wedding. Even better? All of the groomsmen wore tie clips to match!

Photographer: Blooming Photo Co.

Painted by the Season

Emma and Avery’s attire was inspired by the beauty of the natural landscape and the time of year for their joy-filled September celebration. Emma’s skirt was hand-painted by artist Tiff Manuel, inspired by that feeling of being on the lake at sunset right at the cusp of fall and the last breath of summer, while Avery’s delicate vintage-inspired Sezane attire showcased their elegance, grace and beauty.

Venue: Kingsland Bay State Park

Florist: June Farm Vermont 

Jewelry/Rings: Faeber Studio

Attire (Emma): Skirt – Tiff Manuel; Dress – Jenny Yoo

Attire (Avery): Sezane

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

A Western Welcome

Who says the celebration has to wait until the ceremony? This couple kicked off their wedding weekend with a western-themed rehearsal and welcome party, setting the tone early. This photo of the groom and his groomsmen proves that everyone showed up on theme and ready to party!

Venue: Wilburton Inn

Photographer: Duy Ho Photography

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best personal style 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Design Details

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! And when it comes to categories that truly stop us in our tracks, design details always rise to the top. From lush florals and layered tablescapes to thoughtful signage, stationery, and those just-right finishing touches, these elements are where a wedding day’s personality really shines. They set the mood, tell a story, and turn a beautiful celebration into an unforgettable experience.

More than just pretty moments, design details reflect intention, creativity, and the care that goes into crafting a day that feels deeply personal. This Best Of category highlights the design elements that made Vermont weddings feel elevated, meaningful, and uniquely them. Whether you’re in the thick of planning or simply gathering inspiration, scroll through these standout details and vote for your favorite at the end of this blog post.

What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?

Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!

Dapper Is in the Details

This couple’s wedding at Frost Moon Mountain was all about intentional design. From a timeless white Mustang arrival to a tented reception filled with lush florals and striking table details, every element felt cohesive. The contrast of soft design against the black barn backdrop created a moody, elevated vibe!

Venue: Frost Moon Mountain

Rental Car: 1913ack

Caterer: Cloud9 Caterers

Photography: Mountain Hearts Photography

Videography: Beyond Bliss Films

Planning: Harlow & Dahlia Events (Coordinator: Chelsey Opalenik)

Bar: The 126vt Bar

Florist: Nancy Bishop Floral Design

DJ: Top Hat Entertainment

Bright Blooms & a Warm Welcome

Bursting with bright pinks and bold florals, this wedding was full of joyful, personality-packed details. The standout? A custom welcome sign that doubled as a drink display, inviting guests to grab a sip as they headed into cocktail hour. Designed to mirror the couple’s floral invitations and the rustic beams of Maquam Barn & Winery, it was the perfect blend of functional, fun, and unforgettable.

Venue: Maquam Barn & Winery

Photographer: Jenna Brisson Photography

Coordination: Sweet As Lace

Catering: Let’s Pretend Catering

Florist: Kingsley Floral Co. & Tipsy Tulip Designs

Stationery + Signage: RH Design House

Hair & Makeup: Hillary Fay Studios

Gowns: Madeleine’s Daughter

Tailor: Life In The Pink

Jeweler: Bella Lusso Jewelers

Band: The Grift

Dessert: Cronin Cakes

Rentals: Vermont Tent

Furniture Rentals: Wild Fern Boutique

Photo Booth: The Luxury Photo Booth Experience

An Effortless First Impression

Hanging softly from the trees, this oversized linen welcome sign felt meant to be!  A natural, understated statement that welcomed guests most effortlessly.

Photographer: Luna Munn Photography

Venue: Lareau Farm Inn

Pretty and Planet-Friendly

This Killington wedding was eco-conscious from start to finish. Every element of the tablescape was thoughtfully chosen and 100% compostable, proving that sustainability and beautiful design can go hand in hand!

Florist: Flower Power VT

Venue: Killington  Resort

In Season & In Style

2025 was a big summer for tomato fans, and this couple leaned all the way in. Their playful “we picked you a seat” seating chart featured baskets of green tomatoes, paired with an effortlessly cool color palette that felt modern, fun, and perfectly of the moment.

Photographer: Matao Aric Bonner Photography
 
Florals: Honey Flora
 
 

Once Upon a Dinner Party

From the draped sailcloth tent with floating florals and crystal chandeliers to the plaid napkins, vintage china, and candlelit farm tables, this wedding is a standout for how it transformed an average Vermont field into an intimate, storybook dinner party!

Planning & Design: Jaclyn Watson Events

Floral: Birds of a Flower

Rentals: Vermont Tent | Uniquely chic Vintage | BBJ |Goosberry Tabletop

Photo: Chris J Evans

Video: Align Films 

Catering & Bar : Forks & Fingers 

Entertainment: Divina Strings & Jordan Kahn Orchestra

Lighting & Draping: New England Lighting Company

Designed to Bloom

This “please be seeded” seating chart featured each guest’s name on a packet of flower seeds! Part escort card, part favor, and 100% charming. A simple, creative way to let the celebration bloom long after the couple’s wedding day was over.

Florist: Heavenscent Floral Art

Venue: Essex Resort and Spa

Photographer: Portrait Gallery

A Thoughtful Touch of Remembrance

Throughout this couple’s wedding day, subtle tributes to lost loved ones served as quiet reminders that while life moves forward, the love and memories we carry remain forever. The bridal bouquet carried that sentiment beautifully, holding cherished charms that kept the family close throughout the day.

Photographer: Love Wins Photography

Sit Back, You’re in Vermont

This bright summer wedding was filled with joyful details, but one of our favorites was the seating chart made up of miniature Adirondack chairs (a true Vermont staple!), all styled in the couple’s wedding-day color palette.

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

Venue: Basin Harbor Resort

Florals: A Blooming Affair

Details and Stationery: Clover and Crane Co.

Avant-Garde in Full Bloom

Grounded in the opulence of orchids and the sculptural drama of anthurium, this wedding design delivered a high luxury statement defined by rarity, scale, and avant-garde beauty!

 
Photographer: GarrenTee Photography
 
Venue Management, Planning & Coordination: On Thyme Events 
 
Creative Director & Floral Design Production: Boom & Bloom

A Recipe for a Lifetime

When one of your bridesmaids is also a wedding stationer, you’re likely to receive something truly special and creative from them as a gift. Grace gathered recipes from each wedding guest and designed them into a beautifully bound cookbook for the newlyweds, complete with a custom illustration of their wedding venue. A keepsake they’ll treasure for years to come!

Stationer: Grace Kennedy Design

Venue: Isham Family Farm

Disco, Dialed All the Way Up

Proof that more couples should lean all the way into the disco-party, bright-color vibe. This celebration went bold with a hot pink and orange palette, complete with ceiling fringe for a true ’70s-inspired moment!

Photographer:  Arielle Thomas Photography

Venue: Sleepy Hollow Inn – Weddings, Ski & Bike Center

Rentals & Design: Assorted Artistries

Coordinator: Libby Sky Events

Desserts: The Goose Chase Cake Design

Design That Invited Play

Chinese drums were an intentional part of the couple’s vision from the very beginning, woven thoughtfully into the flow of the wedding weekend. Rather than simply incorporating them as décor, they let guests help bring them to life, setting aside time to paint each drum with color and personal expression.  A perfect example of how a wedding can honor artistry, connection, and play, all alongside the ceremony itself!
 
Photographer: Lisa Frare
 

A Love Story, Middle-Earth Style

Lord of the Rings, anyone? John hand-built a moon gate for his moon-loving partner, Callie, to get married in front of on their wedding day. The last-minute addition of a Hobbit door added a pop of color (and personality!) that really made them stand out during their beautiful forested fairytale ceremony in their backyard.

Photographer: Danielle, Hazelton Creative

Florist: Glad Farm

Oh My Gourd

This wedding was fall in its purest, most personal form. One of the sweetest details? The bride’s high school truck, once part of her everyday life, returned as décor for the day, overflowing with gorgeous pumpkins and nostalgia!

Venue: Equinox Golf Resort & Spa

Photographer & Content Creation: Lillian Seibert Photography

Planner: Candice Grace Events

Rentals: Vermont Tent,  Rain or Shine  &  Nuage

Personal Design, Down to the Last Detail

The bride created a mix of handmade and thoughtfully curated place cards for each guest, turning a simple seating detail into a small work of art. Set at The Brick House, the wedding echoed the museum’s signature sense of storytelling, with artful vignettes woven throughout the day. When every detail is chosen with this much care and intention, it’s impossible not to fall in love!

Photographer: Allison Macy Photography

Venue: The Brick House

Planner: Harlow Dahlia Events

Florist: Blomma Flicka Design

Baker: Sweet Simone’s

Front Page News

This couple turned one of their engagement photos into a custom newspaper designed as a heartfelt thank-you for their wedding guests. Filled with playful details, like how the couple met and guest award categories, it was a thoughtful, creative keepsake that guests could actually take home and enjoy. A design detail that proves personality and storytelling go a long way!

Photographer: Photos by Kintz

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best Vermont elopements and microweddings in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

Best of Vermont Weddings 2025: Elopements & Microweddings

One of our favorite times of the year is officially here: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series! And we couldn’t imagine a more meaningful category to celebrate than micro weddings and elopements. There’s something undeniably special about days that strip things back to what matters most:  the two of you, your love story, and a setting that feels just right. From mountaintop vows and lakeside ceremonies to cozy backyard celebrations and intimate gatherings with your closest people, these celebrations prove that small can still feel incredibly grand and special.

More than just intimate by nature, micro weddings and elopements reflect intentional choices, deep connection, and a focus on moments that feel authentic. This Best Of category highlights the celebrations that embraced simplicity, intimacy, and heart in the most beautiful ways. Whether you’re planning something small or simply dreaming of a wedding day that feels personal, scroll through these inspiring moments and vote for your favorite at the end of this blog post.

What Is the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series?

Each year, the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series celebrates the incredible creativity and talent of Vermont wedding professionals, venues, and the real wedding moments that made this past wedding season unforgettable. It’s part inspiration, part celebration, and part Reader’s Choice awards. Browse the entries below, discover standout weddings and vendors from across Vermont, and cast your vote using the form at the end of this post. Once voting closes, our team will reveal the Reader’s Choice winners and celebrate everything that made the 2025 wedding season oh so special!

Lakeside Love Story

Beautiful sunshine, calm Lake Champlain waters, and only the people who matter most. This Shelburne Farms micro wedding is a perfect reminder that smaller celebrations often hold the biggest magic.

Photographer: Sam Simon Imaging

Snowy & Sweet

On a snowy St. Albans day, Breanna and Kristina gathered their closest 20 loved ones at Jeff’s Restaurant for a micro wedding that felt effortlessly right. With just one month of planning, their celebration proves that love and great timing are all you really need.
 
Photographer: Madison Anne Studio
 
Flowers: Howard’s The Flower Shop
 
Venue: Jeff’s Restaurant
 
Hair and Makeup: M.i.l.a Beauty
 
Attire: Fiori Bridal Boutique

Small Wedding, Big Emotions

When your wedding takes place in the backyard with just your closest people, a few things might slip through the cracks, like remembering the bouquet at the altar. Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this moment captures the full spectrum of wedding day emotions in one unforgettable shot.

Photographers: Love Wins Photography

Rock-Solid Love

Courtney and Kate eloped at Burlington’s Oakledge Park in December 2025, embracing the quiet beauty of winter along Lake Champlain. Together, they wandered the park until they found a spot that felt just right, standing before snow-dusted rocks for their ceremony before heading out along the shoreline for portraits.

Photographer: Julia Ellie Photo

Officiant: Christy Liddy, J.P.

Happily Ever Afterglow

Some images say everything without needing a single word. This one holds the adventure of this couple’s elopement day, the closeness of the moment, and the exact spot where their vows became real, all in one unforgettable frame.

Photographer: Eaton Photo

Falling Inn Love

Devin and Jorge’s elopement day began at Blind Tiger, where the couple got ready together inside the beautifully restored historic inn, originally built in 1881. As they moved through the hotel that morning, warm congratulations from fellow guests and inn staff added to the celebratory energy, but what stands out most are their perfectly paired outfits and the unmistakable excitement they carried into the start of their day.

Photographer: MoHo Photo

Florals: Tipsy Tulip Designs

Getting Ready: Blind Tiger Burlington

An Intimate Mount Philo Wedding

Amy and Andy made their way to the summit of Mount Philo State Park for their wedding day. With their two pups by their side, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by sweeping views and the quiet beauty of Vermont below. Afterward, they settled into the park’s iconic Adirondack chairs, taking a moment to soak it all in

Florals, Officiant & Photographer: Carmen George Weddings

Location: Mount Philo State Park

The Coziest Kind of Forever

Sugarbush is known for its world-class slopes and winter charm, but on this day, it became the setting for a beautifully intimate love story. Surrounded by snow and glowing in backlit winter light, this moment feels completely private, like time slowed down and the world fell away, leaving only the two of them!

Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography

Venue: Sugarbush Resort

Petals and a Perfect Moment

On their eleventh anniversary, Deanna and Cam got married surrounded by their immediate family and sweeping views of the Northeast Kingdom. Pine trees danced in the sunny late-summer breeze as the two exchanged their vows, and they shared a sunset adventure at the iconic Lake Willoughby to end the day.

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

Venue: Lake Willoughby + Private Residence

Florist: Inch by Inch Permaculture

Hair + Makeup: Beauty Artistry by Natalia 

Jewelry/Rings: Claus Jewelry

Late Fall Love

Held on the cusp of Vermont’s beloved stick season, this intimate microwedding embraces the quiet beauty of late fall. Rolling hills and muted foliage set a cozy, understated backdrop

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Photographer: Idena Beach

Above the Clouds

Rain poured as this couple reached the summit of the Stowe Gondola for their vows, but instead of pausing, they leaned fully into the moment. Wrapped in mist and surrounded by moody mountain views, their elopement unfolded with a cinematic, almost surreal energy. (Sometimes the most unforgettable wedding days are the ones that embrace the elements entirely!)

Photographer: Lillian Seibert Photography

A Love That Bloomed in Winter

Set in the heart of Stowe, this winter microwedding embraces everything we love about a snowy Vermont day. The couple cozies up in the snow, with the bride’s vibrant bouquet of pinks and reds standing out beautifully against the winter whites, an intimate moment that feels both romantic and timeless.

Venue: Stowe Village Inn

Coordinator: Lauren Soelch

Florals: M’s Wedding Flowers

Photographer: Colette Kulig Photography

Makeup & Hair: Revive Salon

Baker: Mattarello Baked Goods

Bridal look:Bridal Boutique (dress), Veilmonté Bridal Showroom (shoes/veil)

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best Vermont elopements and microweddings in 2025, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

How to Plan a Personalized Elopement (and What Couples Often Overlook)

Dreaming of an elopement that feels true to you? Vermont’s landscapes set the stage for celebrations filled with intimacy, beauty, and intention. Featuring insights from Danielle Hazelton of Hazelton Creative, a Vermont wedding photographer who specializes in documenting meaningful, nature-inspired elopements, this post dives into how to plan a day that’s fully your own, plus a few important details couples often forget.

Why Vermont Is the Perfect Place to Elope

There’s something magical about eloping in Vermont. Between the misty mountaintops, serene forests, and cozy inns tucked away in small towns, it’s the ideal destination for couples who want to celebrate their love surrounded by nature. Vermont elopements are about more than skipping tradition—they’re about creating a day filled with intention, beauty, and meaning.

Vermont wedding photographer Danielle Hazelton of Hazelton Creative has captured countless intimate celebrations and believes elopements allow couples to fully express who they are without compromise. Her first elopement, a queer couple exchanging vows during peak foliage under a double rainbow, sparked her passion for these deeply personal celebrations.

“All of the love, intention, beauty, and emotion of a sacred experience like getting married can be done in a smaller, more intentional, and private setting,” Danielle says.

Is Eloping Right for You?

Before deciding whether to elope, we encourage you to pause and think about what you truly want from your wedding day. Eloping isn’t just about scaling down; it’s about stripping away expectations and creating space for what matters most to you as a couple. From the pace of the day to who’s by your side, these choices all come back to your values.

Danielle suggests asking yourself these questions:

  1. Would we be happy with 15 guests or fewer?
  2. Do we want adventure over tradition?
  3. Are we comfortable being the center of attention
  4. What do we value more: experiences or things?

If your answers lean toward intimacy, freedom, and authenticity, an elopement might be your perfect match! Related Reading: Your Guide To Planning A Vermont Elopement

What Makes an Elopement Personalized

Every elopement, by nature, is personal, but Danielle explains that couples can take it a step further.

“The biggest difference between an elopement and a traditional wedding is flexibility,” she says. “You’re not planning for 150 guests. You’re planning for yourselves.”

Without the constraints of a large guest list, couples can prioritize what matters most. The same $30k that might go toward a standard wedding could instead fund a luxury Vermont elopement and honeymoon: think five-star lodging, a private chef, or a weekend-long adventure in the Green Mountains.

Whether it’s retracing your engagement hike, booking an intimate inn near Stowe, or splitting your elopement into a two-day experience (one day adventuring, one day celebrating with loved ones), your day can be as unique as your love story and interests.

First Steps to Planning a Vermont Elopement That Reflects You

Danielle recommends starting with your values. “Think about what’s most important when it comes to your elopement day,” she shares. “Is it the adventure, the photos, the ability to bring your pets? Write down your dream day and build from there.”

Once your vision feels clear, your next step is to hire vendors who align with it. An elopement photographer can help with timelines, locations, and logistics, while an elopement planner can handle permits, accommodations, and fine details, especially helpful for out-of-state couples planning a Vermont destination elopement.

Related Reading: Rethinking the Big Day: Why More Couples Are Choosing Elopements and Intimate Weddings in Vermont

Some creative ways you can infuse your personalities or love story into your elopement day:

  • Adventures that feel like you: Some of the best elopement experiences are when couples take their interests and bring them into their day. Hiking, canoeing, apple picking, stargazing, and picnics are just a few of the activities you can do to celebrate this huge milestone in a familiar but exciting way.
  • Intentional rituals: reading letters from your family and friends who aren’t present for the ceremony, having a “unity ceremony” like a tree planting or a unity joint, or playing music together are just a few ways that you can honor this moment with beauty and intention.
  • Unique Decor + Attire: Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you don’t have to be casual about it! Go big with your florals, have a catered meal with a private chef and a decorated sweetheart table just for the two of you, buy the colorful dress that you know will make you look like the main character of a fantasy novel against a mountain backdrop. The sky is the limit!

What Couples Often Overlook When Planning an Elopement

Because elopements feel more relaxed, some couples underestimate how much planning they still require. Danielle notes that securing permits for state parks, checking weather conditions, and arranging transportation or backups for remote areas are all key steps.

Another overlooked detail? Your own comfort. If you’re hiking or exploring, bring snacks, water, and layers. Vermont weather can change quickly!

A Vermont elopement gives couples the space to be fully present—to slow down, connect, and celebrate love in a way that feels true to them. Whether that’s exchanging vows under a waterfall, hiking into the forest, or sharing champagne by candlelight at a mountain inn, the day is yours to define.

Ready to start planning your own Vermont elopement? Explore our Vendor Guide to find photographers, planners, and venues who specialize in intimate celebrations.

About Vermont Wedding Photographer Hazelton Creative

Hazelton Creative is a Vermont-based wedding photographer capturing cinematic, emotional moments with a focus on comfort, collaboration, and natural beauty, empowering every couple to feel like the main character.

Danielle loves capturing weddings that break the mold—intimate elopements, meaningful micro weddings, and celebrations that feel completely unique to each couple.

A proud Vermont Weddings member and the author of this blog post, you can learn more about Danielle’s services by visiting the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide. You can follow along with Danielle and her work on Instagram by clicking here.

A Magical Fall Elopement in Vermont’s North East Kingdom

We can’t help but love a couple who embrace the absolute magic of peak foliage season, and what better place to experience all things autumn than Vermont! Nestled in the beautiful Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, the Lake Salem Waterfront Estate served as the perfect location for Kate and Max to host their intimate family elopement surrounded by the changing colors of the season. The couple planned a day absolutely filled with their favorite things, from a custom-made pearl necklace from the father of the groom to a fully catered dinner celebration with their immediate family. Every moment of this elopement was brimming with joy and Vermont’s stunning beauty! Continue below for more details on their special day, and for photos from Vermont wedding photographer, Hazelton Creative.

A Day Framed by Warmth, Laughter, and Loved Ones

Kate and Max began their wedding day getting ready at the estate. While half the group spent time getting their hair and makeup done by Beauty by Tammy and Beauty by Bri, the other family members helped to set up decor, create a beautiful charcuterie board, and make cocktails for the day. Kate looked absolutely stunning in a long white gown paired with a delicate pair of long lace gloves and kitten heels, while Max donned a gorgeous dark blue suit and floral tie.

The couple chose to share a first look before their ceremony under a beautifully bright and lush patch of trees. In all of the excitement, Kate disregarded the classic first look “shoulder touch” and ran to Max to hold his hands and share a special kiss. Max, Kate, and their family members were absolutely surrounded by autumnal florals, sweet pumpkin bunches, and laughter as they headed to their ceremony in the backyard of the estate by the lake.

Kate’s sister opened the ceremony as the flower girl, scattering fresh rose petals along the way. Moments later, the soon-to-be newlyweds made their entrance, joining a circle of cozy benches and chairs brimming with their loved ones. Max’s parents and Kate’s grandmother shared thoughtful readings, and a regal blue heron even made an appearance to join in on the celebration as Max and Kate shared their first kiss as a married couple. Following the intimate ceremony, the couple and their family posed for group portraits taken by Hazelton Creative in the backyard, catching glamour shots of all the couples.

After a day filled with love and excitement, Kate and Max ventured out 20 minutes from the estate with their photographer Danielle to Westmore, Vermont to capture sunset portraits at Sentinel Rock. The sun setting over the absolutely majestic mountains served as the perfect backdrop for the couple’s just-married portraits! They even got a hearty congratulations from a couple watching the sunset from their car in the nearby parking lot. To end the day, Kate and Max wandered down to the South Beach at Lake Willoughby to catch blue hour together along the waterfront, lanterns in hand.

Congratulations, Kate and Max, on your absolutely magical wedding day!

Vendors

Photographer: Hazelton Creative, Venue: Lake Salem Waterfront Estate (Airbnb), Hair: Beauty by Bri, Makeup: Beauty by Tammy, Shoes: Lulus, Jewelry/Rings: John Iversen Jewels.

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What Vermont Wedding Pros Really Think: Green Flags, Hot Takes & Planning Tips

Ever wish you had a little more insider knowledge when it comes to wedding planning? We tapped seasoned Vermont wedding pros to spill the tea, from the green flags that signal a dream couple, to their hot takes, to the underrated planning tips they wish more people knew. These are the folks behind the scenes making wedding magic happen every weekend, and they’ve seen it all. Their insights in this blog post might just help you plan smarter, avoid common pitfalls, and feel even more confident as you gear up your big day. A very big thank you to these Vermont wedding vendors for sharing their tips with me: Courtney Cania Photography, M’s Wedding Flowers, Crofter’s Green, The Linen Shop, Sleepy Hollow Inn, Hazelton Creative, Love Wins Photography.

Courtney Cania Photography

Green Flags & Hot Takes from Vermont Vendors

Want the inside scoop from the people who see weddings every weekend? These Vermont wedding pros are spilling their favorite green flags and some bold opinions, too.

What’s your “green flag” when working with a couple?

When we hit it off on a mutual topic during an inquiry call. Whether it be a shared love of tea, showing off our pets, or talking about our favorite board games–these are the things that will start the seeds to a working relationship turned friendship by the time your wedding is over!’ – Hazelton Creative

I love couples that either know what they want or are not afraid to ask me what works well. It’s helpful for them to be able to make decisions or leave it up to the pros. We know this is your first time doing this; we all love to share advice if needed!” – The Linen Shop

What’s your unpopular wedding opinion? (Hot take time!)

I don’t mind guests holding up their cellphones or taking photos throughout the day (as long as it is welcomed by the couple). In fact, it’s a very honest documentary moment. When I see guests taking selfies and photographing a moment, such as during the reception, that’s a great signal to me that something meaningful is happening and I should capture it… or them!” – Courtney Cania Photography

“Let’s embrace our love for the environment! Reduce your use of disposable items that you will throw in the trash as soon as the wedding is over, for example: linens, non-compostable plates/silverware, balloons, streamers, and excessive plastic. Don’t buy it if you are going to throw it away. This applies to party favors because, unfortunately, your guests might throw them away too.” – Sleepy Hollow Inn

“As a florist, I hate working with baby’s breath. There are so many other, better filler flowers that don’t break as easily or look rough after being worked with! Some other options to consider are: Oralya, Queen Anne’s lace, spirea, or wax flower.” – M’s Wedding Flowers

I wish more couples considered enjoying their cocktail hour instead of using that entire time for photos.” – Crofter’s Green

M's Wedding Flowers
Crofter's Green

The Little Things That Made a Big Impact

Sometimes it’s the smallest details that leave the biggest impression. Below, Vermont wedding vendors share the thoughtful touches that made the celebrations they’ve been a part of truly unforgettable.

Any creative ideas or thoughtful details that you wish more couples considered?

Get ready together! You can still make seeing each other in wedding attire a surprise!” – Courtney Cania Photography

“There are never enough string lights in any given space. They add so much depth to the ambiance, not to mention ambient light that helps anyone taking pictures get a little bit more detail in their shots.” – Love Wins Photography

What’s something a couple did for their guests that made you stop and say: Wow, that was thoughtful?

Second chance couples with kids. When the couple includes each of their kids and brings their kids into the fold so they can mesh, I lose it every single time. As a blended family of our own, we truly understand how challenging it can be for kids to see their parents remarry. But when they’re included with all those other guests present to see how important they are to each parent up there, it’s the most heartwarming thing ever.” – Love Wins Photography

Hard to pinpoint one thing, but it’s generally about guest comfort. Are they warm? Are they getting enough to eat? Are they shaded from the hot sun? Giving meaningful parting favors, or providing a late-night snack.” – Courtney Cania Photography

Activity bags for the kids (with washable markers of course, coloring books, bubbles, etc to keep them busy), hiring a babysitter to watch the kids so the parents could join in the fun.” – The Linen Shop

Letters to each guest on a letter tree! Guests found their letter, found their seat, and got to read a note from the couple to them. So sweet!!” – Sleepy Hollow Inn

What is a wedding hack or piece of advice that’s so good, it blows couples’ minds every time you bring it up?

Board games or other games at the reception. Sometimes we get so focused on the dance floor, but that isn’t for everyone!” – Sleepy Hollow Inn

“We will often have our couples smile, but then breathe out of their mouths, and it softens their smiles in a very natural way during photos.” – Love Wins Photography

Love Wins Photography
Sleepy Hollow Inn

What Couples Shouldn’t Sweat And What to Focus On Instead

Wedding planning comes with endless decisions, but not everything deserves your stress. Here’s what vendors say you can let go of and where your energy is better spent.

What do couples not worry about that they probably should?

Do they have a marriage license? I know that sounds silly. We once did a wedding where the couple forgot to apply for one! Yes, ALL that planning for one day, but the marriage lasts longer.” – The Linen Shop

Day-of coordination. Especially for DIY weddings, it’s nice to have someone there whose entire responsibility is to solve problems (so you don’t know they exist in the first place) and to keep the day on schedule. Having a single point of contact for all the vendors to communicate with will keep you out of the overwhelm, and allow you to relax and enjoy your day while we work hard to bring your vision to life!” – Hazelton Creative

After working dozens (or hundreds!) of weddings, what separates a good wedding from a great one, in your opinion?

The people. It’s always about the people and overall joy/tone of the guests, and that they had a lovely time. But there are many things on the wedding day that shape the experience the couple, family, and guests share.” – Courtney Cania Photography

Well-prepared weddings always stand out! When all the details are well thought out and everything is well organized, everything just flows perfectly and comes together so well! Good wedding planners make this part super easy! On site coordinators are amazing, but are not the same thing as a planner! They both have very important jobs, but those jobs are different and having a wedding planner can make all the difference for you and your vendors!” – M’s Wedding Flowers

Authenticity and a positive attitude. Our favorite weddings are those where it’s clear the couple spent time incorporating aspects of their relationship that are important to them over tradition for the sake of tradition. With any big event, something is bound to not go as planned. Couples can either let these small hiccups ruin the day, or take them in stride with the knowledge that they’re surrounded by friends and family who just want to celebrate them.” – Crofter’s Green

A  great toast (which is out of the couple’s control). It should share how you know the bride or groom, but mostly be about them and their love for one another. A joke or two is always appreciated, but we don’t want to hear all about YOU and thow you know the couple. It’s about THEM and why they are good together.” – The Linen Shop

The couple’s attitude. Be happy and be excited, your guests will feed off your energy. And also a planned wedding, but not an overplanned wedding.” – Sleepy Hollow Inn

Having the wedding day be a true reflection of the couple’s interests and personalities. The weddings that are the most fun, the most relaxed, and the most emotional–are the ones where the couple is being authentically themselves and aren’t trying to conform to the expectations of a modern wedding.” – Hazelton Creative

The guests! Are they there to celebrate, or are they just there to party? The ones that come to celebrate also come with  all the feels.” – Love Wins Photography

Hazelton Creative
Rentals from The Linen Shop | Photo: Courtney Cania Photography

Why Vermont Wedding Pros Love What They Do

At the heart of every wedding is a spark that keeps Vermont wedding pros coming back, weekend after weekend. Here’s what inspires them most.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Playing an active role in helping to memorialize a very important milestone in the journey of a couple, and providing tangible memories that they can carry into their future and share with generations.” – Courtney Cania Photography

Seeing the brides, grooms, and/or families’ faces when they see the florals arrive or set up! We love bringing couples’ floral dreams to life!” – M’s Wedding Flowers

Debriefing with the couples post-wedding and seeing how happy they are.” – Crofter’s Green

Hearing how easy the linen rental process was through our company. Most of them have never rented linens before, and I love it when they tell me it was the least stressful part of wedding planning!” – The Linen Shop

Happy couples and happy families! Smiles & laughter.” – Sleepy Hollow Inn

As photographers, we have the opportunity to photograph not just the couple, but their favorite people. When I take photos of older family members or guests who are ill, I think about how this may be the last good photo taken of this person before they are no longer with us. It’s an honor to do so. When someone passes away, all we want is to have photos of them, because that’s often all that will remain to remember them by.” – Hazelton Creative

“We love LOVE! I keep saying it, but Kim and I both get emotional at some point during each wedding. Whether it’s the vows, the speeches, the dances with parents, memorializing the lost loved ones…all those parts bring something so special and intimate, we always feel so lucky to have a chance to see that intimacy not only as a fly on the wall, but as an integral part in showing those clients exactly HOW it was so intimate through the images we capture.” – Love Wins Photography

While every wedding is unique, there’s something incredibly grounding about hearing straight from the experts who live and breathe weddings. Their honest advice and thoughtful tips can offer the clarity (and encouragement) you didn’t know you needed. Huge thanks to the Vermont wedding pros who shared their insights with us! You can learn more about every wedding Vermont wedding professional in this blog post (and more!) by visiting the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

Vermont Wedding Inspiration

You can learn more about every wedding Vermont wedding vendor in this blog post (and view even more of the state’s top wedding pros!) by visiting the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide.

Searching for wedding planning inspiration? Here are some of our favorite images from the talented Vermont wedding professionals who contributed their expert insight.

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This blog post would not have been possible without the help of some of Vermont’s talented wedding professionals. Learn about each of them by visiting our Vendor Guide.

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A Lively Fall Wedding at VINS Nature Center

We love it when we can feel how personal a couple’s wedding day was, and Rebekah and Tyler’s celebration is a beautiful example of just that! From beautiful Converse hand-embroidered by the bride to DIY bouquets lovingly wrapped by friends and family, every detail of this fall wedding reflected their story and style. It was a day full of heartfelt moments, stunning scenery, and thoughtful touches that made it truly unforgettable. Read all the details below, complete with the gorgeous images from Vermont wedding photographer Hazelton Creative!

A Love Story Rooted in Family and Adventure

Rebekah and Tyler’s love story began thanks to a family connection, introduced by Rebekah’s brother, and the two quickly hit it off! Their relationship grew through shared adventures, and it was only fitting that Tyler proposed at the summit of Mount Washington after a romantic hike. When it came time to choose a wedding venue, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Nature Center in Quechee felt like a natural fit for this adventure-loving couple.

The couple’s wedding day began with a heartfelt first look in the backyard of their church, beautifully captured by Hazelton Creative. Rebekah looked stunning in a strapless gown adorned with delicate beading, while Tyler looked sharp in a dark brown suit. Adding a deeply personal touch, Rebekah wore a necklace made with her grandmother’s engagement diamond, a cherished heirloom for a momentous occasion!

Their church ceremony was full of heartfelt emotion, with meaningful vows and prayers shared by loved ones. Sunlight streamed through the tall church windows, casting a golden glow that perfectly matched the warmth and love surrounding the couple.

Details That Delighted Guests All Night Long

Rebekah and Tyler’s wedding reception at one of VIN’s outdoor pavilions was nothing short of magical. With string lights twinkling overhead and the sounds of nature all around, guests gathered under the open sky to celebrate. A large illustrated tree served as a creative guest book, where loved ones signed their names along the branches. Guests were treated to a custom newspaper filled with fun details about the couple, along with a playful ad-lib game to fill out during the reception. As a sweet parting gift, everyone took home mini bottles of maple syrup. (perfectly sized and adorned with a doodle of Rebekah and Tyler!) These thoughtful touches added charm and personality to every part of the day.

In between dinner and dancing, guests were invited to explore all that the Vermont Institute of Natural Science has to offer, from up-close encounters with live bird exhibits to strolls along the Forest Canopy Walk and scenic trails hugging the Ottauquechee River and Quechee Gorge. 

For the reception, Rebekah changed into custom Converse sneakers she embroidered herself, paired with Darn Tough socks. One of the most heartfelt moments of the evening was a surprise mother-daughter dance to the Gilmore Girls theme song, a touching tribute to Rebekah’s close bond with her mom. Guests enjoyed a birch tree-inspired cake lovingly baked by family and friends, adding another personal touch to the celebration. And in classic Vermont fashion, Tyler capped off the night by downing an entire nip of maple syrup in one go—because really, what better way to celebrate?

Congratulations, Rebekah and Tyler, on your special day!

Vendors:

Photography: Hazelton Creative, Venue: VINS in Queechee, Vermont, Florist: Kukka Flowers (DIY kits), Cake/Desserts: Made with love by family and friends , Videographer: Flower + Oak Films, Hair/Makeup: Brittany Degree from Vermont Wedding Hair, Catering: Trail Break Taps + Tacos Wedding, Dress: David’s Bridal, Shoes: Kailee P, Converse (hand embroidered by the bride), Jewelry/Rings: Etsy, Bucci’s Jewelers, Men’s Attire: Generation Tux, Save the Dates/Programs/Invites: Minted, Shutterfly, Favors/Gifts: Maple Syrup from Vermont Country Store.

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