A “Vermont Formal” Wedding at Sleepy Hollow Inn

Posted on April 2, 2026

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 Vermont Weddings 2025: Venues

Posted on January 21, 2026

One of our favorite moments of the year has officially arrived: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series  and today, we’re turning the spotlight on wedding venues.

A venue does so much more than set the scene. It shapes the entire experience of a wedding day, from the first look out the window in the morning to the final song of the night. It’s where vows are exchanged, glasses are raised, and memories are made in spaces that feel Vermont distinctly… think sweeping mountain views, historic inns, estates, lakeside lawns, and candlelit barns.

This Best Of category celebrates the venues that stood out this past season for their atmosphere, flow, and ability to make a day feel seamless and special. The places that held emotion beautifully, welcomed guests with intention, and gave couples a backdrop that felt like a true extension of their story. Scroll on to explore our Best Of Wedding Venues, gather inspiration for your own celebration, and don’t forget to vote for the venue that made you stop and say this is the one!

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!

Shore Acres Inn & Restaurant

Why couples love it: Shore Acres provides a destination lakeside wedding feel without actually leaving Vermont. Set on 46 private acres along Lake Champlain, this lakeside inn offers sweeping water views, Green Mountain backdrops, and a relaxed charm that feels timeless and welcoming. With multiple ceremony and reception options, on-site dining, and cozy accommodations for guests, it’s the kind of place where celebrations naturally stretch into a full, unforgettable weekend.

Photographer: Portrait Gallery

Reading Farms Estate

Why couples love it: Set on a completely gated 400-acre estate in the heart of the Green Mountains, this Reading Farms Estate feels worlds away, where rolling landscapes, manicured trails, and history create an atmosphere that’s both grand and deeply personal. Reading Farms’ exclusive partnership with On Thyme Events makes planning seamless. Their deep knowledge of the estate, combined with in-house catering, design, rentals, and florals, allows couples to focus on the experience while every detail is expertly handled.

Barnstead Inn

Why couples love it: Barnstead Inn is an effortless blend of modern farmhouse style, classic Vermont charm, and unbeatable location. Set in the heart of Manchester Center, this boutique inn offers easy access to downtown shopping, dining, and outdoor adventures. With newly renovated indoor and outdoor event spaces that serve as a true blank canvas, couples can bring any vision to life, from intimate elopements to tented celebrations and full wedding weekends!

 

Killington Resort

Why couples love it: Couples love Killington Resort for its larger-than-life mountain setting and the feeling that anything is possible! From sweeping alpine views at the Peak to the warm, elevated atmosphere of K-1 Lodge, the resort offers recently updated spaces that feel both iconic and celebratory. With a dedicated team handling the details and endless year-round activities for guests, Killington is ideal for couples dreaming big and turning their wedding into a full destination experience.

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

Crofter’s Green

Why couples love it: With a fully customizable approach and flexible vendor options, couples can truly make the weekend at Crofter’s Green their own and savor every moment. Set on 25 private acres in the Green Mountains, this handcrafted post-and-beam barn feels like an upscale adult summer camp, complete with unique on-site accommodations, a fire pit for late-night gatherings, and three full days to celebrate without feeling rushed. 

Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images

Middlebury Inn

Why couples love it: Overlooking the Middlebury town green and rooted in Vermont history since 1827, Middlebury Inn offers a classic, welcoming atmosphere that feels both elegant and familiar. As a full-service hotel with exceptional food, drink, and on-site accommodations for guests, it’s an ideal choice for couples who value tradition, comfort, and a seamless wedding weekend experience.

Riverside Farm

Why couples love it: With only one wedding hosted at a time at Riverside Farm, the entire property becomes yours, allowing celebrations to unfold in a relaxed, deeply personal way. From ceremony beneath the trees to dancing in the Stonewell Barn, every space is thoughtfully designed to create a seamless flow across the day (or full weekend), all supported by an experienced on-site team that makes everything feel effortless.

Woodstock Inn & Resort

Why couples love it: The Woodstock Inn offers unique venues that range from traditional ballrooms to elegantly redesigned barns and a variety of outdoor spaces. Their personalized wedding coordinators and dedicated events team help customize each wedding. Set in the heart of Woodstock, Vermont, every season and every celebration offer luxury experiences for everyone.
 
Photographer: Last Light

Inn at Grace Farm

Why couples love it: Couples love Inn at Grace Farm for its flexibility, comfort, and picture-perfect setting. The radiant floor–heated barn makes year-round celebrations effortless, while sweeping scenic views and the option to tent allow weddings to grow seamlessly from intimate to grand. With the ability to rent the entire estate, including the barn, inn, stone house, and cozy tiny house, loved ones can stay on site, turning the wedding into a relaxed, joy-filled weekend that feels completely your own.

Photographer: Blooming Photo Company

Inn at Mountain View Farm

Why couples love it: Inn at Mountain View Farm is a tranquil wedding destination in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom! Set on a 440-acre historic farm, this venue blends casual comfort with quiet sophistication, where celebrations unfold in a restored Morgan Barn, surrounded by rolling meadows, sweeping mountain views, gardens, and trails. With on-site lodging and year-round outdoor adventures just steps away, it’s a dream setting for couples who want a wedding weekend that feels immersive, scenic, and unmistakably Vermont.

Photographer: Sravya Khasnavees Photography

Wilburton Inn

Why couples love it: Wilburton Inn is loved for its iconic hilltop setting and effortless full-weekend flow. This 30-acre historic estate offers a true destination experience: ceremonies on the grand lawn, cocktails at the patio bar, and large-scale celebrations under the Vermont Marble Pavilion Tent, all paired with on-site lodging for 100+ guests and amenities that keep everyone entertained all weekend long. With sweeping mountain views, classic New England charm, and farm-driven cuisine sourced from Earth Sky Time Farm, weddings here feel both grand and deeply Vermont-rooted.

Photographer: Six Pence Studios

Sleepy Hollow Inn – Weddings, Ski & Bike Center

Why couples love it: Outdoor lovers rejoice! Couples love Sleepy Hollow Inn for its one-of-a-kind setting and immersive, all-in-one experience. With sweeping views of Camel’s Hump, a ceremony by the pond, cocktails under the covered Pavilion, and dancing inside the iconic 17-sided Round Barn, the day flows effortlessly from one beautiful moment to the next. On-site lodging, trails to explore, cozy bonfires, and a sustainability-minded approach make it feel like a relaxed, joy-filled Vermont getaway, designed entirely around celebrating together.

Photographer: Hazelton Creative

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain 

Why couples love it: Couples love ECHO for its unbeatable waterfront location and truly unforgettable atmosphere. Set right on Lake Champlain with sweeping views of the Adirondacks, this venue pairs sparkling aquariums and interactive exhibits with elegant indoor and open-air spaces for ceremonies, dining, and dancing. With exclusive access to the museum, weddings here feel immersive, playful, and completely one of a kind.

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

Lake Morey Resort

Why couples love it: Lake Morey Resort is conveniently located, filled with classic lakeside beauty, and truly a full-service experience. Set among rolling green hills with Lake Morey as the backdrop, this resort makes planning feel effortless thanks to a dedicated wedding coordinator and flexible event spaces for celebrations of all sizes. With on-site lodging, year-round recreation, and endless ways for guests to enjoy the water and outdoors, weddings here feel relaxed, joyful, and perfectly Vermont!

Mountain Top Resort

Why couples love it: Two words: the view! Yes, Mountain Top Resort is known for its jaw-dropping mountaintop views, but just as important, it’s an all-in-one, rustic-luxe wedding experience. With multiple ceremony and reception sites, on-site lodging, spa services, in-house floral design, beauty teams, and dedicated planners, couples can truly relax and enjoy a seamless, multi-day celebration surrounded by everyone they love no matter the season.

Photographer: Idena Beach

Equinox Golf Resort & Spa

Why couples love it: Couples love The Equinox for its variety of elegant venues and classic Southern Vermont sophistication—all in one iconic destination. From the crystal-chandeliered Colonnade Ballroom to the scenic Pond Pavilion and Meadow House lawn, the resort offers beautiful settings for everything from intimate elopements to grand, tented celebrations. With a dedicated wedding specialist, exceptional on-site dining, elegant accommodations, and endless activities for guests, weddings here feel polished, seamless, and wonderfully immersive.

Photographer: Esra Y Photography

Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Why couples love it: Kimpton Taconic Hotel blends modern elegance with Vermont charm, offering a picturesque setting in Manchester’s Green Mountains. With stylish indoor and outdoor spaces, on-site catering, and stellar service, it’s perfect for every wedding moment! Guests will love the luxurious accommodations and easy access to outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, and local attractions. 

Photographer: Elario Photography

The Mansfield Barn

Why couples love it: As the name suggests,  The Mansfield Barn is known for its beautifully restored character and gorgeous views of Mount Mansfield. Originally built in the 1840s, this post-and-beam barn pairs historic charm with modern comfort, such as customizable spaces, air conditioning for summer celebrations, and a private ceremony site with foliage views and Mt. Mansfield as the backdrop. With room for up to 200 guests, thoughtful getting-ready spaces, and a hands-on team, weddings here feel personal and quintessentially Vermont.

Photographer: Portrait Gallery

Common Ground Center

Why couples love it: A venue that is a laid-back, nature-immersed setting and filled with true Vermont camp-style charm? That’s Common Ground Center. Set on 700 acres of countryside, this non-profit camp and venue invites couples to celebrate under the stars in open fields or inside the cathedral-like Hay Barn, with space to gather, dance, and linger late by the fire. With on-site cabins and other lodging for guests, scenic trails, and thoughtful amenities, weddings here feel relaxed, communal, and beautifully unplugged.

Photographer: Katya Andrievskaia Photography

The Pitcher Inn

Why couples love it: The Pitcher Inn is truly a space you have to see to believe. Tucked into the Mad River Valley, this boutique inn offers gracious hospitality, exquisite farm-to-table dining, and a sense of warmth that feels like a true escape from the expected. With just a handful of beautifully appointed rooms and suites (each with its own unique theme), candlelit meals curated by an in-house culinary team, and a setting that feels magical in every season, weddings here are elegant, unhurried, and unforgettable.

Photographer: Gabby Torres Photography

Sterling Ridge Resort

Why couples love it: 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

The Inn at Burklyn

Why couples love it: Couples love The Inn at Burklyn for its timeless elegance and sweeping, storybook views of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Perched atop Darling Hill, this historic estate blends early-1900s grandeur with thoughtfully updated luxury, offering manicured gardens, wraparound porches, and indoor spaces filled with fireplaces and light. With on-site lodging, flexible indoor and tented outdoor options, and breathtaking scenery in every season, weddings here feel effortlessly magical and refined.

Photographer: K & E Photography

Highgate Manor

Why couples love it: Highgate Manor seamlessly blends history with modern luxury, offering a timeless setting for weddings of all sizes. With over 200 years of history, this Victorian-era estate features beautifully preserved elegance alongside updated amenities, including lush gardens, a caterer’s kitchen, and a climate-controlled ballroom perfect for receptions. The manor’s romantic charm and sophisticated details create an unforgettable backdrop for couples looking to celebrate their love in a venue that honors both past and present.

Farmhouse Flowers VT

Why couples love it: A space that does it all! Farmhouse Flowers VT is an immersive, flower-forward setting with handcrafted Vermont charm. Surrounded by blooming gardens and rolling fields in the Mad River Valley, this timber-frame barn opens to a hillside ceremony site with sweeping views of the Worcester Mountain Range—creating a celebration that feels natural, romantic, and unhurried. With on-site lodging, flexible vendor options, and the rare bonus of a working flower farm designing your blooms, weddings here feel personal, relaxed, and beautifully rooted in the land.

Videographer: Lot 7 Media

An Affair by the Lake

Why couples love it: Couples love An Affair by the Lake for its unmatched privacy and serene, lakeside setting. With exclusive use of a beautifully restored Victorian home, expansive grounds, and 500 feet of private lakefront, celebrations here feel intimate, peaceful, and personal. From full weekend tented weddings to romantic elopements and micro-weddings, couples are drawn to the hands-on coordination and the chance to slow down, soak in the views, and truly make the experience their own.

Officiant, Photographer + Florals: Carmen George Weddings

Outbound Stowe

Why couples love it: Set in the heart of Stowe, Vermont, Outbound Stowe offers an alpine setting, modern style, and a flexible, guest-friendly experience. Spread across nine scenic acres, this boutique hotel offers multiple venue options for celebrations of all sizes, paired with the freedom to personalize spaces using local vendors and décor. With a wide range of on-site accommodations, from rooms and suites to cabins and a cottage, plus room blocks and buyout options, there is something for everyone and every vision.

Photographer: Gabrielle Heath

The Barn at Boyden Farm

Why couples love it: The Barn at Boyden Farm has sweeping valley views, historic roots, and a beautifully balanced blend of rustic charm and modern comfort. Set on 54 acres along the Lamoille River Valley, this post-and-beam venue offers a stunning outdoor ceremony site and a cathedral-ceiling hayloft barn designed for all-season celebrations. With thoughtful amenities, a deeply cared-for landscape, and a sense of heritage you can feel, weddings here are both grounded and unforgettable.

Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography

Lareau Farm Inn

Why couples love it: Couples love Lareau Farm Inn for its effortlessly romantic, lived-in Vermont charm. Set along the Mad River just minutes from downtown Waitsfield, this classic farmhouse venue offers open meadows for ceremonies, a rustic barn pavilion for celebrations, and unforgettable wood-fired, locally sourced meals shared with loved ones. With on-site lodging, gardens to wander, and outdoor adventures steps away, weddings here feel relaxed, soulful, and beautifully rooted in the Mad River Valley.

Photographer: Luna Munn Photography

Talta Lodge in Stowe, VT

Tälta Lodge

Why couples love it: Tälta Lodge Bluebird is a wedding destination designed for couples who embrace adventure. Built for all four seasons, the property offers amenities like gear storage, a pump track, an indoor pool, and a sauna, creating the ideal basecamp for skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking. For couples seeking a wedding experience that blends nature and modern comfort, Tälta Lodge Bluebird is the perfect place to start the journey.

Essex Resort and Spa

Why couples love it: Couples love Essex Resort and Spa for its resort-style experience that blends beautiful settings with effortless hospitality. Spread across 18 scenic acres, the resort offers multiple ceremony and reception options from the light-filled Atrium and garden gazebo on the East Lawn to the newly opened Farmhouse at Sunset Pond, each paired with exceptional in-house catering and service. With on-site lodging, a top-tier spa, acclaimed dining, and easy access to Burlington, weddings here are seamlessly designed for a full weekend celebration.

Photographer: Illume Studios

Bliss Ridge Resort

Why couples love it: Couples love Bliss Ridge Resort for its jaw-dropping, completely natural 360-degree mountain views, some of the most breathtaking in all of Vermont. Set on 88 organic acres and surrounded by protected wilderness, this venue pairs an authentic post-and-beam barn with thoughtful, design-forward details. With just one wedding per weekend, luxury treehouse accommodations, and space to truly settle in, celebrations here feel expansive, yet intentional.

Photographer: Grant Daniels Photography

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Why couples love it: Unmatched historical grandeur awaits at Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home! From the long, gated approach to the stately Georgian Revival mansion perched above sweeping mountain and valley views, every moment feels cinematic and timeless. With formal gardens, a storied legacy tied to the Lincoln family, and the elegant, newly built Lincoln Hall bringing refined comfort to a historic estate, weddings here unfold with a level of elegance and significance that guests never forget.

Photographer: The Studio on Main

The Tillerman

Why couples love it: Couples love The Tillerman for its soul-warming hospitality and deeply personal sense of place. Set within a lovingly restored inn and a 125-year-old barn, this venue blends rustic Vermont charm with thoughtful, artful details that feel intimate, welcoming, and alive. With cozy on-site lodging, farm-driven cuisine that feels like a beautiful dinner party, and an inclusive, open-hearted spirit, weddings here feel less like an event and more like coming home.

Photographer: Jenna Brisson Photography

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best wedding venues of 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: Just Married

Posted on January 14, 2026

One of our favorite moments of the year has officially arrived: the Vermont Weddings Best Of Series. Today, we’re celebrating the just-married moments, the ones that happen when the ceremony ends and it finally sinks in -“we did it!”

These are the moments filled with pure emotion and release. The walk back up the aisle hand in hand, grinning through happy tears. The deep breath after saying “I do.” The quiet pause away from the crowd, when it’s just the two of you, soaking in everything that led to this exact second. Sometimes they’re joyful and loud, sometimes soft and fleeting, but they’re always unforgettable.

Across Vermont, we witnessed so many of these heart-stopping, pinch-me moments: raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. This Best Of category honors the instant a couple officially becomes married, whether it’s celebrated with cheers and confetti or shared in a quiet, stolen glance. Scroll on to relive these just-married moments, and don’t forget to vote for the one that made you feel it, too.

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!

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.

Venue: Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Photographer: Sydney K Andrew Photography

Florals: Lot 32 Flower Farm

Personal Touches, Perfect Timing

After a day of crossed fingers and hopeful glances at the sky, the rain cleared just in time for their ceremony, made even sweeter by the bride’s charming cowboy boots and an arbor handcrafted by the groom.

Venue: Sterling Ridge Resort

Photo: Rachel Colvill Photography

Florals: Tipsy Tulip Designs

Day-Of Coordinator: Green Mountain Gatherings

Makeup: Mirror Mirror

You & I

Oftentimes, the most meaningful moment after “I do” is what happens next. The first pause, just the two of you, taking a breath and letting the day you planned turn into a memory you’ll keep forever!

Venue: Inn at Weathersfield

Florals: Anaphora 

Photographer: Stephanie Berenson Photography 

Showered in Joy

This couple felt pure joy as they walked back down the aisle, showered in dried flower petals that danced through the air, marking the very first moments of their marriage with celebration and undeniable happiness.

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

Photographer: Corinne Ryan Photography

Florist: New Leaf Organics

Beauty: Vermont Wedding Hair

Catering & Bar: Bevo

Rentals & Linens: Vermont Tent Company

One Quiet Moment

Sometimes the sweetest part of getting married is the first quiet moment alone together, away from the crowd, the nerves disappear, and everything finally feels real. (and twinkle lights overhead are a beautiful bonus!)

Venue: The Pitcher Inn

Photographer: Gabby Torres Photography

A Colorful “I Do”

“I do,” followed by a colorful explosion of flower petals. Married at a private residence and showered in color, this just-married moment is pure happiness.

Photographer: Peaks and Pearls Photography

Venue: Private residence 

Bubbly Energy Only

Sometimes, just-married celebrations call for bubbly. One cork pop, their favorite people, and expressions you can’t help but smile at.

Photographer: Jessica Notargiocomo Photography

Venue: Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park

Just Hitched & Making a Splash

After a summer “I do,” this couple skipped the traditional recessional and ran straight into the water in their swimsuits, turning their just-married moment into an afternoon of carefree fun!

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Photographer: Juniper Studios

Rentals: The Linen Shop

Just Married Joy

Just after tying the knot, this couple stepped into their just-married moment wearing bright suits and even brighter smiles. The joy of the day is written all over their faces. It’s one of those unfiltered, happy seconds where everything finally sinks in and nothing else matters.

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Florals: Flower Power VT

Venue: Red Clover Inn

Entertainment: Premier  Entertainment and Events

Rentals: The Linen Shop

The Beauty of a Small Gesture

Stripped back to black and white, this hand-kiss photo says everything. A timeless moment, captured just as it was felt. Beautiful wedding days aren’t defined only by the big celebrations, but by the soft, in-between moments too.

Venue: Wilburton Inn

Photographer: Lory Lyon Photography

Rentals: The Linen Shop

A Wedding Day, Preserved in Paint

Just married and captured forever in paint. Hope Sharp Art has worked closely with the Groom’s father over the years to create meaningful, often unconventional pieces for the whole family. For this third commissioned painting, he asked for something “traditional”, with the children involved.  The finished piece beautifully reflects what matters most: the story of their home, their non-traditional celebration, and the deep sense of family that surrounds them.

Painter: Hope Sharp Art

Venue: Private residence

Talk About Perfect Timing

A perfectly timed dip, a kiss sealed with a rainbow, and a mountain backdrop that feels straight out of a dream. This just-married moment feels like nature’s way of celebrating right alongside them. Pure Vermont magic!

Venue: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Photographer: Mermaid’s Reel Photography & Videography

Florals: Lily of the Valley

Floating Into Forever

When the bubble storm hits right as you stop for a kiss down the aisle…this is what just-married magic looks like! This walk turned into a moment that felt light, joyful, and completely unforgettable.

Venue: Follow Your Heart Farm

Photographer: Foley Photography

 

Making the First Move as Newlyweds

After exchanging vows and before the celebration began, this couple carved out a quiet moment for a game of chess. Not your average wedding day moment, and that’s exactly what made it perfect!

Venue: Woodstock Inn & Resort

Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography

HMUA: Hillary Fay Studios

Florals: Blue Door Flower Company

On Top of the World

At the end of the aisle and on top of the world at Killington Resort, this effortless dip says it all. Sleek, fashion-forward looks, artsy florals, and a sweeping mountain backdrop came together for a perfectly modern just-married moment.
 
Photographer: Kristy Burrell Photo
 
Florals: Honey Flora
 

Mirrored Moment

A quiet pause just for the two of them, tucked away by their venue’s pool. The mirrored reflection below adds a soft, dreamy layer to the scene, an intimate just-married moment that feels calm, personal, and beautifully still!

Planner: Julie Olson Events and Sydney Minnerly

Venue: River Road Farm

Photographer: Ben Hudson Photography

Rentals: Blood’s Catering & Party Rental

Linens: The Linen Shop

Florist: Anna’s Blooms

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our team’s picks for the best just-married moment of 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

Posted on January 12, 2026

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
 
Planners: The Event Sisters

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

Posted on January 9, 2026

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.

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

Posted on August 26, 2025

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.

Courtney Cania Photography
Love Wins Photography
The Linen Shop
Crofter's Green
M's Wedding Flowers
Sleepy Hollow Inn
Hazelton Creative
Love Wins Photography
The Linen Shop
M's Wedding Flowers
Crofter's Green
Courtney Cania Photography
Sleepy Hollow Inn
Hazelton Creative
Your Next Read:

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.

Want more wedding planning advice? We have you covered! Check out any of these blog posts.

Best of 2024: Vermont Wedding Venues

Posted on January 31, 2025

Vermont is home to some of the most breathtaking wedding venues, offering everything from cozy barns with rustic charm to grand estates exuding timeless elegance (and everything in between!) Whether couples dream of exchanging vows under the open sky surrounded by mountain views or dancing the night away in a beautifully restored historic space, these Vermont wedding venues provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable celebrations. Each one has its own unique story, character, and magic. Explore this year’s nominees, discover your favorites, and help us celebrate the places that make Vermont weddings so extraordinary.

What is the Vermont Weddings ‘Best Of’ Series?

It’s that time of year—our Vermont Weddings Best of Series is here! We’re celebrating the amazing work of Vermont’s top wedding professionals this wedding season, and we need your help to pick the best of the best. Check out the entries, get inspired, and vote for your favorites via the form at the end of this blog post. At the end of it all, we’ll announce the Reader’s Choice winners. Let’s celebrate together!

ECHO

Why couples love it: Echo, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is such a special venue! Located in Burlington, not only does it have sweeping views of beautiful Lake Champlain, but it is also a museum (which couples and their guests have full access to), making it the perfect spot for an all-ages event.
 
 

Trapp Family Lodge

Why couples love it: “The hills are alive with the sound of music”! Steeped in the legacy of the famous von Trapp family, Trapp Family Lodge blends Austrian-inspired charm with warm Vermont hospitality. With space for over 200 guests, on-site lodging, and expertly crafted wedding coordination, couples can enjoy a seamless and stress-free celebration!

Photographer: M. Toone Photography

Florals: Anaphora 

The Inn at Grace Farm

Why couples love it: The Inn at Grace Farm is located in Fairfax, Vermont and is the perfect setting for a private celebration! From the moment you arrive and settle into your accommodations, the property becomes your private estate to enjoy with loved ones all weekend long. It also has on-site accommodations for up to 32 guests.
 
Photographer: Sunset Hill Photography

The Highgate Manor

Why couples love it: Highgate Manor seamlessly blends history with modern luxury, offering a timeless setting for weddings of all sizes. With over 200 years of history, this Victorian-era estate features beautifully preserved elegance alongside updated amenities, including lush gardens, a caterer’s kitchen, and a climate-controlled ballroom perfect for receptions. The manor’s romantic charm and sophisticated details create an unforgettable backdrop for couples looking to celebrate their love in a venue that honors both past and present.

Farmhouse Flowers

Why couples love it: Farmhouse Flowers VT  is blooming with beauty! As the name suggests, this gorgeous venue is nestled among the lush flower gardens, from which the team crafts stunning wedding floral arrangements and bouquets. The timber frame reception barn is equally lovely.
 
Photographer: Melissa Lynn Images

Sleepy Hollow Inn – Weddings, Ski & Bike Center

Why couples love it: Sleepy Hollow Inn is known for its breathtaking views of Vermont’s Camel’s Hump and its unique, 17-sided Round Barn. This all-in-one venue includes a two-night stay for up to 22 guests, cozy inn accommodations, and access to scenic grounds with trails, camping, and a bonfire pit. Plus, with solar-powered sustainability and fresh maple syrup, your wedding is as green as it is gorgeous.

Photographer: Photos by Kintz

Casa Di Mangano

Why couples love it: Casa Di Mangano is the perfect venue for couples who dream big and love a hands-on approach to their wedding day. Nestled in the serene landscape of Jamaica, Vermont, this unique retreat offers a blank canvas for creative celebrations, whether intimate or elaborate. With five charming tiny homes to stay in and sprawling open fields, the space invites couples to craft a wedding that’s truly their own! 

Photographer: Madison Anne Studio

Topnotch Resort

Why couples love it: Topnotch Resort offers an elegant mountain wedding experience in the heart of Stowe, Vermont. Blending the warmth of a ski lodge with the luxury of a world-class resort, Topnotch specializes in seasonal tented weddings with breathtaking surroundings. Guests can enjoy on-site accommodations, fine dining, and a range of activities, including the award-winning spa and tennis facilities. 

Photographer: Rodeo & Co

Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home

Why couples love it: Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home offers a wedding experience steeped in history! This 412-acre estate provides a stunning backdrop, with panoramic views of the Green Mountains, the Battenkill River Valley, and Equinox Mountain. Couples can exchange vows at the scenic overlook, enjoy cocktails in the formal gardens, and celebrate in the grand, new Lincoln Hall. With farm-to-table cuisine and a setting that feels like a world of its own, Hildene is an unforgettable venue where history and natural beauty come together for a truly luxurious and timeless wedding.

Videographer: Eightzero2 Productions

Lake Morey Resort

Why couples love it: Lake Morey Resort is a waterfront venue that combines natural beauty and exceptional service. Say your vows against the backdrop of the serene lake and celebrate in one of four elegant reception spaces, accommodating up to 250 guests. Couples love the resort’s year-round charm, with cozy accommodations and a variety of activities, from golf and biking to kayaking and boat tours. 

Photographer: Portrait Gallery

Common Ground Center

Who couples love it: Common Ground Center offers a rustic and nature-filled wedding experience on 700 acres of Vermont wilderness in Starksboro. Just 30 minutes from Burlington, this seasonal venue is ideal for couples seeking a scenic countryside celebration. With options ranging from open fields for starlit ceremonies to the cathedral-like Hay Barn for an indoor setting, the property provides endless possibilities. The reception hall features a stunning bamboo dance floor, while on-site accommodations—including 20 unique cabins and a lodge—allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty. 

Photographer: Moho Photo

Kimpton Taconic Hotel

Why couples love it: Kimpton Taconic Hotel blends modern elegance with Vermont charm, offering a picturesque setting in Manchester’s Green Mountains. With stylish indoor and outdoor spaces, on-site catering, and stellar service, it’s perfect for every wedding moment—from the rehearsal dinner to the farewell brunch. Guests will love the luxurious accommodations and easy access to outdoor adventures, boutique shopping, and local attractions. 

Photographer: J&J Photography

Florals: M’s Wedding Flowers

Reading Farms Estate

Why couples love it: Reading Farms Estate is a secluded and historic 400-acre estate in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, offering unmatched privacy and timeless elegance.  The estate features accommodations for up to 40 guests, private hiking trails, a pool, a home theater, and even a private helipad. Partnering with On Thyme Events for seamless planning, catering, and design, Reading Farms Estate provides a breathtaking and effortlessly refined setting for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.

The Mansfield Barn

Why couples love it: The Mansfield Barn is a beautifully renovated 150-year-old barn with unique charm and modern amenities. Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the Barn offers stunning views of the countryside. A private outdoor ceremony site is also on the property and has gorgeous foliage views, as well as the top of Mt. Mansfield.

Photographer: Kevin Goddard Photography

Sugarbush Resort

Why couples love it: Sugarbush Resort is a premier four-season wedding destination in Vermont’s picturesque Mad River Valley, offering a full wedding weekend experience. With multiple ceremony and reception venues, including a private chairlift-accessible mountaintop meadow, couples can create a celebration as unique as their love story. Guests can enjoy luxury slope-side accommodations, a variety of mountain activities, and local attractions, from scenic hikes to farmers’ markets and breweries.

Photographer: Coryn Kiefer Photography

Tälta Lodge

Why couples love it: Tälta Lodge Bluebird is a wedding destination designed for couples who embrace adventure. Built for all four seasons, the property offers amenities like gear storage, a pump track, an indoor pool, and a sauna—creating the ideal basecamp for skiing, mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking. For couples seeking a wedding experience that blends nature and modern comfort, Tälta Lodge Bluebird is the perfect place to start the journey.

Photographer: Zack Griswold

Planner: Sara Judith Events

Videographer: Beyond Bliss Films

Crofter’s Green

Why couples love it: Crofter’s Green is a hidden gem in Montgomery Center. Offering unique on-site accommodations (each with its own theme!), a fire pit, and three uninterrupted days of celebration with every wedding package, the venue creates an upscale, adult summer camp atmosphere. Fully customizable with a variety of vendor options, Crofter’s Green provides the perfect setting for a personalized and unforgettable wedding experience.

Photographer: Isora Lithgow Creations

Planner: I Dews Design & Events

The Barn at Boyden Farm

Why couples love it: The Barn at Boyden Farm offers a breathtaking Vermont wedding experience, nestled in the scenic Lamoille River Valley. With a post-and-beam ceremony site, a charming outdoor patio, and 54 acres of rolling farmland, this historic venue perfectly captures Northern Vermont’s beauty. The lovingly restored hayloft barn blends rustic charm with modern comforts, including state-of-the-art heating and cooling, ensuring a seamless celebration in any season. 

Photographer: Sean Hood Photography

Wilburton Inn

Why couples love it: Wilburton Innis a 30-acre historic estate that feels secluded yet is close to everything! The historic mansion is the centerpiece for a full weekend celebration with an outdoor ceremony on the grand lawn, cocktail hour at the patio bar, and receptions for 200+ in their Vermont Marble Pavilion Tent. Wilburton Inn provides onsite lodging for 100+ guests with a pool, tennis, and lawn games. Your guests may never want to leave!

Photographer: Anne Mientka Photo

The Tillerman

Why couples love it: The Tillerman is a charming wedding venue where history, nature, and thoughtful details come together. Set in a beautifully restored 1790s inn, restaurant, and event space, it offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home! With cozy on-site accommodations for up to 19 guests and impeccably sourced farm-to-table cuisine (loved by the New York Times!), The Tillerman provides an intimate and unforgettable experience for couples and their guests.

Photographer: Last Light Photography

Mountain Top Resort

Why couples love it: Mountain Top Resort offers a breathtaking wedding setting with panoramic lake and mountain views in Chittenden, Vermont. With multiple ceremony and reception sites, on-site accommodations, an award-winning culinary team, and dedicated wedding planners, every detail of your day is expertly handled. 

Photographer: Juniper Studios

Woodstock Inn & Resort

Why couples love it: Woodstock Inn & Resort is the epitome of timeless elegance, offering a stunning setting for weddings in the heart of Vermont. With a variety of beautiful venues accommodating up to 225 guests, luxurious accommodations, and exceptional farm-to-table dining, it provides a seamless and sophisticated wedding experience. Couples love the personalized service, dedicated wedding coordinators, and the charm of Vermont’s most beautiful address, making every celebration unforgettable.

Photographer: Through Lindsey’s Lens

Florals: M’s Wedding Flowers

Pleasant Valley Orchards

Why couples love it: Pleasant Valley Orchards is Vermont’s newest hidden gem, already capturing the hearts of couples seeking a breathtaking wedding backdrop. Nestled between Burlington and Stowe, this scenic venue offers panoramic views of Mount Mansfield and the tranquil beauty of the countryside. Designed for those who want to savor every moment, Pleasant Valley Orchards provides a relaxed experience where celebrations unfold without the rush. Surrounded by lush orchards and Vermont’s natural charm, it’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding.

The Farmhouse at Sunset Pond

Why couples love it: The Farmhouse at Sunset Pond is the Essex Resort and Spa’s newest addition and is already becoming a beloved wedding venue due to its picturesque grounds, exceptional hospitality, and convenient location to many of the area’s big attractions. The Farmhouse at Sunset Pond is a modern farmhouse-style venue with a stunning stone fireplace, panoramic windows, and an expansive deck overlooking Sunset Pond that offers breathtaking sunset views. 

Lareau Farm Inn

Why couples love it: Lareau Farm Inn is a classic Vermont farmhouse venue in Waitsfield, Vermont. Couples can exchange vows in a lush meadow at our ceremony arch, and celebrate your reception with loved ones in our rustic barn pavilion. As the home of American Flatbread, they also offer delicious catering, including their famous wood-fired pizza!

Photographer: Amelia Marie Photography

Grand Isle Lake House

Why couples love it: Grand Isle Lake House offers a breathtaking lakeside setting for weddings from May to October, with sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. This beautifully restored historic home features 13 elegant guest rooms and an expansive wraparound porch, perfect for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and intimate receptions. With Let’s Pretend Catering providing full-service, customized menus, and bar service, couples can enjoy a seamless, stress-free celebration in one of the state’s most peaceful locations.

Photographer: Elsie Goodman Photography

The Soule House & Carriage Barn

Why couples love it: The Soule House & Carriage Barn is an intimate, rustic wedding venue. Couples enjoy exclusive weekend access to the charming barn, the spacious grounds, and the cozy home, which accommodates select overnight guests.

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our picks for the best Vermont wedding venues in 2024, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the beginning of February.

Best of 2024: Dishes & Desserts

Posted on January 24, 2025

Food is at the heart of any celebration! From delicious grazing tables to elegant cakes that double as works of art, these delicious delights add flavor and personality to the big day. Whether it’s a towering confection, a fun twist on traditional sweets, or a memorable meal that left guests raving, this Best Of category celebrates the food and desserts from Vermont wedding caterers and bakers that wowed taste buds and brought smiles to every guest. Indulge in the mouthwatering magic below and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.

What is the Vermont Weddings ‘Best Of’ Series?

It’s that time of year—our Vermont Weddings Best of Series is here! We’re celebrating the amazing work of Vermont’s top wedding professionals this wedding season, and we need your help to pick the best of the best. Check out the entries, get inspired, and vote for your favorites via the form at the end of this blog post. At the end of it all, we’ll announce the Reader’s Choice winners. Let’s celebrate together!

Mountains of Flavor

This cake is one of baker Jenica’s standout creations from the past wedding season! Its unique and colorful design showcases a variety of techniques, including stenciling on fondant and piping large buttercream flowers. What truly sets it apart are the personal touches, like the couple’s love of little houses, making it a beautifully meaningful centerpiece.

Baker: Fancy Pants Cakes

Photo by Fancy Pants Cakes and edited by Idena Beach Photography

Taste of Vermont

Spotted: dishes that are the perfect way to infuse a taste of Vermont into every moment of your celebration! Take a look at these show-stopping appetizers from Black Radish Catering. A Mozzarella Arancini that features fresh mozzarella tucked into risotto, breaded, lightly fried, and finished in the oven, served with fresh basil, shaved Parmesan, and Pomodoro sauce. And don’t miss the Vermont maple hoisin-glazed pork meatballs—an undeniable crowd-pleaser. 

Caterer: Black Radish Catering

Venue: Isham Family Farm

Myer Me, Greta!

How many people can say they had their own custom ice cream flavor made for their special day? This beautiful bride worked at Ben & Jerry’s for over 20 years earning herself a limited batch lemon and blueberry flavor for her and her husband’s wedding.

And yes, your eyes are not deceiving you! That really is Ben and Jerry’s founders Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield celebrating with the happy couple!

Photographer: Eaton Photo

Venue: Sleepy Hollow Inn

Catering: Green Meadows Catering Co

Dessert: Ben & Jerry’s

Hair: Salon Vermont – Brittany Nichols

Makeup: Sammiiglam

Coordinator: Love Birds Wedding Company

Florals and Officiant: Carmen George Weddings

Log Cabin Love

This sweet array of cupcakes and donuts found their home inside the tiniest log cabin we ever did see! Paired with a little a-frame, this spread truly encapsulates the Vermont vibe like no other.

Baker: Blue House Bakeshop Dessert

Venue: Sugarbush Resort

Photographer: Katie Krem Photography

Florals: Glad Farm

Planner: Assorted Artistries

Berries & Blooms

A simple yet stunning creation serves as the most captivating centerpiece for this couple’s special day! This whimsical cake ties together joyfully coordinated flowers and strawberries throughout the three tiers with stunning ribbon-like piping. Truly a sight to behold!

Baker: The Goose Chase Cake Design

Photographer: Lillian Seibert Photography

Venue: Mountain Top Resort

Florals: Honey Flora

Sweet Beginnings

This gave their California guests a true taste of Vermont with maplecCreemee cups from Mac’s Maple Farm. Adding a personal touch, a vintage ice cream cart featured their beloved cats’ names as part of the maple creemee cart display. For the couple, it was an extra special treat—it marked their very first Vermont creemee experience, and as you can see in photo #2, the bride gave it her seal of approval!

Venue: Quechee Inn

Creemees: Mac’s Maple

Photographer: Harper Photo Co.

Planner: I Dews Design & Events

 Florals: Oak & Bee Florals

Cheese Lovers’ Paradise

In Vermont, we take immense pride in our dairy, and this grazing table is a testament to that! Overflowing with epic selections of local cheeses, fresh fruits, vibrant berries, and an array of crackers, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Caterer: Backyard Bistro

Venue: Old Lantern Inn

Baked with Butterflies

This cake brought the couple’s vision to life with its stunning design, featuring butterflies, greenery, candles, and vibrant florals. The pastel color palette and intricate details created a beautiful centerpiece that perfectly complemented the day’s theme.

Baker: Cronin Cakes & Sweets

Photographer: Jenna Brisson

Florals: Tipsy Tulip Designs

Planner: Sara Judith Events

Venue: Trapp Family Lodge

Gimme Some Sugar

This display of cake pops by Sweet Vermont Treats is truly a scrumptious sight! Dusted in sprinkles, this perfect array of cake pops features delicious flavor options of confetti, chocolate, and lemon.

Baker: Sweet Vermont Treats

Photographer: Courtney Cania Photography

Venue: The Barn at Top of The World

Planner: Emily Scherer Coordination

Scooping Up Love

This couple took a sweet pause on their wedding day to soak in the moment—and enjoy a Vermont classic: maple creemees (our take on soft serve). A refreshing and delicious treat, perfect for a summer celebration! Some venues have their own creemee machines, or you can go the extra mile by renting a creemee truck, making dessert time even more fun for you and your guests.

Photographer: Kevin Goddard Photography

Venue: The Mansfield Barn

Florals: Memory Lane Floral Designs

Catering: Jericho Cafe and Tavern

Readers Choice Awards

Now that you’ve seen our picks for the best Vermont desserts in 2024, it’s time for you to vote! We’ll share your top picks for each category at the end of the month.

A Vintage Inspired Fall Wedding at Sleepy Hollow Inn

Posted on September 14, 2023

The moment we saw photos from this fall wedding at Sleepy Hollow Inn, we just knew we had to share it with you all. Easy-going and laid-back, Kirsten & Kaio’s personalities shone through on their November wedding day. Despite unexpected snowfall and chilly temperatures, they embraced the magical winter wonderland with open arms.

Their joy in having loved ones gather for a celebration that exuded warmth and love was palpable – and husband and wife photography duo Photos by Kintz was there to capture everything! 

Tying the Knot at Sleepy Hollow Inn

Kirsten and Kaio fell in love with the cozy charm of  Sleepy Hollow Inn and knew it was the perfect backdrop for their wedding day. Sleepy Hollow Inn features beautiful views of Vermont’s famed Camel’s Hump, a 17 sided round barn to dance the night away in and, as the name suggests, an Inn for a number of guests to stay at. The lovely grounds also include over 30 miles of trails where guests can hike, bike, or cross country ski.

The couple got married on their 5th anniversary. Wood is the traditional gift for a 5th anniversary, which was fitting, since Kirsten is a professional woodworker! In fact, the flowers for the bouquet and boutonnieres for the big day were made out of wood.

Other personal touches included vintage decor, such as classic typewriters, black and white prints, oil lanterns, and doilies on tables. The bride and groom were also styled in throwback threads. (Kirsten wore a crocheted sweater which her mother also wore on her wedding day!) The newlyweds kept the color palette warm and neutral and there was no shortage of twinkly lights and lanterns, adding to the cozy feel. Kaio is Brazilian, so the couple served delicious Brazilian food at the reception to keep guests fueled for an epic night of dancing.

In short: Kirsten and Kaio’s Vermont wedding was equal parts laidback, romantic, and a true blend of their interests and love story. 

Vendors:

Venue: Sleepy Hollow Inn, Photographer: Photos by Kintz.

Your Next Read:

Looking for another Vermont fall wedding? Check out this Inn at Grace Farm wedding.

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

BEST OF 2022: Wedding Venues

Posted on January 17, 2023

Despite being a small state, there is no shortage of amazing wedding venues across Vermont. From mountain retreats to lakeside spots, there truly is something for everyone here. We’re rounding up the best Vermont wedding venues to help you find your perfect “I do” location!

Check out our editorial picks for the best wedding venues in 2022, and vote for your favorite in our Readers Choice Awards below!

The Equinox

The Equinox  is located in the beautiful town of Manchester, Vermont and has no shortage of sweeping, majestic mountain views. Showcased here is the venue’s picturesque Pond Pavilion, which is located at the foot of Mt. Equinox.

Photo: Jaclyn Schmitz

Sugarbush Resort

If you love Vermont for skiing or snowboarding, then you’ll fall head over heels for Sugarbush Resort! This quintessential Vermont wedding venue, located in Warren, is breathtaking all seasons. The Resort offers several options for gathering spaces and plentiful onsite accommodations.
 
Photo 2: Oliver Parini

Wilburton Inn

The Wilburton Inn is nestled on 30 acres of pure romantic and historic charm! This venue is perfect for couple’s looking to provide guests with a weekend-long celebration. Their ceremony site boasts sweeping views, and the unique marble courtyard is the dreamiest setting to dance the night away.
 

Photos: Swoyer Photography

Hildene

Step straight into a fairytale at Hildene. The formal gardens of the Lincoln Family Home are the perfect backdrop for taking photos and sweeping views of the Taconic and Green Mountains are hard to beat. This is one of Vermont’s most elegant, historic and timeless venues!

Photo: Michelle Lange Photography

 

An Affair by the Lake

An Affair by the Lake, located on the shores of Lake Champlain, is truly stunning. Along with uninterrupted lake views, this venue also offers  a ceremony gazebo, large lawn for a tented reception, and elegant Inn on site for select guests.

Photo: Golden Door Photo

 

Talta Lodge

Tälta Lodge is one of Stowe, Vermont’s newest wedding venues and conveniently located near lots of outdoor activities, perfect for adventure loving couples. Highlighted here is a timeless summer wedding by Sara Judith Events. Everything about this day at Talta Lodge was customized to perfection for the bride and groom, and showcases what’s possible at this beautiful venue. 

Film: Beyond Bliss Films 

ECHO

Complete with sparkling views of Lake Champlain, ECHO is truly a unique and modern wedding venue.  It’s one of the most memorable wedding venues in Vermont (think: fish tanks & exhibits inside and Adirondack mountains views outside!) and is one of only a few venues directly on the Burlington waterfront. 

Photo: Michael Tallman

 

Farm Road Estate 

Farm Road Estate is a historic and romantic wedding venue and inn nestled on 32 acres in West Dover, Vermont. A quintessential Vermont wedding destination, uniquely suited to host Pinterest- ready weddings and large events all year round!

Photo 1: Abigail Jean Photography

Photo 2: Jenna Brisson Photography

The Essex Resort & Spa

The Essex Resort and Spa is the perfect destination for couples looking for deluxe accommodations and Vermont charm. Featured here is a garden party themed summer wedding filmed by Kasaydia Wind Media. The couple’s big day was ethereal, personal and sweet, with the Essex being the perfect backdrop!

Maquam Barn

Maquam Barn and Winery in Milton, Vermont can be easily descirbed in one word: romantic! The venue is a working winery with a magnificent, newly constructed barn, and sweeping vistas to backdrop couple’s ceremonies.

Photo: Katie Jean Photos

Lake Bomoseen Lodge

Lake Bomoseen Lodge is nestled in the Taconic Mountains on Vermont’s largest inland lake, gorgeous Lake Bomoseen. the venue includes multiple ceremony locations and on-site accomodations. We’ve seen weddings from all four seasons held here, each breathtaking in their own right!

Photo: Lindsey Vann 

Inn at Grace Farm

The Inn at Grace Farm provides couples with a private estate experience for their Vermont celebration. With three ceremony sites, a stunning reception barn, and comfortable on-site accommodations, Grace Farm is a truly magical place to celebrate.

Photo: Photos by Kintz

Sleepy Hollow

Step into a storybook at Sleepy Hollow Inn! Shown here is the venue’s pavilion, a cozy and romantic space in the winter. I’m swooning over the flickering candles framing the aisles.

Photo Credit: Cait Fletcher photo

Silhouette Hill

Silhouette Hill checks all of the boxes when it comes to hosting a quintessential Vermont wedding in the county. They provide a serene, picturesque backdrop for couples looking to customize their big day.

Millstone Hill

Millstone Hill  is complete with gorgeous views, a beautiful event barn, and a Bed and Breakfast. For couples looking for a real Vermont feel and charm, this quaint and romantic venue is it!

Lareau Farm Inn

Lareau Farm Inn is a classic Vermont farmhouse venue in Waitsfield, Vermont. Celebrations sprawl from the pavilion onto the expansive lawn, which lends even the most elegant of wedding an intimate vibe. As the home of Vermont-famous, American Flatbread, they also offer catering, including that famous (and ridiculously delish) wood-fired pizza. 
 
Photo 1: MoHo Photo

Farmhouse Flowers

 Farmhouse Flowers VT  is blooming with beauty! As the name suggests, this gorgeous venue is nestled among the lush flower gardens, from which the team crafts stunning wedding floral arrangements and bouquets. The timber frame reception barn is equally lovely.
 
Photo: Desirae Jean Photography

Sterling Ridge (Readers Choice Awards)

Sterling Ridge Resort is a log cabin resort hidden in the mountains, providing a unique, private space for couples to celebrate with loved ones for an entire wedding weekend. This is an absolutely beautiful backdrop for nature lovers!
 

Wild Sugar Homestead

Wild Sugar Homestead is a stunning, rustic wedding venue perfect for couples who want to create a unique, DIY wedding experience in a place that showcases all of Vermont’s natural beauty. And fun fact: its owners, Hallie and Erik (pictured), were also among the first couple to get married here!
 
Photos by Jessica Dantowitz and second shooter Miranda Photo Co.
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Best of 2022: Wedding Ceremony Details

Posted on January 13, 2023

Your wedding ceremony is the foundation of your wedding day, and therefore, it should be personal and full of meaningful details that reflect your love story. To inspire your own ceremony, we’re sharing some of our favorite ceremony details from this year’s weddings. 

(Related Reading: How to Create a Personal Wedding Ceremony)

From gorgeous decor to meaningful traditions,  these are our editorial pick. Take a look and check out who you picked for your Readers Choice Awards below!

Pretty in Pink (Readers Choice Awards Winner)

The chapel in the woods at the Inn at Weathersfield, is always a lovely spot for a wedding ceremony. However, this couple took it to another level with the bold pink floral aisle decor, matching ceremony arch, and coordinated petal drop as they walked back down the aisle as newlyweds. 

Photo: GarrenTee Photography

Devoted Flower Girls

These flower girls were devoted to their duties and their enthusiasm kicked off this summer wedding with an unbeatable energy. Weddings by Janet Dunn shared that one emptied her basket of rose petals long before the end of the aisle, and both were so joyful, the guests cheered! We can’t think of a sweeter start to a ceremony.

Planting Roots

This bride thoughtfully considered every detail of their ceremony set up, including transforming this beautiful old maple tree at The Soule House & Carriage Barn into a simple, elegant ceremony backdrop with draped linens and a boho floral display. Gorgeous! 
 
Photo: Candid Memories Studio
 
 

A Grand Entrance

This epic Indian Sikh wedding ceremony, planned by NJOY Weddings & Events, began with the BARAAT, a parade during which the groom makes his way to the wedding site. After the groom and his party were situated, the bride made her way to the groom in front of the holy text. The colors, the traditions, the lavish decor … each detail of this ceremony is memorable.

 
Photo: Virdee Films

Bubbly and Joyful

This couple opted for a bubble shower instead of throwing flower petals to close out their Sleepy Hollow Inn wedding ceremony. The effect is unique, whimsical, and oh-so-fun!

Holiday Magic

Destinations Found Events & Travel helped set the stage for this festive, winter wedding ceremony at Essex Resort and Spa. The backdrop of sparkling trees and glowing candles is stunning and perfectly Christmas-chic.

 
 

A Warm Welcome

This couple welcomed their guests to their ceremony with a unique display featuring an antique sleigh, complete with an “unplugged ceremony” sign, a water station, and card box.

Photo: Isora Lithgow Creations

The Heirloom Moment

There’s something magical about this painting that draws you in and makes you feel like you are there, watching the couple exchange vows. Undoubtedly, it will be a treasured heirloom for generations that will remind the couple of this sacred moment!

Painting: Hope Sharp Art

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Check out our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide for more inspiration and actionable tips (plus spreadsheets you can use to get organized immediately) to plan your dreamy Vermont wedding!

AN ENCHANTING HOLIDAY WEDDING AT SLEEPY HOLLOW INN

Posted on March 14, 2022

Julia and Irvin dreamed of a magical, winter Vermont wedding. They set a date right around Christmas, and thanks to a little holiday magic, they had a snowstorm that weekend!

Christmas Holiday Vibes for this Winter Wedding

With a fresh blanket of snow on the ground, their Sleepy Hollow Inn Wedding looks like it’s straight out of a snowglobe. With Christmas trees glowing with lights, snow falling, and gorgeous winter wedding attire (check that dapper green velvet suit!), this couple’s dream came true.

Couple smiling on winter wedding day at Sleepy Hollow Inn in Vermont

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Venue: SLEEPY HOLLOW INN – SKI AND BIKE | Photographer: CAITLIN FLETCHER PHOTOGRAPHY

Wedding Barns We Love

Posted on March 8, 2021

Barn weddings are practically synonymous with Vermont Weddings. Whether it’s the ceremony or the reception site, rustic or elegant, barns can be the perfect place to host your Vermont wedding. Here are a few of our favorite barn venues throughout the state. 

Farmhouse Flowers

Nestled among the gardens, The Barn at Farmhouse Flowers (Moretown) offers you the beauty and warmth of a hand-crafted timber frame barn built by local master craftsmen. The Barn opens onto a hillside pasture and a walking path that crosses a small bridge and leads to the hilltop wedding site. Surrounded by wildflowers, the hilltop site overlooks the flower farm, cornfields and views of the Worcester Mountain Range.

Maquam Barn & Winery

Situated on over 500 private acres, The Maquam Barn (Milton) is a beautifully reconstructed historic Vermont barn. The Barn offers air conditioning and heat, plenty of seating, and views of the operating vineyard and mountains from the expansive patio.

The Mansfield Barn

Originally built in the 1840’s, the Mansfield Barn (Jericho) is a meticulously renovated post and beam barn. Located at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the barn provides views of the Mountain, and beautiful natural landscape in any season.

Barnard Inn & Max’s Tavern

The historic Barnard Inn & Max’s Tavern (Barnard) offers a 1796 brick chateau, a renovated reception barn, and acres of perennial gardens and paths to explore and enjoy for your ceremony and reception. The Inn’s celebrated cuisine is always freshly-prepared and seasonally-inspired, crafted by award-winning Chef Will Dodson.

The Grafton Inn

Nestled within a quintessential Vermont country village, The Grafton Inn (Grafton) merges Vermont’s pastoral heritage with its modern charms. Adjacent to the main inn is the Phelps Barn, which was once a carriage house and now serves as a beautiful reception space with ample room for dining and dancing. Lodging is available on site.

The Inn at Grace Farm

The Grace Barn at the Inn at Grace Farm (Fairfax) is a gorgeous, round timber-frame barn built from lumber from the acres it sits on! The Barn overlooks rolling hills, and sweeping mountain vistas. The Barn can be enjoyed year-round thanks to comfortable radiant floor heating. Guest suites are available at the Inn.

Old Lantern Inn & Barn

The Old Lantern Inn and Barn (Charlotte) is an all-inclusive, chef-owned wedding venue. Couples enjoy the charm of the historic barn and the ease of planning with the team’s commitment to providing superior service. The on-site Inn provides a convenient lodging option.

The Soule House & Carriage Barn

Couples who envision an intimate, rustic wedding with a touch of vintage elegance will love The Soule House & Carriage Barn (Fairfield). The historic barn provides a perfect backdrop for a reception, and the Farmhouse provides an elegant, cozy spot to spend a weekend with loved ones.

Sleepy Hollow Inn

Excited by the idea of outdoor adventure for your wedding weekend? Check out Sleepy Hollow Inn (Huntington). The bright and airy 17-sided round barn overlooks a gorgeous view of Camel’s Hump. Guests are invited to camp on the property and explore over 30 miles of trails for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing.

Common Ground Center

Couples looking to celebrate in the Vermont countryside will enjoy the Common Ground Center (Starksboro). The property provides a 1,000 square foot Hay Barn, a cathedral-like space perfect for a wedding ceremony, and a rustic reception hall for perfect for dinner and dancing the night away.

Skinner Barn

In the Mad River Valley, the Skinner Barn (Waitsfield) is a historic dairy barn originally built in 1891. Of classic post and beam construction, the upper floor (originally designed for hay storage) has been restored with loving attention to keep the historical character of the structure intact.

A SMALL SUMMER WEDDING AT SLEEPY HOLLOW INN

Posted on February 2, 2021

Jen and Kris had one main goal while planning their wedding: to have their guests feel surrounded by love. “We weren’t sure how it was going to play out due to COVID,” says Jen “but despite adjustments being made, and a much smaller crowd, we still had the most magical day!” 

The couple celebrated their weekend at Sleepy Hollow Inn. Jen, a lifelong Vermonter, loved the Inn’s views of the iconic Camel’s Hump. And, they agreed the rustic barn provided a unique, Vermont wedding experience for their out of town guests (“many hadn’t been to many weddings outside of grand ballrooms!”). 

It’s clear from the smiling faces in the photos below that the couple’s planning paid off. See their love-filled celebration below!

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

 

Venue: SLEEPY HOLLOW INN – SKI AND BIKE | Hair & Makeup: BRITTANY DEGREE | Photography: RAY ADDAS PHOTOGRAPHY