To Have and to Hold – Dream Wedding Spots in Connecticut

Who says you have to hold an engagement party at the golf club? Host your engagement or bachelor/bachelorette party at your favorite craft brew spot, like Two Roads Brewing in Stratford, a cool cocktail bar or even cruising down the Connecticut River. Your guests will enjoy the experience as much as you will. Of course, Connecticut’s world-class casino destinations, Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mohegan Sun, also offer dozens of exciting options! Here are a few other ideas:

• Bar, New Haven
• Essex Steam Train & Riverboat, Haddam
• Cue & Brew, Branford
• Black Eyed Sally’s, Hartford
• Delamar Spa at Delamar, Southport
• The Spot, New Haven
• Troupe429, Norwalk (LGBTQ+)

Looking for a wedding spot that offers plenty of on-property lodging for your guests? Here are a few locations from around Connecticut where you can combine the perfect wedding with a comfortable, welcoming stay.

The town of Mystic offers the quintessentially New England experience, with water views and historic surroundings. On a hill alongside the Pequotsepos River, The Inn at Mystic has a classic seaport feel that appeals in any season. At the top of the hill, the Haley Mansion offers both a dramatic backdrop and formal gardens with a view of the sea. There is a guest house nearby which offers intimate accommodations in addition to the spacious rooms your guests will find at the Inn itself.

With great views of Long Island Sound just beyond a stretch of private sandy beach, the Madison Beach Hotel in Madison offers panoramic views, even from indoors. Offering plenty of room for out-of-town guests, the Madison Beach Hotel is within easy reach of wineries, golf, outdoor adventures and shopping as well.

In the Litchfield Hills, follow winding country roads to The Interlaken Inn, overlooking one of Connecticut’s most scenic lakes. Whether you want a rustic lakeside ceremony or an evening tented affair under the stars, you’ll find this versatile location picturesque and endlessly romantic. Your guests can stay at the Inn, in a cottage or even in an 1800s Victorian on the property.

The Connecticut River meets Long Island Sound in picturesque shoreline town Old Saybrook, and that’s where you’ll find  The Saybrook Point Inn, home to hotel, fine dining, spa, marina and amazing dockside views. Spend your honeymoon night in the lighthouse suite, an actual lighthouse, and put your guests in a range of cozy accommodations, from classic rooms to Victorian-style guest houses.

Vineyards are becoming more popular than ever for hosting private events. In Connecticut, you’ll find over two dozen vineyards on our Connecticut Wine Trail, and many of them offer unique and inviting spaces, whether you’re looking for a farm feel, gorgeous views or elegant table settings among the barrels. Check out Chamard Vineyards in Clinton (pictured); Jonathan Edwards Winery or Saltwater Farm Vineyard not far from the shore in Stonington; and Hopkins Vineyard, nestled in the Litchfield Hills. And be sure to visit the Connecticut Wine Trail to find other scenic vineyards around the state.

This article showcases properties that cater to weddings and have some of the most beautiful views in Connecticut.

Find your perfect marriage officiant at findaJP.com.