If you’re dreaming of a romantic, nature-filled escape to say “I do,” a Vermont destination wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for. When it comes to weddings, few places capture the romantic magic quite like Vermont. Known for its charming small towns, mountain views, and four-season beauty, Vermont offers a truly unforgettable backdrop for weddings of all styles – especially for couples seeking a rustic or outdoor experience. No matter what season you’re most drawn to, a Vermont destination wedding promises to be an unforgettable weekend getaway for you and your guests.
Why Choose Vermont for Your Destination Wedding?
Vermont has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the Northeast, and for good reason. It combines natural beauty with warm hospitality, creating the perfect setting for couples who want something more intimate and meaningful than a traditional wedding venue.
Natural Beauty Year-Round: Vermont’s landscape transforms with each season, offering dramatically different aesthetics throughout the year. Fall brings the iconic foliage that draws visitors from around the world, while summer offers verdant meadows and clear blue skies. Spring blooms with wildflowers and fresh greenery, and winter creates a magical wonderland perfect for cozy celebrations.
Authentic Rustic Charm: Vermont’s historic barns, farms, and countryside venues provide an authentic rustic elegance that’s difficult to replicate elsewhere. Not only do these spaces offer character and warmth, with pastoral settings and architectural details that create stunning photo opportunities, but it’s a place where you and your guests can truly unwind.
Farm-to-Table Excellence: Vermont’s renowned farm-to-table dining scene means your wedding feast can feature the freshest local ingredients, artisanal cheeses, craft beverages, and seasonal produce that showcase the region’s agricultural heritage.
Intimate and Accessible: Unlike some destination wedding locations that require passports and lengthy flights, Vermont is easily accessible for guests traveling from major East Coast cities while still feeling like a true escape from everyday life.
Key Considerations for Planning a Vermont Destination Wedding
Choose the Right Season: Fall is the most popular season due to the foliage, so plan early if that’s your target. Winter weddings offer cozy lodge vibes, while summer is perfect for outdoor receptions.
Selecting the Right Venue: Your venue selection is perhaps the most critical decision you’ll make, as it influences nearly every other aspect of your wedding planning. The right Vermont venue should align with your vision, accommodate your guest count comfortably, and provide the amenities and support you need as a destination couple.
Book Accommodations Early: Many Vermont towns are small, with limited lodging, so it’s smart to block rooms or suggest Airbnb options well in advance. Venues like The Barn at Boyden Farm are conveniently located near both Stowe and Burlington, giving guests plenty of overnight options.
Consider Local Vendors: Vermont is home to incredible farm-to-table caterers, floral designers, and musicians. Using local vendors not only simplifies logistics, it also gives your wedding that unmistakable Vermont flavor. The Boyden Farm team, for example, has built strong relationships with local pros, which makes planning smoother from afar.
Wedding Design and Decor: When planning a Vermont destination wedding, your design approach should enhance the natural beauty surrounding you. Focus on complementing the existing architecture and landscape with thoughtful accents that incorporate what’s seasonally available and authentic to Vermont.
Make it a Weekend Experience: Turn your wedding into a full weekend celebration by planning welcome dinners, group hikes, or farewell brunches. Many Vermont venues offer the opportunity to host multiple events on-site or nearby over the course of the weekend.
Marriage License Requirements: One of the practical advantages of choosing Vermont for your destination wedding is the state’s straightforward marriage license process with no residency requirements, making it accessible for couples from anywhere.
Choosing the Season for Your Vermont Wedding
One of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your Vermont destination wedding is selecting your season. Each offers distinct advantages and considerations.
Fall Weddings (September – October)
Fall is Vermont’s most popular wedding season, and it’s easy to see why. The legendary foliage creates a natural cathedral of reds, oranges, and golds that needs minimal additional decoration. The crisp air, comfortable temperatures, and that perfect fall light make everything feel magical, from outdoor ceremonies surrounded by colorful trees to sunset photos that capture the rich, warm tones of the season.
Peak Foliage Timing: Late September through mid-October typically offers the most dramatic colors, though exact timing varies by elevation and weather patterns. Northern Vermont peaks earlier than southern regions.
Planning Considerations: Book your venue at least 12-18 months in advance for fall dates, as this is prime wedding season in Vermont. You may even want to book two years in advance if there is a specific date and venue you have your heart set on. The earlier you book, the better chances you have of securing your desired date. Weather can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to 70s Fahrenheit, so include weather contingency plans.
Styling Advantages: Autumn’s natural palette complements warm-toned florals, candlelight, and rustic décor. Consider incorporating seasonal elements like pumpkins, apples, and autumn leaves into your reception design.
Summer Weddings (June – August)
Summer offers the most reliable weather and the longest daylight hours for extended celebrations and golden hour photography. With the sun not setting until 8:30 PM or later in June and July, you’ll have ample natural light for outdoor ceremonies, cocktail hours on the lawn, and that coveted golden hour glow that photographers dream of.
Weather Reliability: Warm temperatures (70s-80s) and lower precipitation chances make outdoor ceremonies more feasible. Long days mean natural light until 8 PM or later.
Activities for Guests: Summer allows for more outdoor guest activities like hiking, swimming in lakes, farmers market visits, and exploring Vermont’s charming towns.
Considerations: Although not quite as popular as fall, summer is also a popular season, so book early. Be prepared for potential humidity and have fans or shaded areas available for guest comfort.
Spring Weddings (April – May)
Spring represents Vermont’s renewal, with mud season giving way to blooming flowers and baby farm animals. By mid-May, Vermont usually sheds its winter coat to reveal fresh green pastures, blossoming apple orchards, and an abundance of spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils that create a naturally colorful backdrop for celebrations.
Emerging Beauty: Late spring offers blooming gardens, green pastures, and moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor ceremonies without summer’s heat.
Budget-Friendly: Like winter, spring can offer better rates as it’s a shoulder season for Vermont weddings.
Weather Wildcard: Spring weather can be unpredictable. Early spring may still see chilly temperatures and rain, so have indoor backup plans ready.
Winter Weddings (December – February)
For couples seeking a cozy, intimate celebration, winter offers a romantic alternative with potential cost savings. Snow-covered landscapes transform Vermont into a fairytale setting, while the coziness of a heated venue with flickering candlelight, crackling fires, and twinkling lights creates an incredibly warm and romantic atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the winter wonderland outside.
Winter Wonderland Aesthetic: Snow-covered landscapes, twinkling lights, and the warmth of a barn venue create an incredibly romantic atmosphere. Think candlelight, evergreens, and rustic elegance.
Budget Benefits: Winter is the off-season for many Vermont venues, which can mean better rates and more available dates. Vendors may also offer reduced pricing.
Logistical Considerations: Have backup plans for weather-related travel delays. Consider providing transportation for guests and choosing accommodations close to your venue.
Selecting Your Vermont Wedding Venue
Your venue choice sets the tone for your entire celebration and significantly impacts your planning process. Vermont offers diverse venue options, each with unique characteristics.
Historic Barns and Farm Venues
Barn venues represent quintessential Vermont charm, offering rustic elegance and pastoral settings that create memorable experiences and photos. These historic structures tell stories of Vermont’s agricultural heritage, with weathered wood, soaring post-and-beam construction, and architectural details that have stood the test of time. For couples seeking an authentic Vermont experience that combines history, natural beauty, and timeless romance, barn venues deliver an unmatched setting that requires minimal decoration yet makes a maximum impact.
What to Look For:
- Restored historic barns with original architectural features
- Picturesque grounds for ceremonies and photos
- On-site accommodations or nearby lodging options
- Flexible layouts that accommodate both intimate and larger gatherings
- Support from experienced venue coordinators
Questions to Ask:
- Does the venue provide tables, chairs, and basic equipment?
- What are the weather contingency plans?
- Are there preferred vendor lists or exclusive caterers?
- What’s included in the rental fee?
Mountain Views and Ski Resorts
These venues, from full-service resorts to intimate lodges and estates with mountain views, sit nestled in or overlook the Green Mountains, providing sweeping vistas of peaks and valleys that create breathtaking ceremony and reception settings. The all-inclusive nature of many ski resort mountain venues means less coordination stress for destination couples, as details like catering, accommodations, and activities are often handled by experienced on-site teams. Guest experience is seamless when everyone stays on property or nearby, with access to amenities and seasonal activities such as skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the mountain scenery. For couples who want stunning natural surroundings with varying levels of service and convenience, Vermont’s mountain venues deliver beauty and flexibility.
Advantages: Ski resorts often have on-site accommodations, multiple event spaces, activities for guests, and experienced event staff who handle much of the logistics.
Considerations: These venues often have higher minimum guest counts and price points, though they may offer package deals that simplify planning. If you’re just looking for a wedding venue with mountain views, consider a wedding venue in a valley setting instead.
Inns and Historic Properties
Vermont’s charming inns and historic estates provide intimate settings perfect for smaller destination weddings. These properties offer a more private, exclusive feel where you can often rent the entire venue for the weekend, creating a house party atmosphere where your closest friends and family stay together under one roof. With personalized service, cozy accommodations, beautifully maintained gardens or grounds for ceremonies, and often farm-to-table dining prepared by in-house chefs, inns and estates deliver an elevated yet warmly intimate experience that larger venues simply can’t match.
Ideal For: Couples wanting a more private celebration, often with room blocks built into the venue rental, creating a weekend house party atmosphere.
What Makes Them Special: Personalized service, cozy accommodations, and often picturesque gardens or grounds for ceremonies and photos.
Gardens and Outdoor Venues
For couples prioritizing natural settings, Vermont offers stunning gardens and outdoor spaces, though these typically require more vendor coordination. These venues range from cultivated estate gardens and flower farms to open fields and lakefront properties, each providing a naturally beautiful canvas that showcases Vermont’s landscape in its purest form. While outdoor venues offer unparalleled beauty and flexibility for design, couples should be prepared to bring in most elements independently – from tents and rentals to catering and restrooms – and work closely with vendors to create the infrastructure needed for a seamless celebration.
Important Considerations: Always have a backup plan for inclement weather, whether through tent rentals or indoor alternative spaces. Consider guest comfort with shade, seating, and facilities.
Planning for Unpredictable Weather
Vermont’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, and even the most carefully planned outdoor wedding can face unexpected conditions regardless of the season. Summer thunderstorms can roll in without warning, fall temperatures can swing from 75 degrees to 45 degrees in a single day, spring showers are frequent, and winter nor’easters can arrive earlier or later than forecasted. This unpredictability isn’t meant to discourage you – it’s simply the reality of New England weather and something that should be embraced and planned for from the very beginning of your venue search.
The most important decision you can make as a destination wedding couple is choosing a venue with a beautiful built-in inclement weather alternative, so you’re never left scrambling or stressing as your wedding day approaches. Look for venues with built-in weather plans, like covered pavilions or temperature-controlled barns. For example, here at The Barn at Boyden Farm we offer both indoor and outdoor ceremony options with plenty of flexibility to ensure your special day goes smoothly.
Considerations:
- When touring venues, don’t just admire the outdoor spaces on a sunny day; ask to see the indoor alternatives and imagine your ceremony taking place there.
- When planning for heat, ensure shade structures, provide fans, offer cold beverages and water stations, and schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.
- When planning for rain, provide umbrellas for guests, have covered walkways or pathways, and consider stylish rain boots for outdoor photos.
- Establish how you’ll communicate any weather-related changes to guests (wedding website, text updates, coordinator announcements).
Questions to Ask:
- How quickly can the space be transformed if weather changes?
- Is the indoor space large enough to comfortably hold your ceremony and cocktail hour?
- Does it maintain the aesthetic and atmosphere you’re envisioning?
Booking Wedding Guest Accommodations in Vermont
Securing comfortable accommodations for your wedding guests is one of the most important logistical elements of planning a Vermont destination wedding. Since you’re asking loved ones to travel – sometimes significant distances – to celebrate with you, providing clear guidance and quality lodging options shows thoughtfulness and ensures everyone can fully enjoy the weekend without stress.
Start Planning Early: Book accommodations early, ideally 8-10 months before your wedding date, especially if you’re getting married during peak foliage season when Vermont hotels and inns book up quickly with leaf-peepers and tourists.
What to Book: Work with local hotels, inns, and bed-and-breakfasts to establish room blocks that offer your guests discounted rates, and aim to provide options at multiple price points to accommodate varying budgets, from luxury inns to comfortable mid-range hotels to budget-friendly motels. Local favorites in the Burlington and Stowe area are Sterling Ridge Resort and Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Both of these lodging options are just a quick 10-15 minute drive from our rustic barn venue, as are a variety of other hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts.
For a more personalized approach, consider booking vacation rental homes through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO where groups of friends or extended family can stay together, cook meals, and enjoy quality time beyond the wedding day itself.
Proximity: Consider the proximity of accommodations to your venue as a top priority, particularly if your celebration extends into the evening with dancing and cocktails. Guests will appreciate being within a short drive (ideally 10-15 minutes) of your venue, and it makes coordinating shuttle services much simpler and more cost-effective. If your venue offers on-site lodging, take advantage of this convenience. Having everyone stay together creates a wonderful weekend-long celebration and eliminates transportation concerns entirely.
Information Packets: Provide guests with comprehensive information about accommodations, including booking deadlines, transportation options, and amenities.
Transportation: The majority of Vermont still is limited when it comes to ride share apps like Uber and Lyft, so be sure to share information about rental car availability, taxi services, and ride-sharing options in the area of your venue well in advance. If guests will be flying in, note that the closest major airports are Burlington (BTV), Manchester (MHT), and Albany (ALB). Provide clear directions and consider arranging group transportation from airports for guests arriving at similar times.
Shuttle Services: If your wedding venue does not have on-site accommodations, be sure to arrange shuttles between hotels and your venue, especially if serving alcohol. This ensures guest safety and eliminates parking concerns.
Whichever route you choose, create a dedicated accommodations page on your wedding website with booking links, deadlines, special group codes, and clear directions from each property to your venue. This single resource will answer most guest questions and streamline their planning process.
Working with Vermont Wedding Vendors
Building your vendor team is crucial for bringing your Vermont wedding vision to life. Vermont has a strong community of talented wedding professionals, and many wedding venues maintain preferred vendor lists of professionals they’ve successfully worked with. These relationships can streamline planning and ensure vendors are familiar with your space.
To find wedding vendors in Vermont, be sure to connect with local wedding planning associations and directories that showcase regional professionals, such as the Vermont Association of Wedding Professionals. Be sure to also check online reviews and ask for references from recent weddings, particularly other destination celebrations.
Essential Vendor Categories
Catering and Food Services: Vermont’s farm-to-table movement means exceptional catering options. Look for caterers who source locally and can accommodate dietary restrictions while showcasing regional specialties. We highly recommend and love working with Let’s Pretend Catering and Fluid Bar Service.
Photography and Videography: Choose photographers familiar with Vermont locations who understand how to work with the state’s natural lighting and seasonal variations. Review full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. Some of our favorite Vermont wedding photographers are Ben Hudson Photography, Blue Locket Photography, and Kristen Phelps Photography.
Floral Design: Vermont florists excel at incorporating seasonal, locally-grown flowers and natural elements. Discuss your vision and how it can complement the season and venue’s existing aesthetic.
Music and Entertainment: Whether you prefer a DJ, live band, or acoustic musicians, ensure they have experience with barn acoustics or outdoor settings if applicable.
Planning and Coordination: Consider hiring a local wedding planner or day-of coordinator who knows Vermont venues and vendors. Their expertise can be invaluable for destination couples who can’t visit frequently.
Vendor Logistics
Site Visits and Meetings: Plan vendor meetings during your venue visits. Virtual meetings work for initial consultations, but in-person meetings help solidify relationships.
Contracts and Communication: Ensure all contracts clearly specify services, timing, payment schedules, and cancellation policies. Maintain regular communication as your date approaches.
Vendor Timeline: Create a detailed timeline for your wedding day that’s shared with all vendors. This ensures everyone knows when and where they need to be.
Vermont Wedding Design and Décor
Vermont’s natural beauty provides a stunning foundation for your wedding design, the key being to enhance rather than compete with your surroundings. For example, barn venues and natural settings have inherent character. Avoid over-decorating and instead focus on thoughtful touches that complement existing features. Adding natural elements like wood slices, greenery, wildflowers, candles, and natural fabrics like linen and burlap feels authentic to Vermont’s aesthetic, while string lights, lanterns, and candles help to transform rustic spaces into romantic settings.
Other ways to incorporate Vermont touches into your special day include:
Local Flavors: Feature Vermont products like maple syrup favors, local cheese and charcuterie, craft beer and cider, and farm-fresh ingredients in your wedding menu.
Artisan Details: Support local artisans for items like handmade ceramics, wooden signs, and custom stationery that reflects Vermont craftsmanship.
Natural Favors: Give guests meaningful mementos like local honey, Vermont maple candy and syrup, packets of wildflower seeds, or small bottles of craft spirits.
Creating a Full Wedding Weekend Experience
A destination wedding in Vermont isn’t just about one day; instead, it’s an opportunity to create a memorable multi-day experience for your guests throughout their stay. When loved ones are traveling to celebrate with you, extending the festivities beyond the wedding day itself allows for deeper connections, shared adventures, and a more relaxed celebration overall. Think of your wedding weekend as a mini vacation that brings together your favorite people in one of New England’s most charming settings.
Welcome Party Dinners and Cocktail Hours
Start your wedding weekend with a warm welcome that helps guests settle in and connect with one another. A welcome dinner or cocktail hour the evening before your wedding creates an ideal opportunity for introductions, especially when families and friend groups are meeting for the first time. Consider hosting a casual gathering at a local Vermont brewery, farm-to-table restaurant, or even a relaxed barbecue at your venue if space allows. This pre-wedding event doesn’t need to be formal or elaborate—the goal is to break the ice, ease any travel fatigue, and build excitement for the main celebration ahead. Many couples find that this informal gathering actually reduces their own pre-wedding jitters, as they get to enjoy quality time with guests without the structured timeline of the wedding day itself.
Welcome bags are another thoughtful touch that makes guests feel appreciated from the moment they arrive. Place these in hotel rooms or hand them out at your welcome event, filled with Vermont-specific treats that introduce visitors to local flavors and culture. Include items like small bottles of pure maple syrup, Vermont craft chocolates or cheese, local craft beer or cider, bottled water, and snacks for the weekend. Beyond edible treats, add practical items like a detailed wedding weekend itinerary, a map highlighting your venue and recommended local spots, any transportation schedules, and perhaps a personalized note thanking guests for traveling to celebrate with you. These welcome bags serve both a functional purpose—providing helpful information—and an emotional one, showing your guests how much their presence means to you.
Curating the Vermont Vibes
One of the greatest advantages of a destination wedding is the opportunity to share a place you love with the people who matter most. Create a guide to local attractions and activities that allows guests to explore Vermont at their own pace between wedding events. Recommend scenic drives that showcase covered bridges and mountain vistas, point them toward weekend farmers markets where they can sample artisan cheeses and baked goods, or suggest hiking trails appropriate for various fitness levels. Vermont’s craft beverage scene is exceptional, so include information about nearby brewery and distillery tours for guests who enjoy tastings. For those seeking relaxation, share details about local spas and wellness experiences.
Some guests will want to adventure, while others will prefer to simply relax at their accommodations. The key is providing options without over-programming, and choosing a venue that allows your guests easy access to Vermont’s multitude of outdoor and cultural activities – just like The Barn at Boyden Farm.
Farewell Brunch and Lasting Goodbyes
Extend your celebration beyond the wedding day with a casual farewell brunch the morning after. This relaxed gathering gives you additional time with guests who may be departing at different times throughout the day, and it provides a perfect opportunity to relive favorite moments from the wedding while they’re still fresh. The farewell brunch can be as simple as coffee and pastries at your hotel or as elaborate as a full brunch at a local restaurant—what matters most is creating one final touchpoint where everyone can say proper goodbyes without the rushed feeling that often follows weddings.
Legal Requirements of Getting Married in Vermont
Understanding Vermont’s marriage requirements and maintaining an organized timeline ensures smooth planning. All couples planning on getting married in Vermont must get a Vermont marriage license, although no residency requirement exists for couples marrying in Vermont. To apply for a Vermont marriage license, make an appointment in advance at any Vermont town clerk’s office. Both parties must appear in person with valid identification. Licenses are valid immediately upon issuance and remain valid for 60 days. Your officiant must also be authorized to perform marriages in Vermont. Be sure to verify their credentials before your ceremony.
Your Vermont Destination Wedding Journey Begins
The key to successful destination wedding planning is starting early, staying organized, and choosing vendors and venues that understand your vision. Vermont’s wedding community is known for warmth, professionalism, and genuine care for couples celebrating their love in the Green Mountains.
As you embark on planning your Vermont destination wedding, remember that this celebration extends beyond a single day – it’s an experience that brings together your closest loved ones in a beautiful setting, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The magic of Vermont lies in its ability to make everything feel personal and intentional.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a location that offers natural beauty, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable memories, Vermont might just be the destination where your wedding dreams come true.
