Before we start, we just want to say that this particular list was a hard one to make. That’s not because there are few good wedding destinations in Vermont. Rather, it’s because there are so many fantastic ones, and it was very challenging to choose only from among them. To narrow them down, we tried our best to consider the many needs and preferences that each individual member of a wedding party might have, as well as the specific draws that attract people to Vermont in the first place (breathtaking natural scenery, peace, quiet, local charm, etc.). Between aesthetics, history, convenience, and access to amenities, we think we were able to strike a pretty good balance.
1. Pattee Hill
Run by Laura, a native Vermonter and agrotourism enthusiast, this venue has been operating as a Bed & Breakfast since 2019. However, the property’s roots as a dairy farm go back much further than that. The earliest records of ownership are from 1795, only 4 years after Vermont became a state and 15 years after the United States of America became independent. The house was most likely built in 1799, and according to records from the Georgia Historical Society, it was used as part of the Underground Railroad during that time, long ago, when our nation was nearly broken and Americans’ spirits were most thoroughly tested.
For those couples who appreciate history and want to solidify their own bond with each other in a place where the bonds that held America itself together refused to be severed, Pattee Hill is a terrific option. It is not only among the most historical wedding destinations in Vermont, but it is also one of the most charming. It’s just large enough to host up to 200 guests during your ceremony and can also house up to 16 people in 5 separate rooms within the house itself overnight. Don’t worry, though, as there are a number of other lovely accommodation options nearby in Colchester and Burlington for everyone who can’t sleep inside the house.
Among Vermont wedding destinations, Pattee Hill is the sort of venue you would choose if you want a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city, not too flashy but deeply rooted in local history and traditions. It’s also the sort of place you’d choose if you want to be surrounded by nature during your ceremony, with leaves rustling in the wind and birdsongs in the breeze. And to make things even better, while Pattee Hill is far from any major city, it’s only 25 minutes from Burlington. So it should be easy to get everyone to and from the venue without any problems.
2. The Essex Resort & Spa
This is one of the more expensive Vermont wedding destinations, being, obviously, a resort. The downside of a resort is that it will cost more money, but the upside is that it’s generally all-inclusive. While The Essex Resort & Spa doesn’t boast the same storied past as Pattee Hill, it does boast a heated indoor pool, sauna, tennis court, and fitness center, as well as the possibility of accommodating more than 16 people overnight. To make it better, there are also activities for children, and pets are allowed.
The Essex Resort & Spa also has various other amenities we haven’t mentioned. Those things can all be found on their website, and they are mostly the sorts of things you would expect a 4-star hotel and resort to have. As one of the best resorts in the area, The Essex is the sort of place you would choose out of a list of Vermont wedding destinations if you wanted to house everyone in the same building complex and ensure that everyone has access to a decent gym and massage therapy treatments. Of course, The Essex is only about 30 minutes away from Pattee Hill by car, so there is also nothing stopping you from having some of your guests stay at Pattee Hill while the rest stay at The Essex or another place nearby. That’s one of the great things about this part of Vermont: you don’t have to choose only one place.
3. The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa
Taking things down a notch on the Fancy Meter, we have The Equinox. This is a 3-star hotel and resort in Manchester, which is in the south of Vermont, about 1 hour from North Adams, Massachusetts. It’s our only entry on this list of Vermont wedding destinations that isn’t in the Burlington area, but that’s not because there aren’t other great venues around the state; it’s just because we ran out of space writing this list and had to choose only a few to include on it.
In our opinion, the #1 thing The Equinox has going for it is its scenery and architecture. Aesthetically speaking, it’s just a beautiful place in a gorgeous location. It’s actually located smack in the middle of Green Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests. Besides that, though, you’d struggle to find a collection of buildings that visibly yell “New England!” louder than those that comprise The Equinox. One of the most enjoyable things to do there (other than play golf, obviously) is to lounge on the porch in a rocking chair, chatting while feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, breathing in crisp, clean air, and smelling the many flowers the staff have cultivated all over the property.
Conclusion
While this list is by no means exhaustive, we hope it has helped to give you some ideas and inspiration for your upcoming wedding. To be honest, it’s hard to really go wrong here, and there are very few wedding destinations in Vermont that are actually bad. No matter what, if you’re here in Vermont, your wedding is bound to be in a destination that’s beautiful and surrounded by both lovely people and jaw-dropping landscapes. It’s really a matter of personal preferences, and the only thing lacking here is a big city vibe or skyline. But since you’ve chosen Vermont to begin with, you’re probably the sort of couple who think that sounds just perfect. 🌲
