Southern Vermont continues to be a year-round destination for couples looking to say their vows among the rolling Green Mountains. Here you will find lush landscapes scattered with towering oak, maple and pine, stone walls that were once used as property dividers now moss covered and all alongside rivers, ponds and streams bringing life from the mountain tops to the valleys as if the veins of the Earth. While the summer months are certainly the busiest of the seasons in the area, winter and fall are both a very sought-after time of the year as well for newlyweds. The magic of the snow falling over twinkling lights is certainly a beautiful sight to behold. Or find yourself surrounded with the vibrant, changing of the leaves as the colors of the famous green mountains shift to fiery reds, yellows and oranges. Southern Vermont offers a multitude of backdrops, venues and styles to fulfill whatever vision you may have for your idealistic wedding.
A major draw for wedding planners is to find all inclusive locations that can support the entire day’s activities to eliminate the need for any traveling. Southern Vermont is home to many inns and resorts with enough amenities and services to incorporate your entire itinerary. A few local larger resorts that are popular wedding venues include the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa, the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, and the Inn at Manchester. Each of these locations are able to handle larger guest lists and offer more beds. Some of the more quaint and picturesque inns of the area include the Reluctant Panther, Seesaws, West Mountain Inn and The Wilburton Inn. Of course, your wedding venue does not have to be limited to an Inn or Resort. Southern Vermont offers beauty around every turn and even a simple hillside can deliver a wedding filled with magic. Though, a few local favorite venues that are popular for holding ceremonies are Hildene – the Lincoln Family Home, The Beech at the Manchester Country Club, and the Southern Vermont Arts Center. Each of these locations boast vast lawns, classic architecture and incomparable Vermont views.
Apart from the landscapes and backdrops, many couples look to this area because of the local fare, which is well known for being fresh, straight from the source, or more commonly known as farm-to-table. Many of the popular local ingredients can be found growing in the wild as well. From morel mushrooms and hen-of-the-woods, to ramps and fiddleheads and of course, maple syrup. With so many artisan producers and farmers in the area, healthy and natural catering offerings are plentiful and unique. Many of the mentioned venues can handle on site catering, though you are certainly not limited. Include a Ben & Jerry’s Ice cream cart from the local dairy bar, or wow your guests with some hot and fresh cider donuts. With so many options to choose from, the combinations are seemingly endless.
When it comes to style, much depends on the characters of the couple. From modern to rustic, traditional to contemporary, Vermont encompasses it all. Classic barns restored with high ceilings and powerful beams, elegant ballrooms with ornate chandeliers, to lush hillsides with mountain vistas that go on for miles. Whether you are from the area and have a deep connection, or you’ve visited and immediately fell in love with Vermont. It’s easy to understand why so many couples look to this area when planning their special day.
It can be easy to overlook activities for the down days that sometimes occur before or after the day of a wedding. Luckily, Manchester Vermont has plenty of area activities. Work off that big meal with one of the area’s many hiking trails or cool down in a local swimming hole. Perhaps you’ll choose to hit the town to sample one of the many unique bars and pubs or peruse the many outlets and shops that Manchester Center is so well known for. Whether you are hosting the wedding, or have been invited to a Southern Vermont ceremony, remain confident that experience a magical setting and unforgettable memories.
