Manchester, Vermont is a widely sought-after location for major life events with its romantic, idyllic setting that endures throughout the year. Whether it’s the beauty of the snow-capped mountaintops, the blossoming springtime flowers, the verdant summer scenery, or the striking fall color displays, it is the go-to destination for happy couples in any season. With so many couples saying “YES” to their partners, engagement season is well underway. Couples are starting to make plans for their future weddings and celebrations.

With its natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming community, the Manchester VT area, provides the perfect backdrop. With stunning landscapes and inspiring scenery, our destination is second to none. Plus, Vermont’s all-inclusive, welcoming community makes every guest feel like they’ve always belonged. The State of Vermont was the first state to pass legislation recognizing same-sex civil unions, and three months later, the first same-sex couple in the U.S. joined together, right here in Southern Vermont! Since 2009, the State has legally recognized and celebrated same-sex marriages.

The Manchester area has a wealth of extremely distinctive locations, including boutique hotels, mansions from the turn of the century, and traditional barns. This area has some of the most talented specialists at your disposal ready to help you prepare for the important day, weekend, or week long event. From photographers and musicians to event coordinators, floral designers, bakers, and caterers… Manchester has everything you need to make your celebration really unique and unforgettable.

Manchester, Vermont is ready to welcome you and your guests, whether you’re planning a themed event, a big, opulent destination wedding, a small intimate dinner party, a getaway trip for two, or any special life event.

Venues

Southern Vermont Arts Center (SVAC). Let SVAC turn your special event into a work of art in one of its three unique spaces on 103 acres filled with forest, field, and sculpture parks. The historic Yester House (built in 1917 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is home to 10 distinct galleries, a library/meeting room filled with original art, outdoor patio seating, and grand vistas of the Taconic Mountain range.

Looking for something with a more modern vibe? Choose the Wilson Museum with its wide lobby, dramatic central staircase, vaulted gallery ceilings, and contemporary art exhibitions. The Arkell Pavilion is a 400-seat performing arts pavilion with a state-of-the-art light and sound system, a large stage, and a glass-enclosed atrium with bar facilities.  Since exclusive catering is provided by curATE Café, a 68-seat glass-enclosed on-site restaurant, you and your guests will experience food and beverages that showcase Vermont’s abundance of local products celebrating local farms and producers.

Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, located in historic Manchester Village, offers a historic and majestic backdrop for your dream event. You and your guests will have an authentic Vermont experience, which begins with you walking through The Lincoln Family Home to your wedding ceremony in their historic formal garden. Look out to the Taconic Mountains to the west and the Green Mountains to the east, with stunning views of rolling fields and the famed Battenkill River Valley 300 feet below.

Your guests will be treated to beautifully prepared fresh local food, exclusively catered by Pangaea Restaurant. Some ingredients may have even been grown at Hildene Farm. Something old and something new is a wedding tradition at Hildene.

The new Lincoln Hall is slated to open in late Spring/early Summer of 2024. It is a spectacular four-season 14,000SF assembly space that will accommodate weddings and special events throughout the entire year.

Kimpton Taconic Hotel, recently named by Brides.com as one of “The 16 Best Destination Wedding Venues in the United States” is inspired by New England’s grand inns of the 19th & 20th Centuries. This stunning location features 86 accommodations complemented by warm and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces designed for gatherings.

What if your wedding could transcend our most vivid daydreams? It all begins with a Vermont wedding venue unlike any other. With the Hotel’s intimate ambiance in charming Manchester Village, where mountain views and fresh air are ever-present. Host your “night before” celebration in their stunning private event space. Cap off the perfect weekend with an indoor/outdoor farewell brunch in a private space for your closest friends and family. The hotel takes pride in delivering restaurant-quality cuisine for its catered events, no matter how intimate or grand.

Equinox Golf Resort and Spa. Whatever your wedding vision, we can bring it to life. Plan your special day at The Equinox Resort, where dreams do come true. The Equinox provides a stunning backdrop for your dream wedding and the perfect balance between historic charm and modern amenities. Whether you’re hosting a lavish banquet for 200 or an intimate gathering for your nearest and dearest, our team will ensure that it exceeds your expectations. Our team of wedding experts will meet your every need with grace and professionalism, always focused on helping you make memories, not to-do lists.

The most special day of your lives together deserves a spectacular setting. Savor every moment with help from The Equinox Resort’s romantic mountain setting and comprehensive wedding services. We’ll create a magical space whether you want an intimate garden affair or a Grand Ceremony on the Lincoln Lawn. Wedding planning stress vanishes as our professional planners help with every last detail.

The Wilburton Destination Resort is an elegant historic estate in Manchester Village with a 1902 mansion, rolling lawns, gardens, and fabulous views – the perfect location for a destination country wedding. The Wilburton can accommodate 200+ guests for a wedding reception and up to 130 overnight guests on its 30-acre hilltop and nearby mansion. There is room to roam, surrounded by thrilling mountain views and art to inspire your creativity. The resort will help you plan a full weekend of activities for your family and friends to enjoy together, including rehearsal dinner, bonfires, brunch, farm tours, and hikes. Enjoy the sparkling pool, tennis, and lawn games – right on property!

The Old Gray Barn, tucked into a hillside overlooking the pristine meadows of the Mettowee Valley, has the ideal Vermont rustic charm.  It is located just 3 miles from the Dorset Village Green and 9 miles from the town center of Manchester.  It is a truly special place in an area of natural beauty, fit for the most luxurious or relaxed of celebrations. The 2-story barn features exposed rough-hewn beams and rustic light fixtures, a viewing balcony perfect for cocktail hours and after-dinner lounging, a bride’s room, large sliding barn doors that open to a wood deck, and various lawn spaces ideal for extending the celebration outdoors. The picture-perfect backdrop ensures that you can transform The Old Gray Barn into the wedding you’ve always dreamed of having.

Opened in 1997, Northshire Civic Center sits on 35 acres in the foothills of Vermont’s bucolic Green Mountain National Forest in Manchester, Vermont.  Rolling lawns and beautiful views of Southern Vermont’s majestic mountain ranges help to create a romantic setting at the Northshire Civic Center, providing a stunning location for your special day.

With 22,000 square feet of open floor space and an Olympic-sized indoor ice rink, it is Southern Vermont’s premier civic center for sports, events, and exhibitions.

You’ll find Frost Moon Mountain nestled in the sleepy Equinox Valley where the cloud’s kiss lingers on the mountains, and the exquisitely restored 250-year-old farm rests along Vermont’s Battenkill River. Once a working farm, the remnants of our agricultural history provide an air of nostalgia so prominent it’s palpable. Though the horse’s stalls now stand empty, Frost Moon Mountain’s heritage has been preserved by retaining much of its original charm, while updating amenities to today’s contemporary standards of comfort and luxury. This peaceful mountain escape combines bohemian sensibility with rustic radiance – the perfect backdrop for any event, gathering, or getaway.

WHERE TO STAY

Whether you’re planning a destination wedding, engagement party, bachelorX festivities, elopement, or a special family event, Manchester, VT offers lodging accommodations to fit every need and budget. With over 800 rooms in the Manchester area ranging from luxury resorts, boutique hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Inns, to modern motels, you are sure to find that special place that will make you and your guests’ time in the Manchester area the most relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable.

Every detail of your Welkom Homes experience has been carefully considered. Their three vacation rental properties in the Manchester area boast state-of-the-art amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, luxurious linen bedding, and high-speed internet access. They understand that relaxation is key, which is why their homes feature spacious living areas, cozy fireplaces, and private outdoor spaces where you can unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Vermont.

From the moment you step foot into one of their carefully curated luxury homes, you will be enveloped in a sense of comfort and tranquility. Each property has been thoughtfully designed and furnished to exude elegance and sophistication, while still maintaining a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Whatever your needs, the team at Welkom Homes is there to make your stay truly unforgettable.

Check out our complete list of area options here – “STAY“ 

REHEARSAL DINNERS/ WELCOME RECEPTIONS/ FAREWELL BRUNCHES

Many of the venues mentioned earlier in this blog are wonderful options for any and/or all of your ancillary events, but if you are looking to experience even more of what the Manchester, VT area has to offer, the options are almost endless. With over 30 local restaurants, bars, and cafes, you will find the perfect setting to host your rehearsal dinner, welcome reception, or farewell brunch.

In town, Social House is great for parties and gatherings. Enjoy sharing options and family-style Mediterranean-inspired dishes at this chic Manchester restaurant. This place is great for lovers of seafood as their menu changes with what is currently market fresh. You’ll find plenty of availability between two private rooms and seasonal outdoor seating, and, if preferred, they also have off-site catering options.

The Raven’s Den Steakhouse and Taproom caters to a variety of tastes: from tender and juicy Black Angus steaks to classic seafood dishes to the salad bar stocked with seasonal produce, handcrafted dressings, Vermont cheeses, and freshly baked bread – there is something for everyone. Enjoy an upscale meal in the dining room, a custom cocktail in front of the stone fireplace, or a grass-fed burger in the tavern. Plus, you’ll love their seasonal outdoor seating with beautiful Vermont views!

Union Underground is a cozy Gastro Pub with Vermont vibes in a rustic, industrial atmosphere – all underground in the heart of Manchester Center. Known for its great food and drinks, as well as frequent live music and events, Union Underground is a great place to relax and grab a bite. Savor fresh cuisine with ingredients provided by local farms, and a variety of drafts on tap from breweries around the area. A unique experience not to miss!

Mystic Restaurant and Bar is a fantastic spot to grab a delicious and unforgettable meal. Serving lunch and dinner, Mystic is a one-of-a-kind culinary establishment with a menu inspired by the idea of simple and honest cooking. Menu items are created using fresh and sustainable ingredients—taking you on a culinary journey like no other. Each dish reflects their passion for high-quality food presented in a simple yet pleasing manner. Dive right in and take a bite; reserve with them today!

Check out a complete list of area options here: “TASTE”.

SHOP

Need help keeping yourselves and your guests busy in between planned events? Manchester, VT, is a destination that offers a wide variety of must-do activities and adventures! Experience world-class shopping at many of our Manchester Designer Outlets or local boutiques where you will discover locally crafted Vermont products, the perfect last-minute gift, or that item you might have left home. The shopping opportunities are endless, including grabbing some great books at Northshire Bookstore.

Check out a complete list of area options here: “SHOP”

EXPERIENCE

Tour year-round historical sites, or pop into Pastime Pinball for an afternoon arcade. Visit one of Southern Vermont’s best Art galleries, the Southern Vermont Arts Center, or take a stroll downtown and stop in at one of our unique art/artisan galleries, like Tilting at Windmills Gallery, Helmholz Art Gallery, Epoch Artisan Gallery, Squirrel Art Gallery and Shop, or Ellenbogen gallery.

Of course, being in Vermont would not be complete without experiencing the great outdoors. Nestled in between the Taconic and Green Mountains, Manchester, VT is a four-season outdoor recreation mecca. No matter the season, a unique outdoor adventure awaits you and your guests.

Check out a complete list of area experiences here: “EXPERIENCE”