Dreaming about planning a beautiful New England wedding? If you’re from the area, you likely already know exactly where you want to go to throw the wedding of your dreams. However, if you’re from outside of New England, then welcome! We can’t wait to have you in our numerous small towns to experience this beautiful area where dream weddings are anything but dreams.
I’m going to spend a moment to give you some guidance on how you can plan your perfect New England wedding so that you can feel a little more comfortable choosing New England as your destination of choice.
Finding The Perfect New England Wedding Venue
New England comprises six states; Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Each state has something amazing to offer you and your partner to make that special day infinitely more special.
I’ve worked all across New England, so I know the perfect places to go for your special day and even came up with a guide to all the best New England wedding venues.
#1 – Maine
If you’re looking for a New England wedding in a state with a rocky coastline, a longstanding maritime history, and stunning natural beauty in the form of spruce and granite islands, then look no further than Maine.
#2 – Vermont
Endless trees, a heavy focus on wooden structures, and thousands of acres of mountains, this is Vermont in a nutshell! You’ll never be hard pressed to find something truly drop-dead gorgeous in the great state of Vermont that won’t make your New England wedding something special.
#3 – New Hampshire
If you want to go to a state that is essentially a collection of quaint towns amongst expansive wilderness in the mountains and trees, then you need to take a trip to New Hampshire. This is a gorgeous New England wedding setting. The locals are super friendly, the state is beautiful all year round, and is ready to host family and friends for a fairytale wedding.
Want to see how magical a New Hampshire wedding can be? I recently shot a wedding at The Greenery for Marissa & Evan, and it was spectacular!
#4 – Connecticut
A mixture of coastal and rural towns make up Connecticut’s small population size. Home to Yale University, Connecticut is filled with beautiful estates and coastal venues to make your special day incredibly vibrant!
You can see some great wedding venues in Connecticut in my blog post, the Best Wedding Venues in Connecticut.
#5 – Rhode Island
This small New England state has a lot to offer guests. From sandy shores, seaside colonial towns, some of the most exquisite mansions in New England, which are open for weddings. There’s a lot to see in such a small state, so don’t gloss over it!
Check out some of the stunning wedding venues in Rhode Island that I absolutely adore in my blog post covering the Seven Best Wedding Venues in Rhode Island.
#6 – Massachusetts
The most populous state in the New England region, Massachusetts, has been repeatedly voted as one of the best states to live in, and so it stands to reason that it’s also a great state to have a New England wedding! The summertime on the coastline is probably one of the best in the country, with Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket being some of the most visited places in the state.
Check out some of the fantastic wedding venues in Massachusetts in one of my previous blog posts: Romantic Wedding Venues in Massachusetts.
Things To Consider When Planning a New England Wedding
You’ll need to consider many things when planning a New England wedding. This is especially true if you’re unfamiliar with the state and area you’ve chosen. So here are some things to consider and question when it comes down to the planning process.
#1 – Season
Understand the New England seasons so you can plan your wedding. Choose what works best for you and your partner’s idea of a New England wedding. Are you wanting autumn leaves, blooming spring flowers, or our famous glistening snow? Perhaps you want a lovely summer wedding? Whatever you choose, be prepared for the season your wedding lands in.
#2 – Location
You’ve got a few options for where to have your wedding! You need a New England wedding venue that can accommodate your guests and potentially provide lodging, all while being a stunning backdrop for your special day.
If you’re considering a New England estate wedding, be sure to check out my blog post about some of the most gorgeous estates across the New England states.
#3 –Weather
When choosing a New England wedding venue, make sure you ask them about what they’re prepared to do for your wedding in case of bad weather. You have to be prepared, and while forecasts might seem generous, they can change quickly, so a backup plan is necessary.
If you want to know how to prepare for a rainy day in New England, then be sure to check out my post to read all about it!
#4 – Indoor/Outdoor Ceremony
If you’re planning a Spring or Summer wedding, then definitely consider an outside wedding. Even early fall can be an excellent time for outdoor ceremonies. However, the deeper into fall we get is when it’s time to consider indoors. When Winter arrives, outdoor weddings are near impossible. They can be done, but how comfortable they’ll be is debatable.
Start Looking For Local Vendors For Your New England Wedding
Depending on which state you’ve chosen for your New England wedding, you’re going to want to start searching for qualified local vendors.
First, start searching online – look for local vendor lists and reviews. You’ll want to assemble a shortlist of the best of the best to try out. You’ll be needing catering, entertainment, a florist, decor, and of course a photographer. There are countless available vendors at your fingertips but test them out before committing.
If you’re looking for a fantastic photographer who wants to capture your special day, then be sure to take a look at my portfolio! I’ve been involved in so many happy couples’ beautiful New England weddings, and I’d be honored to bring my talents to your special day.
Other Considerations
If you’re planning on traveling to a different state or deep into your home state, be sure to consider things such as;
- Accommodation
- Travel
- Entertainment in the area
- Acquiring a marriage license
Conclusion
Now you know some of what it takes to plan a New England wedding! This is one of those decisions you’ll have a hard time regretting. New England weddings have the potential to be totally gorgeous – I know I’m biased, but hopefully after getting a glimpse of some of the fabulous venues we have in this part of world, you’ll agree with me.
If you’re looking for the perfect photographer who can capture the magic of your special day, then get in touch! Let’s eat cookies together and start dreaming about how to capture your most magical moments. I’ve been a part of many special days, and I’d love to be a part of your wedding and show off your love in stunning images that last a lifetime.
Xoxo, Marcela
