From historic villas to waterfront getaways, New England has a distinct charm that can’t be replicated. Let’s dive into some of the best wedding venues in New England (plus a few honorable mentions across the East Coast).
Wentworth By The Sea Country Club
Rye, New Hampshire
Wentworth By The Sea Country Club offers a refined, yet effortless experience for weddings in New England. Located just minutes from historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this venue is a coastal escape of manicured greens and panoramic ocean views of the Little Harbor. Ceremonies on their waterfront lawn feel like a dream — the harbor in the distance, the sailboats quietly floating by, the soft breeze of the ocean. Your reception will be no less idyllic under the clean canopy of a Sperry sailcloth tent or in the Pavilion with its floor-to-ceiling windows and vaulted ceilings.
Features of Wentworth By The Sea Country Club
- Accommodates up to 250 guests
- Waterfront venue
- In-house catering and beverage service
- Private dressing room
- Use of sailcloth tents, tables, and chairs
Photo 1: Casey Durgin Photography Photo 2: scarletroots
Wychmere Beach Club
Harwich Port, MA
A private waterfront retreat that blends classic Americana with modern touches — that is the essence of Wychmere Beach Blub. This venue is the epitome of seaside luxury with sweeping views of Nantucket Sound on iconic Cape Cod. Here, ceremonies can unfold right on the sand or within one of their three stunning locations. The Harbor Room exudes classic Cape Cod charm with wood-beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling harbor views while the Ocean Room features a more contemporary feel with vaulted ceilings and Italian chandeliers. However, the stand-out space is The Dune — a two-story building with an immersive indoor/outdoor setting on the waterfront including a rooftop terrace and cozy lounge spaces. Plus, with luxurious on-site accommodations and locally sourced catering cooked in house, this wedding venue in New England is the ideal place for a weekend-long celebration.
Features of the Wychmere Beach Club
- Accommodates up to 300 guests
- Waterfront venue
- On-site accommodations
- In-house catering and beverage service
- Private dressing room
- Use of tables, chairs, and linens
Photos: wychmere
Smith Farm Gardens
East Haddam, CT
Family owned and established in 1778, this historic estate spans 15 acres of lush lawns, apple orchards, and walking trails lined with quintessential New England foliage. Tucked away in the Connecticut countryside, Smith Farm Gardens is perfect for garden-style affairs with an elevated, yet rustic feel. The renovated 18th-century farmhouse — styled with original antiques and period artwork — keeps its timeless charm with modern comforts, including accommodations for up to 11 guests on the weekend of your wedding. Your reception under the stars and framed by a sailcloth tent will be a memorable ending to your night with all the warmth of this venue’s inviting atmosphere.
Features of Smith Farm Gardens
- Accommodates up to 250 guests
- Garden-style venue
- On-site accommodations
- Use of sailcloth tent, tables, and chairs
Photos 1: danbrehantphotography Photo 2: Smith Farm Gardens
Wequassett Resort & Golf Club
Harwich, MA
Recently renovated in celebration of its 100th anniversary, Wequassett Resort and Golf Club is a five-star coastal experience on Cape Cod. Featuring newly upgraded facilities, this venue offers a fresh take on New England charm on 25 acres of waterfront property. With seven distinct location options, the Grand Lawn is the ideal ceremony setting with English-style gardens and sweeping views of Nantucket Sound. However, there are countless options for every wedding-weekend moment from your welcome party cocktails to a farewell brunch overlooking the pool deck. All of this scenery is complemented by award-winning service and five exceptional dining options.
Features of the Wequassett Resort & Golf Club
- Accommodates up to 350 guests
- Waterfront venue
- On-site accommodations
- In-house catering and bar services
Photo 1: griggieri Photo 2: Sarah Murray Photography
Eolia – the Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park
Waterford, CT
Overlooking Long Island Sound, this Renaissance Revival mansion was once a gathering place for high society in the early 20th century, and today its beauty remains unrivaled. Eolia at Harkness Memorial State Park is an Italian-style villa sitting on 230 acres of waterfront property with 42 rooms featuring Italianate details as well as English and Italian-style formal gardens. You’ll have a choice of two ceremony locations — an open-air seaside amphitheater or an intimate pergola draped in wisteria and framed by regal pillars. And for your reception, indulge in a tented dining experience or unwind among the ornate architecture of one of the mansion’s spacious rooms.
Features of Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park
- Accommodates up to 150 guests
- Waterfront historic estate
- Use of preferred caterers required
- Private dressing room
Photos: Alicia Ann
Ocean House
Watch Hill, RI
A Forbes five-star hotel named the top destination wedding venue in the country by BRIDES, Ocean House blends Victorian-Era grandeur with the serenity of seaside life. While the current yellow-clad property opened in 2004, it stays true to the original style from its founding in 1868. It still features many of its historic furnishings. From a welcome dinner on the terrace to your tented reception on the grand Ellipse Lawn, you’ll find a collection of options for your wedding weekend events. Beyond your wedding day, the hotel offers several curated experiences for your guests, from yacht cruises, spa getaways and even croquet tournaments.
Features of the Ocean House
- Accommodates up to 250 guests
- Waterfront venue
- In-house catering and bar service
- On-site accommodations
Photo 1: Ocean House Photo 2: laura klacik photography
Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham, MA
At Chatham Bars Inn, classic New England charm melds with five-star luxury. This historic Cape Cod retreat was first built as a hunting lodge, but since 1914 it has hosted world leaders and iconic celebrities within its 25 acres of breathtaking land. With a private beachfront, shingle-style cottages, and endless rows of hydrangeas that grow in the warmer months, this venue couldn’t be any more serene. Couples have a handful of location options for their celebrations, but my personal favorite is the iconic Front Lawn with lush surroundings and stretching views of the Atlantic. After the festivities have settled, you and your guests can indulge in the venue’s spa or embark on a boating excursion to Marthas’s Vineyard with the hotel’s private boat charters.
Features of the Chatham Bars Inn
- Accommodates up to 250 guests
- Waterfront hotel venue
- In-house catering and bar services
- On-site accommodations
Photos: stephanie vegliante
Wedding Venues On The East Coast
Inness
Accord, NY
Minimalist design and intentional living are at the core of this venue’s philosophy. They call it “cultivated wild,” a curated mix of function and beauty, manicured details and untamed growth, and rustic chic aesthetics. You’ll be transported to a country retreat of slow-paced luxury on Inness’ 220 pastoral acres between the Catskill and Shawngunk mountain ranges in the Hudson Valley. And with a full property buyout, your wedding weekend will feel totally immersive thanks to countless leisure activities including golf, tennis, and a spa.
Features of Inness
- Accommodates up to 300 guests
- Hotel and resort venue surrounded by mountains
- On-site accommodations
Photos:lauren newman
The Dunlin
Charleston, South Carolina
Coastal luxury meets Southern charm at this cottage-inspired getaway. The Dunlin sits just outside of Charleston’s historic center and features vintage details alongside modern comforts. You’ll find endless memorable experiences here, including coastal safaris, morning kayak and brunch excursions, or tours of their on-property farm. And with four event spaces, you’ll have a refreshing setting for all of your wedding weekend celebrations. My personal favorite has to be The Shippon for its indoor-outdoor feel and spacious interior.
Features of The Dunlin
- Accommodates up to 600 guests
- Riverfront hotel and resort venue
- On-site accommodations
- In-house catering and beverage services
Photos: liz andolina photography
Sea Island Resort
Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island is a five-star coastal dream and one of the most iconic destinations along the East Coast. With five distinct accommodation options —ranging from the grand and historic Cloister to the intimate Lodge and private cottages — this resort offers a setting for every wedding style. As a photographer, The Cloister is where my heart always lands. With vaulted ceilings and exposed wood beams, five miles of private beach, and 50 acres of rivers, salt marshes, and sea surrounding you, the possibilities seem endless. The Cloister Gardens in particular are a stand out ceremony location, offering an open-air setting framed by lush greenery and the timeless architecture of the building itself.
Features of Sea Island
- Accommodates up to 325 guests
- Waterfront hotel and resort venue
- On-site accommodations
- In-house catering, cake, and beverage services
Photos: Laura Gordon
More Wedding Venues to Note
- The Inn at Perry Cabin — on the Chesapeake Bay, a short drive from Washington DC, this hotel is a serene escape and ideal for iconic tented receptions.
- Lowndes Grove — in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, this historic estate has waterfront views and a sense of Southern charm and grace.
Weddings In New England With That Classic Charm
Each of these venues brings together a unique perspective of New England’s iconic character. As a wedding photographer in New England, I can’t get enough of it. For more recommendations, get in touch with me, or follow along on Instagram.
