As a modern day romantic, it likely doesn’t surprise you that I love to work at historical wedding venues. I love touring the properties, learning about the venue’s history, and the stories they hold between the their walls. If walls could talk! Truth be told, I can be a little nerdy – I love to learn about each building I work in as a wedding planner and the families that owned them. As a Connecticut wedding planner, I know that choosing a wedding venue is often one of the first steps you take when planning. Although I encourage you to get in touch before securing your wedding venue, I’ve made things a little easier for you by gathering the top historical wedding venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island (and one stunning addition in Massachusetts I had to sneak in!).

Historical Wedding Venues

For your wedding day, a historical venue tends to be the perfect balance of elegant and charming. Because of the way the older buildings are set up, they often have multiple spots for events. I love changing scenery between your wedding ceremony, reception, and cocktail hour. It makes the day more interesting and unique for your guests as well. Moreover, they will enjoy just wandering throughout the space. It can be a lot of planning to create these unique experiences for your guests (and design different spaces for each event), but the end result is so worth it. If you are looking for a wedding planner in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and beyond, you can read more about my services here. 

Historical Wedding Venues in Connecticut

Eolia Mansion

Or if you are looking for an historical wedding venue with an incredible view, Eolia Mansion is breathtaking. Offering panoramic views of Long Island, the Eolia Mansion is set on an estate of 230 acres which means there is plenty of room to set up an outdoor tented wedding for a larger guest list. 

Wadsworth Mansion 

It’s a little hard not to be awestruck by the absolute grandeur of the Wadsworth Mansion. Set within 100 acres of wooded parklands, this historical wedding venue truly feels like it’s own oasis (your guests will feel it too!). They have a few different locations for your wedding ceremony and reception. But don’t worry, they only offer one wedding per day.

Branford House

I adore the unique look and feel of the Branford House. The outside of the wedding venue is a stone exterior (complete with some incredible stone verandas). On the inside, it feels very warm and inviting inside with wood panels. I love the mix of almost two different experiences. The Grand Ballroom indoors can host up to 200 guests, but for larger weddings you can set up an outdoor tent on their lawn (complete with an ocean view). It will take your breath away.

Lord Thompson Manor 

If you are looking for a destination wedding weekend venue, Lord Thompson Manor can accommodate all of your wedding events: from rehearsal to farewell brunch. Unlike some of the oceanfront historic wedding venues I’ve shared, Lord Thompson Manor sits between New York City, Hartford, and Boston in the Northeast corner of Connecticut. However, what it lacks in ocean views, it more than makes up for in feeling like a garden oasis. 

Historical Wedding Venues in Rhode Island

Glen Manor House 

Set on the banks of Sakonnet River, Glen Manor House is one of the top wedding venues in Rhode Island. With only one wedding per day, couples can choose from a couple different prized wedding locations. They have covered patios, gorgeous gardens, and stunning waterfront lawns. The architecture at this property is beyond incredible. 

Castle Hill Inn

New York Times says that Castle Hill Inn is “Quite Simply, the best spot in town”. Honestly, I have to agree. If you are looking for a historical wedding venue where guests can stay on the property, Castle Hill Inn sits on it’s own private beach and has beach cottage rooms that overlook the New England Cove. 

Ocean House 

For a luxury hotel experience and a historical wedding venue combined, Ocean House is a great choice. If you are looking to mix style and sophistication with the warm New England hospitality that Rhode Island has become known for, this seaside Victorian style property will give you the wedding location you are craving. 

Crane Estate in Massachusetts

Last, but not certainly not least, I couldn’t help but include just one of my favorite wedding venues in Massachusetts – The Crane Estate. Set on 2100 acres, Crane Estate has a wide variety of wedding locations and scenery. You’ll find miles of barrier beach and the hilltop mansion on the property is absolutely idyllic. Further, you can choose between three very different locations for your wedding: The Great House (with a breathtaking terrace for your ceremony), The Barn (for a more rustic and intimate setting), or Steep Hill Beach.

Wedding Planning at a Historical Wedding Venue

Needless to say, we have no shortage of incredible historical wedding venues in Connecticut and Rhode Island. Moreover, I hope this post has left you feeling completely inspired, your mind teeming with all of the possibilities. However, I do feel the obligation to remind you that choosing your wedding venue is a big decision. Additionally, your wedding is an investment, and a venue can quickly eat up a majority of your budget. I strongly recommend working with a wedding planner who can help guide you through the process. It’s worth a professional opinion to ensure the wedding venue you book will be able to execute your vision. For more information on my wedding planning packages here at Soirees and Revelry, click here. Or to get in touch and inquire about availability, let’s connect here. 

Xo, Jenn