[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”4830626″] Chances are you’ve never had to look for a wedding venue before.  How do you know which ones you should consider for your wedding?  You most likely aren’t going to have enough time to visit all the wedding venues in Connecticut.

To find out which wedding venues in Connecticut are the best of the best, we decided to ask the experts, the Connecticut wedding vendors. These professionals work on weddings for a living and have seen many of the wedding venues in Connecticut.  If there is anyone that knows which wedding venues are the best in Connecticut, it is the photographers, DJs, florists, wedding planners, bridal shop owners and other professionals that attend dozens of wedding venues each year.

So we asked the wedding experts what their 5 favorite venues were, and we are happy to say that after hearing back from over 50 Connecticut wedding experts, we compiled the votes and have put together our list of the top 20 wedding venues in Connecticut.  So without further ado, here are the top rated wedding venues in Connecticut.

And The Experts Picks Are….

Below is the list of the winners along with a few things the experts had to say about each venue.  This list is rated in order of how many votes each venue received.  We asked the wedding experts if they could provide a few reasons why they liked the venues.

1. The Mansion at Harkness State Park

For the couple seeking the mansion wedding venue in Connecticut, this one offers the most beautiful views. It has stunning grounds for the perfect backdrop for your photos.  Christine Geraci – Piece of Cake Events

Offers a grand view of Long Island Sound with gorgeous grounds. Christine Ringuette – Down the Aisle

This majestic venue is luxurious with views of Long Island Sound, victorian specimen garden and tented patio. The sweeping lawn, with stately trees. The mansion is a Roman Renaissance Classical-style and boasts 42 rooms and included a pergola tearoom with hand painted floral murals. This venue is pure opulant magic and lends itself to grand design. I always recommend design involving crystal, silver or gold. The venue is managed by the State of Connecticut and their main contact Sally has been wonderful to work with. Deborah Dempsey – A Gala Affair

AMAZING!!!!! I love the huge bridal suite upstairs. The view is amazing. Keri Anne Shea – K Shea & Company

The Eolia Mansion located on the property of the park and is absolutely breath taking. The view of the ocean from the mansion and the exquisite side garden that you can hold your ceremony in is amazing. There is also another ceremony site on the property called the Amphitheater which is beautiful but has no power so if you are looking for music or PA be sure to talk to your entertainment about a battery powered system. The mansion is split into 3 rooms so it is important you find entertainment that has worked there before due to the set up. Pictures due this place no justice.  Bob Adamowicz – Entertainment Unlimited of New England

2. Wadsworth Mansion

If you are looking for a wedding venue where you truly are queen for a day this is your place! Wadsworth Mansion makes any couple feel as if they are living in a private mansion and hosting a party in their own home, without all the stress. As a planner I love a wedding venue like the Wadsworth Mansion as there is so much I can do there to create the exact feel and theme any couple may require. Their stunning lawns for your ceremony, slate patio for cocktails or dancing, elegant dining rooms, and you are the only bride on property! They have an amazing team to work with, check them out for your Connecticut mansion wedding experience.  Lisa Antonecchia – Creative Concepts By Lisa

Nestled in a Forest atmosphere, the gorgeous old mansion looks like the White House.  High Tree Canopy, big lawns, nice ceremony location surrounded by roses. George Petro – GSP Fine Photography

Wadsworth has an impressive entrance –  Late 18th century grandeur, sweeping lawns and expansive grounds including a tennis house and rose gardens. Best suited for midsize events which are hosted in the three public rooms on the main floor though they can tent the patio. The staff is very personable and flexible. Gabriele DeFrances – Gabriele’s Floral Designs

This historic Connecticut mansion is a favorite of ours as it is simply romantic and absolutely gorgeous. With a capacity of 200 guests and amazing architecture this wedding venue is stunning. The grounds offer a variety of on-site ceremony locations.  During the warmer months you can dance the night away on the patio and allow your guests to mingle outside and even have a special firework display!  Two unique ballrooms with cozy fireplaces and the beautiful loggia offer lots of opportunities for stations, cocktail receptions or sit-down affairs.  The beautiful bar has another fireplace which is a perfect area to snuggle up to for photos while sipping on your signature cocktail.  The grounds are beautiful all year round making this spot a dream venue for your photographer! Heidi Hanson – Always & Forever Weddings

 

3. The Woodwinds

Woodwinds is Amazing! What it does not have in a beach view like Anthony’s Ocean View but far makes up for the beauty of the grounds, the incredible cuisine and the staff! The rooms are spacious and modern with its built in up-lighting is mind blowing . This staff (I have to mention Scotty) goes above and beyond to make sure your day is more than perfect, you could not ask to have your event in a place where you have to worry about absolutely nothing. Can’t wait to work back here again. Bob Adamowicz – Entertainment Unlimited of New England

The Cafe’ Allegra group totally transformed Woodwinds into a Disney like facility with two beautiful ballrooms, and food that would rival a high end restaurant. Mike Fernino – Music in Motion

Beautiful grounds, wonderful food, and the staff is amazingly helpful.  Lynne Wentworth – Lynne Ann Photography

Woodwinds offers a choice of several party spaces, a photogenic staircase, a large lobby for cocktails, and excellent food in an Italian catering style. Ginny Bales – Bales Gitlin Band

4. The Branford House

GORGEOUS!  Gorgeous rooms, gorgeous grounds, gorgeous gardens.  It’s a mansion on the water, what can I say.  It’s impressive and magical all at the same time.  Candice Milliard – Candi’s Floral Creations

Beautiful setting on the water. I love the mantle and the staircase inside and the way it looks like a castle. The patio is amazing too! Carisa Lockery – CR Socials Event Planning

If there ever was a must have location for a wedding venue, this is the spot.  Located on the UConn Avery Point Campus and just steps away from Long Island Sound, your photographer will absolutely love this spot. With a capacity of 200 guests you can spread out over three beautiful rooms or enjoy the expansive grounds. Each room has an amazing fireplace which is perfect for those chilly New England evenings.  The venue is great for stations, sit-down or a cocktail reception.  The wrap-around terrace is amazing and affords a great view of sailboats.  Minimal decor is needed at this venue due to the amazing architecture.  If you plan for less than 200, you can really maximize the indoor space – dancing in one room, cocktails in another and dining in another…the options are plenty!  Heidi Hanson – Always & Forever Weddings

Gorgeous inside and out…. ornate woodwork and amazing exterior architecture make this location stand out in a grand elegance. The mansion backdrop combined with ocean views make the Branford House a win win. Kevin Kelley – Kevin Kelley Photography

Another gem that captivates guests with granite, mahogany and marble. This palatial estate has a lawn that sweeps right to the Long Island Sound and can be tented. No where else will you enjoy this much oceanfront property with grandeur. When renting the mansion guests will be treated to an amazing granite balcony and gorgeous rooms with rich dark wood. A spiral stairwell and stunning marble fireplace. The venue can be rented for 10 hours. The staff at Ocean Blue Catering and Branford House are very gracious and wonderful to work with. Deborah Dempsey – A Gala Affair

 5. The Society Room of Hartford

I love this venue because it is fabulous no matter the weather. The landscape isn’t reliant on foliage or water. The cityscape backdrop is a dramatic element on its own. The interior of the space is so grand you forget you’re in Hartford, and the vault is very cool! Kim Terril – Kims Cottage Confections

Gilded grandeur in the heart of Hartford.  This place screams Stately and Elegant! Gabriele DeFrances – Gabriele’s Floral Designs

The fact that it used to be a bank always intrigued me. I love the open space, the murals upstairs, and the street access out front. The wedding venue offers a ton of great spots to take pictures. It is one of the few places where it can be just as elegant for a day wedding or night because of the decor. Misty Enright – Misty Enright Photography

The Society Room is a beautiful, unique wedding venue.  It has great food, a well managed staff, and many nearby options for great wedding pictures.  Candace Jeffery – Candace Jeffery Photography

6. New Haven Lawn Club

This hidden gem in New Haven is one of my favorites.  I adore the architecture, the black and white checkered floor and art deco inspired light fixtures.  This is the perfect wedding venue for a winter wedding! Beth Chapman – White Dress By The Shore

I don’t even know where to begin because this location has so many gorgeous features! From the beautiful art deco chandeliers to the long black and white checkered hallway, it is simply put: gorgeous. And the catering team puts on quite a beautiful and delicious feast and are such a pleasure to work with! Candice Coppola – Jubilee Events

This place and the staff are completely dear to my heart.  It is where my husband and I had our wedding reception and we couldn’t have been happier.  When we found the Lawn Club, it was like discovering a hidden gem.  For venues, I rate based on several factors: Atmosphere/decor, Food, Service, Location/feasibility.  For us, the Lawn Club surpassed all of these expectations.  Very picky (Italian) family members raved about the food, the service of everyone before, during, and after the wedding was excellent, and the atmosphere is stunning.  Can’t say enough about the Lawn Club! Krista Lastrina – Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon

Historic Mansion, interesting rooms and in their ballroom is fabulous Art Deco lighting. If you are looking for a city feel to your wedding day this is your spot. Food and service is excellent. Beth Angel – Party Pro DJ

As far as “banquet facilities” go, this is my favorite. The ballroom is classy looking with those amazing chandeliers and the staff is wonderful to work with. Carisa Lockery – CR Socials Event Planning

7. The Barns at Wesleyan Hills

Ever since I stumbled on the Barns at Wesleyan Hills, over 10 years ago I have always enjoyed this blank canvas as a designer. The uniqueness of this venue with tented blue stone porch allows you to decorate almost two themes as the barn has contrasting warm tones with tall framed ceilings. This venue pops with eclectic nostalgia when uplighted trees, chandeliers or  fabric is used along the rafters.  Pavilion Catering Group offers this venue and their team is wonderful to work with. Deborah Dempsey – A Gala Affair Event Design

Stunning and rustic.  The views are amazing! Keri Anne Shea – K Shea & Company

This is one of my favorite wedding venues because of the vintage, romantic warmth you feel as soon as you walk in.There is nothing pretentious or showy about it,  The Barns has a personality all its own, it wraps you up as soon as you enter. Kim Terrill – Kims Cottage Confections

8. The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station

The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station is very well thought out, beautifully built and put together. It is timeless in their decor, but yet relevant. Its easy to transform this venue into your envisioned look of your wedding. They cater amazingly to not only their clients but also to vendors. I can not say enough about this AMAZING wedding venue. Adriana Bomova – The Beauty Bar

This wedding venue’s modern contemporary design and high ceilings make the main room look amazing.  And having that little balcony over the dance floor always makes for a fun bouquet toss.  It maybe off the beaten path, but the staff there really know how to run a wedding.  Keith Michaels – Keith Michaels Productions

The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station has excellent food and a great space and ambiance, but the distinguishing factor for me is the service they provide to their clients. They are all caring professionals who treat every client with dignity and work hard to make each event spectacular. Barbara LaValle – Heartbeat Dance Band

9. Saint Clements Castle

Saint Clements Castle has a great ceremony location on bluff above the Connecticut River.  It is a gorgeous old mansion with beautiful interiors and exterior gardens and other nooks. George Petro – GSP Fine Photography

Beautiful grounds. Lots of opportunities for pictures both indoors and out. Good to work with, flexible with the couple. Beth Miller – Generations Photography

Spacious and grand, overlooking the Connecticut River, and impeccable, detailed service. Christine Ringuette – Down The Aisle

10. Saltwater Farm Vineyard

This location is once again a basic clean slate for any couple with a striking view, and a private feel.  There is something about a space that is able to handle a small wedding  to a large scale wedding with once again an indoor and outdoor space.  This is a place where your own decor will shine and the fact that they have an onsite suite for getting ready is a huge plus.  Kia Martinson – EST Occasions

The story behind this venue is awesome.  It took millions of dollars to revamp on old airport into a winery.  They kept the hanger, where the reception takes place and also the runway where the ceremony takes place!  How cool is that!  The renovations are beautiful…all wood inside with modern accents.  You can create very cool arrangements, but they all have an accent of “rustic”. Whether it’s very rustic using wood and burlap or elegant rustic mixing silver glass with mason jars.  The staff is VERY accommodating and sweet. Candice Milliard – Candi’s Floral Creations

This is not your typical vineyard. This venue provides brides and grooms with everything that a vineyard has to offer, but with a modern, clean aesthetic. Beth Chapman – The White Dress by the shore

Gorgeous winery and very private. Receptions can be held both indoor and outdoor. The staff is very accommodating and the wine is fabulous!  Tamie Myers – Event Connoisseur

11. The Waterview

The place that established a new standard for excellence in Connecticut. Elegant in every way. Mike Fernino – Music in Motion

The Waterview in Monroe, Connecticut is a great facility for just receptions, or for a ceremony on the grounds followed by a reception inside.  A beautiful location in all seasons, even winter. Glenn McCabe – Glenn Andrew Productions

12. Aqua Turf

They have a system that is far superior than anyone else out there!  Same food as Farmington Club (same owners) but better grounds and landscaping. Gary Byron – Tone Zone

Chapel in the Pines very unique location in Connecticut, great variety on the grounds to shoot, some of the largest and best dance floors in CT to move and capture the moments that make the day special. Glenn McCabe – Glenn Andrew Productions LLC

13. Wickham Park

Beautiful park with lots of history. I love the variety of garden styles available . I also love the fact that couples can utilize the cottage and tent for their event. The price is affordable and the staff is also accommodating.  Tamie Myers – Event Connoisseur

I love this location, since it offers you few selections.  There are two gardens to use for your ceremony and at the same time, you have a set tented area with a cabin.  It is a nice mix of rustic and nature with a stunning view. I’m always a fan of locations where you are able to bring in your own set of vendors.  Kia Martinson – EST Occasions

14. Anthony’s Ocean View

Located off interstate 95 in Connecticut this place has it all! The property, the food and overall vibe it does not get better than this! The Staff at Anthony’s is one of the best only in my opinion to be tied with Woodwinds in Branford CT. The outdoor area for your ceremony or cocktail hour is breathtaking and can only be overshadowed by the amazing food. Anthony’s hosts its own kitchen so you are always going to get the best in service due to in house experience and family style hospitality. This place has to be seen to be believed! Bob Adamowicz – Entertainment Unlimited of New England

Amazing facility!  Beach weddings, sunset photos, great outdoor space for cocktail hour.  I always loved that they have a separate space for the bridal party outside for cocktail hour.  Food is always good there and the staff is always ready to serve.  Keith Michaels – Keith Michaels Productions

15. Candlewood Inn

Breathtaking views and a very elegant ballroom are enhanced by the one wedding at a time approach. Mike Fernino – Music in Motion

Great facility and great staff on the beautiful Candlewood Lake.  Glenn McCabe – Glenn Andrew Productions LLC

16. Farmington Club

Well manicured grounds and outdoor ceremony site, recently updated decor, good size dance floor, plenty of delicious food and their staff is accommodating. There is great value here. Beth Angel – Party Pro DJ

The food is out of this world. Gary Byron – Tone Zone

17. Cascade

A classic, huge ballroom that will take your breath away when you see it for the first time. A family run establishment, they know how to take care of their couples.   Mike Fernino – Music in Motion

Cascade in Hamden, CT is beautiful and they go out of their way to deliver the best experience possible for couples.   Shawn Tait – Laird Productions

18. Aria

In my opinion, Aria is one of the best wedding venues in Connecticut.  The grounds, food, and the staff are amazing.  Victor Saaverdra – Victors Video

The new Aria in Prospect Connecticut is beautiful facility that treats their couples great, and it’s not every venue that can pull off a helicopter arrival at the couple’s request! Glenn McCabe – Glenn Andrew Productions LLC

19. Inn at longshore

For the couple seeking the country club feel, I love this venue’s ballroom.  It offers gorgeous views of the sound and has the perfect cocktail hour setting right on the back lawn. Christine Geraci – Piece of Cake Events

Nothing says “New England Wedding” to me like the Inn at Longshore. Situated on the water, near the beach, you can sit in an Adirondack chair and watch the boats drift.  Misty Enright – Misty Enright Photography

20. Jonathan Edwards Winery

What a gem of a location and right in our back yard! It would be literally impossible to not have a beautiful wedding at Jonathan Edwards. Let it’s natural surroundings guide you in the style and feel of your wedding. Your guests will love spending cocktail hour amongst the vines and dining under the gorgeous on-site Sperry Tent! Candice Coppola – Jubilee Events

For a small wedding, this is a perfect venue.  The barrell room offers a perfect setting for an initimate dinner followed by dancing near the front doors.  This venue offers everything from rustic to romance.  Christine Geraci – Piece of Cake Events

The Connecticut Wedding Experts Who Voted

The amazing wedding experts that helped us put together this list are:

Wedding Planners
Always and Forever Weddings, CR Socials Event Planning, Creative Concepts By Lisa, Down the Aisle, ESTOccasions, Jubilee Events, Piece of Cake Events, Event Connoisseur, A Gala Affair Event Design

Florists
Candi’s Floral Creations, Gabriele’s Hand Designs, TK Event Designer

DJs
Mike Connolly Sound Productions,   Music in Motion, Spin Doctor DJ, Party Pro DJ,  Critical Entertainment, Tone Zone, Ace Events, Entertainment Unlimited of New England, Celebration Entertainment, Blue Turtle DJ, DK Productions

Bands
Heart Beat Dance Band, Bales Gitlin Band

Photographers
Candace Jeffery Photography, Kevin Kelley Photography, Hopkins Studio, Discover Photo Studio, GSP Fine Photography, Capture Photography, Jennifer Higham Photography, Generations Photography, Chateau Photography, Misty Enright Photography, Lynne Ann Photography,  Christy Murray Photography

Videographers
Victors Video,  Keith Michael Productions, Glenn Andrew Productions, Laird Productions

Cakes
Ana Parzych Cakes, Kelly’s Sweet Rewards, JCakes, Kim’s Cottage Confections

Makeup
The Beauty Bar, Andrea Marano Professional Makeup Artistry, K Shea & Company

Caterers
A Thyme to Cook 

Bridal Shops
The White Dress by the shore, Kathy Faber Designs, Bliss Bridal, Lastrina Girls Bridal Salon

If you are looking for a wedding venue that not the run of the norm, be sure to check out with venues were voted the top unique wedding venues in Connecticut by the Connecticut wedding experts.  Also, if you are a Pinterest user be sure to check out our board which shows a detailed map and listing of all the wedding venues in Connecticut.

Do you agree with this list of the top 20 wedding venues in Connecticut?  If you think another venue should have made this list, we’d love to hear about it.  Leave a reply in the comments section below.