Get married outdoors in southeastern Connecticut, with plentiful pristine beaches, panoramic views of Long Island Sound, the Atlantic Ocean salt-scented air, natural or manicured gardens, historic architecture and the four seasons beauty of New England. Southeastern Connecticut metropolitan statistical area extends from Lyme and Old Lyme, Connecticut, to North Stonington, Connecticut, from Westerly to Rhode Island. Treat guests to hiking or biking through nearby state parks, fishing or kayak exploration and pampering at local day spas before the big day.
Before the Big Day
Treat guests to a hike or bike tour of southeastern Connecticut. Bike the shoreline route from Mystic to Haley Farm, now a state park, or hike the trails of the original settlers, the Mashantuckets. Southeastern Connecticut's wine trail, especially through Stonington and North Stonington, takes hikers to Stonington Vineyards, Jonathan Edwards Winery and B. F. Clyde's Cider Mill in Old Mystic. Fishing and lobstering tours will delight your family and friends.
Oceanfront and Beach Weddings
Choose Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme for breathtaking ocean views and a crescent-shaped beach for an ideal oceanfront exchange of wedding vows. Select the Stone Pavillion for your reception. As of 2010, five hours at the Pavillion, including furniture use and gratuity, costs are less than $3,000. The Pavillion is available from Memorial Day through mid-October.
Catch Newport, Rhode Island's vibe at The Branford House, located on the Avery Point Campus of UConn in Groton. A Gatsby-like mansion with views of the ocean frames your outdoor ceremony. Hold your wedding on the lawn with up to 200-seated guests. Rent a tent for the reception or go indoors for this perfect wedding day.
Mystic and More
Love as large as Moby Dick flourishes in Mystic Seaport. Hold your wedding with or without a tent on Mystic's North Lawn, and plan a reception for up to 600 guests. Hurricane lantern centerpieces and a complimentary bridal suite will delight you.
Love at the Lighthouse
Head to the Lighthouse Inn Resort in New London for a wedding with 50 antique rooms and a private beach for your wedding. Plan the ceremony with or without a tent, with seating for up to 175 people. The Inn is the only Historic Hotel of the America National Trust designate in Connecticut.
Intimate Locales
Select The Boulders in New Preston, Connecticut, for an intimate outdoor wedding with views of a lovely colonial mansion. Plan your ceremony overlooking sparkling Lake Waramaug for up to 50 seated guests. Hold the reception with or without a tent on the lawn.
Savor the Romance
Enjoy your wedding in the stunning natural backdrop of the Bee and Thistle Inn and Spa in Old Lyme. Spa treatments are available for guests--and yourself--prior to the wedding to help you relax and be pampered. Choose the garden for the wedding ceremony with views of the Lieutenant River. Plan the reception for up to 130 guests from June to September, or just 40 guests during the off season.
The Mansion or the Beach
Amaze your guests with the grandeur of Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park for a wedding in their grand gardens, outdoor amphitheater, manicured lawns or the simple, natural beauty of the beach from March to December. Plan your reception for up to 150 people.
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