Winter Weddings in Vermont: Southern Locations
Part three of our weddings in Vermont article:
For Vermont weddings south of Rutland, you can begin your search in Ludlow. Here you can have your wedding in any number of locations on Okemo Mountain. Whether you are looking for a small get together or an all out wedding, Okemo has locations for every size gathering. The Roundhouse at Jackson Hole Inn can accommodate up to 375 guests, and offers views of the newest base area of the mountain as well as spectacular mountain views. It also offers an inviting stone hearth and handicap accessibility. If you need a small space, the Conference Room and The Gold Room at the Okemo Valley Golf Club hold 12-18 people and up to 40 respectively. Other locations are available, though all have a minimum guest requirement.
If a Southern Vermont location would be more convenient, the Wilburton Inn has a beautiful, mountain location and can host a full weekend of events, beginning with a Friday evening rehearsal or welcome party, your Saturday wedding and finishing with a Sunday brunch. Saturday morning, guests can go shopping, or cross-country skiing at The Hildene. The Wilburton is a 30-acre Victorian mansion that can accommodate up to 160 guests, though an additional 40 guests could be seated on the upper terrace.
For those looking for a unique historic venue, The Hildene in Manchester is just that. The mansion was built by Robert Todd Lincoln in 1905, President Lincoln’s only surviving child. The mansion is located on 412 acres that are a sight to behold in winter. Guests can cross-country ski or snowshoe right on the property, and rentals are available (as are lessons).
Another amazing Manchester location is the Equinox. It has hosted such luminaries as Teddy Roosevelt, Mary Lincoln Todd and Ulysses S. Grant. It is located on 1300 acres, and has three restaurants, The Charles Orvis Inn and 10 other function rooms. They also have their own spa, with a fitness facility and numerous spa packages. Whether you are looking for a specialty massage, skin care, body or wellness treatments, the Equinox is ready to pamper you and your guests.
If you are looking to elope or have a small wedding with immediate family, the Hickory Ridge House Bed and Breakfast Inn in Putney boasts the perfect location for small, intimate weddings and rehearsal dinners, as well as wood-burning fireplaces in their rooms. With just enough room for up to 18 guests, you’ll feel like you are in a world of your own. Guests can shop locally at Hearthstone Books, snowshoe at the inn or sample Vermont produce at the Putney Co-op.
While Vermont is, without question, beautiful in the winter time, there are some things to take into consideration for your winter wedding. The first, and most obvious, is the weather. Vermont’s weather can be unpredictable, and snow isn’t always guaranteed. Keep in mind that out-of-town guests may not be able to make it should the weather suddenly turn, and getting to your venue, depending on its location, could be tricky as well. Gently remind guests coming from warmer clients to bring warm clothes and heavy jackets. Encourage those renting cars to rent SUVs if they’ll be doing any back road traveling or are unfamiliar with traveling in inclimate weather. But Vermont hasn’t always had a white Christmas, so if you have your heart set on a white winter wedding, just remember Vermont’s weather can be fickle. Be sure to prepare for all contingencies when planning your Vermont winter wedding and your guests will be treated to a spectacular, unique event.
