by Jennifer Dawson

Planning to tie the knot soon? Consider having your wedding in Vermont. According to a recent study, Vermont is the best state to get married in, and the research’s findings were based on the number of wedding planning services, attire and accessories shops, and food and entertainment options there are in each of the 50 states. The Green Mountain State also ranked first in the venues section as Vermont is home to many estates, hotels, and events places that offer picturesque settings to set the right mood for any occasion. 

Whether you’re planning a wedding, a bar mitzvah, a quinceanera, a corporate event, or a reunion, Vermont has the best places to party and have fun with family, co-workers, and friends. To celebrate in style, check out some of the best reception and event venues in Vermont. 

The Wilburton- Manchester Village

If you need a romantic venue for your destination wedding, book The Wilburton in Manchester Village for your big day. This historic hilltop estate specializes in luxury and destination weddings, and they can accommodate 150 overnight guests and over 200 guests for a wedding reception. Start the celebrations with a weekend full of activities such as a barbeque feast and a bonfire party. Have everyone spend some time at the pool, or play a few games of tennis or ring toss. The next day, enjoy a sumptuous country breakfast, then prepare for the wedding, which will be held on the grand lawn. Afterwards, have cocktails at the terrace before heading to the reception area at the Marble Pavilion Tent. Here, you can dine and dance while enjoying stunning mountain views. You also have the option to continue the party with a bonfire or indulge in a few drinks at the Billiard Room Bar.

Apart from weddings, The Wilburton also offers special packages for reunions, yoga retreats, destination birthdays and anniversaries, bar and bat mitzvahs, girls weekend getaways, and bachelor parties. What’s more, the estate is famous for being a dog-friendly destination, and they offer unique experiences and packages such as doggie slumber parties. Whether you’re having a wedding or a reunion, keep in mind that local regulation requires all outdoor music to end by 9PM on weekdays and 10PM on weekends, and fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited in Vermont, so plan accordingly to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. 

The Old Lantern Inn and Barn- Charlotte

Need a venue for a milestone birthday, such as a quinceanera or a Sweet 16? Consider The Old Lantern Inn and Barn in Charlotte. Located just 15 minutes away from downtown Burlington, this events venue has a landscaped area which is the perfect spot for solo pictorials or group photos with friends. Imagine taking pictures in a place with towering trees and greenery while wearing an elegant and voluminous quinceanera dress or a princess-style ballgown– the results are sure to be stunning. The main event space is a historic barn from the 1800s, and it has a lot of floorspace for dancing, which is a must for a traditional quinceanera waltz or a choreographed dance number. 

The venue offers in-house catering and event planning services, making it a one-stop shop for all your event needs. Worried about ending the party too early? Don’t fret. Live music is allowed until 11pm, and they also offer 5-hour bar packages which allow those aged 21 and up to drink as much as they can. The Old Lantern Inn and Barn will also provide a liason available during the entire event to assist you and answer any questions that you may have. 

Mountain Top Resort- Chittenden

Those looking for the perfect spot for a corporate event or grand reunion should book the Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden. This charming destination is set atop a mountain in Central Vermont, and here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of a crystal-clear lake and the Green Mountains, and explore hundreds of acres of private woods and meadow. The resort has various event spaces that can accommodate 300 people, as well as lodge rooms, cabins, and private guest houses for overnight guests. 

During the winter months, you and your friends can take part in their outdoor activities such as skiing, snow shoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, and sledding. In the summer, you can enjoy horseback riding, clay bird shooting, boating, swimming, hiking, and more. The resort is also an ideal venue for destination weddings since it has a spa, a wedding salon, and a selection of gorgeous ceremony sites. It’s recommended to book a few months before your event since this place is in-demand among the locals.

Vermont has some of the most stunning event venues that you can find in the United States. Consider any of these reception and event venues for your next celebration, and visit these places before you finalize your plans to see which one suits your special occasion.