Connecticut, with its charming landscapes and quaint towns, offers a beautiful and romantic backdrop for intimate weddings and elopements. As a wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve witnessed countless love-filled affairs throughout this tiny state. For couples looking for a more personal and smaller-scale celebration, here are unique intimate wedding locations in Connecticut to consider:
Host an Intimate Wedding in Connecticut at White Gate Farm
Imagine exchanging vows amidst the rustic charm of White Gate Farm. This venue allows for intimate-sized weddings, surrounded by organic gardens and a serene farm setting. The farm-to-table dining experience adds a unique and authentic touch to your special day!
Rebecca and Kevin’s intimate wedding at White Gate Farm was a heartfelt event with just about 10 guests. Rebecca’s father played the violin, while her brother strummed the guitar, adding a personal touch to the ceremony. The farm setting combined the couple’s love for gardening, hiking, and the outdoors. Not only did they feel right at home there, but R + K bought a campground that shares the lake with White Gate. Before the day began, their close friend canoed their boat down to the dock outside their cabin. As the sun set, the two took their boat out with a cheers + champagne, and the most romantic evening ride.
R + K got to stay at the tiny cabin on the property overlooking the lake. The cabin is a perfect getting ready location, and spot to watch the sunrise the day after your I do’s. Historical side note: it was once a ice house! How dang cool is that?!
Embark On An Adventure Elopement in The Connecticut Mountains
For adventurous couples, Connecticut’s Taconic Mountains is a breathtaking elopement location in Connecticut. People’s State Forest is tucked away next to the Farmington River in Barkhamstead, CT. It provides not only some of the most private spots for elopements, but also the most beautiful scene’s of nature. This setting is perfect for couples wanting an intimate ceremony with the wilderness as their witness!
Shannon and Darren’s elopement in the Connecticut mountains at People’s State Forest was a unique adventure. They knew they wanted their elopement location to be one where they return to time and time again. With only their officiant and pup, they celebrated their love amidst stunning views of Connecticut’s hills and valleys! S + D wanted their elopement to reflect the essence of their relationship: their love for nature, creativity, and laid-back vibes. Most importantly they wanted to incorporate their passion for hiking and backpacking. Having an adventure elopement was the perfect way for them to do just that!
Speaking of creativity, these two spent the last minutes of sunset painting the scene of their day. Something they do together often, this was another way to make the day for themselves. Could you imagine anything more special?
Sail At Sunset On A Sailboat Cruise
Why not take your vows to the sea with a sunset sail along the Connecticut coastline? There are plenty of intimate wedding locations in Connecticut that you can find on the shoreline. This romantic option offers a unique way to celebrate your love surrounded by ocean and sky.
Nadia and John’s day began with a ceremony on Yale’s campus, where their love story first began. Afterward, they set sail at sunset along the shoreline with their closest people. They ended the evening at one of their favorite oceanside restaurants, sharing a relaxed, meaningful meal. Each guest shared stories of the couple, filling the air with laughter and love. One of my favorite parts of intimate weddings is the space to be fully present with your closest humans. You’ll soak up each moment and carry that feeling with you forever.
Plan A Summer Intimate Wedding at Eolia – Harkness Memorial Park
Eolia, the mansion at Harkness Memorial Park, is a picture-perfect location for a summer wedding. It is also one of my favorite intimate wedding locations in Connecticut for a more estate feel. The historic elegance, combined with picturesque gardens and seaside views, creates an unforgettable setting for an intimate summer celebration.
Vanessa and Matt chose Eolia at Harkness Memorial Park for its intimate, historic charm. With just 20 guests, their wedding was deeply personal.
A smaller guest list allows you to create a more intimate, personalized , and unforgettable experience for your loved ones. Here are some ideas from Vanessa + Matt’s day:
- Vanessa hand-painted mini portraits of each of their 20 guests as heartfelt thank-you gifts
- With two dinner tables, they adorned the space with romantic florals
- Everyone gathered cozily in one of Eolia’s side dining rooms for an intimate dinner
- During toasts, their loved ones spoke freely- no microphone needed, just warmth and presence
- They chose a specialty menu that echoed their first date
Keep It Intimate With A Backyard Wedding
Backyard weddings can be some of the most magical intimate celebrations. Here are a few reasons it makes a perfect option for those who prefer a low-key yet memorable wedding:
- Cozy atmosphere with a smaller guest count
- Intimacy of celebrating your love in a place that is so special
- More relaxed setting being at home
- Flexibility for how you would like to create an experience for guests
And you can have the best of both worlds – both elopement and party! Rachel and Elliot celebrated with immediate family for their ceremony, and a larger dinner party afterwards. Taking their family portraits earlier meant they were fully present for their intimate dinner upon arrival!
Meanwhile, Brooke and Chad’s DIY backyard wedding under a large oak tree was nothing short of magic. Their celebration showcased their creativity, love for their home, each other, and closeness to nature. Both got ready in different rooms, followed by the sweetest first look in front of their home. Presence + connection were felt so strongly throughout this day. They had space in their timeline to really take in each moment with their closest humans.
Ready To Plan An Intimate Wedding Or Elopement in Connecticut?
The diverse and charming locations provide numerous options for couples planning an intimate wedding or elopement in Connecticut. From rustic farms to scenic mountains and ocean views, these ideas cater to various styles and preferences!
Thinking about dreaming up your very own intimate wedding in Connecticut? I’m here to help your vision come to life in the most meaningful way! Reach out today for us to hop on a discovery + planning call!
