I once heard that Vermont is second only to Hawaii for destination weddings… and for good reason. In 2014, there were over 5,000 weddings in Vermont. Whether in the summer, peak foliage or the winter months, there is something inherently romantic about Vermont. There are ample barns that make for a quintessential Vermont wedding and a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos. There are talented chefs who make gourmet dishes highlighting the best local ingredients in Vermont. There also is a bustling wedding industry, with seriously talented photographers, florists and wedding planners.

A Local’s Tips for Getting Married in Vermont
In case you’re planning your Vermont wedding from afar or are a local who is eager to show off Vermont’s charm to your friends and families, here is my advice for planning a Vermont wedding that your guests will rave about for years to come, all from a local’s perspective.

Finding a Wedding Venue in Vermont
When searching for the perfect wedding venue in Vermont, lay out your requirements. Do you want a ceremony with a view? A post-and-beam barn for the reception? A location that was convenient to different lodging options so guests wouldn’t have to drive too far ? Does the food and drink matter the most to you? Or are you a budget-conscious Vermont bride, who isn’t going to spend $75,000 on a Vermont wedding (by the way, you really don’t need to for a memorable time).

Classic, elegant decor, with faux burlap runners, rich burgundy, burnt orange and gold accents for a fall wedding.

Best Wedding Venues in Vermont: It’s hard to choose just one here. There are so many distinct options. If you’re looking for a barn-type setting, I’d choose Tourterelle (New Haven), the Round Barn (Waitsfield), the Barn at Lang Farm (Essex) or the Inn at Mountain View Farm (East Burke). If you’re going for something more intimate, the Pitcher Inn, Swift House Inn and Amee Farm Lodge are all beautiful. If you’re thinking an inclusive affair when all of your guests stay at your venue, try the Mountain Top Inn (Chittenden) or Riverside Farm (Pittsfield). A historial wedding venue? Try the Grand Isle Lake House (Grand Isle), Hildene (Manchester) or Shelburne Farms (Shelburne). Looking for something really laid-back and informal? Common Ground Center (Starksboro) or the top of Kingsland Bay are fun and relaxed.

Best Wedding Photographers in Vermont: I adore Orchard Cove Photography (Charlotte) and love, love, love how she captures the emotions of the day. Depending on what look and feel you’re going for, I also recommend Hannah Weddings‘ (Bristol) style, along with Christina Bernalis (Brattleboro).

Best Wedding Band in Vermont: Hands-down, the Grift! Everyone dances for hours and they sell out in May through November every Saturday… Book them early. Book the often. They are for sure Vermont’s best wedding band and will get everyone up dancing (and keep them dancing!) during your big day. They get nearly 100 requests for weddings each year. For back ups, consider the Starlime Rhythm Boys, the Tricksters or Hot Neon Magic.

Best Wedding Flowers in Vermont: Erin Ostreicher Designs (Burlington) does beautiful flowers and work with limited flower budgets. (Tip: Bring your flowers to a local nursing home the next day. The residents will be so happy!)

Best Jeweler in Vermont: Matthew Taylor Designs (Shelburne) does really amazing work and is a fun guy to come up with a custom, one-of-a-kind piece that will be unlike any other engagement ring or wedding band on someone else’s fingers.

Tips for Getting Married & Wedding Day Advice:

• The best advice I give people is that your day isn’t going to be perfect, as much as you try. All that matters is that at the end of the day, you’re married. Don’t strive for perfection. Strive to be happy, surrounded by the most important people in your lives.
• Book early enough to get the venue and vendors you want but not so early that every weekend for a year-and-a-half was spent saving money and wedding planning. Your engagement should be fun too!
• Delegate. Your wedding party is there to help you, so let them. On your big day, sit back and relax, rather than stress out. The work is done, so now enjoy!
• Choose wedding vendors who will become your friends. You’ll have more confidence in them and give up more control if they share your vision and understand who you are.
• Don’t register for bowls but do register (think art, rugs and local items that will be special to you for years to come). No matter where you live and what you register for, people will always buy you bowls.
• Take your honeymoon right away. After planning a wedding, you’ll want your alone time.
• Are you attending a Vermont wedding and looking for handmade Vermont wedding gifts? Simon Pearce, Farmhouse Pottery and Danforth Pewter all make beautiful locally made wedding gifts. My Simon Pearce wine glasses and pewter vase from Danforth are a few of the favorite gifts we received.

What tips do you have for the perfect Vermont wedding? Share in the comments below!

What are you tips for getting married in Vermont and Vermont weddings? Share in the comments below.