Venue Spotlight on Weatherhead Hollow

For couples looking to tie the knot at a storybook Vermont property, look no further than Weatherhead Hollow in Guilford, Vermont. Weatherhead Hollow is perfect for creative couples who crave an elevated backyard wedding vibe that’s comfortable, gorgeous, and easy-going!

Owners Katherine and Daniel (whose own wedding on the property inspired them to open the doors to weddings and big events!) recently sat down with us to share more about their beautiful Vermont wedding venue.

The space: What’s the vibe? 

Weatherhead Hollow is a romantic and historic Southern Vermont Farmstead. Our farm features two unique guest cottages and a 10,000 square foot rustic barn event space, surrounded by rolling fields and mountain views. 

Weatherhead Hollow isn’t a typical corporate event venue. When not hosting events or weddings, Weatherhead Hollow supports the creative economy in Vermont through fully funded artist residencies. 

As an event venue, we offer an unhurried environment where you will have the freedom to create the wedding weekend of your dreams. It’s similar to how we support artists and their creativity!

Imagine exchanging your vows under the spell of our ancient maple tree surrounded by rolling fields and mountain views of the hollow; celebrating cocktail hour in the barnyard; dining and dancing the night away under soaring barn ceilings and twinkling lights. The mountains of the hollow and this historic property in particular have an enchanting quality – an alluring essence full of hope and creative spirit.  (Editor’s note: swoon!)

The amenities: What do you include? 

Couples have complete, full 4 day access to our barn event spaces and expansive grounds. We have a stunning bridal suite/en-suite in the historic farmhouse to get ready in, and convenient on-site parking for guests. Our dedicated property management hosts are also all-hands-on-deck to help you before, during and after your celebration. 

If you’re looking to host some guests during your wedding, we offer on-site accommodations for up to 8 guests in 2 cottages (with 120+ 5 star reviews on Airbnb!)

Weatherhead Hollow provides a variety of flexible packages to truly make your weekend unique. You can host a wedding of up to 150 guests with the option to add on: party hours until midnight, rehearsal dinner or brunch and additional nights in the cottages.

Couples often utilize our vintage rental option, which incorporates decorations authentic to the farmstead such as cider barrels, whiskey bottles, antique windows, slate and wood signage into their wedding day decor.

The area: What is there to do in the local area?

We are located within 10 minutes of the picturesque town of Brattleboro, VT, nestled on the banks of the Connecticut River. In Brattleboro you’ll find world-class recreation, local food, shopping at independent merchants, history, and art in beautiful surroundings!

The history: Does the property have a rich history? 

The farmstead dates back to 1792 when Guilford was the largest town in Vermont. The apple trees on the property are known for making a delicious dry sparkling cider – a property tradition that dates back 100 years and that we continue today in their cider shed.

In 2012 Daniel purchased the property and invited me (Katherine) to consult on his artist residency program dream. We began to date, and quickly realized we were madly in love with each other! 

Together, we began restoring the property – while giving it an entirely new life as well. We renovated two cottages, an original Blacksmith Shop and Carriage Barn, plus we embarked on a historic renovation of the 10,000 square foot Barn. Our design theme throughout was inspired by an “enchanted woodland” theme that can be felt in the Airbnb cottages with impeccable rugs, curtains, furniture, wallpaper, Italian tile, one-of-a-kind art and more.

In 2016, we got married under an ancient tree on the property and celebrated our wedding in the barn with friends and family.  All our loved ones came together to create, design, and decorate the entire farmstead for the wedding; the magic of that long weekend is what kindled our desire to launch Weatherhead Hollow.

Our wedding also marked a first for the property – the first event to enjoy the new wood floor in the barn, the first event to celebrate the return of the property to its former magnificence, the first event to utilize the fully restored property. We are excited to welcome more couples to share in the magic of our property!

Thank you Katherine and Daniel for sharing your beautiful story with us!  Learn more about Weatherhead Hollow in the Vermont Weddings Vendor Guide. 

Winter Date Ideas You’ll Love

As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, there’s no better time to cuddle up and spend some quality time with your special someone. But let’s face it, planning a unique date night can get a little challenging after a while. So, if you’re looking to switch things up and need some inspiration, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of unique winter date ideas that are sure to bring some warmth to your hearts. From cozy indoor activities to adventurous outdoor experiences, we’ve got you covered. Grab a hot cocoa and let’s dive into some creative winter date ideas!

unique engagement photo ideas for Vermont couples
Jenna Brisson

Indoor Winter Date Ideas

We know; it’s cold. Here are some fun ideas for staying warm inside with your sweetie!

Learn How to Cook Something New Together

Novelty is one of the key ingredients to a satisfying relationship, so weaving in new recipes into your date night is a fun – and delicious – way keep the spark alive!

Dreaming of an Italian honeymoon? Learn how to make ravioli! Looking for something sweet? Whip up homemade chocolate lava cakes! There are countless tutorials on YouTube to walk you through the cooking processes step by step. 

Take Dance Lessons

This date could be especially helpful if you are preparing for a first dance! Look to see if a local studio is offering any in person classes for couples or private lessons. If not, you may be able to find an online class via AirBnb Experiences or another similar service! 

Turn Your Living Room into an Exclusive Dive Bar

I think this theme works even better if you have a basement or other den, but any room could do! Order takeout or stock up on some frozen treats from the grocery store (think: mozzarella sticks, waffle fries, and chicken nuggets). Grab some beers, and turn on the 80’s music or country tunes!

Depending on your space, you could add games like ping pong, darts, or shuffleboard. Or, bust out a classic board game or deck of cards, or pop on a video game you can both play for an arcade feel!

Jess Rene Photos
Jess Rene

Host a Spa Night

Turn down the lights and break out lots of candles to set a tranquil mood. Start with a relaxing couples’ yoga class (look one up on Youtube) and then get to pampering! Think: face masks, massages, and a steamy shower or bath.

Jess Rene Photos

Try a TikTok Couples Challenge

There seems to be a new trendy “challenge” on TikTok (and Instagram) every few months. You may already have one in mind, or you can Google to find a few that look fun to try. (Whether or not you post your result is up to you – the point is just to try and have fun.) We think this could be a really fun date night for a couple looking to be goofy and take the edge off! 

Set up a Themed Tasting

Grab a selection of pumpkin beers, local cheeses, fruity candies – whatever you both love – and try them all! You could set up a blind taste test, or simply savor and sample them all. Either way, you’ll fun exploring your taste buds and maybe even find a few new favorite treats!

Play the Newlywed Game

Even if you’re married, playing a game like this can be a fun way to reveal new depths of your partner! Watch this reel for a few of our favorite questions to ask when playing this game at a bachelorette party. To play with your partner, just ask each other the same questions, write your answers down (no cheating) and reveal each one. Put a friendly wager on the game to up the competitive spirit! 

Looking for more options? Try a card game version of Truth or Dare, like this one from Earth and Salt, or the Healthier Together conversation starter deck.

Outdoor Winter Date Ideas

Winter offers unique recreation that’s only available in the snow! Skiing and snowboarding are obvious choices (night skiing can be especially fun!) but ice skating is another classic winter date idea that never gets old. Many cities have outdoor skating rinks and some even offer a romantic glow with twinkling lights!

Snowshoeing is another great winter activity that allows you to explore the outdoors and enjoy the snowy scenery. 

Finally, you can’t beat the nostalgia of sledding! Grab a tube and race down the hill snuggled up together.

Hallie Jade Pictures
Couple kissing on the ice rink after surprise proposal in Stowe Vermont
Madison Anne Studio

Share Your Winter Date Ideas

We hope these date ideas help heat up your date nights! If you have a favorite date night idea, we’d love to hear about it! Send us a message on Instagram!

Unique Vermont Elopement Ideas

Are you planning an elopement and looking for the perfect destination? Look no further than Vermont. With both gorgeous scenery and charming small towns to explore, Vermont is the perfect spot for your romantic getaway. Plus, we’re sharing some unique elopement ideas to help make your Vermont elopement even more special!

Allison Macy Photography

Hike a Mountain

They don’t call it the Green Mountain state for nothing! Hiking is a favorite pastime for many locals and visitors, and a mountain top elopement ceremony is a fun way to start your married life with some epic photos! 

Work with your photographer for their best recommendations on trails to match your abilities and vision. There are plenty of peaks to choose from, from easy strolls to vigorous climbs! A few popular trails include Stowe Pinnacle, Camel’s Hump, Mount Philo, Bingham Falls, Moss Glen Falls, Red Rocks Park Loop, Mount Elmore, Quechee Gorge, and of course the you could hop on part of the Long Trail. 

No matter where you go, we recommend bringing layers (the weather and the temperatures can vary greatly from base to summit) and wearing hiking boots or sneakers. 

Kate Seymour Photography
Jenna Brisson Photography

Get Hitched at a Sugar Shack

There’s nothing quite like the taste of real VT maple syrup, so why not tap and bottle some of your own to celebrate your sweetest day? Sugaring season typically runs from late February to early April.

Exploring an authentic Vermont sugar shack is a fun activity to add into your winter elopement weekend, no matter where you decide to tie the knot.  

Kate Seymour Photography
Kate Seymour Photography

Take the Plunge in a Swimming Hole

One of the coolest parts of living in VT is exploring the state’s swimming holes in the summer months. They’re such a unique part of the landscape and offer a truly stunning backdrop for an elopement ceremony! 

We highly recommend working with your photographer to find a day and time that will be less crowded – some of the most popular swimming holes can get busy in the hot months! A weekday, or early morning may give you a more secluded, romantic feel. 

Stephanie Wood Photography
A photo of a couple's elopement ceremony at Warren Falls, Vermont
Swell & Stone Photography

Hit the Slopes

Skiers and snowboarders alike will enjoy a winter saying “I do” atop one of the many breathtaking mountains in Vermont! And how about a friendly race down the slopes after? 

Couple holding skis after elopement ceremony on the summit of Killington Mountain in Vermont
Juniper Studios
Juniper Studios

Exchange Vows on a Boat Cruise

Vermont’s picturesque lakes are a beautiful backdrop for an elopement ceremony! Book a private charter and set sail for your ceremony. (We’d be remiss if we didn’t note that Lake Champlain is particularly stunning at sunset!)

Couple sitting on boat on wedding day at sunset on Lake Champlain in Vermont
Kelsey Converse Photography
Owls Iris Photography

Host a Mini Car Camping Reception

Bring the party wherever you go with a car camping elopement ceremony and reception! This is a great option for couples who may want to explore several locations during their elopement. 

Flip down the tailgate and set up an intimate picnic for two!

car camping elopement wedding at Spruce peak
Madison Anne Studio
Kate Seymour Photography

More Elopement Ideas for You

We hope these elopement ideas inspire your own intimate celebration in Vermont! If you’re looking for even more inspiration, check out our elopement blog for advice and real elopement ceremonies from across the state.   

Don’t forget to visit the vendor guide to find your dream elopement team!

A Modern, Elegant Farm Wedding

High school sweethearts, Nicole and Kyle, recently tied the knot with a modern, elegant farm wedding at Isham Family Farm in Williston, Vermont. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, the couple declared their love for one another in an intimate ceremony that was filled with joy, laughter and super sweet details. From the beautiful mountain backdrop for their ceremony to the stunning first look photos, Nicole and Kyle’s special day was truly a magical celebration of their commitment to each other.

Special Details Made this Elegant Farm Wedding Even Sweeter

Nicole and Kyle are high school sweethearts who graduated from Mount Mansfield Union High School. It was important to the couple to tie in elements throughout the day that shared their story with their guests.

In their vows, both highlighted that they “grew up together” during their 8.5 years of dating and also incorporated their favorite date night activity (margaritas and tacos – yum!) by having a margarita seating chart and family-style Mexican feast.

We also want to highlight one of the sweetest and most sentimental details of the big day. Sadly, Nicole’s grandfather passed away two weeks prior to the wedding. He was a wedding photographer/videographer, and Nicole reserved his seat at the wedding with one of his beloved cameras. The couple’s wedding photographer, Bridget, thoughtfully proposed she take some wedding photos with it, too. The snap shots will undoubtedly be cherished photos for the entire family for generations to come.

First Look at Shelburne Farms

The couple decided to head to Shelburne Farms for their first look. Not only is this a gorgeous spot on Lake Champlain, but it was a nod to the numerous weekends the couple have spent at the Lake’s shores. It was another special detail the couple wound into their day to make it feel even more personal and unique to their love story!

Outdoor Summer Wedding at Isham Family Farm

Isham Family Farm is a historic 108 acre farm in Williston, Vermont. The beautifully restored barn and charming mountain views were the perfect quintessential Vermont backdrop to the couple’s big day.

(Worth noting: The Farm is a working farm that can easily become a part of your lifetime of celebrations beyond your wedding! Many couples come back with their growing families to pick berries in the summer, select pumpkins in the fall, or to cut their own family Christmas Tree around the holidays.)

Congrats Nicole and Kyle!

Wedding Vendor Team

Venue: Isham Family Farm, Linen Rentals: The Linen Shop, Photographer: By Bridget Photography, Videographer: Samuel Gauthier, Wedding Planner: Ehmann Events, Rentals: Vermont Tent Company, Florist: Petals Floral Design, Caterer: The Hindquarter, Bar Service: Fluid Bar Service, Cake Bakery: Sweet Simone’s, Dessert Table: Kingdom Sweets, Band: Silver Arrow Band, Convertible Rental: Country Boy Classics, Guest Transportation: Affordable Transportation, Hair: Beauty By Chelsey, Makeup: Emily Tobi, Dress: Hinterland Bride

Your Next Read:

Looking for another summer wedding? Check out this Boho Wedding at Lareau Farm Inn or this Joyful Summer Wedding at The Inn at Grace Farm.

Want another real wedding post? Check out any of these.