BEST OF 2021: Location

Vermont may be a small state, but we have an impressive, long list of beautiful locations to get married! From the shores of Lake Champlain to the tops of the Green Mountains … and everywhere in between… there are a variety of venues to set the stage for your romantic wedding. Here are a few of the best places couples exchanged vows in 2021.

Love this story? We’re sharing our “semi finalist” picks on Instagram. Go check it out for even more inspiration!

Mountains Majesty

Sparkling waters and sweeping mountain views make The Equinox Resort’s pond one of the most romantic, majestic to tie the knot. (Photo: Kelsey Regan Photography)

The barn and firepit at dusk at Lareau Farm Inn in Vermont

Home Away From Home

With lodging on site, a cozy firepit, and plenty to explore, the Lareau Farm Inn makes you feel like you’re at home – if you’re home was really, really cool. (Photo: Hannah Photography)

Lakeside & Lovely

With views overlooking Lake Champlain, sparkling aquariums and more, ECHO is a unique, modern setting for a true Vermont wedding. (Photo: Madison Anne Studio)

Backyard Bliss

From getting ready at the elegant Inn at Burkyn to a lovely backyard celebration, this wedding in the mountains is a total stunner. (Video: Beyond Bliss Films)

Bride and groom walking down country road in Vermont in the fall

Falling For You

With rolling hills and colorful foliage, Sterling Ridge Resort sets the scene for a truly lovely Vermont wedding. (Photo: Cait Borgault Photography)

Garden Romance

A gorgeous barn and colorful, sprawling gardens …it’s no wonder Farmhouse Flowers is one of the best backdrops for a Vermont wedding! (Photo: Danielle Allendorf)

 

Riding High

If you fell in love with Vermont for the skiing, you are going to love Sugarbush Resort‘s mountain top ceremony location and iconic “Just Married” chair lift sign. (Photo: Jenna Brisson)

 
Bride and groom walking up a hill at sunset with dramatic clouds and mist

Edge of the World

How breathtaking is this image? It looks like the couple is in the middle of an epic, romantic movie (but really they’re at private home in Shelburne, Vermont). (Photo: Ben Hudson Photography)

Into the Woods

This couple tied the knot under a canopy of trees at The Inn at Weathersfield before celebrating dinner in the quaint, romantic Inn. (Photo: Kate Seymour Photography)

 
Bride and groom on the lawn at VT historic estate

Bridgertons in Vermont

The Hildene’s splendor and elegance is unmatched and the views are unparalleled. It’s definitely one the best! (Photo: Juniper Studios

 

Perfect Pairing

The rolling hills and vineyard at Maquam Barn and Winery are the perfect pairing for a romantic wedding. (Photo: Danielle Allendorf)

 
 

Thank you to everyone who submitted for the Best of 2021 series! Don’t forget to check out our “semi finalists” on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter to get each Best of post emailed to you weekly this month!

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Quick recap: what is Vermont Weddings Best of 2021 Series?

A little backstory if you’re unfamiliar: we started the Best of series last year (2020) to highlight some of the amazing work by the talented teams in the Vermont wedding industry. It’s an opportunity to both celebrate a year’s worth of weddings and inspire couples who are planning a future Vermont wedding. (A quick note on the word “best”: the intention isn’t to make this a competition between weddings, but to share a small, but representative, sample of the weddings in Vermont this year.  To that end, please know that we love each and every wedding that was submitted, and the final picks are carefully chosen based on a variety of factors to create a compelling series.)

Here’s what you can expect:

All December, we’ll be rolling out inspiring stories in various categories:

Plus, because the submissions were just THAT good, we’re sharing our “semi finalist” picks for each category on Instagram. That means you’ll want to follow us to see even more highlights, and come back to the blog each week to see the “best” picks in each category.

We recommend signing up for our newsletter – we’ll send you an email each week with the highlights so you won’t miss a thing. (Going forward we only send 1 – 2 emails a month.)

A TRADITIONAL CHURCH CEREMONY AND A RUSTIC BARN RECEPTION

Meghan and Matthew chose an intimate, traditional church ceremony at their local church, followed by a small reception and dinner at the lovely Barnard Inn. Their rustic barn reception was classy, elegant and sentimental in all the best ways. 

Photographer Danielle Allendorf, commented, “Every aspect of their day was thoughtful, unique, and all around beautiful. I could tell from the moment I walked in the door that family means the world to both of them. You could feel the joy throughout the entire day as these two families turned into one.” 

Bride and groom standing on stairwell outside house smiling on their Vermont wedding day

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Venue: THE BARNARD INN RESTAURANT & MAX’S TAVERN | Photographer: DANIELLE ALLENDORF | Bridal Dress: FIORI BRIDAL BOUTIQUE

MEET DANIELLE OF DANIELLE ALLENDORF PHOTOGRAPHY

Vermont wedding photographer Danielle Allendorf is a proud Vermont native, sharing her love of the Green Mountain State and its famous creemees (she knows where all the best ones are) with her amazing couples. She’s also grown up in the wedding industry (more about that below), but she’s made a name all her own. 

I got to know Danielle a few years ago, as she was my own wedding photographer in 2018! We stayed in touch, and it’s always fun to see her work pop up on my Instagram feed. Read on to get to know the person behind Danielle Allendorf Photography for yourself!

How did you get into wedding photography?

I studied at The Hallmark Institute of Photography. Kelsey Regan Photography hired me right after, and I fell in love with weddings while second shooting for her. 

I was already very familiar with Vermont weddings because of my dad’s businesses: The Mansfield Barn and Supersounds Entertainment.

How would you describe your style?

Natural, elegant, and joyful. I love capturing candid moments, but I’m happy to step in and offer guidance along the way to capture shots as needed.

What inspires your work?

The beauty of Vermont; I love showing off this beautiful state. I also love witnessessing and preserving the incredible love that my couples have for each other.

What’s your favorite part of your job? 

Meeting amazing people from all over who share the same love for Vermont as I do!

Any special tips for couples getting married?

Plan out your wedding day timeline in advance with your photographer/venue/coordinator…no one wants to be stressed out or rushing around on their wedding day.

What’s your favorite moment during a wedding? 

There are so many amazing moments, but I would have to say the first look. I love being a fly on the wall capturing just the two of you together with no one else around!

What song gets you on the dance floor at a wedding?

“Yeah!” by Usher or anything by Beyoncé.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Vermont?

I love to hike and always wish I had more time to do it in the summer/fall months. Libby’s Look in Bolton is a local favorite!

If you weren’t a wedding photographer what would you do? 

I would probably be a food photographer (I know, still a photographer, but I just love it!) Working more with the local Vermont food & beverage/restaurant industry would be incredible.

What’s a fun fact about yourself?

I lived in England for five months in 2014 and traveled to eleven different European countries. It was an experience I will never forget!

Thank you, Danielle! Learn more about Danielle Allendorf Photography in the vendor guide. 

BLACK TIE STOWE WEDDING FILLED WITH HAPPY TEARS

Elegant and joyful – those were the two words that came to mind when I saw Olivia and Jake’s wedding gallery. The UVM sweethearts tied the knot at Topnotch Resort in Stowe with an elegant, black tie, tent wedding this summer. 

The details of their day are gorgeous. From Olivia’s beaded-back wedding dress (with pockets!), to classic black wedding party attire, to the lush florals and exquisite decor throughout the reception tent, their style is so elegant. The couple also wove countless meaningful details into their decor, including their Chuppah, which was built by Olivia’s family from trees from where she grew up!

The couple’s excitement is also palpable. “There were many happy tears!” says photographer Danielle Allendorf. The joy radiating from this couple is what truly stands out in their gallery, and makes it such a fun one to share. 

White couple in elegant wedding attire gazing at the mountains of Vermont

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Photographer: DANIELLE ALLENDORF | Wedding Venue: TOPNOTCH RESORT | Floral Design: BLOSSOMING BOUGH

THIS COUPLE TIED THE KNOT IN A VERMONT CHRISTMAS TREE FARM

Melissa & Christopher tied the knot at Isham Family Farm, a beautiful Vermont Christmas tree farm.

Winter Bridal Style Goals

Melissa’s bridal style is amazing; her blush skirt and sweater top is wintery, elegant and unique. And her lush, colorful bouquet is the perfect festive complement!

The couple were joined by their son, chocolate lab and parents to celebrate this couple’s idyllic December ceremony. Danielle Allendorf captured their magical day; check it out below!

Bride and groom kissing in a Christmas Tree Farm in Vermont

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Photographer: DANIELLE ALLENDORF | Wedding Venue: ISHAM FAMILY FARM | Beauty Services: HILLARY FAY STUDIOS | Floral Design: NANCY BISHOP FLORAL DESIGN

BEST OF 2020: ELOPEMENTS & MICROWEDDINGS

Given gathering restrictions this year, small microweddings and elopements were popular choices for couples in 2020. Every wedding is wonderful in its own way, so narrowing down the “best” in this category is truly impossible. That said, here are a few special moments that stood out from these beautiful, intimate wedding celebrations.

Mountain High

This couple braved the mountain for a truly dreamy elopement.

Danielle Allendorf Photography

Autumn Jewel

This intimate wedding is inspired by autumn in Vermont with beautiful jewel-toned amber and burgundy accents and florals.

Sugarbush Resort | Anne Lee Photography

Confetti Celebration

The colorful confetti toss is the perfect complement to this couple’s exuberant joy.

Ben Hudson Photography

Pond Side Bliss

The rug and floral arrangement anchor the couple’s ceremony, and their beloved dogs get in on the celebration.

Sterling Ridge Resort | Jenna Brisson Photography

New England Charm

This couple celebrates their beautiful, heartfelt wedding in an idyllic New England setting.

Grafton Inn | Loveland Creative

A Canoe Built for Two

A canoe ride on your wedding day? Why not! This couple enjoys a special moment alone before rejoining friends and family to celebrate.

Odyssey Events | Back of the Moon

Falling in Love

This vow exchanges feels both intimate and epic under a canopy of towering trees in full color.

Jessica Notargiacomo

 

Pretty as a Picnic

A picnic reception is such a fun twist, and this one is lovely, festive, and intimate.

Lareau Farm InnAmanda Young Photography

 

Cheerful Cheers

Virtual weddings were popular this year, and this couple was all smiles as they toasted to guests online during their beachfront wedding.

Ben Hudson Photography | Burlington Surf Club

Elegant Estate

The mansion, the gardens, the sunlight… this whole wedding is straight out of a fairytale.

Hildene | Jesse Schloff

A DIY BACKYARD WEDDING FILLED WITH LOVE

When Brittney and Steve’s plan for a large wedding this summer was derailed by COVID, their community rallied behind them to plan a gorgeous small wedding at her parents’ house.

(Related Read: A Guide to Postponing Your Wedding)

A Community DIY Wedding

Her parents spent the three months leading up to the big day planting new gardens, painting the house, constructing a rock wall, building a pergola, and more! “It’s impossible to exaggerate the amount of work they did,” says Steve.

Brittney’s parents aren’t the only ones who contributed to the wedding. One friend officiated the ceremony, others delivered and helped arranged the flowers, groomsmen brought a cake…”And so on and so on. It was truly amazing!” recalls Steve. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day or better people to spend it with.” See the couple’s gallery, captured by Danielle Allendorf, below.

A couple kisses at a  backyard wedding in Vermont

More Real Vermont Wedding Inspiration

Be sure to check out more posts of our real Vermont wedding posts here.

Photographer: DANIELLE ALLENDORF | Floral Design: FARMHOUSE FLOWERS VT