Why You Should Rent a Private Estate in Vermont for Your Dream Wedding + A Few of My Favorite Venues

Shot for Lensy Michelle, edits by Amanda Macchia Photography

If you're dreaming of a non-traditional wedding surrounded by nature, there’s no better place than the great state of Vermont. Especially a private estate in Vermont with a charming pond, rolling green hills, and total privacy to celebrate with your closest friends and family. Whatever type of day you’re planning, choosing a Vermont wedding venue that feels like home will make your wedding even more special.

A Private Vermont Estate: The Ultimate Wedding Venue

Renting a private estate in Vermont gives you complete control over your wedding day—no strict timelines, no back-to-back events, just you, your partner, and your best people in a stunning setting. Imagine exchanging vows by a tranquil pond, dancing under the stars, and waking up the next morning in a cozy New England retreat with your favorite people.

As a Vermont wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing candid, emotional, and adventurous wedding moments that reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you’re planning a sunset ceremony by the lake or a forest wedding with string lights and a dance party, I’ll be there to document it all. My approach blends documentary storytelling, artistic portraiture, and natural light photography to give you a gallery that feels as magical as your wedding day.

Why a Private Vermont Estate is Perfect for Your Wedding

• Breathtaking Scenery for Wedding Photography – As a Vermont wedding photographer, I can confidently say that the natural beauty of Vermont is unmatched. A private estate offers endless backdrops for your wedding photos—think lush forests, golden meadows, rustic barns, and shimmering ponds.

• So very LGBTQ+ Inclusive & Perfect for Queer Weddings – Choosing a private venue means creating a space that is welcoming, inclusive, and 100% tailored to your love story. Whether you're planning a a gender-inclusive ceremony, or an elopement, you can make your celebration as unique as your relationship.

• Total Privacy & Customization – Unlike traditional venues, a Vermont private estate wedding gives you full control over your timeline, vendors, and decor. Want a bonfire after the reception? A wedding weekend with hiking and brunch? It’s all possible when you rent your own space.

• Perfect for a Non-Traditional Wedding – Ditch the ballroom and say "I do" in a way that feels authentic to you. Whether you want a boho elopement by the pond, a vintage-inspired ceremony in a wildflower field, or a laid-back, barefoot wedding with your best friend, a private estate lets you do just that.

• Work with the Best Vermont Wedding Vendors – From a Vermont wedding makeup artist to a wedding planner who specializes in intimate celebrations, you can handpick a team that fits your style. This means stunning wedding photography, flawless makeup, and stress-free coordination—all in one of the most beautiful places in New England.

Why Dogs at Vermont Weddings Make the Day Even More Special

Vermont’s scenic beauty and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect destination for couples who want to incorporate their beloved pets into their wedding day. Dogs at weddings add a unique, heartwarming touch that brings joy to everyone involved. Whether it’s a puppy in a bowtie walking down the aisle as the flower dog, or your loyal companion lounging by the lakeside during your ceremony, dogs bring an undeniable sense of fun, warmth, and authenticity to the celebration. Vermont, with its pet-friendly venues, open spaces, and natural landscapes, is an ideal location for couples who want to celebrate their special day with their furry friends by their side. Plus, dogs help create unforgettable photo opportunities, whether they’re caught in a moment of pure joy on the dance floor or lounging with guests in the stunning Vermont backdrop. It’s no wonder that so many couples choose to include their dogs on their wedding day—after all, they’re often part of the family!

The Best Vermont Properties for Your Dream Wedding

1. The Notchbrook Estate – Stowe, Vermont

Located in the heart of Stowe, Vermont, The Notchbrook Estate is a stunning property that offers the perfect blend of elegance and rustic charm. Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, this venue boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, providing an incredible backdrop for your ceremony and photos. The estate features spacious outdoor lawns, a cozy barn for your reception, and luxurious accommodations for you and your guests. Whether you're looking for a classic Vermont wedding or a non-traditional celebration, this estate has everything you need to create a day to remember.

Stowe is easily accessible from Burlington International Airport (BTV), just about 45 minutes away, making it convenient for out-of-town guests. The charming town itself is known for its year-round activities, including skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer, so your guests can enjoy a mini-vacation along with your wedding celebration.

2. The Shelburne Farms – Shelburne, Vermont

For couples who want to feel the essence of Vermont's beauty and heritage, Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT, is a top choice. This historic mansion estate sits on the shores of Lake Champlain, offering picturesque views of the lake and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. The gorgeous grounds feature flower-filled gardens, towering trees, and a charming barn-style reception hall, giving you endless options for ceremony and reception sites. With its classic New England charm, Shelburne Farms provides a refined yet relaxed atmosphere for your wedding day.

Shelburne is just a short drive from Burlington International Airport (BTV), making it an easy destination for couples and their guests traveling from out of state. Additionally, the town of Shelburne offers a variety of local attractions, including the Shelburne Museum and the Shelburne Vineyard, perfect for a weekend getaway.

3. The Mountain Top Inn & Resort – Chittenden, Vermont

If you're looking for a venue that combines Vermont’s outdoor beauty with all-inclusive amenities, look no further than The Mountain Top Inn & Resort in Chittenden, VT. With its breathtaking panoramic views of the Green Mountains and Silver Lake, this venue is perfect for a destination wedding in the mountains. The estate offers an array of ceremony locations, from a stunning lakeside spot to the on-site rustic lodge for your reception. Whether you're planning a winter wonderland wedding with a cozy atmosphere or a summer celebration with outdoor lawn games and cocktails by the lake, this venue has it all.

The Mountain Top Inn is easily accessible via Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), just a 20-minute drive away, or you can fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV), about 1.5 hours away. This venue is ideal for couples who want a true Vermont destination wedding experience, offering not only a gorgeous wedding location but also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing.

4. Trapp Family Lodge – Stowe, Vermont

Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont, offers a picturesque and unique venue for couples seeking a mountain retreat wedding with a European flair. Set on a sprawling 2,500-acre estate, this historic lodge provides a breathtaking backdrop of the Green Mountains, with both outdoor and indoor ceremony options. Whether you choose to exchange vows in the scenic meadow or the elegant lodge ballroom, you’ll have stunning views and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Known for its rich history and connection to the Von Trapp family, Trapp Family Lodge offers a cozy yet refined setting for your wedding day, making it perfect for couples who want a wedding that feels both grand and intimate. The venue is easily accessible from Burlington International Airport (BTV), making it an ideal location for destination weddings in Vermont.

Here are a few others to check out as well!

• The Equinox Resort – Manchester, Historic, luxurious, elegant, mountain views, spa

• The Inn at Weathersfield – Weathersfield, Intimate, rustic, charming, private, serene

• The Lodge at Spruce Peak – Stowe, Modern, cozy, slopeside, scenic, intimate

• Sugarbush Resort – Warren, Ski-in, rustic, stunning, adventurous, vibrant

• The Governor’s House – Hyde Park, Classic, romantic, historic, elegant, peaceful

• Mountain Meadows Lodge – Killington, Secluded, picturesque, rustic, serene, intimate

• The Woodstock Inn & Resort – Woodstock, Elegant, historic, charming, luxurious, romantic

• The Barn at Boyden Farm – Cambridge, Rustic, spacious, elegant, scenic, intimate

• The Old Lantern Inn – Charlotte, Cozy, intimate, classic, romantic, secluded

• The Rood Center – Middlebury, Modern, versatile, unique, private, elegant

Vermont is full of beautiful, unique wedding venues across its stunning landscapes, from lakeside estates to mountain retreats. Whether you’re drawn to the charming village of Stowe, the lakeside beauty of Shelburne, or the mountain views of Chittenden, Vermont offers a wedding experience that perfectly reflects your love story. Easy access from Burlington International Airport (BTV), Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT), and Montpelier State Airport (MPV) makes it a great choice for couples planning their destination wedding. Let Vermont’s scenic beauty and inclusive wedding venues make your day unforgettable, whether you're hosting a gay wedding, lesbian wedding, or a non-traditional celebration surrounded by nature and loved ones.