Should you be twiddling your thumbs this mid-October trying to decide when and where to get married, might I suggest late May at the Shelburne Museum?

Founded in 1947 by Electra Havemeyer Webb, who had not only a passion for American collectibles but the imagination to move 20 historic buildings to display them in, the Museum combines vintage buildings, manicured grounds, and fragrant plantings in a way that creates a wedding setting like no other.

Where else, for example, can you get married on a landed 220-foot steamboat?  The Ticonderoga is the popular place for receptions at the Museum and is fully equipped with three levels, two decks, vintage newspapers, a winding wood staircase with a full-length mirror, and charming (though off-limits) bedroom chambers.  Dining often takes place under the covered yet open deck, while the fully open and uncovered deck makes a great dance floor.

And for the little kids at the party?  Well, there is an old-time carousel minutes away from the Ticonderoga. And when the wine and champagne has begun to flow and those handful of unruly guests begin to reveal themselves?  Well, there is a small but secure-looking jail house across the grounds.

While anytime of year would be a beautiful time of year to get married at the Museum if you happen to be fond of (as I am) lily of the valley, apple blossoms, lilacs, and ducklings late May just might be your time!

To learn more about this great Vermont wedding venue please click here

Few Vermont wedding venues offer the myriad of ceremony and reception choices that Shelburne Museum does.  Wedding ceremonies can be held in one of the many garden locations(surrounded by Day lilly’s or Peonies), and your reception can be in a completely different location on the property.   One recent wedding held their breathtaking ceremony in the “circus building” garden while their reception occurred on the Ticonderoga Steam ship.

Shelburne Museum has the original Ticonderoga steam ship resting on their property. It was transported from Lake Champlain basin via rail road tracks built specifically for transporting the 220 foot steam ship.  Not only is it available for receptions, but rehearsal dinner, and ceremonies as well. This national landmark is the only side-wheel passenger steam ship in existence, and is a perfect slice of 1923 to set the stage for your Vermont wedding experience.   Having personally visited the ship this past spring, it is a truly amazing experience to be had.

The Brick house which was home to the founding family of Shelburne Museum is located on the shores on Lake Champlain and hosts over 40 rooms in elegant colonial revival style.  It is fitting that the home was given to the Webb family in 1913 as a wedding gift, and is now available for rent as a wonderful Vermont wedding venue.  The views from the Brick House over beautiful Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains are simply amazing. While availability is limited for weddings at The Brick House, it is certainly a one of a kind Vermont Wedding venue that should not be passed up.

No matter which locations you choose for your unique Vermont wedding, Shelburne Museum is sure to deliver a one of a kind experience that will wow you and your guests for years to come.

For more information on this great Vermont wedding venue please click HERE.

All photos courtesy of and copyright Sara Zarrella

Sara Zarrella (one of our blog contributors) is not only an exceptional  photojournalist (just look at the eye candy above!) – but very lucky! She lives in the smallest state in New England, but without doubt, one of the most beautiful.  Rhode Island is home to various landscapes, oceans, bays and a few islands.  One of the better known locales and the most famous for wedding destinations is Newport.

If you approach Newport from the West, you encounter one of the island’s grand gestures right away.  The Newport Bridge stands tall and long, gracing many of the wedding shots taken in the area. Not only home to the gilded era’s notorious past, the famous “Ocean Drive” and Seaworthy races such as the America’s Cup,  Newport was also the famed wedding location for Jackie Onassis and JFK.

The farm where Jackie and John married is no longer available for weddings (the Church is though), but rest assured, when it comes to tying the knot, there is no shortage of wedding venues in Newport.  Sara was kind enough to share  fabulous photos of past weddings held at some of the most sought after locations.

Astors’ Beechwood, Newport Hyatt, Salve Regina University {private campus weddings in Ochre Court}, OceanCliff, Belle Mer, Castle Hill Inn & Resort

My first choice for a Hamptons wedding would be a private home.  If you do not have access to a home, estates are available to rent for a price.  Be prepared to spend more than a few thousand dollars, and budget well over $10,000-$50,000 plus for a weekend rental.  Inform your rental agent about your plans and check for permits that need to be filed.  Each town on the east end will have ordinances that need to be followed or the men in blue may show up as uninvited guests. Estate weddings have many details and proper knowledge along with planning will help to reduce any headaches you may have in the near future.  I am bias of course, and the best advice here is to hire a planner to handle the logistics.

There are several impeccable full service catering companies on the East End as well. Many of these companies have connections with event locations {think farms, barns, ultra special places that you only know about if you live, work and breathe the hamptons}  you will only find by securing their services. One of our favorites is Art of Eating.

My other favorite well known spots for an East End wedding include; The Harvest on Fort Pond {I crave their food!}, The Montauk Yacht Club, Gurneys Inn, The Laundry {in the past few years they have moved to a new, larger location},  East Hampton Point, Southhampton Inn, B.Smiths and The Parish Art Museum. Just a short ride on the South Ferry will bring you to the Pridwin Hotel and the Rams Head Inn on Shelter Island.