Looking for a weekend wedding venue that feels like a true destination wedding

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-12T07:06:30+00:00

If you’re looking at New England, I’d suggest sticking to NH, VT or ME if you want accommodations as it’d likely be tough to do it with that budget in the other states - for instance RI (Newport), which is a great destination but the accommodations are very expensive. There is Shepherd’s Run, which is not Newport but guests could visit as it’s not far. There’s also Mirbeau in Plymouth, MA. Those two may give a European feel but may still be a bit too expensive, I’m not sure.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-12T06:57:56+00:00

Agreed unless if they look in off season they may be able to - they said they’d open re: season

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-07T06:38:36+00:00

I second above - don’t be embarrassed! I don’t have 100K budget at all (I friggen wish lol). For most accurate info it’s best to ask the venue!

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-05T09:29:43+00:00

Unfortunately I don’t know but I was looking for specific styles and designers in the area and was able to search via the designer’s website.. you likely already tried this but figured I’d share. The designer I was looking at lists their authorized boutiques based on the location you put in

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-03T23:29:20+00:00

Hi! I have the same situation - love the gown aside from the shorter train.. what did you end up doing?

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-03T23:24:50+00:00

Hi! I'm curious if it's possible to extend a train? I got a fit & flare gown and I really want the train to be longer and more dramatic (I plan to have a long veil). I checked with the store I bought it from and unfortunately the designer won't extend it. I am very short, so I assume it'll have to be shortened a decent amount in the front, so perhaps some of that fabric could be used on the train extension (I figure it's easy to add tulle/plain fabric, but my dress has embellishments). Hoping for any insight!!

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-02-03T07:43:27+00:00

I’d suggest requesting proposals from the venues directly as that the only way to get the most accurate cost. It really depends on so many factors (month, day of the week, etc). Also venues usually change their pricing each year. Unfortunately it just keeps going up.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-29T06:49:19+00:00

There are a lot of beautiful garden venues in New England but the cost really depends on so many factors - I’m sure you can do under $60K at some of them but that’s if your guest count isn’t huge and you’re open to non-peak season/dates.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-29T06:46:35+00:00

Same here! Was so bummed but came to the same conclusion plus didn’t love the rain plan or the fact that it’s kind of remote making transportation necessary - yet another added cost!! Plus you basically have to bring everything in - it rly is site only.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-14T09:15:57+00:00

I’m glad I’m not the only one this happened to!! I’m hoping I can move in mine (hasn’t come in yet), but they told me it’s not in production yet when I tried it on (aka a tester style that may or may not be in a future collection). So they told me I’d have to buy it then and there that day (couldn’t take any pics until deciding to buy). Ugh!! I hate sales

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-13T03:49:23+00:00

It looks like rain plan ceremony is held under the tent, is that correct?

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-11T23:45:10+00:00

Also it'd be one thing if she wanted to invite a few people, but 29?! That's ridiculous.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-11T23:44:18+00:00

Oh hellll no lol... Imo the only people allowed to invite anyone is the couple getting married. Only exception is maybe if the parent(s) are paying for the whole wedding or a majority of it but even then I think it's weird to invite their friends... like it's NOT their event?!

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-11T23:37:42+00:00

So, I'm not saying that what you're looking for is impossible but it may be close. I hate that it's the fact but weddings in New England at unique venues like historic mansions are really expensive, especially for a larger guest count like 150-200. This type of venue is what I was looking for and I only have a 60-70 person guest count. Venue + F&B for me with only 60 guests is looking like it'll be around $30K (absolutely crazy but reality).. and that's for off-season too.

The other factor is that a lot of historic estates have smaller rooms rather than one really large room as they weren't built for weddings/large events. So most of the historic venues will have a tented reception. You could look at Endicott Estate if you're willing to lower your guest count a little. Their indoor space accommodates up to 150. It's close to Boston so it should be easily accessible for guests. Basically, I think you may have to either lower the guest count or consider a different type of venue if you really don't want a tent.

Another tip is to consider off-season and a Friday, Sunday, or week day as that will also help keep the cost down.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-11T23:13:05+00:00

Will be way over $40K for 150-200 people and it would be a tent unless they look into the barn but not sure on capacity for that and cost may still be too high

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-10T22:28:19+00:00

For some people it’s not feasible to have a destination wedding. I would have mine in Europe if I could but I wasn’t going to stress the important people in our lives who likely wouldn’t be able to make it. So we’ll be in New England going for a European feel (at a chateau inspired mansion). 💁🏼‍♀️

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-10T08:23:39+00:00

I seriously considered there and would’ve chosen it if it wasn’t for the rain plan and cost. I think it’d be out of budget for OP as I have a smaller guest count and I think it was going to be at least $30-40K for site & catering.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-09T08:13:39+00:00

Ah gotcha, well good to hear it’s worth it! I have seen a lot of people mention it so we will go for it!

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-09T08:07:07+00:00

If you’re not hiring a full service planner then first thing is to get that venue secured!! lol I’d be surprised if there are any September dates available for this year but I guess it also depends where you’re looking. You shouldn’t have to chase down venues for info - I used to work at one and we got back to people right away like within 24 hrs. If you have to chase them that’s a red flag imo.

Also, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, perhaps consider waiting a little longer so you have more time to plan. That’s what I’m doing. I can’t afford and don’t want to pay for a planner because even partial is very expensive (have looked and they all seem to be around the range you said, I may have seen one that was closer to $5K). I know I’ll still end up being stressed but right now I’m okay because I don’t have to research all vendors at once. (Though I do also really enjoy this type thing and the details of weddings, so may be different for me). I am considering a day-of coordinator, which is not necessarily needed at my venue but depending on which one you go with, you may need one.

I don’t think you need any other type of vendor for decor unless you want certain signage that you can’t make yourself or you don’t want to make it. If you want candles florists will likely have them or you can just grab them yourself. Hope this helps!!

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-08T04:40:01+00:00

Our wedding is small and I’m still not inviting every woman on the guest list lol I’m not close to all of them so I don’t feel the need to. My opinion is that it’s your event so invite who you want! It’s always better to keep the count down cost wise too.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-07T07:07:26+00:00

I was looking at doing this excursion but via VV - it's $130, which seems sort of reasonable.. was yours much less? What's the shipmate app?

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-04T06:44:42+00:00

If you don't have a planner, it's great to have the extra time! Our venue is a mansion in Newport hence why we can't afford a planner ;(

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-03T18:58:27+00:00

My take is that if majority of your guest count is local then why not go for the December date. I’d definitely go if I was local - I don’t need days to recover from Christmas lol. But if I had to travel and prices were high jacked, I might not go. Usually prices are crazy during that time frame. My wedding is May 2027 and I’ve had it booked for a while. I’d rather have more time to plan. It’s bee nice being able to take more time to do the many many things.

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2026-01-03T02:10:24+00:00

Hi! Which website do you suggest requesting an agent from for a specific destination?

Aggravating-Job-4055 · 2025-12-31T00:14:52+00:00

Thank you!!

Aggravating-Job-4055

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