Top Five Luxury Wedding Venues in Connecticut
As a wedding videographer based in Connecticut, I've had the privilege of capturing countless love stories at some of the most stunning venues our state has to offer. After filming hundreds of weddings over the years, I've developed a deep appreciation for venues that not only provide a beautiful backdrop but also create an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests. Today, I'm sharing my professional insights on Connecticut's top five luxury wedding venues.
The Estate
When I first drive up to The Estate's 200-year-old brownstone pillars, I'm always struck by how the property perfectly balances historic charm with contemporary sophistication. As someone who specializes in capturing those perfect moments, I particularly love how the natural light streams through the mansion's arched windows, creating stunning opportunities for cinematographic magic.
What sets The Estate apart is its exclusivity - you'll have the entire property to yourself for your wedding day. This is a videographer's dream, as it allows me to capture intimate moments without worrying about other events or guests in the background. The recently added sailcloth tent, with its soaring peaks and elegant lighting, creates a magical atmosphere that translates beautifully on camera.
One of my favorite features is the variety of spaces available for filming. From the luxurious wedding suites to the historic mansion rooms with their 10-foot ceilings and crystal chandeliers, every corner tells a story. The 12 acres of manicured grounds, complete with specimen trees and a historic iron fountain, provide endless possibilities for capturing romantic moments.
Saint Clements Castle & Marina
Spanning over 90 acres along the Connecticut River, Saint Clements Castle & Marina is a videographer's paradise. I've filmed countless weddings here, and each time, I discover new angles and perspectives that make every video unique.
The venue offers three distinct spaces:
The Prince Edward Ballroom
Recently renovated with neutral tones and eight stunning Firenze crystal chandeliers, this space is perfect for larger celebrations of up to 260 guests. The coffered ceilings and wainscoted walls provide an elegant backdrop that looks incredible in both wide shots and intimate close-ups.
The Waterford Room
As a videographer, I particularly appreciate the high-grade acoustic ceiling in this newly renovated space - it makes capturing crystal-clear audio during speeches and vows a dream. The natural light flooding through the windows creates a gorgeous, airy atmosphere that translates beautifully on film.
The River's Edge Ballroom
This newer addition is my personal favorite for intimate weddings. The wall-to-wall windows overlooking the river create stunning natural lighting conditions, while the contrast between oak beams and crystal chandeliers adds visual interest to every frame.
Lord Thompson Manor
What makes Lord Thompson Manor special from a videographer's perspective is the opportunity to tell a complete wedding story. With their weekend-long celebrations, I can capture everything from the rehearsal dinner to the farewell breakfast, creating a rich narrative that goes beyond just the wedding day.
The half-mile driveway leading to this 40-acre estate sets the stage for an epic establishing shot. The property's blend of elegance and comfort creates natural, relaxed moments that make for compelling footage. I particularly love filming the flow of their reception style, which encourages movement and interaction rather than keeping guests seated at tables all evening.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
The Society Room of Hartford
For couples seeking a sophisticated city wedding, The Society Room of Hartford is unmatched. As a videographer, the grand marble staircase and 35-foot ceilings provide opportunities for dramatic shots that never fail to impress in wedding films.
The venue's original architecture from 1834 creates a stunning backdrop, with gilded ceilings and grand marbled columns that add a touch of old-world glamour to every frame. The 3,000-square-foot balcony offers perfect vantage points for capturing sweeping shots of the celebration below.
Anthony's Ocean View
Last but certainly not least, Anthony's Ocean View offers something unique in Connecticut - the opportunity to capture seaside wedding moments without leaving the state. The venue's multiple ballrooms each offer their own charm, but my favorite as a videographer is the Paradise Ballroom with its stunning water views.
The tropical gardens and beach access provide diverse filming locations within a single venue. Whether it's capturing intimate moments during a beach ceremony or filming grand entrances in the ballroom, Anthony's Ocean View offers versatility that helps me create dynamic wedding films.
As a wedding videographer, my goal is to capture not just the events of the day, but the feeling, the atmosphere, and the unique character of each celebration. These five venues consistently provide the perfect backdrop for creating timeless wedding films that couples will treasure forever. Each has its own distinct personality and charm, making them stand out in Connecticut's luxury wedding venue landscape.
Whether you're dreaming of a historic mansion, a coastal celebration, or an urban sophisticated affair, these venues offer the perfect setting for your love story. And as someone who has filmed countless weddings at each location, I can attest that they not only look beautiful on camera but also provide an exceptional experience for couples and their guests. Let’s discuss your wedding!
