Dreaming of getting married aboard a boat, against a stunning castle backdrop, or surrounded by mountain views?
In New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, it’s all possible. Home to some of the most swoon-worthy wedding venues in New England (and a first-rate collection of vendors and event professionals), our portion of the Granite State is the perfect place to tie the knot in any season. Whether you’re planning a large-scale celebration in a timeless ballroom or you’ve always dreamed about having a micro-wedding with your nearest and dearest in a local brewery, we’ve rounded up a few Lakes Region wedding venues suited for every couple’s style and vision.
Cruise Into Your Next Chapter
It wouldn’t be the Lakes Region without wedding venues that are, well, right on the lake! With Mount Washington Cruises, your “something blue” can be the clear blue waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. From intimate celebrations of 30 guests to splashy receptions with 500 people, these cruises are ready to host it all — as well as rehearsal dinners and post-wedding brunches. Another great way to incorporate the lake into your wedding: Hop aboard The Millie B, a 28-foot Hacker-Craft replica, for a private charter to or from your wedding ceremony location.
Embrace Rustic Romance
Seeking a rustic, charming backdrop for your wedding day? Consider one of New Hampshire’s acclaimed barn venues. It doesn’t get more charming than Plymouth’s The Barn on the Pemi, a three-story, hilltop property that affords gorgeous views of the Pemigewasset River and can accommodate up to 300 guests. If greenery is a must-have on your wedding venue checklist, The Barn on the Pemi’s greenhouse — available for ceremonies, rain or shine — is the perfect spot to exchange “I dos.”
Tie the Knot in a Fairytale Setting
Way up in the clouds, couples can plan dreamy weddings against the jaw-dropping backdrop of Moultonborough’s Castle in the Clouds, a romantic gem that overlooks both Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Mountains. Host your elegant ceremony outside the Lucknow Mansion on a manicured, garden-framed lawn, move the party over to cocktail hour inside The Carriage House or on the adjoining terrace, and savor a seated dinner reception in the Winnipesaukee Room for a wow-worthy celebration.
Say “I Do” with Peak Views
Want to incorporate your love for skiing into your special day? Look no further than the Lakes Region’s Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford. Couples can ride the chairlift up to the summit for a ceremony framed by Lake Winnipesaukee views, or opt to exchange vows inside the historic lodge. Perfect for soon-to-weds seeking a packed wedding weekend itinerary, the resort makes it easy to spend your big weekend ziplining, skiing, or even hosting an outdoor barbecue post-rehearsal (weather permitting, of course). There are also plenty of lodging options right around the corner to accommodate your guests.
Go Grand at a Mansion or Manor
For couples looking to host a large-scale celebration in a stately setting, consider one of the Lakes Region’s grand estates. The Manor at the Van Horn Estate is tailored for weekend-long wedding celebrations, where your group has the run of the 10-acre, private property. Overlooking both Squam Lake and the foothills of the White Mountains, the 1904 mansion and The Mirador (a ceremony space that fits 140 guests) provide a truly elegant backdrop.
The Tilton Mansion is another ideal option for refined celebrations. Nestled high on a hill with views of the Winnipesaukee River, the former private residence of Charles E. Tilton and his family is now available for special events. Perfect for couples who appreciate fine details, the property features decorative millwork, hand-painted ceiling murals, and rare chandeliers. (Find more information about this venue via email.)
Travel Back in Time at a Historic Gem
There are historic event venues, and then there are spaces so storied that they’re included on the National Register of Historic Places — and Belknap Mill in Laconia has earned a spot on that prestigious list. The 200-year-old museum and community gathering place is brimming with industrial charm and timeless character, making it a perfect match for couples seeking a venue with an enduring legacy (and plenty of architectural interest).
Treat Your Guests to Lakefront Luxury
The Lakes Region has no shortage of waterfront wedding venues to choose from, including its newest luxury resort, The Lake Estate on Winnisquam. Choose from seven different event rooms for receptions, including the Estate Ballroom with space for 220 guests, and host a romantic outdoor ceremony by the sparkling lake. Another perk of hosting your nuptials at the luxury property: access to the spa for bridal party pedicures or a wedding-morning massage for a blissful start to married life.
Cozy Up in a Brewery
Toast to your next chapter as newlyweds with a White Mountain wedding at the Woodstock Inn Brewery, where you can host the full weekend festivities, from your rehearsal dinner to the after-party, all under one proverbial roof (the brewery offers an outdoor, riverside ceremony space as well). Your guests will also have plenty of cozy rooms to choose from right on the property, so nobody has to travel far to celebrate the happy couple.
Unplug in Nature for the Weekend
Have your heart set on exchanging vows against a sprawling natural backdrop? Wolfsburg Farm offers up a 120-acre canvas for your big day, designed for meaningful gatherings that invite your guests to slow down and unplug with you. Spend a weekend “glamping” with your nearest and dearest, gazing up at the stars, and mingling inside a circa 1875 barn that was carefully restored to host stunning celebrations. The property is managed by Free Spirits Event Co., a full-service event production group focused on elevated celebrations and adventure weddings.
EXCHANGE VOWS AT THE WATER’S EDGE
Perched right at the edge of Paugus Bay, The Margate on Winnipesaukee affords a front-row view of blue sky, mountains, and postcard-worthy sunsets. Couples can host outdoor ceremonies on the Lakeside Pavilion, followed by a tented reception with space for up to 500 guests. To truly dazzle your guests, select the wedding fireworks package and end your big night with a bang in the form of a 10-minute fireworks display.
Couples will also find a serene waterfront setting at Church Landing at Mill Falls at the Lake. The Adirondack-style inn in Meredith is surrounded by lush gardens and Lake Winnipesaukee’s stunning shores. Say your long-awaited vows by the water, cheers with your guests during a picturesque outdoor cocktail hour, and dance the night away at your reception under a tent.
This is just a sampling of the picture-perfect wedding venues you’ll find around the Lakes Region. Discover even more lakefront venues where you can tie the knot in style.
