The Ultimate Hill-Stead Museum Wedding Planning Guide
A Hill-Stead Museum wedding venue video tour. The reception held under a sail cloth sperry tent, adorned with gorgeous wedding floral arrangements by Stems Floral Design. The ceremony took place on the West Lawn, with a picturesque backdrop that'll take your breath away. All rentals were provided by Party Rental Ltd, ensuring a top-quality experience. Don't miss out on this unforgettable wedding venue tour!
The Hill-Stead Museum Wedding Venue
The Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut, is a beautiful and historic location for a wedding ceremony and reception. The West Lawn and Veranda overlooking a lush forest and meadow can accommodate up to 200 guests for a ceremony. The Hill-Stead Museum also offers a variety of options for cocktail hour and reception, making it a versatile and unique venue for any couple.
A wedding ceremony on the West Lawn at Hill-Stead Museum.
Onsite Wedding Ceremony Location
Imagine exchanging vows on the Hill-Stead Museum's West Lawn and Veranda, surrounded by a picturesque forest and meadow. This stunning location can host up to 200 guests for your wedding. The Hill-Stead Museum also offers a bridal suite for the wedding party and a 1-hour rehearsal the day before the ceremony. The museum staff will provide a security guard and museum supervisor to be present during the event.
The sunken garden set up for a summer wedding at the Hill-Stead Museum with a Sperry Tent in the background.
Cocktail Hour Location
The Hill-Stead Museum's cocktail hour is hosted in the sunken garden designed by Beatrix Farrand. This idyllic location offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for guests to enjoy while sipping on their cocktails. The food options are customizable and can be tailored to the couple's preferences. The Hill-stead Museum advises couples to take all their formal photos before the ceremony to enjoy their cocktail hour fully.
A summer wedding reception in a large Sperry tent on the west lawn at the Hill-Stead Museum. in Farmington, CT.
Reception Options
The Hill-Stead Museum's wedding reception can be held in a tent rented from experienced vendors such as Sperry Tents, Taylor Rentals, or CT Rental Center. The largest tent on the lawn can host up to 200 guests. The Hill-Stead Museum advises couples to hire a third-party wedding planner, such as Alyssa Jean Signature Events, who is on their preferred vendor list. For smaller weddings, the Hill-stead Museum offers their Makeshift Theater as an option for around 80-100 guests. A company like CT Rental Center must rent all tables, chairs, and linens.
Recommended Caterers at Hill-Stead Museum
The Hill-Stead Museum has a list of approved caterers for couples. These caterers include:
Forks & Fingers: Offers a variety of delicious food options, from casual to formal.
Emily’s Catering Group: Specializes in fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients.
Russell’s Global Cuisine: Offers a diverse range of international cuisines.
Doro Catering: Provides elegant and sophisticated food options.
David Alan Hospitality Group: Offers a wide range of catering services and cuisines.
Wedding highlights from throughout the day at the Hill-Stead Museum.
What does a wedding at Hill-Stead Museum Cost?
The Hill-Stead Museum offers a variety of options for couples to choose from. The West Lawn and Veranda package includes an $8,500 site rental fee, an $800 ceremony fee, and a 6-hour event, and it can accommodate up to 200 guests. The couple is also allowed to rent a tent for their reception. The rental includes the use of the exquisite historical setting, professional service, a bridal suite for the wedding party to get ready, parking for guests, a security guard present during the event, a museum supervisor present during the event, electricity, and water for vendors, and a 1-hour rehearsal the day before. The Sunken Garden and Patio are also included for the cocktail hour.
Wedding Photo Locations at The Hill-Stead Museum
The Hill-Stead Museum offers a variety of beautiful locations for wedding photos. The Sunken Garden is an excellent location for family photos, while the West Lawn is a lovely location for golden hour portraits. The Hill-Stead Museum also offers several other shaded areas that provide the perfect light for group photos at any time of the day.
Wedding guest arriving to the Hill-Stead Museum wedding ceremony on the West Lawn.
History of Hill-Stead Museum
As a summer residence, the Hill-Stead Museum was built in 1901 by philanthropist and art collector Annie Burr Jennings. Architect Theodate Pope Riddle and landscape architect Beatrix Farrand designed the museum. The museum was later donated to the University of Connecticut and opened to the public as a museum in 1971. Today, the Hill-Stead Museum offers tours, educational programs, and special events that showcase the beautiful architecture, art collection, and gardens on the property.
Hotels Near Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, CT
For the bride and groom and their wedding party, there are several hotels nearby that can accommodate them. The Farmington Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites Hartford/Farmington, and Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Farmington are all great options. Each hotel offers comfortable rooms and amenities conveniently located near the Hill-Stead Museum.
The west lawn looking back at the Hill-Stead Museum during dusk.
Hill-Stead Museum Wedding Photos
As the photographer, I had the privilege of capturing Mike and Gabby's beautiful wedding day. It all started with Mike getting ready at the Avon Old Farms Hotel, surrounded by his groomsmen and enjoying some pre-wedding festivities. On the other side of town, Gabby was getting ready with her bridesmaids at her childhood home, with the talented team at Kiss and Makeup providing hair and makeup services.
The first look was a special moment for the bride and groom. They met on a small pathway overlooking the sunken gardens at the Hill-Stead Museum, and the emotions were palpable. We then took some family photos before the ceremony, which was held on the museum's West Lawn. Gabby walked down the aisle on the arm of her father, and Francie Brown Holmes presided over the ceremony.
The cocktail hour was a relaxed time for guests to mingle and enjoy the stunning Sunken Garden and Upper Courtyard, with delicious food provided by Verbena Catering. The beautiful floral arrangements, created by Stems Floral Design, added to the already gorgeous setting.
The reception was hosted under a stunning Sperry Tent, beautifully lit as the sun set. Party Rental Ltd supplied all the necessary rental items for the reception. The bride and groom shared their first dance to "Love" by Nat King Cole and had special dances with their parents. Design created all the floral arrangements, including lush greens hanging over the dance floor with disco balls. The best man and the bride's sister also gave speeches, adding to the intimate feel of the night. NightShift Entertainment kept the guests dancing all night with their 8-piece band, playing until 10:30 PM.
Finally, the after-party was held at the Avon Old Farms Hotel, rounding out an unforgettable wedding day for Mike and Gabby.
Conclusion
A wedding at the Hill-Stead Museum is a unique and beautiful experience. The Hill-Stead Museum can accommodate any couple's vision for their special day with various options for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The historic and picturesque setting, professional staff, and approved vendor list make the Hill-Stead Museum a top choice for any couple looking for a stunning and stress-free wedding experience.
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