As a Connecticut wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings at the most stunning Connecticut wedding venues. One of my favorite parts of my job is exploring these gorgeous landscapes along the waterfront. There’s something incredibly peaceful about a breeze coming off the water and the way soft light plays across the shoreline.

So today, I’m bringing you my 5 favorite Connecticut wedding venues! I’ve shot multiple weddings at each of these venues and am giving you an inside look at what makes them perfect for timeless outdoor weddings.

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park

The first connecting wedding venue I want to feature is the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park in Waterford, Connecticut! My husband and I got married here, so it has an extra special place in my heart. The mansion is a beautiful historic summer home overlooking the Long Island Sound. This venue is known for its “Great Gatsby” vibes, making it perfect for elevated garden party weddings. You can host your ceremony on the pergola by the mansion, surrounded by beautiful gardens, or the amphitheater, which overlooks the beach and water.

Everything about this venue is beautiful. The bridal suite overlooks the meticulously landscaped gardens, the wisteria blooms around the pergola in early spring, and sunsets on the beach are always jaw-dropping. If you’re looking for a Connecticut wedding venue with historic charm and timeless character, you should totally check out the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park! I’m always thrilled when I receive an inquiry for a wedding here because I know it will be stunning.

A micro wedding ceremony set up at Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park

A lesbian couple beneath the pergola at Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park, a Connecticut wedding venue

Yellow flowers and ivy decorating the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park

An editorial shoot at Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park, a Connecticut wedding venue

The Branford House in Groton, Connecticut

Similar to the Eolia Mansion, the Branford House is a historic mansion. However, the Branford House feels more like a castle on the coast than a simple summer home. The walls and ceilings are covered with intricate woodwork, which gives the inside a dark, moody feel. But don’t worry about it being too dark! The main reception space has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the water and let in lots of natural light.

Between the large lawn, stone patio, and the lighthouse, there is no bad place for pictures. The Branford House is a truly one-of-a-kind Connecticut wedding venue. It’s perfect for couples who want to embrace the fairytale essence of their love and invite their guests to a dreamy castle on the Connecticut shoreline.

An invitation flat-lay for a wedding at The Branford House in Groton, Connecticut

A close up of a wedding cake in front of the intricate, dark woodwork of The Branford House in Groton, Connecticut

A bride and groom getting married on the stone patio of The Branford House in Groton, Connecticut

A bride wearing detachable lace sleeves in front of The Branford House in Groton, Connecticut

The Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut

Next to the Connecticut River, The Lace Factory is a unique, historic Connecticut wedding venue that you can truly make your own. The reception space is a blank canvas with tons of natural light from the wall-to-wall windows. Right outside of the reception hall, the lawn is covered by twinkling lights to keep the party going well into the night. And, of course, the sunset along the river is always breathtaking.

Whatever vision you have for your wedding, you can make it happen at The Lace Factory! The venue has a large bridal suite for you to get ready in, and your guests can arrive via Essex Steam Train to make the experience even more unique. What makes this venue even more special is its location in Deep River, a charming Connecticut town that’s perfect for a full wedding weekend. Your guests will love exploring the area, grabbing coffee in town, and turning your celebration into a cozy, memorable getaway.

A first look between a bride and groom at The Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut

A wedding ceremony at The Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut along the Connecticut River

Couple's portraits in the reception hall at The Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut

Couple's portraits around The Lace Factory in Deep River, Connecticut

The Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

The Saybrook Point Inn is a coastal Connecticut dream. The ceremony location overlooks the marina, where sailboats come in and out all summer. The docks are perfect for first looks or private first dances.

And maybe this is just me being a photographer who notices everything, but the soft yellow color of the building is absolutely dreamy. It screams summertime and sets the tone for a joy-filled wedding (and just so happens to be right in line with my own brand palette.)

The location of the Saybrook Point Inn is truly perfect. Situated at the end of the Connecticut River, it opens right up onto the Long Island Sound. If you’ve been looking for a Connecticut wedding venue dripping with coastal charm, you’ve certainly found it here!

A black and white photo of a groom watching the bride walk down the aisle in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

A portrait of a bride and groom with their wedding party on the docks outside of The Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Bride and groom portraits around the Marina at The Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

A bride and groom share their first dance at their wedding reception at The Saybrook Point Inn in Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Block Island, Rhode Island

Okay, I’m bending the rules a little bit with this last venue. First, it’s not technically a single venue, it’s an island with a bunch of wedding venues on it. Second, it’s actually in Rhode Island, not Connecticut. However… Block Island is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Most easily accessible by ferry, Block Island feels like an escape from the rest of the world.

I shot an elopement here, and am so excited to come back for more elopements, microweddings, and full weddings! When I shot the elopement, we traveled all over the island for the best photos. We stopped on beaches, lighthouses, and (my personal favorite) the Stairs at the Bluffs! Soon, I’m hoping to photograph a full wedding at The Spring House. This hotel sits on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean. It has a gorgeous wrap-around porch that I cannot wait to photograph a couple on! So if you’re looking for a photographer for your Block Island wedding, I’m your girl.

A small elopement ceremony on the beaches of Block Island

Couple's portraits around the greenery of Rock Island off the coast of Rhode Island

Couple's portraits after an elopement ceremony on Block Island in Rhode Island

A husband and wife overlook the ocean at Rock Island

Connecticut Wedding Photographer

So what do you think of these Connecticut wedding venues on the waterfront? Did any of them strike your fancy? I can guarantee that a wedding at any of these locations will be beautiful, timeless, and easy. That’s the thing about working with an experienced Connecticut wedding photographer… planning your wedding and getting amazing photos doesn’t have to be hard! I work alongside you to create a stress-free wedding day timeline that leaves room for what’s most important to you. Explore my wedding photography packages or reach out to learn more!