Blog

Connecticut is a beautiful state known for its charming small towns, stunning coastline, and picturesque countryside. It is also a popular destination for outdoor events, from weddings and corporate events to concerts and festivals. If you're planning an outdoor event in the Constitution State, there are plenty of great venues to choose from. Here are some of our favorites:

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills is a stunning venue located in Middletown, CT. The venue features two historic barns that have been beautifully restored and renovated to provide a rustic yet elegant setting for outdoor events. The Barns are surrounded by lush gardens and picturesque scenery, making it a perfect location for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The venue can accommodate up to 225 guests and offers a range of amenities, including a bridal suite, a groom's room, and a spacious dance floor. The Barns at Wesleyan Hills also has a full-service catering team that can create a customized menu to fit your specific needs and preferences.

The Branford House

The Branford House is a historic mansion located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Groton, CT. The mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens and overlooks the Long Island Sound, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor events. 

The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a range of amenities, including a bridal suite, a groom's room, and a tented reception area. The Branford House also has a full-service catering team that can create a customized menu to fit your specific needs and preferences. 

The Hops Company

The Hops Company, located in Derby, CT, is an expansive beer garden and event space that's perfect for outdoor events. This venue features a large outdoor patio area with plenty of seating, as well as a spacious lawn area that's perfect for outdoor games and activities. The venue has a relaxed and laid-back vibe and offers over 36 beers on tap as well as a full catering menu.

The Hops Company can accommodate up to 500 guests and offers a range of amenities, including outdoor games and a built-in sound system. The venue allows for outside catering and also has a preferred vendor list for other services.

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, CT, is a beautiful outdoor event space that's perfect for those looking for a historic and picturesque location. The venue includes a stunning mansion and formal gardens that overlook the Long Island Sound, creating a breathtaking backdrop for any outdoor event. The gardens feature beautiful flowers and foliage, as well as fountains and other decorative elements.

Eolia Mansion can accommodate up to 200 guests and offers a range of amenities, including a bridal suite, and a preferred vendor list for catering and other services. The venue also allows for outside vendors with approval.

The Riverview

The Riverview is a beautiful venue located in Simsbury, CT. The venue features stunning views of the Farmington River and the surrounding countryside, as well as a variety of outdoor event spaces, including a terrace, a garden, and a lawn area.

The Riverview can accommodate up to 300 guests and offers a bridal suite, a groom's room, and a spacious dance floor. The venue also has a full-service catering team that can create a customized menu for any event. The Riverview is perfect for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

The list above provides a range of outdoor event spaces that offer stunning views, beautiful gardens, and historic architecture. Regardless of the occasion, these venues are sure to provide a memorable experience for you and your guests. From the rustic charm of The Barns at Wesleyan Hills to the breathtaking views of The Riverview, these venues offer something for everyone.

When choosing an outdoor event space, it's important to consider factors such as location, capacity, amenities, and catering services. Many of these venues offer customizable packages to fit your specific needs and preferences, so be sure to communicate your vision and budget with the venue's event coordinator.

It's also important to keep in mind that outdoor events are subject to weather conditions, so it's a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain or other inclement weather. Many of these venues offer indoor spaces that can be used as a backup in case of bad weather.

All in all, you can’t go wrong with any of the venues discussed in this article, and if you have considered the factors we’ve discussed, your event is sure to be a success. Good luck planning!