So, you’re engaged—congratulations!
Somewhere between celebrating and saving inspiration photos, one big question starts to take shape: where should we get married?
If you’re dreaming of a Vermont wedding—think mountain views, fresh air, and a full weekend spent with your favorite people—choosing the right venue is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Before you start reaching out to venues, there are a few key things to figure out first. We spoke with our wedding team to put together a simple, stress-saving checklist to help guide you through those early decisions.
1. When Do You Want to Get Married?
“Have you picked a date yet?” is often one of the first questions you’ll hear after getting engaged—and for good reason. Before reaching out to venues, it helps to narrow this down as much as possible. Start with a season:
- Fall foliage
- Snowy winter
- Fresh spring
- Warm summer
If you have a specific date in mind—an anniversary, meaningful number, or popular date—it will shape your venue search significantly. Some venues may already be booked, especially during peak seasons like fall in Vermont.
So, a helpful question to ask yourselves early:
- Are you more flexible on the date or the venue?
Knowing this will save you time (and potential disappointment) as you begin scheduling tours and inquiries.
At Sterling Ridge, we offer large, outdoor wedding packages from late-May to mid-October, and we offer our smaller wedding packages and elopement packages year-round.
2. How Many Guests Are You Inviting?
You don’t need a finalized guest list yet—but you do need a realistic estimate.
Guest count impacts:
- Venue options
- Layout and flow
- Budget
- Overall experience
Start by creating a rough guest list that includes:
- Immediate family
- Extended family
- Friends
- Coworkers
It can also help to separate your list into: “Must invite” guests and “Would love to have” guests. This gives you flexibility as you explore venues with different capacities. For example, some venues offer large outdoor ceremony spaces but more intimate indoor options—something to keep in mind if you’re planning for weather backups or smaller gatherings.
At Sterling Ridge, we have outdoor wedding packages for guest counts of 150, and indoor options for up to 30.
3. Do You Have A Budget?
It may not be the most exciting part of wedding planning—but it’s one of the most important.
Your budget will influence:
- Venue selection
- Guest count
- Catering and bar options
- Overall scope of your day
Having a clear (or even approximate) budget early on helps you avoid falling in love with options that don’t align with your priorities.
The good news? A thoughtful budget doesn’t limit your wedding—it helps you focus on what matters most and create a day that feels intentional, not overwhelming.
At Sterling Ridge, our weddings allow you to focus on what matters most and allocate your budget accordingly. Picking a food truck over a three-course, seated meal could save on food costs and create a fun and casual vibe. Splurging on a live jazz band could make all the difference at your reception, or maybe a DJ with a “fire” playlist is all you need. Pick what matters most to you!
4. Are You Planning a Destination Wedding?
If you’re considering a Vermont wedding and traveling from out of state—or inviting guests who are—you’re essentially planning a destination wedding. That comes with a few additional things to think about:
- Where will guests stay?
- How much travel is involved?
- Will your wedding be a one-day event or a full weekend experience?
Many couples today are moving toward wedding weekends, where guests can relax, connect, and celebrate beyond just the ceremony and reception. Choosing a venue with on-site accommodations or nearby lodging can make a huge difference—not just for convenience, but for the overall feel of your wedding.
When you get married at Sterling Ridge, we’ve got lodging covered. Your guests can stay in cozy log cabins and gorgeous homes, just a quick walk or drive to your ceremony and reception. Our accommodations also make for great “getting-ready” spots, with our A-Frame on the Ridge and Field & Stream Cabin being the most popular choices.
5. What Are You Picturing for your Wedding?
Before you start touring venues, take time to get clear on your vision. Close your eyes and picture the day:
- Is it formal or relaxed?
- Indoors or outdoors?
- Elegant, rustic, modern, or nature-inspired?
If you’re envisioning a laid-back, scenic celebration surrounded by mountains and fresh air—with space for your guests to stay, unwind, and truly enjoy the experience together— our Vermont resort setting can be an ideal fit. Our couples often describe Sterling Ridge as “summer camp for adults.” All the people you love in one place, all weekend long.
On the other hand, if your vision leans more toward a traditional ballroom or formal banquet-style reception, you may want to focus your search on venues that specialize in that style. The key is alignment—finding a space that naturally supports the atmosphere you’re trying to create.
6. What Do You Want Your Venue to Provide?
Not all venues operate the same way, so it’s important to understand what you’re looking for before reaching out.
Consider:
- Do you want ceremony + reception in one place?
- Are you hoping guests can stay overnight?
- Do you want flexibility with catering and vendors?
- Will you need indoor and outdoor options?
Having clarity here allows venue teams to guide you more effectively—and helps you quickly determine whether a space is the right fit.
At Sterling Ridge, all your events can take place on property—from your rehearsal dinner or welcome party to your ceremony and reception. Guests traveling in can be in one place all weekend long. No searching for local hotels and rushing to catch the shuttle.
We are also flexible with vendors, providing you with a list of recommendations of some great local vendors, ranging from tent and rental companies to florists and photographer. Our venue also allows you to bring in new vendors (not on our list) that fit your wedding vision. Our goal is to be the backdrop for your perfect wedding!
Why Couples Choose a Vermont Wedding Venue Like Sterling Ridge
For couples looking to turn their wedding into a full experience—not just a single day—our setting offers something a little different.
- Private mountain views and natural surroundings
- On-site cabins for a full wedding weekend experience
- Space for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations
- A relaxed, destination-style atmosphere right here in Vermont
It’s a setting designed to help you slow down, be present, and truly enjoy your time with the people you love most. The right venue doesn’t just check boxes—it shapes how your entire wedding feels.
Focus on What Matters Most
There will always be opinions, ideas, and outside input throughout the planning process—but at the end of the day, this is your wedding.
- How do you want it to feel?
- What moments matter most to you?
Starting with those answers—and working backward—will help guide every decision you make, including choosing the perfect venue.
FAQs About Choosing a Wedding Venue
- How far in advance should you book a wedding venue?
- Many Vermont wedding venues (especially for fall weekends) book 12–18 months in advance.
- What should you ask a wedding venue before booking?
- Ask about availability, capacity, pricing, what’s included, vendor flexibility, and backup plans for weather. Our wedding packages at Sterling Ridge vary in guest count, ceremony location, and pricing.
- Is Vermont a good place for a destination wedding?
- Yes—Vermont offers beautiful scenery, seasonal variety, and a peaceful, intimate setting that’s perfect for a wedding weekend. Our venue offers that classic Vermont feel, with mountain-views, a large pond, and a peaceful natural setting.
- Can guests stay on-site at wedding venues?
- Some venues, like Sterling Ridge Resort, offer on-site accommodations, which can simplify planning and create a more connected, relaxed experience for everyone. Our venue can accommodate roughly 110 guests for the weekend in our 26 cabins and 3 homes.
Start Planning Your Wedding Weekend
If you’re beginning your search and think a Vermont wedding might be the right fit, we’d love to help you explore what your day (or weekend) could look like.
Explore our Weddings & Events page, check availability for your dates, or reach out to our team—we’re happy to walk you through options and help you start planning.
Popular dates—especially fall weekends—tend to book quickly, so it’s never too early to start planning.
