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Updated Mar 06, 202524 Fall Wedding Venues Around the US for a Cozy Autumn Celebration
Fall foliage makes the best wedding backdrop.
by Taylor Carson
Updated Sep 06, 2024
It's no secret fall weddings are popular. In many places across the country—and especially the Northeast—autumn brings with it ideal temperatures, desirable color palettes, picturesque fall foliage blended with natural greenery, and the beginning of the holidays. The list goes on, but the fact is this: The fall season is a fabulous time of year to host your picture-perfect wedding day.
The process of wedding planning begins with finding your dream autumn wedding venue, likely one with a stunning landscape, fall colors galore, beautiful vistas and outstanding photo ops. Whether your wedding ideas range from seasonal and rustic to romantic and eclectic, across the US there are many scenic autumnal event spaces in which to host your big day. Here, we narrowed down 24 of our absolute favorite autumn wedding venues to help you plan your perfect fall wedding.
Fall Wedding Venues by State: California | New Jersey | Massachusetts | Michigan | Vermont |
The Little Nell in Aspen, Colorado
First up on our list of fall venues for weddings is The Wedding Deck at the Little Nell in Aspen. This spot is what dream outdoor ceremony venues are made of. It sits atop Aspen Mountain, at an elevation of 11,212 feet. This means you'll have unparalleled sweeping views of Colorado's Elk Mountain Range, and during the fall season, these views couldn't be more breathtaking. Included in your Wedding Deck ceremony are an integrated sound system, dressing rooms for each wedding party and a wedding arch. Post-ceremony, head inside the Little Nell—the only five-star and five-diamond ski-in/ski-out hotel in Aspen—for a wedding reception at the Sundeck or Aspen Mountain Club.
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The Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden, Massachusetts
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is an idyllic New England wedding venue, with a sunset deck and a wedding garden that provide amazing vistas of the region—especially in autumn. The 3,000-square-foot sunset deck is a wonderful cocktail hour space boasting a 100-mile panoramic view of the Connecticut River Valley. The wedding garden, on the other hand, is an equally as delightful outdoor space, with a gazebo, a garden (of course) and a waterfall, for your wedding ceremony. With such incredible sites and sights, the Starting Gate at GreatHorse is the perfect vantage point from which to throw your perfect fall wedding.
Bear Mountain Inn + Barn in Waterford, Maine
If you love the outdoors and the fall season, Bear Mountain Inn + Barn in Maine may be the rustic wedding venue for you. The modern lakefront farmhouse is situated on 25 acres and can host you for a barn wedding of up to 150 guests or a tented outdoor wedding for up to 250 guests. Your fall wedding at Bear Mountain can take place through early November, and with the ability to host your ceremony lakeside, on the dock, on the lawn, or inside by a fieldstone fireplace, the seasonal vibes will be stellar. You can also host elopements and intimate weddings at Bear Mountain.
320 Guest Ranch in Gallatin Gateway, Montana
The mountain vistas at Montana's 320 Guest Ranch are jaw-dropping year-round, and especially when the colors change in the fall. Between Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park, the rustic venue offers lodging, dining, horseback riding and other outdoor activities. Most importantly, it's an amazing ranch location for saying "I do," with several event sites, an on-site wedding planner, an in-house kitchen to help you dream up your menu and luxury log cabins for yourself and guests. You can also host your rehearsal dinner at 320 Guest Ranch, so if you already have your venue locked down elsewhere, you can still enjoy the fall foliage during your wedding weekend.
The Barn at West Mountain Inn in Arlington, Vermont
Search "Fall in Vermont" on Google Images, and you'll understand why we thought it essential to include the New England state in our fall roundup. The Barn at West Mountain Inn is an ideal location to take in fall's changing colors while celebrating your love story. The venue itself is comprised of a 100-year-old historic barn, gardens, expansive grounds, trails and wondrous views. On your big day, you can dine on more casual fare (wood-fired pizzas) or sit down for an elegant five-course dinner. The 2,400-square-foot reception barn is decked out in all things wood, including a cathedral ceiling and wooden beams. There are also on-site rooms, suites, townhouses and cottages, so you, your new spouse and your guests can make a weekend out of it.
Laughing Waters Retreat Center in Gerton, North Carolina
Laughing Waters Retreat Center is a woodsy oasis in Gerton, North Carolina. You'll have access to the entire 200-plus-acre venue on your wedding day, which means for your ceremony you can get lost in nature at one of many locations: next to the Hickory Nut Creek, in an apple orchard, in the gardens, near an old farmhouse or a restored gristmill, or next to the pond. Greenery abounds, so you'll have tons of opportunities to take in the foliage at this wedding venue as it transforms into fall colors. The Great Room is a great reception location, accommodating up to 75 guests, and it has large windows and a deck—keeping nature close at all times. Bonus: There's an on-site Honeymoon Cottage overlooking two waterfalls.
Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club in Clarkston, Michigan
Picture this: getting married in a glass house located in the middle of a pine forest. Dreamy, right? That's what you'll get at Michigan's Shepherd's Hollow Golf Club, a banquet venue with unreal views of the forest, lake and golf course. Fit for up to 320 guests, you can invite all your loved ones to this enchanting venue for a one-of-a-kind autumn wedding experience. Host an outdoor wedding under the soaring trees, relax on the wraparound veranda and then celebrate the occasion inside (without feeling like you're inside). Your special day package includes a five-hour premium bar, an hour of butler-passed hors d'oeuvres, a plated dinner, linens and napkins, setup and breakdown, and so much more.
Camelback Resort in Tannersville, Pennsylvania
If you've never been to Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, it's worth a trip—especially in the fall. Camelback Resort is a Pocono hotel venue with so much to offer you on your big day, starting with incredible views. You'll host your wedding ceremony at a high-altitude outdoor space overlooking the mountains. If you choose to stay up high for your reception, it'll take place in the nearby Summit House, inclusive of a full bar, a large balcony and the capacity to hold 100 guests. Alternatively, you can host your reception in the lodge's 7,800-square-foot ballroom. No matter which you choose, you'll be taken care of: The venue provides tables, chairs, linens, flatware, glassware, barware and an event coordinator. Additional services include decor, catering, bar services and parking.
Darby House in Galloway, Ohio
Ohio's Darby House is a gated estate with 1,200 acres of event space. Accordingly, it has everything you need to host a scenic fall wedding. You can host your outdoor wedding ceremony on the waterside terrace overlooking a creek. (The ceremony space includes a rain backup plan and setup/breakdown of folding chairs for up to 250 guests.) Your cocktail hour will take place in the Racing Room, followed by a reception in the dining room, but you can still enjoy the outdoors all night long thanks to outdoor bistro lighting, a fire pit, patio seating and space for lawn games.
Harrington Farm in Princeton, Massachusetts
Harrington Farm in Massachusetts is in The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame, and rightfully so. The full-service wedding venue sits on 60 acres of rolling hills on Wachusett Mountain, and it is full of New England charm. The spaces include a mortise and tenon oak barn that features a 10-foot-wide fieldstone fireplace; a fireplace patio great for taking in the colors of autumn; the Sperry Tent for outdoor events; the Farmhouse bed and breakfast, a pre-wedding hangout for the bridal party; the ceremony patio amid gardens and a pond; and the meadow, where you'll take next-level fall wedding photos during sunset.
Indigo Falls Events in Dallas, Georgia
Georgia's Indigo Falls Events is another Best of Weddings Hall of Fame venue, this one specializing in outdoor weddings. An hour northwest of Atlanta, the event venue is situated on a mountain, boasting views of three lakes and cascading waterfalls, walking paths, a rustic chapel and a reception hall. You can host your fall wedding inside or outside; your indoor ceremony will take place in the chapel, or, if you opt to wed outside, your outdoor ceremony site will include antique church pews and lake views. The reception hall is another rustic wedding venue seating up to 220 guests, featuring so much wood and a large stone fireplace, and including round tables and brown Chiavari chairs.
Friends Lake Inn in Chestertown, New York
From September to November, the colors of fall enhance the already wonderful atmosphere at New York's Friends Lake Inn. The venue, located within the Adirondack Park, can host everything from elopements and intimate weddings to full-blown events for 100-plus guests. Regardless of your style, your wedding package will include at least one night's lodging for yourself and your partner. Packages also include your officiant, a bouquet and a boutonniere, a two-course dinner package and a wedding cake. Popular on-site venues include the gardens, the Breeze Dining Room, the Birch Bistro, the Adirondack Dining Room and the Main Dining Room. There's something for all couples—and lovers of fall—at Friends Lake Inn.
The Hidden Meadow and Barn in Pepin, Wisconsin
The Hidden Meadow and Barn describes itself as a country venue "where rustic meets romance." The Wisconsin delight is naturally captivating, showing off with desirable fall foliage during the autumn season. The ceremony meadow is situated in the rolling hills of the Back Valley, and no detail was overlooked. You'll enter the meadow through 11-foot arched doors and, aside from the natural beauty, you'll take in six 12-foot stained glass windows and a crystal chandelier hanging from a barn wood arch. Other sites at the Hidden Meadow and Barn include an outdoor social area, with cocktail tables and yard games, and an open-sided barn.
The Red Fox Inn & Tavern in Middleburg, Virginia
File this spot away under "amazing fall wedding venue ideas that should be on your radar." The Red Fox Inn & Tavern is nestled in the heart of Virginia's Piedmont region, an area known for its idyllic landscapes and vibrant fall foliage. The venue, which is a convenient hour's drive from Washington, DC, can accommodate up to 150 guests. Not only is this a great Virginia fall wedding venue, but it also belongs on the radar of history buffs. The wedding venue was built in 1728 and describes itself as an "extraordinary relic to bygone times, where modern touches and classic Virginian character fuse seamlessly to create a coveted establishment." One couple who recently wed here left this review: "We are still floating on cloud 9 after the magic of this past weekend. I cannot thank the staff and the amazing venue enough"
Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard in North Garden, Virginia
Vineyard wedding venues are beautiful any time of year, but they're especially iconic during the fall months. Case in point? Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a captivating venue that truly shines during autumn. Every corner of this wedding venue near Charlottesville is filled with rustic charm. The 41-acre vineyard has a few different event spaces, with one of the most popular being The Granary—a 3,600-square-foot space that fits 200 guests. "We cannot say enough great things about Pippin Hill. From the first conversation to our walk-through, our tasting and the day of, absolutely everything was perfect. We were so lucky to have a beautiful day, and our guests are still talking about how breathtaking the views were," reads one review.
Sacred Mountain Julian in Julian, California
"There aren't beautiful fall wedding venues near me"—if you're a West Coast to-be-wed thinking this, then think again. Apple picking in California? Yep, some spots get cool enough to produce crisp, tasty apples. Julian, California, is a quaint mountain town located east of San Diego and known for its amazing fall apple picking. So if you're partial to a fall wedding because of your love for autumnal produce, consider Sacred Mountain Julian is an ideal SoCal fall wedding venue. As for specifics, this wedding venue boasts 360-degree views, 61 acres of land (including a 12,000-square-foot lawn where many ceremonies take place), accommodations for 32 overnight guests and space for 150 loved ones for the ceremony and reception. This review says it all: "We fell in love with this venue immediately and it blew expectations out of the water! Simply stunning, easy to work with, and I really don't know if we could have gotten any better."
Terrain Gardens at DelVal in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
A wedding at Anthropologie? That is basically every millennial's dream. And it's possible thanks to the company's garden brand and the event venues they've created. Notably, Terrain Gardens at DelVal in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is a "unique horticultural venue inspired by nature." Situated on the campus of Delaware Valley University, this venue accommodates 162 guests. The venue has been recognized in The Knot Best of Weddings Awards and the reviews from real couples make it easy to understand why. "Terrain exceeded my expectations all day! All of my guests raved about the venue and the food, it was perfection. I loved everything about it," reads one review.
Stratton Mountain Resort in Stratton Mountain, Vermont
Picture this: Vermont in the fall—need we say more? Couples who love New England fall foliage will hit the jackpot with a wedding at Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont's Green Mountains. A highlight of a wedding here is the ability to host a ceremony at the mountain's 3875-foot summit, accessible via a Gondola ride. The resort has a variety of event spaces that can accommodate between 50 and 250 guests. Many reviewers consistently rave about not only Stratton as a good wedding venue, but specifically as a great spot for an autumn wedding. "My husband and I just got married at the Stratton Mountain Resort at the beginning of October," shares on reviewer. "We live outside of Boston but vacation in Vermont every fall and had always thought about how amazing it would be to get married in Vermont. I would highly recommend Stratton to anyone looking for an authentic, beautiful Vermont wedding without breaking the bank."
Old Saco Inn in Fryeburg, Maine
Much like Vermont, Maine is another amazing New England destination during the fall. For folks who want to travel to the Northeast to say "I do," consider Old Saco Inn in Fryeburg, Maine. The charming LGBTQIA+-owned wedding venue, which sits on 65 acres of idyllic Maine countryside, has a few event spaces on the property with guest capacities ranging from 50 to 258. "I cannot say enough good things about the venue and all the people who work there. Thank you to all," remarks one reviewer.
Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia
Want an amazing fall wedding venue that also happens to be an iconic movie filming location? Enter: Mountain Lake Lodge in Pembroke, Virginia, where Dirty Dancing was filmed. What more is there to say? If it was good enough for Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey then it's good enough for any couple who's madly in love and ready to have the time of their life. This 200-person venue, in Southwest Virginia, sits on a 2,600-acre nature preserve. One notable review says that "it's the perfect place for a fall wedding because the views are amazing, everything can be in one place, your guests can have a great weekend getaway (they lodge all your guests on the mountain), and the food is amazing."
Elizabeth Furnace in Lititz, Pennsylvania
Calling all history-lovers. Elizabeth Furnace in Lititz, Pennsylvania, is an 18th-century historic estate registered as a National Historic Landmark by the United States National Park Service. Sitting on 33 acres of land, this 150-person venue is conveniently located half an hour north of Lancaster and just under two hours west of Philly. "We absolutely loved this venue for our perfect fall wedding," remarks one reviewer. "The surrounding landscape is beautiful for the perfect photos captured on our day."
Harmony Hall Estate in Middletown, Pennsylvania
Harmony Hall Estate in Middletown, Pennsylvania, is a historic site the goes back to the 1700s. The estate is made up of 18 acres of land and includes ten different event spaces for couples to choose from (some that are ideal for 60-person weddings with others that can fit 300 people). As for what makes it special during the fall? Here's what one reviewer has to say: "This place truly gave me and my husband the wedding of our dreams. The venue location is beautiful, especially in the fall. Having the whole property to yourself for the day is amazing. They allowed me to have my Halloween wedding and set it up so much better than I expected! I cannot thank this venue enough for the most amazing wedding."
Granby Ranch in Granby, Colorado
The mountains are calling and I must go. While this sentiment is true year-round, autumn is an especially amazing time for a mountain wedding. And for couples who love the Rocky Mountains, Granby Ranch (which can fit 250 guests) is worth considering. This Colorado wedding venue offers panoramic views of the Continental Divide and has a ceremony site accessible via chairlift. The venue has been recognized as a Hall of Fame recipient in The Knot Best of Weddings Awards and it's easy to understand why it's a beloved Rockies wedding venue. "We could not have asked for a better venue experience," reads one review. "We lucked out with 10/10 weather and peak fall leaves for our late September day. Our guests had the most fun taking the ski lift up to Vista Ridge! Everyone commented on how beautiful the ceremony site was and they were eager to take all the pictures."
Keswick Vineyards in Keswick, Virginia
Located just east of Charlottesville, Keswick Vineyards is a woman-owned pet-friendly wedding venue that can accommodate both furry friends as well as 200 human guests. "We couldn't have picked a better venue for our outdoor fall wedding than Keswick Vineyards," says one reviewer. The vineyards began hosting weddings in 2010 and has quickly become a sought-after destination for couples in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Hannah Nowack contributed to the reporting of this article.
