How to Get Married in Vermont
Lush forests, golden foliage, quaint churches and cobblestone streets—Vermont is truly a scenic slice of New England. So, how to get married in Vermont? We tapped local luxury wedding planner Jaclyn Watson of Jaclyn Watson Events for all her intel. "Vermont weddings are not just events—they are heartfelt experiences filled with elegance, cozy charm and the creative touches of some of the most talented vendors in the industry that I have come to know," she says.
With a full range of seasons, Vermont is a stunning backdrop for any wedding and has a wide range of venues to showcase it, from mountaintop resorts to hillside vineyards. Plus, "Vermont's commitment to fresh, local ingredients is still at the forefront of culinary innovation," Watson says, adding that this means your wedding menu can feature farm-to-table deliciousness such as local cheeses and maple-inspired dishes. Below, she breaks down everything you need to know about getting married in Vermont.
In this article:
- How to Get a Marriage License in Vermont
- Notable Wedding Locations in Vermont
- How to Plan a Wedding in Vermont Step-by-Step
How to Get a Marriage License in Vermont
To get a Vermont marriage license, head to the town or city clerk where you live with $80 in hand. If you don't live in Vermont, you can go to any town or city clerk. You'll need to provide basic info about yourselves, your parents' names and your place of birth, as well as any information about previous marriages or civil unions. There is no waiting period for your Vermont wedding license; once issued, it's valid for 60 days and you must get married within that time frame.
Notable Wedding Locations in Vermont
"Vermont's landscapes have a way of taking your breath away, especially in the fall. Whether it's the rolling hills, the insane forests or the stunning lakes, every corner feels like a storybook scene," Watson says. "Each season is so magical—vibrant autumn leaves, lush summer flowers in every color or the dreamy quiet of a snow-covered winter."
If that doesn't sell you on Vermont wedding venues, we're not sure what will! While all of The Green Mountain State is stunning, the areas that Watson says are more popular happen to be small towns rather than big cities.
Woodstock
Nestled in the Green Mountains, Woodstock is a favorite for its rich landscape, quaint New England charm and 18th- and 19th-century architecture—the perfect recipe for both outdoor and historic venues. It's especially popular in the fall, when its dense foliage turns golden, making it a prime spot for autumn wedding venues.
Stowe
Known as the "Ski Capital of the East," Stowe offers a lot of options for outdoor wedding ceremonies—especially if you're getting married at the top of Stowe Mountain Resort, which is located on Vermont's highest peak. Between resorts and lodges, there are also plenty of winter wedding venues to choose from for cozy cabin vibes.
Manchester
It's hard to ignore the charm of Manchester, which is located in Southern Vermont. The small town has a rich history with landmark venues like Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home, which add a sense of sophistication. Plus, Manchester is easily accessible from bigger cities like Boston and New York City.
Shelburne
Just seven miles south of Burlington, Vermont's largest city, Shelburne has a more quiet and peaceful appeal. It's home to several popular venues, such as Shelburne Farms and Shelburne Vineyard, as well as a number of romantic waterfront wedding venues along the shores of Lake Champlain.
How to Plan a Wedding in Vermont Step-by-Step
Planning a wedding in Vermont involves the same rules of thumb that most weddings elsewhere in the US require. But the tiny state's position in rural New England means there are a few extra things to consider, from its weather to guest logistics.
1. Set a Budget
Vermont weddings tend to be "more expensive than other locations due to the remote locations of many venues and the limited offerings compared to what you might find in a large city," Watson says. "This can mean higher costs for logistics and or vendor travel, so it's important to keep this in mind when setting your budget." The Knot Budget Advisor, which breaks down wedding costs by location, can give you a better idea of what kind of budget you can work with.
2. Hunt for a Venue
"From rustic barns and historic inns to elegant estates and mountain lodges, Vermont has various venue styles that can accommodate intimate gatherings and large celebrations," Watson says. "There are also multiple estate properties that can be rented in Vermont, which tend to be a favorite of ours as these stunning locations can host amazing, tented weddings."
She recommends clarifying your wedding style and must-haves to narrow down a vision before touring venues. Do you want an elegant wedding at a historic estate or a cozy wedding in Stowe at a mountain resort? Vermont has them all.
If you're considering a wedding venue in a remote location, make sure it's accessible for guests of all ages and abilities. "Consider parking, shuttle options and ease of entry for not only the guest but also the vendor set-up team," Watson says.
3. Consider the Weather and Season
As a New England state, Vermont fully experiences all four seasons. The warm season lasts from May to mid-September while the cold season runs from December to mid-March. Cloudy days, rain and snow are all common. So, no matter the season, you should look for a venue that has indoor and outdoor options.
"Vermont's weather can be unpredictable, especially in fall and winter," Watson says. "It's so important to have a backup plan for outdoor events, such as a tent or an indoor option, and to work with experienced vendors who can adapt to changing weather conditions."
Fall is especially popular, so if you're fantasizing about getting married against the backdrop of Vermont's red and gold foliage, Watson says it's better to plan ahead to secure your top choices for a peak-season wedding.
4. Hire a Wedding Planner
Watson highly recommends hiring a Vermont wedding planner who can help you select vendors (The Knot Vendor Marketplace is a good place to start) and provide Vermont wedding ideas.
They bring "guidance, creative vision and coordination so you can focus on making memories instead of managing all the details," she says. "When it comes to Vermont, wedding planners know the ins and outs of locations, vendors and what can and can not be done; having that logistical partner will remove all those stressors."
5. Consider Logistics for a Remote Wedding
With many of Vermont's wedding venues in remote areas, you'll want to spend some extra time on logistics. A wedding in a more rural area can add travel time for guests, so Watson suggests arranging shuttles or providing detailed travel guidance to ensure a smooth experience.
And lodging options can be limited in these areas or fully booked in larger areas, she points out. Plan to reserve room blocks early and provide multiple accommodation recommendations to your guests.
6. Plan a Whole Weekend
The beauty of Vermont is that it's rich in outdoor activities. So think beyond your wedding day itself to plan a whole magical weekend for your out-of-town guests! "Vermont offers hiking, skiing, biking and other activities that allow your guests to make a whole weekend experience out of your celebration, from shopping quaint little stores to spending the day at a great brewery," Watson says.