About this vendor
Set amidst acres of lush gardens, the Southern Vermont Arts Center is a treasured cultural institute welcoming weddings in Manchester, VT. Couples can celebrate in style amongst its collection of diverse artworks. A truly distinct venue, its history and unreplicable ambiance are certain to make an impression on guests.
Founded in 1922 at the foot of the Taconic Mountains, the museum is both a word-class center for culture and a stunning site of natural beauty. Throughout the years it has hosted works by many renowned artists and has worked tirelessly to promote the arts in Vermont. The Southern Vermont Arts Center features many venue spaces that can accommodate parties of all sizes. The Yester House Galleries are a stately setting for a wedding amongst the gold frames of vivid oil paintings. Perfect for a black-tie reception, these gallery rooms lend a sophisticated tone to proceedings with their paneled walls, french doors, and refined color palette. Guests can take in the pieces on the walls or engage in rapt conversation by the fire to the gentle melodies of its grand piano. Contrasting this classic setting is the more contemporary tone of the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum which invites wedding parties to celebrate amongst the institute’s permanent collection. Both galleries are filled with natural light throughout, making them a photographer’s delight. The Arkell Pavillion offers couples a grand setting for an extensive gathering of friends and family, which can open up onto the venue’s magnificent gardens. Here manicured lawns offer a ceremony space with mature trees towering above. A tent can also be erected on the patio for a reception in the fresh air.
Couples celebrating their vows in this storied setting will be supported from start to finish by its staff. They are happy to help clean up after the day has finished and can provide chairs for the event. The management is happy to work with outside vendors, and can recommend some of Vermont’s best wedding professionals to couples. The venus is adaptable to suit the needs of couples and can accommodate anywhere from 6 to 600 loved-ones.
Amenities + details
Ceremony Area
Covered Outdoors Space
Dressing Room
Handicap Accessible
Indoor Event Space
Outdoor Event Space
Reception Area
Wireless Internet
Liability Insurance
On-Site Accommodations
Ceremony Types
- Civil Union
- Commitment Ceremony
- Elopement
- Interfaith Ceremony
- Non-Religious Ceremony
- Religious Ceremony
Settings
- Backyard
- Ballroom
- Estate
- Garden
- Historic Venue
- Library
Venue Service Offerings
- Destination Weddings
- Destination Wedding Planning
- Food & Catering
- Planning
- Destination Wedding Planning
- Service Staff
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Reviews
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5
out of 5.01 reviews
Review photos
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There simply are not enough stars to express how incredible our experience was with the Southern Vermont Arts Center and curATE café for our daughter Willa and Jackson’s wedding.
...
From the very beginning, Colleen Palmer and the entire team made us feel like we were in the very best hands. Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but Colleen’s professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine kindness gave us complete confidence every step of the way.
The venue itself is absolutely breathtaking. Yester House, the galleries, and the beautifully maintained grounds created the perfect backdrop for the entire weekend. We were also fortunate to enjoy the spectacular new modern addition, which is nothing short of stunning. The contemporary architecture blends seamlessly with the historic beauty of the campus, creating elegant, light-filled spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. It provides the perfect complement to the timeless charm of the estate and elevates an already extraordinary venue to an entirely new level.
Every detail throughout the property was immaculate, and it was clear how much pride the staff takes in creating a first-class experience. The Southern Vermont Arts Center is not only one of the most beautiful wedding venues in New England, but it is also run by an extraordinary team of people who genuinely care about making each event unforgettable.
The staff throughout the weekend was exceptional. They were warm, attentive, organized, and professional while remaining friendly and approachable. They worked tirelessly behind the scenes, making everything appear effortless so that our family could simply enjoy every moment. We never had to worry about what came next because every detail was handled seamlessly.
The team at curATE café deserves equal praise. The food was absolutely outstanding; every course was beautifully presented and delicious. We heard compliment after compliment from our guests, many telling us it was some of the best food they had ever enjoyed at a wedding. The service was impeccable, with every meal delivered efficiently and every guest made to feel genuinely cared for.
What made the weekend truly special wasn’t just the stunning venue or the exceptional cuisine - it was the people. Every member of the Southern Vermont Arts Center and curATE café team contributed to an atmosphere that was warm, welcoming, elegant, and completely stress-free. They allowed us to be fully present with our family and friends instead of worrying about logistics, and that is an incredible gift.
Our daughter’s wedding exceeded every dream we had for it, and the Southern Vermont Arts Center and curATE café played an enormous role in making that happen. We are deeply grateful to Colleen Palmer and every member of the team for creating memories our family will cherish forever.
If you are looking for a wedding venue that combines breathtaking beauty, outstanding food, flawless organization, innovative yet timeless architecture, and genuinely caring people, we cannot recommend the Southern Vermont Arts Center and curATE café highly enough. Choosing them was one of the very best decisions we made for the wedding.
Contact
860 SVAC Drive, Manchester, VT
Southern Vermont Arts Center