The Starting Gate at GreatHorse

We had such a wonderful time on our wedding day and during all of the pre-planning meetings we had. We enjoyed working with Kat and our day was seamless because of her: it helped so much to have a day-of coordinator included in our package. The venue was beautiful as always and the staff was so professional and accommodating. Our wedding guests had raved to us that this was the best wedding they’d ever been to. The food was to die for, just like the tasting! Everyone was so kind. Even though I brought quite a few decorations and had specific instructions for placement, everything was as I envisioned, and then some. The photos came out absolutely stunning thanks to the absolutely breath taking scenery. Weddings are stressful, but using Starting Gate at Greathorse made it as easy as possible because they handled all of our needs without questions. Thank you to all for an amazing memory that we will cherish forever! (Photo credit to Lemelin Photography)

My wedding was an absolute dream. Chris Sullivan and the entire staff at greathorse went above and beyond to make sure this was one of the most memorable days of our lives. My husband is French and they went the extra mile to make sure his family traveling from France felt right at home. The venue is incredible and we had the pleasure of staying in their beautiful lodging for the weekend. 10/10 Thank you so much !!!

Everything about this venue is incredible. From a planning standpoint, the venue coordinator (Kathryn Scott) was so organized and helpful. She made sure every detail was taken care of and put us at ease throughout the whole process. Even day of the wedding, she was consistently checking in, making sure we had everything we needed, and even went as far as fixing/sewing the bride’s dress mid-reception! The Starting Gate is a beautiful venue with stunning views. The deck for cocktail hour was an awesome spot for guests to mingle and enjoy the sunset. Every one of our guests are still talking about how amazing the food was and how spectacular the service was. Both the appetizers and entrees were creative and delicious. Bread was constantly replenished at each table, as well as all waters and wine refilled swiftly. The staff was very friendly and so efficient. Cannot recommend the Starting Gate enough! We are so grateful we chose this venue for our special day.

INCREDIBLE! To the views, the staff, the food and everything in between its amazing. The venue and the coordinator go out of their way to make your wedding special!!

Now that the dust has settled and I have more time to catch up, I wanted to be sure to convey my sincere gratitude for making every facet of my wedding seamless! I knew from the start that we were in capable hands, but I was blown away at Chris Sullivan’s level of attention to detail. There isn’t one thing about my wedding I would change! She is a consummate professional and I would not hesitate to recommend the Starting Gate and it’s staff. From the waitstaff, to the bartenders and everyone involved I cannot say enough. We are still hearing how much guests enjoyed the food and were overwhelmed with the beauty of the setup and the grounds. We are forever grateful to have found such an amazing place that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

If you want the Wedding of your dreams and for it to actually be executed as planned, USE THE STARTING GATE! Most importantly, Chris Sullivan - I simply can’t put how amazing working with her was. Every single one of our guests commented on the beautiful view, the AMAZING food and the enjoyable atmosphere. As a extremely type A bride, Chris kept my stress to a minimum, answered all of my constant questions, ensured every tiny detail was perfect, without us having to life a finger. If you want to be able to actually fully enjoy your wedding day, call Chris now!!! We also had 13 kids who attended the wedding from 3-10 years old and she managed to keep them all smiling and having the night of their lives (with extreme patience). To the entire Starting Gate Team, we cannot begin to express our gratitude for hosting the most perfect day for us.

We got married in June of 2022 and cannot speak highly enough of Chris, the Starting Gate team, or the venue itself. It really was just perfect and would recommend over anywhere else. Working with Chris throughout the planning process was fantastic. She was professional, organized, knowledgeable, experienced, prompt on responses, but most of all- honest. She would give sound advice on what has worked and not worked in previous events and why. Chris was honest about prices and options with absolutely no pressure. We did not hire a wedding planner but having Chris and her team as resources was incredibly helpful as we put everything together. I don't think we could adequately express the level of attention to detail the SG staff had on the day of. The little touches of decorations, from the signature drink signs, some extra florals, and the food stations, all helped make the day as magical as we wanted. Every single person we interacted with (from the bartenders to bridal attendants to wait staff) was so nice, caring, and helpful. As we right this, we just joked that we are going to miss talking with Chris all the time! Thank you to Chris and the SG team! 5/5 stars.

An absolutely FABULOUS team at the Starting Gate. Our night went without a hitch because all the hard work going on behind the scenes. I wouldn't have my wedding anywhere else. Every aspect of this venue was worth it, the look, the style, the people, the accommodations, the personal touch, the food, the atmosphere, the space, it was all perfect for us and our guests.

Let me start by saying this was the absolute best experience I could have ever dreamed about and the team at The Starting Gate at Great Horse went above and beyond to make sure my day was stunning, elegant, & perfect in every single way. From the first time I met Chris Sullivan, the event coordinator, I knew this was THE place. She is professional, intelligent, and she is an enjoyable woman to work with. She really took the time to understand my glitz and glam vibe. She made wedding planning FUN! She was there every step of the way, e-mail, phone calls, touching base, and making sure we were always on the same page. She made recommendations without overstepping- she knows her stuff!! She is EXCEPTIONAL and SHE is the reason that made me say yes and lock in our date! (And the beautiful venue as well of course) On my wedding day, Chris was there for all of it, the most attentive coordinator there is. She made sure we were on time. She helped with guests, she helped with our processional for the ceremony, she fluffed my veil as I walked down the aisle with my dad, she helped bustle me, she was there for introductions, she was serving on the floor with her staff, she was there moving the cake table when it was time, she made sure everyone was happy and had what they needed, she was everywhere at one time to make sure the night ran as smoothly as it did. She is the person you want on your side as a Bride! The set up at The Starting Gate provides your guests a seem-less night from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. The views are stunning and the entire venue is easy to maneuver and handicap accessible! The culinary team here is outstanding. The entire night we received nothing but compliments on the hordeurves passed during cocktail hour to the main entrees to even the way the cake was presented. You can tell the chef takes pride in what they do starting with the fine details in how the meals are plated to the raspberry coulis spread on our cake plates! Presentation, taste, attention to detail again all 10/10 just like Chris. The morning of the wedding my bridesmaids and I got ready in the gorgeous bridal suite. It is spacious and has two bathrooms which was fantastic! — Kat helped take care of us- she served us our light breakfast spread, cleared our messes, made sure lunch was served and always knew when to bring more champagne. The spread was unbelievable, delicious, and even the small details like the cute napkins and signs for food were so nice! Kat was polite and she was discreet in a way that you knew she was there if you needed anything at all. She was fabulous & and she made my morning stress free! She was there not just in morning but for the evening as well. She made sure my fiancé didn’t see me before I walked down the aisle and that guests weren’t in the reception area went I went down for first look with my dad. She is fantastic at what she does. The bartenders and wait staff at The Starting Gate were above and beyond as well. They were pleasant and funny!! They made great drinks and every time I looked they always had smiles. They engaged in conversation with my guests and it looked like they were having fun too. Guests would get up to use the restroom or bar, and wait staff would notice and their settings would be scraped clean of crumbs and napkins neatly placed. The wait staff was on the floor but never in the way. Thank you x10000000 To the Starting Gate Team! (The knot needs longer space for reviews )

The Starting Gate was one of the first venues we looked at for our wedding. We fell in love with it and we do not regret having picked it for the location for our ceremony and reception. The Starting Gate made our day feel magical and fun. Lauren and Chris helped plan the wedding to be less stressful despite through the pandemic. They will answer all your questions. Lauren was attentive to make sure we got what we wanted out of the day. All our vendors which were provided as options from the Starting Gate were patient with us while we postponed the wedding 2 times. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us but that didn't stop them from assisting in making our wedding day the happiest day of my life.

I don’t even know where to begin! The starting gate from the moment we walked through their doors on our venue tour exceeded our expectations thoroughly. We started out working with Lauren who was amazing and helped us throughout our postponing of our wedding due to COVID and making sure everything we wanted was taken care of. They are so organized and really help with the stress of planning a wedding making sure every detail is thought about and discussed. When Lauren went on maternity leave we were given Chris who was just as amazing. She is organized and responsive and so sweet! She asks you what your vision is and makes sure that it’s carried out perfectly. She took care of our entire day and it went off without a hitch. Guests were talking about our wedding and how perfect is was which of course we agreed. From the ceremony to apps, dinner and beyond they made sure everything was amazing I really couldn’t have asked for a better wedding team and I can’t say enough about the staff there. The morning of our bridal attendant Emma was outstanding serving us food and making sure our needs were taken care of. I really can’t say enough good things about this venue. If you are unsure in any way JUST BOOK IT you won’t regret your decision. The day was so perfect and I’m still in awe about how everything was excecuted! Even the tastings were amazing! We became vegetarian halfway through and we were able to do another tasting to try vegetarian options for our wedding. I could go on and on so I will stop but thank you to the staff at the starting gate you all are amazing!

My husband and I could not have asked for a better wedding venue!!! From the very first meeting we had, we knew that The Starting Gate was where we would get married. We had the pleasure of working with Lauren throughout the entire planning process. She made it so easy (or as easy as planning a wedding during a pandemic can be ;)) and helped keep everything so organized. She planned out every little detail you can imagine for the day of and as a type A bride, this was INCREDIBLE to have. She also was always very responsive and helpful with any and every question that would come up. As our wedding day got closer, we found out that Lauren was pregnant and was due the day after our wedding. Of course we were so excited for her, but were bummed that she would not be there on our wedding day and also a little nervous of the transition to someone new after working with Lauren for so long. Lauren assured us, though, that we were in great hands with Chris, the other coordinator, and boy, was she right!! Chris caught up on all our little details in such little time, and the transition was seamless. On the day of our wedding, Chris was AMAZING. She kept our rather large bridal party in check (because they needed it) and was on point for every little thing. My husband and I were able to enjoy our entire day and not have to think twice about anything, she and the incredible staff clearly had it all under control. The food and service all around was outstanding. From the girls that were with us in the bridal suite, to the servers, bartenders, chefs, etc. Now, two months later, we are still being told by our guests how incredible our wedding, The Starting Gate, staff, and food was. I truly can not say enough good things. We are so thankful for everyone at the Starting Gate for making our wedding day as memorable as it was for not only us, but also for all of our guests!! If you are in between places or trying to decide if this is the venue for you, trust me, IT IS!

Our wedding was an absolute dream come true!!! Chris, Julie and the rest of the staff at the Starting Gate are absolutely incredible. Not only did they take care of every single need/request for our guests during the wedding & reception but throughout the day as the girls were getting ready in the bridal suite. Julie was always two steps ahead of us- a true motherly touch and keeping everyone calm and having fun. Chris without a doubt helped us immensely between normal wedding planning stress, post poning our date, and the new hoops that arose with that. We both felt completely stress free about the event knowing Chris had a handle on everything. She even body guarded us to make sure we ate during cocktail hour and our meals! Without a doubt would recommend this breathtaking venue to anyone- you truly will not be disappointed. Even in the drizzling rain, our pictures were spectacular and everyone enjoyed themselves !!

Book your wedding here. The second you drive on to the property the grounds set the tone for your event. So many of our guests commented on the beauty of the venue before even experiencing any part of our wedding reception. We were told guests were gasping, oohing and aaahing on the coach bus as they passed through the iron gates for the first time. The food is amazing! So many of our guests are still talking about the hand passed hors-doeuvres, raw bar and dinner. “Best wedding food I’ve ever had” has been said to us so many times. All 250 of our guests were served their dinners in such a timely manner that you would have thought there were 5 fully staffed kitchens cooking in the back. If getting married on site, the wedding garden is a perfect spot- for us it served as the most beautiful backdrop for our guest and wedding party photos. The deck is breathtaking and one of the main reasons we chose the Starting Gate. Our guests enjoyed the views from cocktail hour until the end of the night. I can’t tell you how many guests are still posting couple photos and group photos with the sun perfectly setting in the background. The ability to utilize the space regardless of the weather with the remote controlled roof and sides is huge. The inside of the venue is classy and elegant, while still allowing your personal style to shine with the florals and decor that you choose. The staff is AMAZING. From the crew who set up, to the chefs, to the guys driving the golf carts, to the waitstaff and bartenders (especially Cheryl and Betty)- every single person was friendly, professional, and enhanced our wedding. Most importantly Lauren and Chris are incredible. Lauren was our initial coordinator when we viewed the venue and booked back in 2019. Lauren started our entire wedding process giving us recommendations and advice which would influence the course of all of our wedding planning. Lauren was so helpful and understanding when we had to postpone our wedding due to COVID and she worked with us to find a new date that would be perfect for us. Lauren had a baby about a month before our wedding so Chris took over a few months prior to our date. All I can say is that anyone who gets the opportunity to work with Chris is in the best of hands. We love Chris. She was there every step of the way during the months leading up to the wedding. She was responsive and honest with any questions that we had. As someone who likes to have complete control over an event I am hosting, I would fully trust Chris to plan our entire wedding. Chris understood the importance of personal touches and family ties at our wedding and found ways to bring these to the forefront. For example, creating little cards to sit on the wine glass that held our family’s homemade wine. On the day of the wedding, Chris did everything from greet us off the party bus, pull bugs out of my dress from walking through the tall grass during pictures, bustle my dress, ensure all guests were happy, get my husband and I every single appetizer at cocktail hour when we weren’t able to make it two steps through the crowd, gather up our wedding party for intros, get all of the guests on the bus at the end of the night and so so so much more. Our guests have not stopped talking about our wedding and neither have we. If you are considering the Starting Gate for your wedding, look no further. This is the place to have the best night of your life. wedding experience you are about to have is far beyond

The Starting Gate was the most incredible venue. From our first meeting with Lauren, she and the staff (especially Chris and Julie) paid attention to every little detail to make sure our process and the wedding day ran smoothly. Our guests loved the views, the FOOD and the entire party they put on for us. They also provided excellent vendor recommendations. Very very pleased.

Wow. I am blown away by The Starting Gate at Greathorse. My husband and I knew as soon as toured this venue that this is where we wanted to get married. Lauren and Chris are such a pleasure to work with. They have incredible organization, professionalism and attention to detail. They really made us feel special on our day and all the days leading up to our wedding. I had no doubt in my mind they would make our day everything we wanted it to be. They did more than anything I could have imagined.

Where do I even begin? The Starting Gate and their staff were nothing short of incredible. A month after our wedding and our guests are still talking about how perfect our wedding was. The food: Not only was every bite delicious, the presentation was incredible. Our guests raved about the food and how they just couldn't stop eating. The appetizers were so yummy. Note: the food for the bridal suite is worth every penny for the day of getting ready. The Service: Chris, Julie and the rest of the team made us feel like royalty. They were so organized and executed the night flawlessly, thinking of every detail for us. From the early stages of planning, to the day of event, I was blown away. My fiancé didn't have a strong opinion about much when it came to the wedding. I was very touched that the few things that meant something to him, Chris picked up on and made sure that he was heard and followed through on those details. It seemed that everything that mattered to us, big or small, was their top priority without us even asking. The Venue/View: All I can say is, WOW. It was like something straight out of the movies. Our ceremony in the garden was magical and intoxicating with the smell of lilacs blooming. The sunset views off the deck were like a painting. Our guests were all out taking their own photos and couldn't believe it was real. The gorgeous chandeliers inside and the spacious bridal suite were just so perfectly elegant. They even accommodated the groom with his own grooms suite downstairs for he and the guys to hang out in pre wedding. We all know how difficult it was to plan a wedding during covid. The Starting Gate was so good to us. They were accommodating and eased our minds every step of the way. My only complaint is that it went by so fast. I wish I could have slowed down time. Note to every bride: soak up every second of the day. Luckily they kept our night on track in a way that didn't make us feel stressed or rushed. I would recommend the Starting Gate at GreatHorse in a heartbeat. Hands down the best night of our lives and the picture perfect start to our life together! Thank you Christine and all of the Starting Gate staff. You are one of a kind.

Starting Gate is breathtaking and made wedding planning easy! We can't recommend this location and team enough. Chris Sullivan is on site to help coordinate and execute every detail making everything seamless for you, and magical for your guests. Through changing Covid restrictions and some inclement weather they made sure our big day was everything we wanted. Our friends and family are still talking about the views, the amazing food, and level of service. We love Starting Gate!

If you are looking to have the most perfect wedding day look no further than The Starting Gate. We got married May 1st, 2021 and I cannot even begin to tell you how amazing they were. We were under loads of stress from having to postpone our wedding and they took almost everything off of our plate to make it so special. Our wedding coordinator was Chris Sullivan and I must say that this woman is unbelievable - every little detail of our wedding day was immaculate and went exactly as planned because she runs the show! I also want to touch on the food because it is unbelievable, every one of our guests couldn't get over how delicious it was & also the VIEWS - absolutely stunning. Thank you to everyone at The Starting Gate for the best day ever!

I cannot even begin to tell you how incredible this venue and staff are. We just got married here on April 9th after having to postpone due to the pandemic and let me tell you , these people working here go above and beyond for your special day. We worked with Lauren Pastoreck the wedding coordinator and from the second we met her she blew us away with how kind, helpful and attentive and just overall a BOSS at making your day absolutely stress free and seamless. She does it ALL! you don't lift a finger on your big day having it at the starting gate. It's the most magical venue by far, the food is not like any wedding food I have ever had , it is a fine dining experience..we had many people coming up telling us how blown away they were by the entire experience. I would love to give a shout out to Julie who was my bridal suite attendant , she made me feel like a princess from the second I walked in. She is extremely sweet and helpful during the getting ready process , I dont know what I would have done without her! and when I say no stress, this place makes your stress disappear instantly. I could go on and on and on. This place is absolutely 100% the place to get married of you want an insanely gorgeous venue, incredible food and service, and the most incredible wedding coordinator, Lauren who makes you feel more bridal than you ever imagined. Thank you everyone at The starting Gate !

When we began looking at wedding venues last year, The Starting Gate at GreatHorse stuck out, based on the beautiful pictures we saw online. Seeing it in person completely sold us. After that first tour, we knew that’s where we wanted to get married. However, little did we know that the picturesque views were not even the most amazing part of having our wedding at The Starting Gate – that was hands down the staff. Everyone was amazing from start to finish – from that first tour, to our many questions regarding COVID-19 changes, to pulling off the most amazing event the day of. Chris was there for us every step of the way. She even talked us down from canceling and losing out on our deposits when we decided we wanted to move our wedding up and have an intimate, safe wedding during the pandemic. She was able to make the wedding of our dreams, even in these crazy times! I am a perfectionist and was anticipating a stressful wedding day, ensuring everything was taken care, but I didn’t have to lift a finger! I was able to relax throughout the whole day and the staff took care of everything – it looked even better than I could have imagined! Finally, I can’t forget to mention the food! Everything was incredible and all of our guests were raving about it all night. I highly recommend adding the Viennese dessert bar, and everyone loved the macaroni and cheese bar! Plus, thanks so much to the waitstaff and especially Paige for taking care of the groom – he’s a picky eater and they were all happy to give him extra of anything he wanted in substitute for something he didn’t like. That being said, all of the food was so good he even ventured to try some things he doesn’t normally eat! Thanks so much to everyone at The Starting Gate for helping us navigate this last year and helping us pull off the wedding of our dreams – we couldn’t have done it without you!

From the moment we stepped foot on the gorgeous grounds of The Starting Gate at GreatHorse and were greeted by the Senior Sales Manager, Christine Sullivan, we knew that our search for the perfect wedding venue had come to an end. To get to The Starting Gate, we drove up a picturesque hill that left our family in awe. We were then greeted by Chris for our tour, and it felt as if she was welcoming us as family into her home. Being in the business industry, both myself and family recognize good work ethic when we see it - it was evident from our early interactions with Chris that she was a seasoned professional and extremely knowledgeable in the industry. At that moment, I knew I wouldn’t want to trust anyone else to manage our 250+ wedding. We initially wanted a winter wedding, but Chris suggested that getting married in the fall would allow us to utilize all of the space the venue had to offer (wedding garden gazebo, sunset cocktail hour on the deck, and indoor reception space), in addition to having the gorgeous fall foliage as a natural backdrop. As you can imagine, we are SO GLAD we followed her advice! Also, if you’re on the fence on renting the patio furniture/fire pits ... DO IT ... you won’t regret it - creates such a nice space for guests to mingle. From the grounds, to the food, to the service, this venue is top notch and five star in every respect. Wedding planning is not the easiest, and can be very stressful and emotional, especially in times with a national pandemic changing everything you had planned for your special day. However, we truly could not have been more fortunate to have Chris by our side throughout it all. Not only did she serve as our event manager, coordinator, and liaison, but she was also there to act as our mentor, mother, and occasional therapist - no need to hire an outside event planner! On the day of our wedding we kept finding details that Chris surprised us with that had us smiling from ear to ear. It’s not everyday that you find someone so passionate about their job, but Chris truly hit the ball out of the park with the execution of our event. Despite having to make many last minute adjustments due to COVID, Chris and the entire team at The Starting Gate seamlessly created our wedding to be everything we could have dreamed of and more! Our guest and table counts had to be drastically reduced to comply with guidelines and Chris literally came up with a last minute design layout change that transformed the ballroom into our very own wine room for our Tuscan/Italian themed intimate wedding, making it feel like all of the space was perfectly occupied despite the small number of guests. The layout also allowed for all of the guests to be able to see the special moments without having to turn a chair! We’ve received such great feedback from those in attendance of how unique and wonderful it was. Special shoutout to Betty on wait staff for ensuring we were well taken care of the entire night and even making sure my drink was in a bigger glass so that I wouldn’t spill it on my dress! If you are looking for a wedding venue that is on top of their game, provides an exquisite culinary experience, feels magical, and leaves your guests in awe, I cannot recommend the Starting Gate at GreatHorse enough. I already can’t wait to find the next opportunity to work with Christine Sullivan and the rest of the team at the Starting Gate at GreatHorse!

My husband and I had THE BEST DAY for our wedding. We had the nightmare of planning during the Covid-19 pandemic and being screwed over by our original venue. When we met with Lauren (our wedding planner at The Starting Gate) she reassured us that everything would be perfect with our micro wedding at this new venue. She ( and the entire staff ) DID NOT DISAPPOINT! Truly everything from planning, menu tasting, getting ready in the bridal suite, the entire day/ night of the wedding were absolute perfection. The professionalism is top notch as well as the food, grounds maintenance, and THE VIEWS! I cannot recommend this place enough! ❤️

ATTENTION BRIDES/GROOMS TO BE! If you read any articles about weddings today search no more! So, we all know how stressful it can be planning and executing our own versions of what we consider to be “The Perfect Wedding”, especially in these unique times. Allow me to remove all that stress and share with you the secret to having the most memorable event of you and your special someone’s life. With all the options, choices, and decisions to make for the special day, the easiest decision by far for my husband and I was the location. The Starting Gate at Great Horse in Hampden Mass is the only place to get married. With stunning views, exceptional staff, and food you and your guests will be talking about forever, the Starting Gate at Great Horse delivered to us a day we will truly never forget. Our wedding planner Lauren Pastoreck created an accurate expectation for us from our first conversation and visit to the property, then over delivered at every turn from there. We cannot wait to go back next year to renew our vows!! Ladies, don’t just take my word for it, check them out online and book a visit for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Have that special wedding you deserve and make the easiest decision by choosing The Starting Gate at Great Horse as your venue today! Good luck, and congratulations in advance! -Sara and Greg Piechowicz

Our experience at The Starting Gate was wonderful from start to finish, even as a couple getting married in 2020, which has come with so many ups and downs! The Starting Gate was only the 2nd venue we looked at and we just so happened to tour during sunset and after seeing the breathtaking view overlooking the hillside and the trees, we knew it was the one. We wanted to get married outside and the Wedding Garden is absolutely beautiful and we loved that we could have Cocktail Hour outside on the patio at Sunset. Their ballroom is also stunning, but we didn't end up needing it because of our modified 2020 wedding :) Our original date for our wedding was Friday, August 21, 2020. Going into wedding planning, I really didn't want to do a Friday wedding but for a quick turnaround that was really our only option if we wanted to get married while the weather was warm enough to do the ceremony outside. It goes to show just how much we loved this place since we decided to compromise on day of the week and do a Friday just so we could have our wedding there. From start-to-finish, our wedding planner provided by the Starting Gate, Lauren, was the most helpful, understanding, accommodating and assuring person. When the pandemic started to get serious in early Spring, we had no idea what was in store for us. As weeks and months passed without things improving much, we started to realize it was a very real possibility we wouldn't be able to have a wedding in August, and definitely not with more than just a handful of people. Lots of couples decided to postpone a full year, but we were set on getting married sooner rather than later. However, we didn't want to sacrifice having at least our family and our absolute closest friends there. Lauren was our rock throughout that whole time. We put a few back-up dates on hold at no charge and when it became clear that August 21st wouldn't be possible, we nailed down a date only about a month later and Lauren helped guide us on the logistics of postponing and then re-inviting for the new date with a smaller number of people. There were plenty of restrictions in place for our wedding which made holding that kind of event really tricky, but everyone at the Starting Gate was flexible and gracious while also doing everything required to be able to hold a wedding safely. Our ceremony, cocktail hour, and the reception/dinner had to be outside, and the team at the Starting Gate came up with a wonderful plan and layout to make that possible. We were able to utilize the wedding garden for the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony, and the cocktail hour, as well as post-dinner for fire pits and cornhole and socializing in lieu of a dance floor. The dinner was outside on the patio at sunset which was truly breathtaking. The week of the wedding I had tons of questions and Lauren was my go-to person; she would answer every text to her within minutes, she coordinated with all my vendors to make sure they knew what the plan was and what precautions to take, and everything went off without a hitch. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect and we wouldn't have changed a singe thing. So many of our guests have said it was the most beautiful and fun wedding they've ever been to which is a testament to what a wonderful job Lauren and the staff at the Starting Gate did for us!

Could not possibly recommend the Starting Gate more. Chris made sure that our original wedding date was as special as possible despite the pandemic and made over the top accommodations for our dietary restrictions and also for family members nervous about COVID. Had the most perfect day with a perfect sunset and perfect service; thank you starting gate!

Love Love Love this venue. As soon as my husband and I stepped foot on property we knew this was going to be where we got married. Lauren and her team at The Starting Gate were absolutely fabulous to plan our wedding with. She worked with us as we navigated planning a wedding during Covid -19, ensuring that we followed safety guidelines and protocols. I loved the flexibility of the venue, knowing and trusting that no matter what happen they would put on a beautiful wedding and they delivered! We have heard nothing but compliments from guests saying it was the best food they've had and the best experience they've had at a wedding!

PERFECTION. From even before our very first walk through, we knew this would be where we would hold our wedding reception. Chris and Lauren are a one of a kind team and will leave no stone left unturned to make your event everything you've ever dreamed of, and then do the things that you didnt even know existed. From the amazing floral gardens, to the fabulous ballroom, to a wedding garden and deck that look like they fell out of a magazine, you will be floating from the second you tour the event spaces. Whether you want to get ready in the breathtaking bridal suite or want to do a first look somewhere on The GreatHorse grounds, the full team will arrange everything for you, down to the last detail. We dealt with multiple changes due to COVID-19, including ones that came just six days before our big day. The team at The StartingGate never stopped working and adjusting to make sure our day was everything we ever dreamed of. We spent two weeks searching for something we would have changed and came up empty handed everytime. Simply, THE BEST CHOICE YOU WILL MAKE SINCE SAYING "YES!"

Any couple looking for a fairytale wedding should look no further than the Starting Gate. The views are breathtaking. The venue is stunning. The wedding coordinator at GreatHorse, Chris Sullivan, is amazing. No matter how many curveballs were thrown at us with the COVID restrictions, Chris was prepared to handle them and make changes she knew would not disappoint. And let me tell you, there was not one single disappointment about our day. From the bridal suite to get ready in, the ceremony under the gazebo, the cocktail hour on the deck, the endless hors d'oeuvres and passed plates of filet and scallops, the mac and cheese station, the champagne wall, the friendliest and most attentive wait staff, and the list goes on, everything was perfect. Our guests have repeatedly told us it is the best wedding they have ever been to and that the food was the best they have ever had. Thank you GreatHorse for making our wedding the best day of our lives!

My husband and I worked with Lauren to plan our intimate July 31st 2020 wedding of 40 people. Lauren was very accommodating and worked with us providing suggestions and taking our requests since we were planning during tricky covid restrictions. Lauren helped ease the stress of our wedding day- and we had little to nothing to worry about when it came to pulling everything together for our big day. On the day of our wedding many of our guests marveled at the location, sunset views, and food served. The Starting Gate and GreatHorse is truly topnotch and sets your wedding day apart from all the rest!

This was the first and only venue that we toured. After taking a tour of The Starting Gate with Lauren, we knew we could not have our wedding reception at any another venue. After speaking with Lauren on the tour, I knew I felt comfortable and could trust them with making sure y day felt special and beautiful. It was everything and more than I could have dreamed of! The views are spectacular and you will not be able to get another venue with views like The Starting Gate offers! Lauren and Chris were wonderful to work with; they truly made the wedding planning process fun and less stressful. They were extremely detailed, organized, and attentive throughout the process. The ballroom and bridal suite are elegant and cozy. There is a fireplace where our sweetheart table was setup in front and the space for the cocktail hour on the deck was classy with stunning views. Our guests did not want to leave the deck during cocktail hour because they were enjoying the space so much! Lauren and Chris want to make your day special and specific to what the couple wants, and I was grateful they took the time to do this. In addition to the facility and views, the food was outstanding!! My guests are still talking about the food and venue. I would highly recommend this venue!!

If you are looking for a beautiful location, amazing food and drinks, excellent service, very responsive event managers, and hoping to have a wedding day that you and your guests continue to relive and think about after, the Starting Gate is the place to go! My husband and I have nothing but positive things to say about every aspect of the Starting Gate and the people that work there. We had the privilege of working directly with Lauren Pastoreck from the very beginning of booking our wedding day and we would not have been able to have as perfect of a day without her. Chris Sullivan also played a strong role prior to the wedding in ensuring all of our food from appetizers, to the main course were absolutely perfect. Both were by our side throughout our wedding day making sure we were taken care of, and that every detail within our wedding was in the perfect spot. The Starting Gate is a beautiful place with spectacular views, but what separates this venue from most is the staff and people you get to work with while planning your big day as well as the staff that are working on your big day. We are still getting feedback from various guests expressing how beautiful the location was, how amazing every aspect of the wedding was, along with how friendly and awesome the staff and bartenders were! My husband and I are typically not people to promote or share anything, but we feel inclined to share how amazing the Starting Gate is, because the next bride and groom that selects this location will not be disappointed! We had the best day of our lives and are thrilled that our guests have expressed similar feelings! Thank you Starting Gate, thank you Lauren and Chris, and thank you to the staff for helping us have a picture perfect and unforgettable wedding!

My husband and I got married a couple weeks ago at the The Starting Gate at GreatHorse and we couldn't have pictured a more perfect venue and day. First and foremost, I want to say a huge thanks to Chris and Lauren because they bent over backwards to make our wedding day the best that it could ever be. They truly cared about US, which meant so much to me. They made sure that our vision was heard and followed in a way that I didn't know was even possible! When finding a wedding venue, one of the most important things to us was the food. Well let me tell you, the GreatHorse did not disappoint. I can't emphasize that enough!! They have an amazing tasting 6 months prior to your wedding day so that you can see the presentation of the food, taste it, and make any changes that you want. The chef is absolutely amazing and is very accommodating. From the ambiance to the food, I can't speak highly enough of it! It's truly an amazing place to have your wedding at. Our guests are still talking about how it was the best wedding that they've ever been to! We were so fortunate to find an amazing venue and to work with the best people. If you are looking for a gorgeous venue that makes all of your wedding dreams come true, I highly recommend the Starting Gate at GreatHorse. You will not be disappointed!!

There is no venue better than The Starting Gate. We had a long engagement and toured this venue before they had done many weddings. I could not even wait until we were off the property to email them to book it, I was so blown away! When you first arrive, you drive through iron gates onto the perfectly manicured grounds that overlook the most amazing view you will ever see. This venue is not a typical “banquet hall” facility and every detail down to the type of linen they use for the tables is perfect. The floors are not the ugly carpet you would normally see, the chandeliers and really just the entire room is gorgeous and the bridal suite is to die for. The views from the deck and the wedding garden are breathtaking. Then there is Chris Sullivan. She is an absolute professional, there is no one better at their job and no one else who will help you create the perfect day like she can. She will make you feel like the most important bride she is working with and will ensure every single detail is exactly how you want it. She really is so much more than just your coordinator!! Lauren and the rest of the Starting Gate team are also there to help you every step of the way!! The food is AMAZING and the options are endless. My now husband is a professional cook and he was blown away by all the food, our guests ate so much and are still commenting on the quality of food, service and the beautiful views! Chris and her team ensured the entire day and planning process was unbelievably smooth and relaxing for all of us. She learned my personality throughout my planning process and suggested things she knew I would love (we had a wine wall at cocktail hour!!!!). What you get with the package (valet, the beautiful bridal suite, customized menus to name just a few things) is unbelievable and unlike anything we saw touring other venues. Their preferred vendor list is all you will need, they work with the absolute best. If you are lucky enough to find and book this venue, I promise you will not be disappointed and you will be hearing how your wedding was the best wedding ever and “over the top” (in the best way!) all night!!! They also have public events so you can go back and relive your special day after it’s all over!! We also had our rehearsal dinner at the venue on the deck and it had the same quality and level of service as the day of the wedding. Our wedding would have not been the same if we had gone anywhere else and we feel so grateful for everything they did for us.

Breath taking venue, amazing food, top notch wedding planners. You get what you pay for!

The Starting Gate was the very first venue tour I booked when planning my wedding and it was the ONLY venue tour I needed. We were blown away with the immaculately kept Great Horse grounds and the stunning views from the top of the country club. You can tell this venue strives to provide the utmost quality in everything they do. Chris and her team were incredible to work with. They helped answer and address any questions I had and went above and beyond to help me organize all last minute details. The food provided by The Starting Gate's own chef is AMAZING. The Starting Gate hosts a individual tasting and listens to any and all changes you'd like to have. Our guests are still talking about the amazing filet they had at our wedding! The bridal suite is beautiful and the perfect place to get ready, take pictures, and be pampered at the start of your day. We were treated to a fun breakfast spread and mimosas as soon as we arrived. Chris helped take care of every little detail for the remainder of the day from drink orders and hors d’oeuvres for the bridal party during pictures, to fixing my veil, to addressing any detail-oriented concerns I had. She was on top of it all so that we could enjoy our big day! The Starting Gate truly exudes luxury and makes any event feel very exclusive. I hope to attend more events at The Starting Gate so we can enjoy the amazing venue, service, and food again!

I could spend all day raving about The Starting Gate at GreatHorse because my husband and I truly had the wedding of our dreams here. First off, Chris Sullivan is the absolute best, and she went above and beyond to make our day customized to us, unforgettable, and everything we ever imagined. She is on top of everything (half the time before I was even close to thinking of it), and along with Lauren & Marissa I knew I could completely trust in them to make sure the night went off without a hitch. The food STILL is being talked about by our guests, and we appreciate the chef tweaking the menu for my picky husband. The venue is STUNNING, and our guests loved the outdoor deck (highly recommend renting the firepits!) Our pictures are more than I could have ever asked for, largely in part due to the setting. The bridal suite was a gorgeous place to get ready and the staff made sure we were taken care of all day. Thank you again to everyone at GreatHorse for making us feel like absolute royalty for the day. I wish I could do it all over again!

The Starting Gate is the most beautiful venue I have ever been to. I originally had booked a venue in CT and then saw the Starting Gate and had to go see it in person. From the moment I drove through the gated entry, I felt like a princess! I was immediately blown away. The place is HUGE! You feel like you are on top of the world with a beautiful view of Massachusetts. There was no way I could leave the place without booking them! It beats any venue I had seen in CT. Deciding to go with the Starting Gate was the best decision I made. Chris is the most wonderful person on earth! She made me feel like I was the only wedding she was planning. She was generous, kind and loving. She even helped button up my wedding dress! She was very knowledgeable and thorough with everything. The food was amazing!! Everyone could not stop talking about how delicious everything was and how stuffed they were. The portions are fantastic! A huge benefit of booking with The Starting Gate at Greathorse is the versatility. There are so many different options you can have for food and beverage that there is no set and stone way with the Starting Gate. Everything was perfect on my wedding day and it would have not been possible without the expertise from Chris and her team. I would go with this venue over any other venue not only for the beautiful atmosphere but also the quality of the service provided. Thank you for being the place of my dream wedding!

From our first meeting with Chris and her team to the last dance The Starting Gate at GreatHorse exceeded all of our expectations. Not only is the venue stunning but the quality of the service is top notch. Chris and Lauren made the planning process fun, easy and we looked forward to every meeting we had with them. They did not miss any detail and even contacted all of our vendors the week of the wedding to confirm arrival times. We knew from the tasting that our guests were in for a treat with the quality and portion size of the food. The food on our wedding day was phenomenal along with the servers and bartenders who were polite and attentive to everyone’s needs. We still to this day continue to receive many compliments about the dinner and appetizers. I can’t recommend the Starting Gate enough, our wedding day was magical and perfect in every way. The venue is gorgeous, the bridal suite is beautiful and the view is spectacular even in the misty rain that we had. Chris and Lauren, thank you for your undivided attention and meticulous wedding planning. You made us feel like we were the only wedding that you were working on and we miss seeing you. If anyone is looking for a beautiful venue and want to work with people who truly love what they do, please check out The Starting Gate. I can promise you that you won’t be disappointed.

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse made our dream wedding a reality! First, let me start with the atmosphere. Both the view and the ballroom are simply breathtaking, something that my now husband and I couldn't find at any other venue that we visited. The grounds are meticulously kept, and you can easily tell that attention to detail is their top priority. Secondly, the food is to die for! We received so many compliments from our guests saying that the food was the best that they've ever had at a wedding! On top of that, the staff was so professional and ensured that our wedding day went off without a hitch. Chris had wonderful suggestions, including passed ice cream cones that were a huge hit with our guests! We can't thank the team enough for our flawless day!!

There is not another venue in the Western Mass area that can compare to GreatHorse. The grounds are stunning, the Starting Gate building is absolutely beautiful and every last detail is planned for by Chris and her team. You get it all with Greathorse.....a beautiful setting, a beautiful venue with great food and service, which is very rare! Everyone loved their dinner and couldn't believe how big the meal was. The service was top notch. I spoke with Chris many times ahead of wedding day....I didn't live in the area but she always made time to get on the phone or have me visit when I was there (or have my mom pop by whenever she could as well!). She is great to work with and helps you to create what you want for the night and carry it out on time and seamlessly! It is truly a special venue. The wedding garden is beautiful for photos, and many of our guests took advantage. Having cocktails out on the porch , especially if its a nice day is also very special given the beauty of the area. You will not be disappointed with this venue or with the staff. I highly recommend both!

If you’re looking for the most romantic, outrageously awe-striking, one-of-a-kind wedding venue, this is it! It is a hidden gem, tucked discretely away atop a hill overlooking a beautiful countryside, with even a glimpse of the Springfield city lights at night. It was the first venue we toured, and the competition could not compare! Booking The Starting Gate to host our November 2017 wedding reception was the best decision in our wedding planning process, and here’s why… 1. Chris Sullivan: We could not have planned the wedding of our dreams without her! Within moments of meeting Chris, it was abundantly obvious that she was born to do this job. Her passion radiates when you speak with her. What I loved most about Chris was that she treated us like we were her most important clients. We felt like the only couple she had to work with, and she treated us like VIPs. I trusted her whole-heartedly to handle anything that came her way. On our wedding day, she had all the staff and events perfectly coordinated. All our plans and dreams were suddenly unfolding before our eyes, and she was pulling all the strings from behind the scenes. I even noticed that when we got back from taking pictures, we chose not to join the cocktail hour right away so we could go to the bridal suite and catch our breath, and I heard Chris on her headset alert all the staff that we’d be going upstairs first. When we opened the door, a server was waiting for us with our signature drinks in hand! How special! 2. The View, The Ambiance, The Character: This venue has it all! It is formal and elegant, rustic and intimate, grand and jaw-dropping all at once! The stone, the wooden beams, the copper ceilings and crystal chandeliers were so skillfully selected to create such a wonderfully versatile venue for anyone’s taste. Cocktail hour was held outside on the deck overlooking the golf course and mountains, perfectly capturing a picturesque sunset. And the wedding garden was the perfect place for our pictures, and even our guests took the opportunity to pose here too! Our Facebook pages exploded the next day with all our friends and family’s new profile pictures at The Starting Gate! Words can only do this venue so much justice. Once you visit, you’ll immediately understand what all the hype is about! 3. The Food – You won’t be eating mediocre catering food here! You’ll enjoy a five-star meal prepared by an exceptionally talented chef that will leave your belly full and your taste buds over the moon! The meal is not just to nourish you for the long night of dancing ahead; it’s actually part of the experience! They can get especially creative with late night snacks, and even the food prepared for the bridal suite the morning of is impressive! The portions are large, the flavors are explosive, and the presentation is just as beautiful as the venue itself! 4. The Bragging Rights: Every single person we talked to after the wedding told us that was the best wedding and most beautiful venue they had ever been to! We could see the envy in their eyes! Between the event space, the food, and the staff, you and your guests will have the time of your lives. We like to think our wedding is going down in the history books as the best wedding venue of all time! We have nothing but the best to say about The Starting Gate and their team, and we know they’ll make all your wedding dreams come true too!

My husband and I had our wedding reception at GreatHorse in October. Chris and her team were wonderful from our first tour to our last dance. The building is spectacular and our guests raved about the food. GreatHorse knew what our needs were going to be on that day before we did, and met them before we could articulate them. GreatHorse was truly a dream wedding.

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse helped us have the most perfect wedding day. The venue itself is absolutely stunning, the bridal suite is to die for, but most importantly, the staff there is superb! Chris Sullivan made sure that the day of the wedding ran flawlessly and kept to the schedule. The food was incredible and all our guests were extremely impressed. We could not have asked for a more perfect day!

The Starting Gate at The GreatHorse is unbelievably stunning. What makes this venue spectacular is the staff you'll spend the months leading up to your event working with. Upon meeting Chris Sullivan, my husband and I knew we couldn't get married anywhere else-- we were in the BEST of hands. Chef Chris not only created delicious dishes, his dish presentations were beautiful. The entire evening, our guests were complimenting us on the service of the serving staff and we can't thank Chris, Meghan, and Lauren enough for how smoothly everything went. You won't be disappointed when you book your wedding here!!!

I wish I could give GreatHorse a 10 star rating. If you are thinking about where to have your dream wedding, it should definitely be here. Chris and her staff are accommodating, organized, and fun! Throughout the planning process, she was communicative and effective. Not once did I worry that things wouldn't come out the way I wanted them to, and on the big day everything was absolutely perfect. The Starting Gate is absolutely beautiful and the staff set everything up to perfection. Throughout the day, our every need was cared for and our guests had the best time. We actually extended an hour because everyone was having too much fun. Food was absolutely delicious and the waiter service was impeccable. There is literally nothing I would change about our wedding at GreatHorse and my only complaint is that I can't do it all over again. Thank you Chris and staff. <3

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden, Ma is an incredible wedding venue. From the moment you arrive at the majestic gates topped with gas flames you know that the GreatHorse team is going to transport you into another world. As you drive up the roadway you experience the beautiful maintained greens of the golf course and the stunning architecture of the buildings with breathtaking views of the Pioneer Valley. As the mother of the bride and someone who worked in the wedding industry for 20 years, I’m not easily wowed and all I can say is “WOW”! We were in awe of the beauty of The Starting Gate. The detail in the high copper ceilings, the gorgeous chandeliers, the beautiful stone fireplace, the spacious wrap around deck overlooking the views and the sides that can go up an down to accommodate the weather without taking away from the view (even the rest rooms are stunning)! We were sold, but that was only the beginning. Throughout the planning stages the Catering Manager, Chris Sullivan and her team (Meghan, Lauren and Cathy) guided us effortlessly. They were friendly, efficient and organized. Their knowledge and suggestions all made for the perfect day. We had the pleasure of getting ready in the most elegant bridal suite and the staff saw to our every need. I was pleasantly surprised to see the whole management team on the day of the wedding, executing the details flawlessly! Chef, Chris Cote’s culinary expertise and special touches did not go unnoticed. The fresh foods made onsite, the plate presentation, and flavor was truly five star and had all of our guests raving. Thank you to the whole team for making our daughter and son-in-law’s wedding a spectacular event!

Amazing service. Besutiful venue. Still receiving compliments from guests.

Chris & Lauren are absolutely amazing to work with. I had immediate chemistry with Chris right when I met her. She was able to implement everything my fiancé and I wanted on our day. Lauren is so helpful, she is the nicest, thorough, and very creative. I am so happy that we chose Greathorse for our venue, not only for the gorgeous landscape but working with Chris and Lauren was such a joy. They made it fun.

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be the very first wedding at The Starting Gate at GreatHorse and will be forever grateful for the entire experience. The venue itself if top quality in every way possible...the view, the amenities, the staff; I could go on and on. The event coordinator was very organized, professional, accommodating...just a pleasure to work with! The food...is amazing! The Chef creates food that is sure to excite anyone's palate. I would highly recommend the Starting Gate at GreatHorse to everyone!

We celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary at GreatHorse Country Club in June. The entire experience far exceeded our expectations. First, the venue itself is breathtaking. The view is phenomenal and the physical facility is elegant and well appointed. Second, the event coordinators were absolutely outstanding. We worked with an experienced team who really took the time to listen to our needs and then seamlessly worked with us to create the perfect event. Our event included a recommitment ceremony, cocktails, sit down dinner and dancing. The chef composed a beautiful selection of passed hors d'oeuvres and multi-course dinners, complemented by wine selections, liquor and espresso bars, a dessert bar and late night snack menu that was creative and delicious. The team also provided us with excellent recommendations for florists, DJ services and wedding cakes. All recommendations were completely on-point. We would absolutely recommend GreatHorse to anyone interested in hosting an event -- from an office party to a formal elegant affair such as a wedding. Outstanding in all respects.