The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Essex, CT

The Best Beach & Waterfront Wedding Venues in Essex, CT

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2 Wedding Venues in Essex, CT

Beaches, waterfront settings
100-150 guests
Quick responder
Water's Edge Resort and Spa 

5.0

Westbrook, CT
  • Up to 300 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $9,000
  • Offer

If you imagine a waterfront venue on your wedding day, then look at what the Water’s Edge Resort & Spa offers. Less than two hours from New York and Boston and under forty-five minutes from Hartford, Water’s Edge has been hosting the most memorable bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies by the beach, and receptions in our ballrooms for decades. Traditional or unconventional, festive or formal – a view of the water complements any wedding. With the one-of-a-kind backdrop provided by the views of the water, it’s easy to see why Water’s Edge is a perennial wedding destination in Connecticut.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
  • No built-in audiovisual options
We had the most incredible experience working with the team at Water's Edge Resort and Spa for our wedding. From the moment we first reached out, they were open, professional, and genuinely excited to help make our day perfect. The venue itself is absolutely gorgeous, with an open and airy atmosphere and breathtaking views that created the ideal backdrop for our wedding. The staff, we worked with Melody, was incredibly organized and went above and beyond to ensure that every detail of our wedding day ran smoothly. The guests loved the bartenders and we appreciated everyone’s enthusiasm for us!We loved everything about Water's Edge and our day was everything we could've asked for and more!
Molly, 2 months ago
Quick responder
Saybrook Point Resort & Marina 
Old Saybrook, CT
  • Up to 200 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $19,141

Let our experienced wedding professionals help bring your vision to life with old-world elegance and seaside charm. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina has an amazing reputation for handling weddings of all sizes and styles. With several options for your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, you can leave all the details to us.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Has onsite accommodations

Venue considerations

  • Limited cleanup and setup services
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
  • Does not allow pets

Location flexible? Discover venues near Essex, CT

About wedding venues in Essex, CT

Connecticut creates a magical backdrop for weddings with its diverse landscape ranging from historic mansions to renovated barns, waterfront properties and lush gardens. You'll find venues that perfectly blend traditional New England charm with modern amenities while showcasing the state's distinct seasonal beauty - exactly what you need to create those perfect wedding memories.

What Makes Connecticut Wedding Venues Distinctive?

Architectural diversity really sets Connecticut wedding venues apart. Eolia Mansion features an incredible amphitheater ceremony space and lovingly preserved period details that transport you back in time. The Barns at Wesleyan Hills stands out with its Edison Light Wall that creates absolutely magical evening ambiance you and your guests will remember forever. Fall weddings between September and October deliver spectacular foliage colors for ceremonies while July offers perfect conditions for waterfront celebrations along the Connecticut shoreline with comfortable temperatures and stunning water views.

How Much Do Connecticut Wedding Venues Cost?

Wedding venue costs in Connecticut typically range from $8,300 to $10,200 and represent about 17% of your total wedding budget. This aligns nicely with the national average of $6,500-$12,000 or 25% of total wedding costs, so you're getting good value in Connecticut.

For different guest counts, your approximate total wedding budgets will look like:

  • 50 guests: $24,172
  • 100 guests: $39,982
  • 150 guests: $54,842
  • 200 guests: $68,120
  • 250 guests: $81,398
  • 300 guests: $94,676

Where Can You Find Accessible Wedding Venues in Connecticut?

The Riverview in Weatogue accommodates up to 500 seated guests with complete accessibility features and packages starting at $10,000. You'll find The Waterview in Monroe offers beautiful lakeside event spaces for up to 300 guests with handicap-accessible indoor and outdoor areas that make movement easy for all your guests.

Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park gives you accessible ceremony locations for up to 150 guests with pricing starting at $5,000, while The Glastonbury Boathouse welcomes 150 guests with wheelchair accessibility throughout its indoor and outdoor spaces so everyone can enjoy your special day without limitations.

Which Connecticut Venues Offer Outstanding Culinary Experiences?

The Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale showcases local ingredients through their upscale in-house catering that will impress even your foodie guests. Delamar West Hartford features the award-winning Artisan Restaurant offering refined cuisine in an upscale setting that perfectly complements your celebration.

The Pond House Cafe in West Hartford has earned serious praise for unique food options and stunning presentation that elevates your reception experience. Winvian in Morris delivers true 5-star farm-to-table dining with ingredients harvested from their on-site gardens; you'll taste the difference in every bite and your guests will be talking about the meal for years.

How Can Connecticut Venues Accommodate Remote Wedding Guests?

The Waterview offers cutting-edge virtual reality applications allowing your remote guests to explore venue grounds and interact with on-site attendees almost like they're physically there. Anthony's Ocean View provides dedicated event concierges who help integrate technology for seamless remote participation so no one feels left out.

Innovative venues now incorporate interactive video conferencing virtual reality experiences and personalized virtual engagement platforms that go far beyond simple streaming. These technologies create truly inclusive experiences for remote guests who can't make it in person but still want to share in your special day.

When Should You Book Your Connecticut Wedding Venue?

Connecticut venues typically need booking 16 months in advance with September generating the highest volume of venue inquiries. The peak wedding season spans September-October when fall foliage creates stunning natural decor driving serious competition for prime weekend dates at barn and outdoor venues. You'll want to secure your date early especially if you're dreaming of that perfect autumn wedding.

What Wedding Costs Should You Expect in Connecticut?

Key wedding expenses for a 150-guest wedding include:

  • Venue: $9,243 (17%)
  • Catering: $7,395 (13%)
  • Florists: $6,399 (12%)
  • Bar Services: $5,916 (11%)
  • Planners: $5,119 (9%)
  • Photographers: $4,977 (9%)

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