My DREAM Wedding Venues for 2023

Hello there friends!!

If you follow me on Instagram (or are a frequent blog reader) then you will know that my word for my business in 2023 is EXPAND. This relates to so many different aspects of myself and so many parts of my business but one way that it relates is expanding the number of weddings I take on each year. Because this business has been a side hustle, I have kept my weddings under 10 each year to best serve my couples but also so I don’t burn out. Back in 2019 I experience a massive burnout from photography because it was my busiest year AND life gave me a huge gut-punch.

Well, in hopes to expand in 2023, that includes taking on more weddings (while I cut back my hours at my “main job” to balance)…but my goal is also to shoot at some of my dream wedding venues this year! Some of these, I’ve had experience at but never shot an actual wedding…and some are brand new but are just amazing. To aid in my quest to check these off my dream wedding list, I’ll be offering 15% off to any couples that book me that are getting married at one of these amazing venues. Please note that I am currently only booking 2023 and 2024 weddings!!

So without further ado, and in no particular order, here is my list of Dream Venues for 2023!!

Eolia Mansion – Waterford, CT
Growing up in the Southeast, everybody uses Harkness for everything. I’ve shot countless maternity, family, engagement, senior, anniversary…the list of session types goes on. Back in 2019 I photographed an elopement that took place in one of the gardens but I would love for the opportunity to photograph a full wedding here!! It was one my personal top choices for my own wedding back in 2018 and will always have a place in my heart!!

Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill – Middletown, CT
While photographing a wedding at the Newport Mansions feels like a legitimate pipe dream, this gorgeous mansion has all of the elegance and grandeur of the Newport mansions but a little bit closer to home! It is absolutely stunning and absolutely takes a spot on this list!

Burr Mansion – Fairfield, CT
My love of history definitely played a role in this venue making this list. It is a gorgeous, historic mansion that ticks all the boxes for me! While some older venues are dark or look outdated, this one is bright and fresh while still encapsulating those vintage vibes!!

Lounsbury House – Ridgefield, CT
I first discovered this venue from a styled shoot a friend of mine was apart of. It was hosted and styled by Aced Events and immediately took my breath away. Everything from the grounds to the interior to the possibilities makes this a dream venue of mine! I can only imagine the possibilities!!

Gwen Careg Inn – Pomfret, CT
This was the venue for my sister and brother-in-law’s wedding back in 2014 and it was stunning. It is the perfect backdrop for a DIY couple with vintage aspirations! This inn is so versatile with it’s endless possibilities but is absolutely stunning from top to bottom!

Glen Manor House – Portsmouth, RI
Elegance is the first word that I can think of when I look at this venue. I’ve dreamed of shooting weddings here since I first discovered this venue. Surprisingly, it was one of the first that made me think about more than backyard and barn weddings!! Because of the neutral tones in the architecture, it is a perfect backdrop for so many elegant ideas!

Aldrich Mansion – Warwick, RI
This venue gives me a slightly coastal vibe but reminds me a lot of Eolia Mansion so it is unsurprising that it also made my Dream Venues list. The architecture is incredible, there are so many gorgeous locations on the property, and overall it is just stunning.

Saphire Estate – Sharon, MA
Similar to the Burr Mansion and the Lounsbury House, this location is a Light and Airy photographers DREAM!! I especially appreciate that they kept the reception hall portion of the venue white and bright! It means no excessive flashes are needed to keep this venue from looking like a black hole!! Definitely a treat from a photographer’s standpoint.

Willowdale Estate – Topsfield, MA
Maybe the most outlandish seeming of my options but it is gorgeous!! It has the rustic vibes I know and love but with so much class and elegance! It is also gorgeous in all four seasons which unfortunately cannot be said about every wedding venue here in New England!

Tupper Manor – Beverly, MA
Another venue that allows me to possibly live my Newport Mansion dreams through. This gorgeous venue has a lot of the opulence of those mansions but with a slightly more finished look to it. It is hard to describe but the architecture feels similar with grand windows, huge chandeliers, and sprawling green lawns. (Can you tell I’m not an architect lol)

Aldworth Manor – Harrisville, NH
If I’m going to willingly travel to the north then you know the venue had got to be gorgeous! Aldworth Manor absolutely is and would be worth every minute of the drive to get there (and the potential cold too)! I’m ready to bundle up and head for the Granite state if it means a chance to capture some love at this beautiful venue!

Whitby Castle – Rye, NY
I mean…it’s an actual castle… But no seriously, this venue is stunning. I don’t tend to love photographing castles because they are infamously dark and can be kind of dreary looking sometimes but Whitby Castle is anything but. Ample windows means natural light is abundant and they kept the interior light as to keep things feeling open and airy! A huge plus in my mind!!

the Briarcliff Manor – Briarcliff Manor, NY
At this point, you should know that I love a classic manor-style venue. The huge white columns, grand fireplace in the ballroom, and gorgeous views will always be a dream to me. This venue checks every single box!!

the Ryland Inn – Whitehouse Station, NJ
A little bit rustic while still incredibly elegant. It is a gorgeous choice for anybody, like myself, who wanted something to feel down-to-earth but not feel casual. This venue can easily be dressed up even more but it honestly doesn’t need much because it is beautiful.

If you’ve read this far then a HUGE thank you! My goal for 2023 is 12 weddings and my goals for 2024 is 20 so any help in getting the word out is appreciated! Chelsea Lavallee Photography is ready to expand!! To new states, new venues, new adventures, and of course, alongside the best couples!!