There’s something truly special about weddings held in restaurants. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing countless beautiful moments in a variety of venues. But the ones in restaurants were quite unique.

The intimate atmosphere, the delicious food, and the personal touch made these celebrations unforgettable. If you’re considering hosting your wedding at your favorite eatery, let me walk you through how to make it an elegant affair to remember.

Why Choose a Restaurant Wedding?

There’s a special charm to saying “I do” in a place that holds special memories for you and your partner. Maybe it’s where you had your first date, or perhaps it’s the spot you always visit on your anniversary. Whatever the reason, a restaurant wedding allows you to share that meaningful place with your loved ones.

Planning Your Restaurant Wedding

Selecting the Perfect Venue

choosing a restaurant for your wedding, consider these factors:

• Capacity: Can it comfortably accommodate your guest list?
• Ambiance: Does the atmosphere match your vision?
• Menu: Is the cuisine something you and your guests will love?
• Privacy: Can they offer a private space or a full buyout?

Remember, your favorite cozy bistro might be perfect for an intimate gathering, while that grand steakhouse could be ideal for a larger celebration.

Working with the Restaurant

Communication is key when planning a restaurant wedding. Here are some important points to discuss with the venue:

Customizing the Menu

Most restaurants are happy to work with you on creating a special menu for your big day. Don’t be afraid to ask for your favorite dishes or discuss dietary restrictions for your guests.

Decor and Setup

While restaurants often have their own charming decor, see if you can add personal touches. Centerpieces, place cards, or even hanging lights can transform the space.

Timeline and Logistics

Discuss the flow of the event, from arrival to dinner service to dancing. Make sure you’re on the same page about timing and any restrictions.

Making it Elegant

Even in a casual restaurant, you can add elements of elegance to elevate your wedding:

Sophisticated Place Settings

Work with the restaurant to create beautiful table settings. Fine china, gleaming silverware, and crystal glasses can make a big impact.

Floral Arrangements

Strategic floral displays can add a touch of romance and luxury. Consider a statement piece at the entrance or delicate bud vases on the tables.

Lighting

Never underestimate the power of good lighting. Soft candlelight or warm string lights can create a magical ambiance.

The Wedding Day

On the big day, here’s how to ensure everything runs smoothly:

Arrival and Setup

Coordinate with the restaurant about when you can arrive to set up any additional decor or personal items.

Ceremony Considerations

If you’re having the ceremony at the restaurant too, discuss the best way to transition from ceremony to reception. Perhaps cocktails can be served in one area while staff rearrange for dinner.

Capturing the Moments

As a photographer, I always find restaurant weddings to be a joy to shoot. The intimate setting allows for capturing genuine, emotional moments, and the unique surroundings provide a beautiful backdrop. Don’t forget to get some shots in the kitchen with the chefs if possible – it’s always a fun and memorable photo!

Final Thoughts

One of the most romantic ways to commemorate your love story is to have your wedding at a restaurant of your choice. It combines delicious food, a meaningful location, and an intimate atmosphere to create a truly special day. You can turn your favorite restaurant into an exquisite wedding location that you and your guests will not soon forget with careful planning and close attention to detail.

If you’re planning a wedding in Connecticut and looking for a photographer to capture your special day, I’d love to hear from you. At Stella Blue Photography, we specialize in creating timeless, luminous imagery that truly captures your unique story. Let’s chat about how we can make your restaurant wedding dreams come true!

Whatever the season may be, spring, summer, or fall, Connecticut has proved to be one of the most beautiful places to get married. Here are my top 10 favorite wedding venues in Connecticut.

1. Hill-Stead Museum | Farmington, CT  –  I am a huge art appreciator and the Hill-Stead Museum is my favorite museum in the world. This Colonial Revival house and art museum setting will make any event special. The Hill-Stead Museum hosts an indoor wedding, tented, or a wedding with scenic views of Farmington Valley.
   
   
   
2. Winvian Farm | Litchfield Hills, CT  –  Winvian Farm is a dream. Unique with its historic land, dreamy meadows, woodlands and world renowned spa, this venue is ideal! Winvian is a collection of resort cottages, each suite was designed by a different architect and an art piece in itself. The most interesting cottage is inspired by the Sikorsky Helicopter company and has a complete helicopter inside with a full bar. My favorite cottage is inspired by the Charter oak tree and it’s built around a massive white oak. The oak tree is important to Connecticut because it was the hiding place of the Charter during the Revolution. Visit their website to see all of the cottages and choose what suits you.
   
3. The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill | Middletown, CT  –  Whenever I see this venue, I think of one word, “elegance”. This venue is a dream to photograph at. The sprawling mansion, the Juliet balcony, the massive hydrangea, and the rose garden, make every corner of this property an opportunity for gorgeous photos.
4. South Farms | Morris, CT  –  You’ll be in love with South Farms’ beautiful whitewashed barn, outbuildings, shaded paths, and acres of rolling meadows. This the perfect spot for your romantic, countryside wedding. The only thing better than the landscape are the people who take good care of it. You will be made to feel right at home the minute you step onto Ben’s family farm. 
5. Branford House | Groton, CT  –  This historic mansion with gorgeous architecture is located along the shoreline of Connecticut making it possible to create elegant photos up on the mansion and dreamy, romantic photos by the ocean. It’s the perfect backdrop if you love both the mansion and ocean views.
6. Lighthouse Point Park | New Haven, CT   –  Looking for a casual, whimsical, dreamy wedding venue? Lighthouse Point Park is the perfect venue for you! Don’t get me wrong, a small intimate wedding by the beach in this venue will be just as dreamy but have you seen the carousel? Truly a captivating venue to spend your best day ever.
7. Lounsbury House | Ridgefield, CT   –  This stunning historic house with a classic-revival style building is grand, elegant, and romantic! Celebrate your dream wedding with grace at the Lounsbury House. Ridgefield, Connecticut is close to New York for our guests coming from the city, and will give you the quintessential Connecticut small town feel. 
8. Deans Mill Farm | Stonington, CT   –  Surrounded by acres of dense forest, Deans Mill Farm is the perfect venue for your tented farm wedding. Every bit of the main house was restored back to its 1700’s glory with all the updates you would expect for a modern wedding venue. Back in 2021, I photographed the first wedding in this magical venue and it is indeed the dream!
9. Hartford City Hall | Hartford, CT   –  Hartford City Hall is one of the most gorgeous spaces in Connecticut with three stories of open-ceilings in the Atrium, marble and glass floors, and beautiful details like carved railings and custom ironwork at every turn. It also features these stairs that are part of the recipe for the perfect bride and groom portrait!
10. Haley Mansion at the Inn at Mystic | Mystic, CT  –  Host your dream wedding at this unforgettable wedding venue in Mystic, CT. Whatever style or size this dream wedding may be, Haley Mansion is ideal with its scenic grounds, gorgeous mansion and everything in its surrounding. Mystic, Connecticut is the perfect place for your out of town guests to enjoy the Connecticut shoreline.

When someone says “couple goals” Gabriella and Dan always come to mind. These two know how to listen to eachother, they light up when they’re together, and apparently they ALSO know how to throw an EPIC wedding. Gabriella and Dan had their gorgeous wedding day at The Surf Club in New Rochelle, Connecticut. Gabriella is a blogger (click to check out her vlog) and I have been following her journey to this day from the beginning (along with all of her followers.) To say we were floored by the design she single-handedly created would be an understatement. This wedding had all that black-tie goodness that makes my “classic design loving” heart skip a beat. From the gorgeous tone on tone white florals, to the tux’s, her timeless dress that was made for her and (of course) the amazing venue of the Surf Club, it was absolute perfection. Another very special part of the day was the most PERFECT spring weather (not one cloud in the sky and 65 degrees) that we hadn’t seen in an entire year here in Connecticut. I have a feeling that was Gabriella’s dad’s gift on her wedding day.

Photographing Gabriella and Dan together, you just know they found their home. They smile a little more, laugh a little louder, and listen to eachother with all their hearts. When they are together, we can all see what a perfect couple they are. Celebrating their love was the best part. Their friends and family know how to party. The dance party was epic. The reception space also had so many fun details designed by Gabriella, but my favorite was the wall that Dan built behind their sweetheart table. You have to scroll down to see this!!! I think people are already asking to use it for their wedding, it was that GORGEOUS.

There are so many stunning photos to share but the best part of this day for me was witnessing and being inspired by the love these two share and the gentle way they have with each other. I am so humbled that you chose me to capture your beautiful wedding day. These wedding stories stay written on my heart forever.

Congratulations Gabriella and Dan!!! Here are a few sneak peeks from your day. So many more to come!

Dream Team

Venue | Surf Club on the Sound

Photographer | Stella Blue Photography

Florist | Rita’s Floral Touch

Beauty | Pixzydust

Gown | Brides by Young

This December we celebrated Jacqui and Mike, two of the sweetest most loving people in the world. We have been planning this day for 2 years. Every part of this celebration was worth the wait, right down to Mike’s emotional first look! When I look at these wedding photos, I see not just a wedding, but a lifetime of friendship and solidarity. It was a pleasure and honor to witness and capture.

The weather was brisk and the sky completely clear, a typical winter day in Connecticut. We began the day, with the First Look outside on the stone patio. There was so much emotion and happiness that this day was finally here and happy tears upon seeing his beautiful wife to be.

We had fun inside and outside the mansion taking photos. As the sun started to set we captured the most gorgeous LIGHT! The warm glow is usually reserved for fall in Connecticut, but the sun made an appearance and we got to play with all the golden light.

The ceremony started at sunset. Friends and family gathered for the first time in a long time. They celebrated long into the night. I went outside and I could see the mansion was illuminated from every window and I knew we had to cease this moment. Night photos are usually not conducive for every venue, but the Branford house looks especially magical at night.

I had such an amazing time photographing your wedding and getting to know you two. Thank you for every droplet of this day, it will be etched on my photographer heart as one of the most enjoyable days to photograph ever.