How To Plan A Destination Wedding in Vermont

Bordering Quebec, New York, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Vermont is a gem in the heart of New England. Home to the rolling Green Mountains, the state is brimming with quaint little towns to explore. This rustic and romantic destination is one that’s easy to fall in love with – and there's no shortage of charming inns and luxury resorts at which to host an idyllic destination wedding.

Here we will give you the scoop on everything you need to know to plan your dream celebration in the Vermont.

The best time to go: Though Vermont is one of those magical destinations that looks amazing 365 days of the year, autumn is definitely when the state truly shines. The fall foliage season typically begins in mid-September and lasts through mid-October, with peak colors appearing around the first week in October. Of course this varies depending on the weather. The leaves start to turn in the northern part of the state first, then gradually move south. Also, trees at a higher elevation typically start changing before ones at lower elevations so keep this in mind when you're picking a date and location.

Getting there: Burlington Airport is the main hub for flights to Vermont. Porter Airlines offers service to Burlington from downtown Toronto and the flight time is just one hour. Driving from Toronto will take just over seven hours; from Montreal, under two hours; from Halifax approximately 11 hours.

The legal paperwork: To get married in Vermont you need a Vermont marriage license and it must be purchased in the county you wish to be married in. You can buy it at the town clerk’s office and it must be picked up in person. The cost is $45 for the license and $10 for a certified copy of the license.

The venue: There are many beautiful hotel properties in the Green Mountain State to chose from but one of the most renowned and exclusive is Twin Farms—it’s so hidden you'll probably drive by the gates a few times before finding it! Once you arrive, you won’t want to leave this Relais & Châteaux’s magical 300 sprawling acres. There are only 20 accommodations at Twin Farms—10 guest rooms and suites in the main house, farmhouse and lodge. The rest are plush cottages, each equally incredible, and all completely different in design and feel, featuring everything from modern and sexy decor to Moroccan elegance. The entire property boasts an incredible art collection with works by masters like Roy Lichtenstein, David Hockney, Frank Stella and Milton Avery displayed in the common and private areas.

When it comes to wedding venues at Twin Farms, there are eight choices on site, each vastly different (but all equally gorgeous). For smaller celebrations, the main house dining room, new dining room, small dining room and the wine cellar are all amazing options. For wedding parties of 50 people and up, consider the lodge, the pub, or having a tented celebration on the property's rolling acres—there are several spots at Twin Farms where this can be done.

Staying on for a honeymoon at Twin Farms will give you a chance to fully indulge. The property is all-inclusive, which means everything from meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner are all incredible), to drinks, activities and tipping is covered in your nightly rate—you literally don’t have to think about a thing while you’re there except relaxing and enjoying an unforgettable romantic escape.