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Weddings

About

Common Ground Center is a rustic venue space located in Starksboro, Vermont. Situated just 30 minutes from Burlington, Vermont and open from mid-May to mid-October, this venue space is perfect for those looking to celebrate their wedding or special event in the beautiful Vermont countryside. With accommodations, an on-site commercial kitchen, and a team of dedicated staff, the impressiveness of Common Ground Center speaks for itself.

Facilities and Capacity

Common Ground Center (CGC) is located on 700 acres of gorgeous Vermont wilderness and is home to hiking trails, a two-acre swimming pond, a campfire pit, a wetland site, a creek, and two tennis courts. Guests can choose from three unique venue spaces. For those looking to celebrate their marriage under the stars, the open fields at Common Ground Center can be transformed into a whimsical wedding space. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more classic, the cathedral-like Hay Barn is the perfect locale for stunning indoor ceremonies. Lastly, the Dining Hall makes for a great reception space, thanks to the bamboo dance floor and large screened-in porch. Common Ground Center permits a capacity of up to 200 of your friends and family. As well as beautiful venue spaces, CGC also offers 20 unique cabins to choose from, which can sleep up to 86 people, as well as a lodge that can sleep 31.

Services Offered

The staff at Common Ground Center have experience in serving bridal showers, engagement parties, ceremonies, and receptions. They also have plenty of event items for your event, including chairs, furniture, china, flatware, dance floors, and tables. The venue also has a modern commercial kitchen, which provides couples the opportunity to create a wide variety of event menus. You can hire your own caterer, who can take full advantage of this expansive kitchen-space. Some of the other services the venue offers include:

  • Accommodations
  • Event rentals
  • Parking
  • Wheelchair access

History

Common Ground Center was opened in 1994 by Peg Kamens and Jim Mendell, who wanted to spend their vacations doing creative activities and organizing events for those looking to celebrate in the beautiful Vermont countryside. Since their start, they have hosted hundreds of guests from across 29 states and over 11 different countries.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

15,500

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

6,000

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Chairs
Flatware
Parking
Tables

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

35

Describe your venue:

Banquet Hall
Barn
Campsite/Cabin
Farm/Ranch
Garden
Inn/B&B

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Event Rentals
Wifi

What event items are available?

Chairs
Dance Floor
Furniture
Tables
Tents

What food and beverage items are available?

China
Flatware

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
November
December

Reviews of Common Ground Center

Max
Max A. Sent on 11/10/2022
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect venue for a DIY multi day wedding

We picked the CGC because 1) it’s a gorgeous venue that needed very little decorating, 2) we could have free reign over the whole weekend, and 3) they offer total flexibility with respect to vendors.

Their coordinator Kate was suuuuuper easy to work with and very responsive to our questions since we were planning remotely. She was really flexible (we extended our holiday weekend to Monday) and didn’t add stress to our planning process.

The venue is gorgeous and has a diverse set of spaces you can use for your event (a large dining area, game rooms, a cozier communal area, and a rustic barn). The cabins are super cute and each one is unique. The best part was all the outdoor space, from trails to the fire pit and sprawling fields. It was a perfect spot for a retreat-like wedding
Amanda
Amanda Sent on 07/05/2021
5 out of 5 rating

A beautiful and customizable space

Common Ground Center was everything we hoped for in a wedding venue. This beautiful landscape in Vermont allows you to really embrace nature and the camp atmosphere brings your friends and family together for an intimate and celebratory weekend. The Common Ground Center staff are simply wonderful to work with and they give you the reigns to bring to life the wedding you imagine. The camp ground has so many amenities that make it a comfortable and easy wedding like full kitchen, a number of available rentals, accessible bathrooms, so many activities like tennis, kickball, tetherball etc. On top of all this you get the added benefit of knowing that the money you are spending on your wedding it going to a good cause working toward the Common Ground Center mission.
Andy
Andy Sent on 12/12/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Magical weekend

Not only did we have what we wanted (a classy but relaxed wedding venue), our friends and family (and their kids) loved the venue and the atmosphere it cultivated. Many folks later told us it was one of the most incredible wedding experiences they had, especially getting to stay on site for several days with family and friends.
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

29
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2012 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

2 Endorsements
Barrie Fisher Photo Barrie Fisher Photo Wedding Photographers

What a beautiful setting to get married in!

Tasty Persuasions Catering Tasty Persuasions Catering Wedding Caterers

The Common Ground Center has a great space to use for catering. Makes your job much easier. Tina Patno, owner of Tasty Persuasions Catering.

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