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Weddings

About

Hill-Stead Museum is a National Historic Landmark set on 152 pastoral acres overlooking the Litchfield Hills. The grounds are accented by stately trees, seasonal gardens and over three miles of stone walls and woodland trails. The home was designed by pioneering female architect Theodate Pope Riddle (1867-1946) to showcase her father's magnificent collection of furnishings and Impressionist art. The Museum’s collection includes paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, James M. Whistler and Mary Cassatt as well as numerous works on paper and Japanese woodblock prints. Surrounding an imposing 1901 Colonial Revival Home the property boasts unique spaces that can be utilized for your special event. These spaces include a 1920 Sunken Garden perfect for cocktail parties and committment ceremonies, a rustic wood-paneled former theater for gatherings up to 100, a retro dining room for intimate dinners, luncheons or presentations for 30-40 and sweeping lawns that can be tented, and can accomodate up to 400.

Hill-Stead has been named one of “most-out-of-the-ordinary places [Connecticut] has to offer for wedding receptions" and is an exceptional venue for celebrations of all kinds…

  • wedding and commitment ceremonies
  • receptions and photo sessions
  • corporate meetings
  • retreats and client events
  • birthdays, anniversaries, showers and family reunions
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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?

$6,300

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

$6,300

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

Yes

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

$800

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

$800

Which of the following are included in starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Parking

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

5

Describe your venue:

Garden
Historic Building

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
Elopements
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Get Ready Rooms
Wifi

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

Reviews of Hill-Stead Museum

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.8 out of 5 rating
4.8 out of 5 rating
16 reviews
95% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.9 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.6 out of 5 rating
L
Lauren Sent on 10/02/2018
5 out of 5 rating
Simply could not have had a more beautiful venue for our wedding, or an easier team to work with. We had our ceremony in the Sunken Garden with the reception in the Makeshift Theatre, and it was perfect.

Jennifer at the Hill-Stead was a dream to work with and helped us so much. I never felt like anything other than her top priority. We were also happy that our venue rental money went to a non-profit museum which is truly special, historic, and unique versus a more corporate, for-profit location.
D
Debbie Sent on 06/24/2015
5 out of 5 rating
We held my daughter's wedding ceremony on the West Lawn with light refreshments served in the Sunken Garden before heading to The Society Room for the reception this past Saturday. We could not have chosen a more beautiful venue. The setting was without compare as the views of the meadow, the garden and hills were amazing. To be able to share this treasured Museum and grounds with our family and friends was a gift for all. Pre-wedding communications with Sarah at Hill-Stead was so easy and fluid. She made every effort to help make the planning and execution as simple as possible. No request was too big or too small and was met with such a pleasant response. When rain threatened, the on-sight manager said that she could easily move the refreshments to the Makeshift Theater, which took the stress off my shoulders. We did not need to move but that she offered so easily was sincerely appreciated. The day was magical with The Hill-Stead leading the way.
L
Lawrence Sent on 11/21/2014
5 out of 5 rating


My husband and I were completely and truly above and beyond pleased with the Hill-Stead's Make Shift Theater location for the Rehearsal Dinner for our son's & new daughter-in-law's wedding last Friday night! The combined wonderful tour of the beautiful historic Main House main floor & guides, as well as all of the Hill-Stead crew were so very helpful every step of the way. And with the complimenting combination of the friendly folks and outstanding food & beverage service from local Kane's Market, everyone went the extra mile for us! We felt very cared for, valued and respected as customers, and every one of our guests, especially the Bride & Groom were blessed! The romantic setting and comfortable, accessible location, and delicious & plentiful food, combined with friendly service & knowledgeable tour guides, was truly all perfect, we don’t know how our evening could have been improved upon, thank you, thank you, thank you!!! Additional thanks goes to Taylor Rentals for the wooden chairs & linens and the Simsbury Inn & 1820 House-where we and most of our family stayed and were very well cared for!
With over whelming gratitude for all of you, and your teamwork to support us,
Very Sincerely,
Larry & Maureen Burt
Annapolis, Maryland
PS We only wish we had thought to hire a photographer (a recommendation if within your budget). But the happy memories experienced will truly be forever engraved in our heart’s and mind's!

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Spice Catering Spice Catering Wedding Caterers

The Hill-Stead Museum is a beautiful and unique venue for any event. As a preferred caterer on their list, we look forward to working many more events here!

Map

Hill-Stead Museum frequently asked questions

Hill-Stead Museum includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Parking
The space offered by Hill-Stead Museum for wedding events is known for:
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
Hill-Stead Museum offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Hill-Stead Museum offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Hill-Stead Museum offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Wifi
Hill-Stead Museum is recommended by 95% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.8 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 5 in professionalism, 4.9 in quality of service, 4.8 in average response time, 4.6 in flexibility and 4.6 in value.

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