1. Wedding Venues
  2. Massachusetts Wedding Venues
  3. Springfield Wedding Venues
20 Reviews
5.0/5.0
12-300
Guest Capacity
Indoor/Outdoor
Venue Setting

About The Starting Gate at GreatHorse

It's Different at GreatHorse

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is a mountain retreat club venue situated in Hampden, Massachusetts. With rolling hills and views of the Connecticut River Valley, couples are sure to find this scenic and elegant setting the perfect place to begin their new lives together.

Facilities and Capacity
With both outdoor and indoor settings, couples are sure to find a spot that meets their needs. Outdoors, you can enjoy the 100-mile panoramic views that provide a dazzling backdrop against which you can say your vows. The 3,000-square-foot deck is another option for couples looking to say their vows in the fresh air. Indoors, you can find a more elegant backdrop in the chandeliered grand ballroom if sparkle and elegance is more your taste. These outdoor and indoor settings are available for couples to enjoy with up to 300 of their guests.

Services Offered
To assist with planning, The Starting Gate offers couples four event planners. Each is ready to help plan your wedding and ensure it is exactly as you imagined. To assist with menus, an experienced culinary team is available as well. To add finishing touches, couples can select event items such as chairs, lighting, tables, or even a dance floor.

Categories: Wedding Venue

Regions serviced: Springfield

Follow The Starting Gate at GreatHorse on

20 Reviews for The Starting Gate at GreatHorse

Write a Review
5.0
out of 5.0
Rating Breakdown
Filter reviews by services used:
All Reviews
Bridal Suite (4)
Clean Up (4)
Event Planning (4)
In-House Bar (4)
In-House Catering (4)
Set Up (4)
Cocktail Reception (4)
Hors d'Oeuvres (4)
Plated (4)
Dance Floor (4)
Tables (4)
Barware (4)
China (4)
Flatware (4)
Glassware (4)
Linens (4)
Valet (4)
Server(s) (3)
Tastings (3)
Bartender(s) (3)
Open Bar (3)
Premium Liquor (3)
Signature Drink (3)
Chairs (3)
Parking (3)
Wheelchair Access (3)
Uncovered Outdoor (2)
Scenic Views (2)
Event Rentals (2)
Wireless Internet (2)
Dessert (2)
Stations (2)
Champagne Toast (2)
Liquor License (2)
Specialty Wine (2)
Lighting (2)
Covered Outdoor (1)
Lighting/Sound (1)
Liability Insurance (1)
Buffet (1)
Outside Cake (1)
Cash Bar (1)
House Wine (1)
House Liquor (1)
Altar/Arches (1)
Audio Equipment (1)
20 The Starting Gate at GreatHorse Reviews
Sort by:
FEATURED
5.0

I went to see The Starting Gate at GreatHorse on a whim. I wasn't sure that a golf course would be what I was looking for when I imagined my "rustic yet elegant" wedding. My now husband and I drove through the gates it felt like we were on top of a massive mountain. The view was straight out of a magazine (which is exactly what my guests still tell me). I was greeted by Chris and Lauren to show us around the grounds which had everything we needed from an elegant suite to get ready in, the picturesque wedding garden, and incredible
reception room all in one! Driving from Boston was difficult for meetings during the week but Chris was more flexible than I think anyone else would have been with us! I was NOT an organized bride at all and she was there to help me every single step of the way! She was in contact with all my vendors double checking the details. She knew what my themes were and what I imagined and inserted small details throughout the entire experience that made me feel like I was the ONLY bride in the world she was dealing with!

It had a 70% chance of raining on my wedding day and all I wanted was to get married in the wedding garden and despite some quick sprinkles Chris made it happen! She promised she wouldn't make it be indoors until the very last second and the weather held out! I swear that she called upon the giant rainbow herself!

Food was so important to our family and my guests have not stopped talking about how amazing ours was! The chef was incredible! I'm sure a lot of brides are told that their food was the best their guests have ever had, but I honestly have heard it so much! Guests drinks were never empty and the service from all of the employees was exemplary. I wouldn't change one detail about my experience at GreatHorse. Such a hidden gem! Thanks so much Chris, Lauren, and everyone else at The Starting Gate for helping make my wedding better than anything I could have imagined!

Profile Picture Cameron, 11/3/17, 1 Review
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
5.0

This venue is absolutely beautiful! Chris and her team make it so easy to plan your wedding. She was so helpful from the moment I walked in. The service provided was superb and the food is delicious! Everyone couldn't stop talking about it! Chris is the most organized person and will make anything happen! I would host any event at the Starting Gate.

Profile Picture Yajaira, 7/21/18, 1 Review
Category: Unique Services (Other)
5.0

My husband and I got married @ GreatHorse on 6/30/18 and we could not have had a better day. From the very first day we set foot into the venue we knew it was for us. My ENTIRE experience with Chris was amazing. She wrote back to every single email I sent to her quickly and always answered our questions. She was accommodating and patient with me during some of my indecisive moments and everything turned out to be even better than I imagined it would. The food is insanely delicious, the venue is stunning and the customer service is top notch. Not one staff member there misses a beat on anything. Our guests are still raving about our day and it was over 2 months ago! We wish we could have our wedding day over and over again, it was a blur but it was absolutely amazing. Thank you x's a million to Chris and ALL of the staff at GreatHorse for giving us the wedding of our dreams. You are truly amazing at what you do!
- Mr & Mrs. Copeland

Profile Picture Heather, 6/30/18, 1 Review
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
Services Used: Valet, Barware, China, Flatware, Glassware, Linens, Chairs, Dance Floor, Tables, Scenic Views, Uncovered Outdoor, In-House Bar, In-House Catering, Clean Up, Event Planning, Event Rentals, Bridal Suite, Set Up, Wireless Internet, Cocktail Reception, Hors d'Oeuvres, Plated, Server(s), Tastings, Bartender(s), Open Bar, Premium Liquor, Signature Drink
See More Reviews

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse Pricing

Ceremony Site Fee
Peak Season
Starting from $600.00
Off-Peak Season
Starting from $600.00
Reception Site Fee
Peak Season
Starting from $5,000.00
Off-Peak Season
Starting from $3,000.00
Site Fees Include:
Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Wedding Catering Avg. Price Per Person
Plated
$99.00
Buffet
$99.00
Stations
$99.00
Hors d'Oeuvres
$99.00
Catering Prices Include:
Cake Cutting
Server(s)
Bar Service Price Includes:
Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Signature Drink

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse FAQ

Venue Highlights
Maximum Capacity
300
Guest Minimum
12
Event Spaces
2
Type
Ballroom, Banquet Hall, Country/Golf Club
Style
Elegant, Rustic/Country, Unique
Setting
Covered Outdoor, Indoor, Scenic Views, Uncovered Outdoor
Peak Season Months:
May
June
July
August
September
October
Off-Peak Season Months:
January
February
March
April
November
Bridal Shower
Ceremony
Elopements
Engagement Party
Reception
Rehearsal Dinner
All Inclusive Packages
Bridal Suite
Cake
Clean Up
Event Planning
Event Rentals
In-House Bar
In-House Catering
Liability Insurance
Lighting/Sound
Outside Vendors
Set Up
Wireless Internet
Accommodations
Pet Friendly
Preferred Vendors Only
Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'Oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings
Family Style
French Service
Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine
Limited Bar
Outside Alcohol
Altar/Arches
Audio Equipment
Chairs
Dance Floor
Lighting
Tables
Aisle Markers
Aisle Runners
Centerpieces
Chair Covers
Decor
Drapery
Furniture
Photobooth
Tent Accessories
Tents
Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access
Shuttle
2 AWARDS

Photos & Videos

33 Photos

My Photo Album

33 Photos
220x220 sq 1478728391375 img2478 002
220x220 sq 1458762200396 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.40.53 pm
220x220 sq 1458762180725 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.41.14 pm
220x220 sq 1458762235352 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.37.12 pm
220x220 sq 1458762176096 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.40.32 pm
220x220 sq 1458762247865 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.37.48 pm
220x220 sq 1458762259455 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.38.09 pm
220x220 sq 1458762282943 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.38.49 pm
220x220 sq 1458762186815 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.40.01 pm
220x220 sq 1458762194024 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.39.38 pm
220x220 sq 1458762303766 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.39.20 pm
220x220 sq 1458762311091 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.39.28 pm
220x220 sq 1458762427409 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.40.43 pm
220x220 sq 1458762427234 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.40.20 pm
220x220 sq 1458762433523 screen shot 2016 03 23 at 3.41.03 pm
220x220 sq 1467825845727 wedding garden no people
220x220 sq 1467825845840 13138852102093346922751707044691997771674625n
220x220 sq 1467825856220 13138897102093346925151765685416475938757677n
220x220 sq 1467825864389 13177212102093346936752053701718183439847680n
220x220 sq 1467825874959 cocktail hour deck
220x220 sq 1471378511439 guys at the gazebo
220x220 sq 1471378629032 pentimento flowers
220x220 sq 1471378634613 room set up
220x220 sq 1471378640707 sarno wedding
+9
Photos
220x220 sq 1471378645981 sliders at kids buffet
220x220 sq 1471378654931 smore table 2
220x220 sq 1471378661424 smore table 3
220x220 sq 1471378670847 smore table
220x220 sq 1471378675907 table set up
220x220 sq 1471378681358 table setting mirkin
220x220 sq 1471378696232 the starting gate 4
220x220 sq 1471378713916 13179273102093346921151667910171321971302196n
220x220 sq 1478728452430 img2491

3 VIDEOS

Meghan + Ryan / COMING SOON from Kevin Lee Studios on Vimeo.

Professional Network & Endorsements

5 PROS I KNOW

Map

128 Wilbraham Road,, Hampden, MA 01036   See On Map
413-566-8010 (phone)
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is a wedding venue from Hampden, MA servicing weddings throughout the local area, including Hartford, Connecticut, Springfield, Massachusetts, , and Boston, Massachusetts. The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is a professional wedding venue with outdoor space that has been part of the New England wedding industry since 2015 specializing in wedding ceremonies, receptions, showers, rehearsal dinners, retirement parties, proms, galas, fundraisers, meetings, conferences, mitzvahs and special events.