The Starting Gate at GreatHorse
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About
Located in Hampden, Massachusetts, The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is a charming wedding venue perfect for soon-to-be newlyweds who appreciate picturesque scenery and tranquility. This mountainside getaway boasts views of the surrounding rolling hills and the iconic Connecticut River Valley. From your “I do” to your first married dance, this Bay State gem can set the scene for every part of your once-in-a-lifetime occasion. The staff can’t wait to see your romantic connection in action, aiming to realize your vision to the letter.
Facilities and Capacity
Capable of accommodating several hundred of your loved ones, The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is home to a selection of delightful event spaces. Soon-to-be newlyweds can begin their big day in the Wedding Suite, a luxurious get-ready room that has restrooms, makeup tables, and refined furniture. The beautiful Wedding Garden is an ideal spot for saying “I do” outdoors. Featuring an elegant gazebo, immaculate garden, and waterfall, this open-air setting is sure to impress your nearest and dearest. Cocktails can be enjoyed on the Sunset Deck, a relaxed place that possesses 3,000 square feet of space. Here, you can mix and mingle with your guests while admiring the panoramic views of the valley. There are two Reception Rooms that can be combined for large-scale gatherings. These plush halls feature chandeliers, ornate decor, and expansive windows that allow natural light to flow in.
Services Offered
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse offers a variety of services designed to make sure that your dream wedding is brought to life. As well as your ceremony and reception, the venue can also provide the backdrop for your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, and post-wedding brunch. Their seasoned planners can collaborate with you to ensure that every detail of your celebration is exactly what you envisaged. Available services consist of event set-up and clean-up, bartending, and catering. A wide range of useful event items will be provided, such as chairs, tables, an altar, and a dance floor.
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47 Reviews
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Featured
Susan N. Married on 09/11/2021Perfect from beginning to end
I don’t even know where to begin! The starting gate from the moment we walked through their doors on our venue tour exceeded our expectations thoroughly. We started out working with Lauren who was amazing and helped us throughout our postponing of our wedding due to COVID and making sure everything we wanted was taken care of. They are so organized and really help with the stress of planning a wedding making sure every detail is thought about and discussed. When Lauren went on maternity leave we were given Chris who was just as amazing. She is organized and responsive and so sweet! She asks you what your vision is and makes sure that it’s carried out perfectly. She took care of our entire day and it went off without a hitch. Guests were talking about our wedding and how perfect is was which of course we agreed. From the ceremony to apps, dinner and beyond they made sure everything was amazing I really couldn’t have asked for a better wedding team and I can’t say enough about the staff there.
The morning of our bridal attendant Emma was outstanding serving us food and making sure our needs were taken care of. I really can’t say enough good things about this venue. If you are unsure in any way JUST BOOK IT you won’t regret your decision. The day was so perfect and I’m still in awe about how everything was excecuted! Even the tastings were amazing! We became vegetarian halfway through and we were able to do another tasting to try vegetarian options for our wedding. I could go on and on so I will stop but thank you to the staff at the starting gate you all are amazing!-
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Stefani C. Married on 05/01/2022The best wedding venue in Western Massachusetts
I can’t say this enough: the Starting Gate is the best venue in Western MA. We toured twelve venues before choosing the Starting Gate from NH to RI. Of all the venues were toured they made us feel the most wanted and were hands down the most accommodating. Our wedding guests raved “this was the best service I’ve ever received.” Our coordinator Chris Sullivan Latina was so responsive and diligent. I met with her probably six or seven times before the big day (it helped choosing a venue only fifteen minutes away from home as well!) she also responds to emails and calls at lightening speed. Our flower girl and ring bearer were having a hard time getting down the aisle and Chris was so smart to dress in the same colors as the wedding party to help get them down the aisle. The food was amazing and I especially loved the sangria wall! The bridal suite is huge with great lighting! The bridal party started getting ready at 9am but they would have accommodated an even earlier start time if needed. The venue is beautiful and I loved having a different spot on site for the ceremony, the cocktail hour, and reception. There were so many different spots on the grounds to take pictures. I can’t thank Chris and the rest of the staff for my best day ever! Everyone should check out this venue for your big day!
Awards
Real Weddings
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Angela & James24 photos · 07/28/2018
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