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17 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

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17 Reviews for The Starting Gate at GreatHorse

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

Cannot say enough good things about this amazing venue. Chris Sullivan made everything so much easier for us, since we are living out-of-state - we couldn't have done it without her. She and her team made the wedding flawless. The food is excellent, we had a signature drink, and they accommodated our ideas for a s'mores bar and late-night breakfast food snacks. There just is no better venue in Western Mass in terms of scenery, professionalism, service, quality...their slogan is right on, it's different at Greathorse.

Profile Picture Lindsay, 12/2/17, 6 Reviews
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
Services Used: Bartender(s), Champagne Toast, House Liquor, Liquor License, Open Bar, Premium Liquor, Signature Drink, Specialty Wine, Cocktail Reception, Dessert, Hors d'Oeuvres, Plated, Server(s), Stations, Tastings, Covered Outdoor, Scenic Views, Uncovered Outdoor, In-House Bar, In-House Catering, Clean Up, Event Planning, Bridal Suite, Lighting/Sound, Set Up, Barware, China, Flatware, Glassware, Linens, Parking, Valet, Wheelchair Access, Altar/Arches, Chairs, Dance Floor, Lighting, Tables
5.0

I got married here this fall and can't say enough good things about it!!! The venue was beautiful and the staff was excellent. I worked primarily with Chris and she couldn't have been more accommodating. I would highly recommend this venue!!!

Profile Picture Elizabeth, 10/14/17, 1 Review
Category: Ceremony & Reception Venue
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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
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Photos
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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.