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The Starting Gate at GreatHorse
Interested in this vendor?
1/35
"Our wedding at The Starting Gate was an absolute dream come true! The venue is so stunning with..."
"I have now held my second very large upscale Shopping Event for Shriners Children’s New England at..."
About this venue
The Starting Gate is a luxury, 5-star venue in Hampden, MA. It sits on the picturesque grounds of GreatHorse Country Club, one of the most premium clubs in New England. Events at The Starting Gate are nothing short of unforgettable. We host only one event daily, providing the privacy and focused attention that you and your guests deserve.
Our outdoor wedding garden is ready to host your ceremony, offering unrivaled views of the golf course and the Pioneer Valley. In inclement weather, our spacious 3,000-square-foot, four-season deck ensures that the beauty of your celebration remains uncompromised. Our grand ballroom can seat anywhere from 30 to 300 with a dance floor and is adorned with exquisite Swarovski crystal chandeliers, a gorgeous stone fireplace, high vaulted copper ceilings, and beautiful exposed beams.
Our food and beverage minimums are structured based on the day and month of your event. You can expect a 5-hour wedding event in addition to your 30-minute ceremony. We offer a menu tasting approximately six months before your wedding to ensure that your culinary selections are exactly what you expect for your perfect day. Did you know that food has been the top-notch feature at weddings over the past few years? The reason for this is simple––people love tasty food and that is what to expect when hosting your wedding at The Starting Gate. It is important to note that our wedding package does not include our venue fee, MA State tax or administrative fees. Additionally, we offer various catering menus and can easily craft a customized package to fit your specific desires.
The venue fee encompasses all day access to the bridal suite, complete tableware, and silverware, elegant shantung linens, tables with beautiful gold chivari chairs, and complimentary valet parking for all your guests. Our professional, seasoned Catering Managers will work diligently to help you plan the wedding of your dreams!
Experience
-
10 years in business
-
We speak English and Spanish
Weddings at this venue
Angela & James
24 photos
FAQ
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?
$6,500
What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?
$5,000
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?
$850
What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?
$850
Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?
Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables
Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?
Cake Cutting
Dessert
Server(s)
What is the starting price per person for bar service?
$56
Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?
Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar
Signature Drink
What is the minimum number of guests required to book your venue?
35
How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?
2
Describe your venue:
Ballroom
Banquet Hall
Country/Golf Club
Garden
What kind of settings are available?
Indoor
Covered Outdoor
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?
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors
Wifi
What catering services do you offer?
Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Dessert
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings
What bar services do you provide?
Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Liquor License
Open Bar
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine
What event items are available?
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables
What food and beverage items are available?
Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens
What transportation and access is available?
Parking
Valet
Wheelchair Access
What months are included in your peak season?
May
June
September
October
December
What months are included in your off-peak season?
January
February
March
April
July
August
November
Any other questions?
Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!Reviews of The Starting Gate at GreatHorse
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.
Review summary
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The Starting Gate at Greathorse is a stunning venue with breathtaking views and sunsets, producing gorgeous photos. Guests praised the delicious food and seamless execution; staff were professional, organized, and attentive throughout planning and the event. Couples highly recommend it for weddings.
Weddingwire
64 reviews
Google
90 reviews
Lindsey Sent on 11/30/2024
5 out of 5 rating
A dream come true
Our wedding at The Starting Gate was an absolute dream come true! The venue is so stunning with breathtaking views all over. The staff went above and beyond to ensure everything was flawless. Chris was so attentive to us throughout the night, and ensured we were balancing eating with socializing (which is hard to do!) Everyone was so accommodating, organized, and attentive to every detail. Kathryn Scott, specifically, was a true lifesaver, always available to answer questions and offer expert advice. We really could not have gotten through the day and whole planning process without her. The venue provided customization services for us which was a game-changer with our seating chart, specialty drinks, etc.
Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the beauty of the venue and how smoothly everything ran. The food was incredible, and the entire ambiance set the perfect tone for our celebration.
If you’re looking for a venue that combines stunning aesthetics with outstanding service, this is really it. We are so grateful for the unforgettable memories created here and would recommend it a thousand times over!
Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the beauty of the venue and how smoothly everything ran. The food was incredible, and the entire ambiance set the perfect tone for our celebration.
If you’re looking for a venue that combines stunning aesthetics with outstanding service, this is really it. We are so grateful for the unforgettable memories created here and would recommend it a thousand times over!
Jill Sent on 12/03/2024
5 out of 5 rating
The Best Place to Elevate an Event
I have now held my second very large upscale Shopping Event for Shriners Children’s New England at The Starting Gate at Greathorse and I couldn’t be more pleased with the entire process and experience. I work extremely closely with Samantha and she is absolute delight. She is professional, knowledgeable, very helpful and knows and sees my vision and executes it beautifully. This event is such a success because of the Venue and it runs so smoothly because of Samantha and the entire staff and crew that works behind the scenes. I am already excited for my third charity event at the most stunning Venue in Western Massachusetts. We are so lucky to have this gem in our neighborhood.
Jaclyn Sent on 11/27/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Everything was perfect!
If you’re considering getting married or having an event in Western MA, look no further than this absolutely stunning space. Our guests are still talking about the food, the views (especially that sunset!!), and how much fun they had, and over three months have passed since our wedding day. Not only was all of that amazing, but I can’t emphasize enough the professionalism and quality at the Starting Gate. Everyone that we worked with (and the team that worked our event) with was kind, friendly, and helpful — not only to us, but to all of our guests. I have to call out a very special person that went above and far far beyond for us, Kat Scott. I truly don’t know what I would have done without her. She kept everything organized and thought of everything; any time I had a question or concern, she was responsive and helpful. Looking back on the day, there isn’t one thing I would have done differently, and so much of that was with Kat’s direction and coordination. I also want to thank Chef Carlos for the amazing food and attention to detail on our wedding day. Each and every thing that came out of the kitchen was truly delicious!
Becky Sent on 10/30/2023
5 out of 5 rating
Priceless Memories
We had such a wonderful time on our wedding day and during all of the pre-planning meetings we had. We enjoyed working with Kat and our day was seamless because of her: it helped so much to have a day-of coordinator included in our package. The venue was beautiful as always and the staff was so professional and accommodating. Our wedding guests had raved to us that this was the best wedding they’d ever been to. The food was to die for, just like the tasting! Everyone was so kind. Even though I brought quite a few decorations and had specific instructions for placement, everything was as I envisioned, and then some. The photos came out absolutely stunning thanks to the absolutely breath taking scenery. Weddings are stressful, but using Starting Gate at Greathorse made it as easy as possible because they handled all of our needs without questions. Thank you to all for an amazing memory that we will cherish forever! (Photo credit to Lemelin Photography)
Kellie Sent on 05/25/2023
5 out of 5 rating
The wedding of my dreams
My wedding was an absolute dream. Chris Sullivan and the entire staff at greathorse went above and beyond to make sure this was one of the most memorable days of our lives. My husband is French and they went the extra mile to make sure his family traveling from France felt right at home. The venue is incredible and we had the pleasure of staying in their beautiful lodging for the weekend. 10/10
Stacy Sent on 09/26/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Gorgeous venue
Stunning venue. The staff was awesome and Chris was great!! Everyone said how gorgeous everything was and the food was amazing ! Great scenery - five stars
Kimberly Sent on 09/06/2022
5 out of 5 rating
The Perfect Venue
The Starting Gate was an amazing place to hold your wedding! The staff is absolutely amazing, they were there to answer any questions you may have during the most stressful time of wedding planning. Kat was an absolute pleasure to work with and made the day run so perfectly! The food- OMG, delicious! I have not heard one negative thing from my guests regarding the food! The atmosphere, the view, the vibe was perfect. You will not go wrong choosing this venue! 10/10!
Karen Sent on 08/02/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Magical Venue
Our daughter was married on 6/12/22 at GreatHorse. Chris Sullivan was instrumental from the very beginning. I can't say enough about her professionalism, knowledge, and event coordinating. Both myself and husband never worried for an instant, that the day would be anything less then perfect. I literally could never say enough about the extremely dedicated person she is to detail, and ensuring that your special event is done to perfection. What a pleasure it was to work with her. I would without hesitation, recommend GreatHorse for a wedding or special event. Cheers to you Chris! Miss you
Amber Sent on 07/14/2022
5 out of 5 rating
Gorgeous Venue, Incredible Staff, & Food to die for
I cannot say enough good things about this venue!! Chris, the coordinator, is responsive, professional, and made sure our day ran smoothly from start to end. Having a large bridal suite on site at the venue (with food & drinks provided by venue) was the perfect way to start our wedding day! The new sunset deck is stunning and made for lots of great pictures. All of the staff were so kind and professional; they truly helped make our day special. The beer wall and the champagne wall were a huge hit! We still have people reaching out to us telling us how good the food was and how spectacular the venue was!
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The Starting Gate at GreatHorse frequently asked questions
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
- Bridal Suite
- Chairs
- China
- Clean Up
- Event Planning
- Flatware
- Glassware
- Lighting/Sound
- Linens
- Parking
- Set Up
- Tables
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
- Cake Cutting
- Dessert
- Server(s)
The bar service starting price at The Starting Gate at GreatHorse includes:
- Bartender(s)
- Champagne Toast
- House Beer
- House Liquor
- House Wine
- Open Bar
- Signature Drink
The space offered by The Starting Gate at GreatHorse for wedding events is known for:
- Ballroom
- Banquet Hall
- Country/Golf Club
- Garden
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
- Indoor
- Covered Outdoor
- Uncovered Outdoor
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse offers the following types of wedding events:
- Ceremony
- Reception
- Bridal Shower
- Engagement Party
- Elopements
- Rehearsal Dinner
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse offers the following services for wedding events:
- Bar Services
- Catering Services
- Clean Up
- Event Planner
- Event Rentals
- Get Ready Rooms
- Liability Insurance
- Outside Vendors
- Wifi
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
- Altar/Arch
- Audio Equipment
- Centerpieces
- Chairs
- Dance Floor
- Decor
- Furniture
- Lighting
- Tables
The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is recommended by 100% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 5.0, with the same score awarded for quality of service, flexibility, value, professionalism and average response time.