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About this vendor

Erica Tucker
Erica Tucker
Manager of Bookings and Events

56 years in business

We speak English

Small team (2-10 members)

Vermont Institute of Natural Science is a Nature Center and outdoor wedding venue located in Quechee, Vermont. This property is the headquarters of the environmental organization of the same name and set amid 47 acres of meadow, forests, and rolling hills. These beautiful and eco-friendly premises blend stunning views of the Vermont landscape with contemporary amenities, making it a truly remarkable backdrop for special celebrations.

Facilities and Capacity

With live bird exhibits, scenic hiking trails, and the Forest Canopy Walk, this property has ample natural beauty for visitors to enjoy. There are also specific event spaces for holding occasions. The HawkFly is surrounded by bird enclosures and nestled within a leafy grove. A couple may exchange their vows in this intimate ceremony site. The August Pavilion is a charming open-air setting for both ceremonies and receptions, with versatile layout options and views of the surrounding woods. The Neale Pavilion is an indoor event spaces that combines subtle refinement with rustic warmth.

Services Offered

VINS offers a range of wedding events, from engagement parties through showers, to wedding ceremonies and receptions. The venue's staff offers the use of get-ready rooms, event rentals, and WiFi to enhance celebrations. Additionally, wheelchair access and parking make these premises more welcoming for all.

History

The origins of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science date back to 1970. A group of local professionals from the Woodstock area were driven to act by the heavy pollution of the waters of the Ottauquechee River. Their efforts started with a study of the river and kept mounting until they achieved the state's first water quality litigation and the cleanup of the Ottauquechee. Afterward, this group decided to continue on their efforts by founding an environmental organization aimed at education, especially of kids. When you book a wedding at VINS, you're supporting our mission to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation.

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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?

$2,200

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?

$6,500

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

$2,200

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Lighting/Sound
Parking
Set Up

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

4

Describe your venue:

Museum
Park
Waterfront
Zoo

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?

Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Wifi

What event items are available?

Audio Equipment
Chairs
Tables
Tent Accessories

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
November
December

Still have questions?

Reach out about anything you didn't see answered here—no question is too small!

Wedding couple

Reviews of Vermont Institute of Natural Science

Weddingwire
5.0/5 4 reviews
Google
4.8/5 1607 reviews
K
Kai Sent on 08/27/2025
5 out of 5 rating

VINS -- the perfect space!

Erica and team were very professional! The space and grounds are beautiful -- and they were very flexible in allowing us to bring in a diverse array of vendors to make our event feel uniquely ours.
K
Kelly Sent on 12/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Amazing reception venue!

After our elopement, we hosted a reception at VINS for guests to celebrate with us. They were able to visit the exhibits, explore the canopy walk, and have a warm indoor space to eat, drink, listen to music, and socialize. We did the bird on the glove which was a hit. Erica, the event coordinator, was wonderful before the event and the day of, helping us set up and even find last minute items like a wine opener and matches that we had forgotten. I was so impressed with the value for the reasonable rental fee and the assistance of the staff. Highly recommend this venue and it's wonderful to know the fees go to a great organization.
Grae
Grae Sent on 07/27/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Venue

The location was beautiful with the outdoor pavilion, nice bird exhibits, and forest canopy walk. It was perfect for our wedding reception. The staff were so welcoming and easy to communicate with to plan.
Whitney
Whitney Sent on 07/24/2025
5 out of 5 rating

Fun and Beautiful Setting for our Reception!

We had our wedding reception at VINS and couldn’t have asked for a better venue!
VINS was an absolute pleasure to work with when it came to organizing everything and we had amazing service the day of, they helped us feel prepared so that we could enjoy the day.
This is an amazing venue for kids and families of all ages as they have SO many activities and gorgeous green spaces for stellar wedding photos.
We had a raptor in our wedding photographs, and also had a raptor presentation for our guests that everyone loved.
We highly recommend VINS for parties and events!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

4
illustration message review

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Team

Erica Tucker
Erica Tucker
Manager of Bookings and Events

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Map

Location

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Wedding couple

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Vermont Institute of Natural Science frequently asked questions

Vermont Institute of Natural Science includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Parking
  • Set Up
The space offered by Vermont Institute of Natural Science for wedding events is known for:
  • Museum
  • Park
  • Waterfront
  • Zoo
Vermont Institute of Natural Science offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Vermont Institute of Natural Science offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Elopements
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Vermont Institute of Natural Science offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Wifi
Vermont Institute of Natural Science offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Audio Equipment
  • Chairs
  • Tables
  • Tent Accessories
Vermont Institute of Natural Science 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.
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