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Pricing information

Reception
$6,500 starting price
Ceremony
$800 starting price
Bar service
$40 per person
Reception
$5,000 starting price
Ceremony
$800 starting price
Bar service
$40 per person
These prices are available for the months of May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. These prices are available for the months of Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Nov.

About

On WeddingWire since 2016

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.

Frequently asked questions

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?

$800

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

$800

Which of the following are included in 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
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$40

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
Champagne Toast
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
Chairs
Dance Floor
Lighting
Tables

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Chocolate Fountain
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Valet
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
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Reviews of The Starting Gate at GreatHorse

5.0 out of 5 rating
5.0 out of 5 rating
61 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

Powered by AI

The Starting Gate at Greathorse is a highly recommended wedding venue in Western MA. The staff, particularly wedding coordinator Chris Sullivan, is praised for their professionalism and attention to detail. Guests were impressed with the stunning views, delicious food, and top-notch service. The venue is described as beautiful and accommodating, making for a perfect wedding experience.

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

The Starting Gate at Greathorse is a highly recommended wedding venue in Western MA. The staff, particularly wedding coordinator Chris Sullivan, is praised for their professionalism and attention to detail. Guests were impressed with the stunning views, delicious food, and top-notch service. The venue is described as beautiful and accommodating, making for a perfect wedding experience.

Weddingwire
5.0/5 61 reviews
Google
4.8/5 61 reviews
S
Susan N. Sent on 09/22/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Perfect 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!
Becky
Becky M. 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)
Jaclyn
Jaclyn C. 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!
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Awards

61
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner

Real Weddings

Angela & James
24 photos · 07/28/2018

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