10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR PLANNING A VERMONT FARM WEDDING

Planning a Vermont farm wedding? You’re in for something truly special. Rustic barns, mountain views, crisp air, and just the right touch of wildflowers — it’s a dream. But having planned my own destination wedding and attended many Vermont farm weddings, I know that these venues come with their own unique set of things to think about. That’s why I am here, to share a set of bride-to-bride insider tips to help you skip the stress and focus on the magic: 

Quick Look: 10 Must-Know Tips For Vermont Wedding Planning

• Choose the right season — Vermont weather is beautiful, romantic, and yes — totally unpredictable

• Visit your venue before you commit

• Plan for the elements — and embrace the quirks (yes, that includes mud boots and mosquito spray!)

• Let local, seasonal details shape your decor

• Venue logistics & rules you didn't know you needed to ask about

• Prioritize guest comfort — they’ll stay longer and smile more when they’re cozy

• Use the setting — let nature do the work

• Book trusted, local Vermont vendors well in advance — the good ones go fast

• Set expectations clearly — your guests will appreciate knowing it's a farm venue (no stilettos required!)

• Make it yours — the personal touches are what people remember most

1. Choose the Right Season 

Vermont is stunning year-round, but your wedding vibe will change a lot depending on the month. Most farm venues open from May to October. Here's a breakdown:

• May–June: Peonies, lush greenery, and cooler temps. It's also mud season, so adjust the dress code and parking accordingly.
• July–August: Peak summer, long days, and golden-hour magic. Vermonters will tell you — you come for the winters but stay for the summers. It's rainy though, so have a rain plan you love.
• September–October: Foliage goals! Crisp weather and cozy vibes. Fall in Vermont feels like a hug from the Earth — hopeful, warm, and absolutely magical. Great time for bachelor/bachelorette weekends too.

2. Visit Your Venue

 Photos don’t do it justice. Walk the fields, stand in the barn, and imagine your ceremony. Pay attention to:

• Accessibility (parking, restrooms)
• Sunset location (golden hour matters!)
• How it feels — you’ll know if it’s “the one.” On my wedding day, the sunset light creeping in and shining on my partner’s face as I said “I do” is a moment I’ll never forget. It was full of warmth, clarity, and that quiet feeling of certainty — like everything had aligned in just the right way.

3. Plan for Weather (Always)

 In the mountains, the weather shifts fast. Be ready with:

• A rain plan you actually like
• Tents, heaters, or fans as needed
• Local weather tracking — I recommend WCAX
• Ground-friendly footwear (heels not necessary)

As a local, I can tell you — national weather apps often don’t cut it. Vermont’s weather dances to its own beat.

4. Use Local & Seasonal Decor 

Vermont has so much natural beauty — use it! If you’ve spent countless hours searching for that sweet spot of gorgeous florals at a price that doesn’t rival a mortgage down payment — hear me out: use local foliage. Vermont is home to some of the most gorgeous native plants. I’m writing this while looking at my lilac tree in full bloom right now, and it smells heavenly. 

But keep in mind, the flowers won’t be what everyone remembers — it’ll be the love felt on that day. So do yourself a favor and skip the overdone Pinterest boards. Instead, try:

• Wildflowers from local farms (Fleur Farm, Vermont Flower Farm, Flower Power VT, etc.)
• Maple syrup favors and wood signage
• Rentals from Vermont Event & Wedding Rentals, On Thyme Events, Vermont Tent Company, and more

5. Venue Logistics & Rules

 Every venue is different. Ask:

• What's the curfew?
• Who handles setup/breakdown?
• Alcohol policy?
• What’s included?

Download our wedding planning guide to cover FAQs and schedule a tour to discuss everything else.

6. Prioritize Guest Comfort

 Plan the experience you’d want as a guest:

• Water stations and shaded seating
• Blankets and fire pits for cool evenings
• Clear signage and ample restrooms
• 
  

Comfort leads to connection — and your guests will feel it.

7. Let the Setting Shine 

Nature is your decorator. Keep it simple:

• Hilltop ceremony views
• Bistro lights in the barn
• Lounge areas by the fire

Let the landscape be your backdrop and your moodboard.

 8. Book Local Vendors Early 

Focus on:

• Caterers with farm experience
• DJs/musicians with backup power plans
• Coordinators from vetted directories like this one start booking 9–12 months out.

9. Set the Dress Code

 Clearly Let your guests know what to expect:

• Flats or boots over heels
• Recommend layers for mountain weather
• Think sundresses and button-downs—or go full Western flair with hats, boots, and all. Whatever your style, just make sure your guests know the vibe.

Looking for stylish, farm-appropriate wedding guests or rehearsal dinner outfits? I love options from Coco Goose's Best Dressed Wedding Guest blog ,  Jude Connally, and Salaam — all offer beautiful pieces that are elegant and totally terrain-friendly.

And don’t forget the guys — McNeil & Reedy in Rutland is a go-to for classic menswear and tuxedo rentals. They've been outfitting Vermont grooms since 1956 and know exactly how to balance timeless with barn-appropriate.

You’ll save your bridesmaids from sinking into the grass in a pair of pumps — and they’ll thank you.

 10. Make it Yours

 Small personal touches make the biggest impact:

• A reading from your favorite book
• A family recipe on the menu
• A memory table with wedding photos from generations of your family — one of my favorite details from our wedding that brought so many people to happy tears.

Bonus Tip: Shop Local for Meaningful Jewelry 

Whether you're still searching for the perfect wedding bands or a sentimental gift for your partner or family, Vermont has some incredible local jewelers known for their craftsmanship and character:

• Lippa’s Estate and Fine Jewelry – Vintage and estate jewelry with story and soul
• Von Bargen’s Jewelry – Timeless, heirloom-quality pieces with locations in Burlington and Springfield
• New Vitalis Jewelry – Handmade, nature-inspired designs crafted in Vermont

A personal note: My husband actually waited to buy his ring until we were at our wedding destination — and he picked it out from a local jeweler. Now his ring feels like more than a symbol; it’s a lasting connection to the place where we became a family.

Ready to Plan Your Vermont Farm Wedding?

Whether you're just getting started or already picturing the tablescape, Isham Family Farm in Williston, VT is a heart-filled, history-rich venue ready for your love story.

Schedule a Tour | Download Our Planning Guide