Deborah Chan
Harkness Memorial State Park in Connecticut is a popular wedding venue, with its beautiful gardens, beach, trees, and flowers. The park's crown jewel, Eolia, was once the summer mansion of Edward and Mary Harkness. The rental fee for the mansion is $5,000 to $5,100 and includes exclusive use of the first floor and south courtyard tent for five hours, with an additional two and a half hours for setup and breakdown. While the rental fee does not depend on the number of guests, a five-person wedding at Harkness can be accommodated within this price range. Additional time can be purchased for $1,000 per hour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Waterford, Connecticut |
| Venue | Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial Park |
| Rental Fee | $5,000-$5,100 |
| Rental Period | 7.5 hours (5 hours event time + 2.5 hours setup and breakdown) |
| Additional Time | $1,000/hour |
| Capacity | Up to 150 guests |
| Catering | Provided through preferred caterers |
| Ceremony Options | Amphitheater, Garden, Mansion, Pergola |
| Availability | March 1 to December 23; after 5 pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day |
| Park Access | Open to the public until sunset |
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What You'll Learn
- The rental fee for the Eolia Mansion at Harkness is $5,100
- The rental includes exclusive use of the first floor and south courtyard tent for 5 hours
- The mansion accommodates weddings of up to 150 guests
- The rental fee drops to $3,000 for weddings after Thanksgiving until spring
- The amphitheatre can be rented for a ceremony, or you can use the grounds
The rental fee for the Eolia Mansion at Harkness is $5,100
The Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Connecticut is a popular wedding venue. The rental fee for the mansion is $5,100, and this includes exclusive use of the first floor of the mansion and the south courtyard tent for 5 hours, with an additional 2 and a half hours for setup and breakdown. If you wish to extend your event beyond the included time, you may purchase additional hours through 11:00 pm for $1,000 per hour.
The Eolia Mansion is a stunning Renaissance Revival-style property with 42 rooms, including 20 bedrooms and 14 baths. It boasts 11 fireplaces, a pergola (tearoom), and a carriage house. The mansion is surrounded by 200+ acres of sweeping lawns, stately trees, and magical gardens, providing a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding celebrations.
The rental fee also includes the use of the amphitheater for your ceremony and a reception under a tent on the mansion's rear patio. If you prefer a garden wedding, this can be arranged for an extra charge. It's important to note that Harkness remains open to the public during your wedding until sunset when visitors are required to leave the park.
When it comes to catering, you must select from a list of preferred caterers that the State of Connecticut has partnered with. By choosing one of these familiar vendors, you can ensure a smooth experience for your special day. The rental fee also includes the setup and breakdown time, so you don't have to worry about additional costs for those aspects.
The Eolia Mansion at Harkness provides a unique and elegant setting for your wedding, offering a blend of architectural splendor and natural beauty. With its historical significance, sweeping landscapes, and exclusive use of the first floor, the rental fee of $5,100 presents a competitive option for those seeking a memorable wedding venue in Connecticut.
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The rental includes exclusive use of the first floor and south courtyard tent for 5 hours
The Harkness Memorial State Park in Connecticut is a popular destination for weddings. The park's crown jewel, Eolia, was the elegant summer mansion of Edward and Mary Harkness. The 42-room Renaissance Revival structure is surrounded by 230 seaside acres of sweeping lawns, stately trees, and spectacular gardens.
The rental fee for the mansion is $5,100 and includes exclusive use of the first floor of the mansion and south courtyard tent for five hours, with an additional 2.5 hours for setup and breakdown. This setup and breakdown time is included in the seven-and-a-half hours of total event time. The rental fee also includes a ceremony in the amphitheatre. A garden wedding can be arranged for an extra charge.
The mansion can accommodate weddings of up to 150 guests. During the prime wedding season (spring through fall), weekend weddings start from about $5,000. This rental fee drops to about $3,000 for weddings after Thanksgiving up to spring. Additional time through 11:00 pm may be purchased for $1,000/hour.
The Harkness Mansion is a unique and beautiful wedding venue, offering a variety of options for ceremonies and receptions. The mansion's architectural elements, stunning gardens, and dining rooms create a welcoming vibe for a chic and elegant wedding. The pergola area, set at the end of one of the sunken gardens, is a particularly magical spot for a ceremony. The park also offers panoramic views of the Long Island Sound, providing a breathtaking backdrop for wedding photos.
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The mansion accommodates weddings of up to 150 guests
The Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park in Connecticut is a beautiful location for a wedding. The mansion accommodates weddings of up to 150 guests and is available for weddings between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The rental fee for the mansion is $5000 during prime wedding season (spring through fall) and $3000 for weddings after Thanksgiving until spring. The base period is seven and a half hours of event time, including two and a half hours for setup and breakdown. Additional hours can be purchased for an extra $1000 per hour, up to the reception curfew of 11:00 PM.
The rental fee includes the use of the Harkness amphitheater for the ceremony and a tent on the mansion's rear patio for the reception. A garden wedding can also be arranged for an extra charge. It is important to note that Harkness remains open to the public during weddings until sunset. Catering must be provided by one of the preferred caterers chosen by the State of Connecticut.
The Eolia Mansion is located within Harkness Memorial State Park, which spans over 200 acres. The park features sweeping lawns, beautiful gardens, and access to the water, providing a stunning backdrop for wedding photos. The mansion itself is a historic building constructed in 1907 for the Harkness family and later came under the ownership of the state of Connecticut in 1950.
Overall, the Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park offers a unique and picturesque setting for weddings of up to 150 guests, with flexible timing and catering options available to create a memorable celebration.
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The rental fee drops to $3,000 for weddings after Thanksgiving until spring
Harkness Memorial State Park in Connecticut is a popular choice for weddings, with its sweeping lawns, beautiful gardens, and beach. The park's crown jewel, Eolia, is a stunning mansion with Renaissance Revival architecture, surrounded by over 200 acres of lush gardens, trees, and lawns. The rental fee for the mansion varies depending on the season. During the prime wedding season, which runs from spring through fall, the weekend rental fee starts at $5000. However, after Thanksgiving until spring, the rental fee drops to a more affordable $3000. This fee includes exclusive use of the first floor of the mansion and the south courtyard tent for five hours, with an additional 2.5 hours allotted for setup and breakdown.
The base period for renting Eolia Mansion is seven and a half hours, including setup and breakdown time. For weddings taking place during the off-peak season, this timeframe should be more than sufficient. However, if additional time is required, it can be purchased for an extra charge of $1000 per hour, up to the reception curfew of 11:00 pm. This flexibility allows couples to extend their celebration if needed.
The park offers a variety of picturesque locations for wedding ceremonies, including the mansion itself, the pergola, the amphitheater, and the gardens. The East Garden, with its lush greenery and white flowers, is particularly popular for more intimate weddings, while the Oceanside Amphitheater provides a stunning backdrop for larger gatherings. The park's "Great Gatsby" vibes, panoramic views of Long Island Sound, and elegant architecture create a unique and memorable setting for wedding ceremonies and photographs.
It's important to note that Harkness Memorial State Park is a public facility, and visitors are permitted on the grounds until sunset. This means that your wedding will be open to the public until the park closes for the day. However, this doesn't seem to be a significant issue, and the park's expansive size ensures that your wedding party can still enjoy a private and intimate celebration.
While the rental fee for the mansion is reduced during the off-peak season, it's important to consider other costs associated with having a wedding at Harkness. Catering is an additional expense, and the state of Connecticut has partnered with preferred caterers from whom you must choose. Using a preferred caterer who is familiar with the venue can help ensure a smooth experience on your special day.
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The amphitheatre can be rented for a ceremony, or you can use the grounds
The Harkness Memorial State Park in Connecticut is a popular wedding venue, with its mix of sweeping lawns, seaside views, stately trees, and spectacular gardens. The park's crown jewel, Eolia, was once the elegant summer mansion of Edward and Mary Harkness. The mansion is available to rent for weddings and other events and can accommodate up to 150 guests. The rental fee includes exclusive use of the first floor of the mansion and the south courtyard tent for five hours, with an additional 2.5 hours for setup and breakdown. The fee also includes a reception under a tent on the mansion's rear patio.
The amphitheatre at Harkness can be rented for a ceremony, providing a unique and memorable setting for your wedding. The Oceanside Amphitheater has been the site of previous weddings, with gentle breezes and panoramic views of the Long Island Sound as a backdrop. The rental of the amphitheatre includes the use of the grounds for your ceremony, with acres of lawns and no power lines, making it a popular spot for kite flying.
If you prefer a more intimate setting, you can opt for a garden wedding within the park. Harkness offers a variety of garden styles, including the East Garden, a traditional English garden with colourful flowers, Asian statues, and a jade stone pool. The West Garden provides a formal Italian garden with symmetrical footpaths, a limestone fountain, and bright floral designs. The Boxwood Parterre, inspired by a deck of cards, features manicured boxwoods and an elaborate ironwork fence. For a small wedding party, the Alpine Rock Garden offers a tranquil setting with evergreens, a flowing stream, and a rock pond.
In addition to the amphitheatre and gardens, the Harkness Mansion itself can be rented for weddings. The mansion boasts architectural elements such as stunning masonry, tall pillars, beautiful archways, and crafted stairs. The pergola area, located in one of the sunken gardens, is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies, providing a magical setting. The rental fee for the mansion is relatively affordable compared to other venues along the Connecticut shoreline.
Whether you choose the amphitheatre, the grounds, or the mansion, Harkness Memorial State Park offers a versatile and scenic location for your wedding ceremony. The park's natural beauty, historical charm, and range of options ensure that your special day will be unique and memorable.
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Frequently asked questions
The rental fee is $5000 during prime wedding season and $3000 for weddings after Thanksgiving up to spring. The fee includes exclusive use of the first floor of the mansion and south courtyard tent for 5 hours with an additional 2.5 hours for setup and breakdown.
The rental fee includes exclusive use of the first floor of the mansion and a south courtyard tent for 5 hours. It also includes 2.5 hours for setup and breakdown. A Harkness amphitheater ceremony is included, while a garden wedding can be arranged for an extra charge.
The Eolia Mansion can accommodate up to 150 guests for a wedding.
Yes, Harkness offers a variety of outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies, including the amphitheater, the pergola, and the gardens.
Yes, the Eolia Mansion is available for weddings from Memorial Day to Labor Day each wedding season, and it is not available for winter weddings. The mansion can be rented from March 1 to December 23, with different time restrictions before and after the peak season.
