Most weddings move fast. Guests arrive, celebrate, say their goodbyes … and before anyone has time to truly settle in, it’s over.
But more couples are starting to question that pace. Instead of asking “Where should we get married?” they’re asking a different question:
“How do we want this to feel for the people we love?”
That shift is what’s driving the rise of the destination wedding weekend and why resorts like The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Southern Vermont are becoming a natural fit for couples who want more than a single evening.
More Than a Ceremony: The Wedding Weekend Mindset
A destination wedding doesn’t have to mean passports, complex travel plans, or far-flung logistics.
Sometimes it simply means choosing one place that can hold everything:
- The ceremony
- The celebration
- The time in between
A wedding weekend creates space for moments that usually get lost—unrushed conversations, shared experiences, and the kind of connection that doesn’t fit neatly into a four-hour reception window.
It’s less about doing more, and more about letting the moments last longer.
Why a Resort Changes the Experience
When a wedding unfolds at a full-service resort, the experience becomes seamless for everyone involved.
At a destination like The Equinox, couples can host their ceremony and reception on the property, while guests stay just steps away from the celebration. No scrambling between locations. No pressure to “fit it all in.”
Instead, the environment does the work:
- Multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces
- On-site accommodations for guests
- Seamless event timelines
- Dining, spa, and recreational offerings
- A historic setting framed by Vermont’s natural landscape
Everything lives in one place, keeping focus where it belongs: on the people and the experience.
What a Wedding Weekend Looks Like
A wedding weekend isn’t rigid or over-programmed. It flows.
Friday: Arrival & Welcome
Guests arrive, park the car for the weekend, and settle into the property. Maybe enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee or glass of wine served by the concierge while they wait their turn to check in. A casual welcome gathering—often cocktails by the fire on the Falcon Deck or a relaxed dinner at Marsh Tavern or the Dormy Grill—sets the tone. It’s an easy way for friends and family to connect before the big day.
Saturday: The Celebration
Mornings are unhurried. The Groom's party could be playing a short round of golf, while the bridal party settles in with breakfast & drinks in the complimentary bridal suite. Some guests head to the spa, walk the nature trails, or explore downtown Manchester. Others simply enjoy the setting. When it’s time for the ceremony and reception, everything is already in place—no rushing, no relocating.
At the end of the reception, guests can easily make their way back to their rooms, sit fireside in the library for a night cap with friends, or keep the celebration going at the Falcon Bar & Deck.
Sunday: A Meaningful Goodbye
Instead of a quick exit, guests gather once more for onsite brunch or to explore downtown Manchester on their way out of town. The weekend ends the same way it began—calm, connected, and memorable.
Why Guests Love Wedding Weekends
While destination weddings often center on the couple, it’s the guest experience that truly elevates a wedding weekend.
For guests, this format means:
- Fewer logistics to manage
- Multiple lodging configurations and options from hotel suites to Airbnb-style homes
- More time to connect beyond surface-level conversations
- A celebration that feels like a getaway rather than an obligation
It’s especially appealing for weddings with out-of-town guests, multi-generation families, or couples who value intimacy over spectacle.
Why Vermont Works, Especially Beyond Peak Season
Southern Vermont brings a unique sense of place to a wedding weekend.
Historic charm, four-season scenery, and a slower pace create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and grounded. Whether surrounded by snow-covered hills in winter or lush green landscapes in warmer months, the setting adds character without demanding attention.
For couples considering winter or shoulder-season weddings, resorts like The Equinox often offer greater flexibility, availability, and a more intimate feel without sacrificing style or comfort.
A Vermont Wedding That Lingers
A wedding weekend isn’t about stretching a celebration longer; it’s about deepening it.
When everything happens in one thoughtfully designed place, the wedding becomes more than a moment on a timeline. It becomes a shared experience that lingers well after guests return home.
And for couples who want their wedding to feel less like an event and more like a memory in the making. That difference matters.
Curious how we can make your wedding a weekend to remember? Learn more >>