Boston Wedding & Portrait Photographer

Stephanie Dozois

groom's wedding details at the starting gate at greathorse wedding

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse Wedding for Mountain Top Views

Are you searching for a wedding venue guaranteed to stun your guests? As a wedding photographer, I get to see a lot of incredible spaces. And while the East Coast has many great venues, few excite me like The Starting Gate. Located on a mountain top in lovely Hampden, The Starting Gate at GreatHorse wedding venue offers excellent accommodations and magnificent views for your wedding. 

About The Starting Gate At GreatHorse Wedding Venue

With such a legendary view, it feels as though this venue has been a staple in Massachusetts for ages. In all actuality, it’s fairly new. Since opening in 2015, The Starting Gate has become a premier wedding location. 

From the moment the plans were announced, wedding parties eagerly put down deposits hoping they could be some of the first to give their guests the experience of the grounds. And what an experience it’s been! The venue has received so much fanfare over the years that word-of-mouth from satisfied couples remains the most popular way people learn about this space.

Details of the Grounds

While the venue offers a banquet hall for weddings in the colder months, the wedding garden tends to be the most popular place to exchange vows. Stand in front of your guests in the rustic gazebo for a moment you’ll never forget.

The banquet hall offers two different reception rooms to suit weddings of all sizes. Larger weddings also have the option of combining the two rooms to make it an area worthy of any party. 

Your guests can enjoy cocktails while relaxing on the Sunset Deck. This shaded patio overlooks the entire property, offering breathtaking views your guests can enjoy while sipping specialty cocktails.

mom pinning the bouquet on the groom at the starting gate at greathorse wedding

The wedding suite overlooks the reception space, so you can watch the venue come alive as you prepare for your day. The room features two restrooms, elegant furniture, make-up tables, and tri-fold mirrors. 

The venue will host parties between 35-300 guests, making it the ideal spot for any wedding size. 

While the venue doesn’t have to do much to stand apart, the founders still went above and beyond to deliver sophisticated touches throughout the grounds. You’ll be shuttled around on the “Cadillac of golf carts” before the ceremony. Crystal chandeliers light the banquet hall, and the decorations are ornate. Everything about this place is magnificent! 

Photography Opportunities

The premier spot for pictures will be the wedding garden, where you’ll have a backdrop of the wooded mountains surrounding you. Beyond this, the grounds have tons of spots that act as the perfect background. 

The Sunset Deck will show the area’s grandeur. At the same time, the reception hall is filled with incredible windows that allow natural light to stream in. Your wedding pictures are guaranteed to be positively magical.

wedding rings surrounded by florals

Wedding Details

The venue offers catering prepared by innovative chefs as well as specialty drinks from trained bartenders. The venue provides tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and glassware for the reception. 

The Starting Gate prioritizes being accessible. With wheelchair access and valet services, all of your guests will feel right at home. 

The Starting Gate at GreatHorse Wedding

With excellent service and jaw-dropping views, it’s no wonder why so many couples have fallen in love with The Starting Gate at GreatHorse wedding venue. 

Now that you’ve found your perfect venue, it’s time to find your wedding photographer! I’m an East Coast photographer specializing in romantic weddings set in gorgeous spaces. Contact me today so that I can tell you about my services. 

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