West Lawn & Veranda
The West front lawn sits proudly on a knoll overlooking Farmington meadows, a pond, and surrounding hills. This expansive area can accommodate a large tented or open-air event with a Mount Vernon-style veranda for you to use however you choose. Caterers love the ample space for a cook tent, electricity hookup, and water availability.
The West Lawn rental includes the option to use the Sunken Garden for cocktail hour.
Grass Court
This site was once the estate’s grass tennis court, this grassy glen is nestled within the historic stone walls with views of the house and veranda. This area can accommodate tented events for up to 200 guests.
Caterers love the ample space for a cook tent, electricity hookup, and water availability.
The Grass Court rental includes the option to use the Sunken Garden for cocktail hour.
Sunken Garden
Designed by the renowned Landscape Architect, Beatrix Farrand (1872-1959), the Sunken Garden fits into a natural depression and is surrounded by rustic dry-laid stone walls. A summer house marks the center of an octagonal-shaped space further defined by the enclosing yew hedges. Thirty-six flowerbeds contain nearly 90 plant varieties that continuously bloom throughout the growing season complimenting the Impressionist paintings inside the house. This spot can accommodate up to 200 guests for an open-air event.
Pope Board Room
Adjacent to the stone Carriage Porch, the Board Room is appointed with antique furnishings and décor. This room is ideal for small events or meetings. Included in the room rental is the use of the stone Carriage Porch, often used for cocktails.
Makeshift Theater
Designed and built in 1917 by Theodate Pope, the Makeshift Theater contained wooden benches and a silver screen where films were shown. Today, this room located in the Carriage Barn is climate controlled and serves as a venue for 80-100 guests. Renovations have just been completed and include a warming kitchen for caterers to use and brand new handicap-accessible restrooms. Rental of the Makeshift Theater includes access to the Sunken Garden and the new stone patio where guests can enjoy cocktails.
More Information
- For more information, please contact Karen Hudkins (860-677-4787 ext. 134, or hudkinsk@hillstead.org) or see Wedding Guidelines & Frequently Asked Questions
- For fees, see Wedding Rates
- For a list of vendors, see Approved Vendors
- Photographs of past events hosted at Hill-Stead can be seen in our Wedding Gallery, on Instagram at Hill-Stead Weddings, and on Hillstead’s Wedding Wire and Here Comes the Guide listings
- Testimonials from couples who were married at Hill-Stead can be found here