Planning a wedding, as you’ve probably already discovered, means making a long series of decisions, both large and small. My advice, as one who’s done it herself and helped many others do it, too, is to start with the two most important basics: the space and the food. The Inn at Essex with catering by New England Culinary Institute provides both memorable spaces and outstanding culinary creations that will be long-remembered and long-cherished by you and your guests alike.

The lovely Inn at Essex is located in convenient proximity to the urban amenities of friendly Burlington and also within easy range of some of Vermont’s best ski and summer-leisure areas. In addition to personalized wedding coordination services, the Inn offers gorgeous facilities perfect for both ceremony and reception and some of the best food in the state.

Weather and season permitting, consider one of the Inn’s two outdoor gazebos, one situated in the back amidst lush perennial flower gardens, the other on the front lawn framed cosily by the Inn’s three stately, manor-like buildings. The photo ops alone are marvellous, and nothing is more pleasant than an outdoor wedding if that’s your preference. For indoor events (including increasingly popular “white winter weddings”) the Inn offers either the glassed-in Atrium, a large sunlit space ideal for enjoyable mingling and celebrating by larger crowds, or the more homey Governors Mansion, a smaller space comfortably suited to more intimate proceedings.

The Inn at Essex happens to be known as “Vermont’s culinary resort,” and for good reason: All of its food services—including casual and fine dining, room service, and banquet catering—are provided exclusively by the on-site New England Culinary Institute, itself renowned as one of America’s premier culinary academies. The chef-instructors and students working for you behind the scenes are more than just culinary professionals, they’re truly passionate about the food they create, and they absolutely love knowing that their efforts have helped make your day that much more special.

From tasty custom wedding cakes to sumptuous banquets and luncheons to a complimentary private “in-room picnic” provided for the happy new couple, New England Culinary Institute catering goes the extra mile to make sure that the love and caring represented by your wedding are wonderfully reflected in the food your guests will enjoy.

Several wedding menu packages are available, each offering a satisfying blend of well-loved classics and refreshingly contemporary fare, and each customizable though personal consultation with New England Culinary Institute chefs and our first class wedding coordinators. Whether you choose a plated dinner, a buffet, or a simple cocktail reception, you can be assured that your reception banquet will be prepared with the passion, flawlessness, and flair your wedding deserves.

It’s hard to extend enough praise to the Inn at Essex, and its on-site catering by New England Culinary Institute, as a wedding venue. The lovely spaces and excellent food alone set it head-and-shoulders above the rest, and make it an attractive option recommendable to any couple looking for a place to begin their long and happy journey together.