It’s difficult to imagine a more inviting place to chill out, breathe deeply, and prepare for the big day, than one of the small chalets tucked away in the woods. I’ve also played for intimate ceremonies in one of the small chalets. I recall one such wedding where we played almost non-stop throughout the ceremony, alternating ethnic styles of the music to represent various parts of the heritage of both families – the setting provided the perfect backdrop for this intimate expression combining rituals with music.
In my experience, the most popular site for ceremonies at The Mountain Top & Resort is the Wedding Knoll, situated in the main meadow, and overlooking the lodge, the pristine 740 acre lake, and the surrounding mountains. I’ve played for weddings here when the bride has entered via a horse drawn carriage. With the new lodge on the hill above the Knoll, it’s also possible to enter the site from a more direct indoor location. The upper lodge near the Knoll also provides a potential reception venue, for smaller gatherings that don’t require the barn, which is very convenient in making the transition from ceremony at the Knoll to indoor reception. I’ve even led a minstrel-style walk from the Knoll, down the half mile of gravel roads to the lakeside Pavillion. The possibilities seem to be endless – but the location seems to lend itself to clarifying your own vision and realizing your own dreams.
For receptions or gatherings that can’t be hampered by weather, with ample size for large gatherings, the Event Barn has a rustic feeling but with all of the benefits of new construction. I’ve also played for intimate ceremonies in the loft area – below are photos of the loft from below and of a ceremony in the loft. All locations, including the barn, provide great acoustics – perhaps not the first thing most wedding couples think of, but certainly and added bonus if you’re hiring a musician!
Gorgeous views are inescapable. And can you imagine a better place to put your feet up at the end of the day?
Many thanks to Kathleen “North” Porter at North Photography for photos 1, 7, 8 and 10, and Jon Adams at Jon Adams Photography for photos 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11 and 12. You may click names for more information about these photographers or about the The Mountain Top Inn & Resort.
Lisa Carlson is a flutist offering ensembles for weddings and other occasions in duos, trios, quartets in a variety of instrumental combinations, or solo flute, and staff wedding music writer for Vermont Bride Magazine. She also maintains a private flute studio in Montpelier, Vermont, in addition to teaching flute at Upper Valley Music Center in Lebanon, New Hampshire, and online.
