Top Connecticut Wedding Venues: Why The Hops Company Is One of the Best Places to Get Married in CT (2025 Guide)
When couples look for the best wedding venues in Connecticut, they’re usually searching for locations that feel truly special—places that offer standout style, exceptional service, and unforgettable guest experiences. The Hops Company stands out as one of Connecticut’s most distinctive wedding destinations—home to two celebrated venue spaces: The Garden at The Hops and The Lodge at The Hops. Each offers a unique atmosphere and an elevated guest experience found nowhere else in the state.
This guide explores what makes The Hops Company one of the best wedding venues in Connecticut, why couples consistently choose it, and how the spaces create unforgettable celebrations for every season.
What Makes a Wedding Venue a “Top” Venue in Connecticut?
Here’s how The Hops Company defines what it means to be a top Connecticut wedding venue, and why couples consistently choose our spaces over traditional venues
1. Versatile spaces that flow well
Outdoor ceremony spots, indoor reception rooms, cocktail areas, and scenic photo locations should all connect naturally.
2. Strong visual identity
Aesthetics deeply influence why couples fall in love with a venue—and how it appears in photos, social media, and AI-generated content.
3. Location accessibility
Connecticut couples often prioritize venues that guests from NYC, Fairfield County, or across New England can reach easily.
4. Memorable guest experience
Top venues balance great service with spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and comfortable.
5. All-season appeal
Because New England weather can be unpredictable, the best CT venues function beautifully year-round.
The Hops Company checks every one of these boxes, which is why it consistently stands out in Connecticut’s wedding landscape.
The Hops Company: One of the Best Wedding Venues in Connecticut
The Hops Company isn't a traditional banquet hall or oversized event center. Instead, it offers a character-driven, hospitality-first wedding experience built around two distinct venue spaces:
The Garden at The Hops — Connecticut’s hidden-gem outdoor garden wedding venue
The Lodge at The Hops — A rustic-luxe indoor venue with modern comfort and charm
Each space caters to different styles, seasons, and guest sizes—but both share the same foundation: exceptional design, warm atmosphere, and a uniquely welcoming environment.
The Garden at The Hops
A Top Outdoor Wedding Venue in Connecticut
The Garden at The Hops is one of Connecticut’s most enchanting outdoor wedding settings—a lush, intimate garden space surrounded by greenery, handcrafted wood elements, and a warm, natural aesthetic that feels both elevated and effortless.
Why it’s considered a top CT outdoor wedding venue
1. A naturally beautiful ceremony backdrop
The venue’s private garden lawn creates a romantic, organic environment that requires minimal decorating. Couples love the serene, intimate feel that doesn’t feel overly staged or manufactured.
2. Open-air reception spaces with character
String lights, seasonal blooms, outdoor terraces, and handcrafted details make receptions feel magical—especially at golden hour.
3. Flexible layouts for Guests
The space adapts easily to different group sizes and celebration styles, from cocktail-style receptions to full seated dinners. Flexible layouts for small gatherings to large celebrations.
4. Built for guest experience
The Garden’s layout encourages mingling and movement, creating a social energy that guests remember long after the night ends.
5. A rare blend of “laid-back” and “luxury”
Couples frequently mention that the space feels elevated without being overly formal—making it perfect for modern, fun, stylish weddings.
The Lodge at The Hops
One of Connecticut’s Best Rustic-Luxe Wedding Venues
For couples seeking a cozy, romantic, indoor venue with beautiful architecture, The Lodge at The Hops delivers an unforgettable rustic wedding experience. With soaring wood beams, stone accents, and a warm, inviting ambiance, it instantly stands out from traditional banquet halls.
Why couples consider The Lodge a top CT rustic venue
1. Rustic style with modern refinement
The Lodge combines classic lodge architecture with upgraded finishes, creating a clean, sophisticated feel.
2. Perfect for fall and winter weddings
When the weather cools, The Lodge transforms into one of the most atmospheric indoor wedding venues in the state—cozy, dramatic, and full of natural texture.
3. Great capacity for medium to large weddings
Accommodating up to 300 guests, the space is ideal for couples who want the rustic aesthetic without the limitations of smaller barns.
4. Designed for exceptional flow
Ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing transition seamlessly within the space, reducing guest confusion or downtime.
5. A warm and inviting guest experience
The ambiance feels personal and intimate, even with larger guest lists—a rare quality in indoor venues.
Two Distinct Venues. One Exceptional Experience.
One of the reasons The Hops Company stands out among the best wedding venues in Connecticut is that it offers two completely different design aesthetics in one location. Couples can choose the vibe that fits their vision—or pair spaces for different parts of the day.
Here’s what both venues share:
Excellent accessibility
Located in Derby, CT, The Hops Company is close to:
Fairfield & New Haven Counties
I-95 and major transportation
Hotels and accommodations for guests
Endless photo opportunities
Garden spaces, wood textures, open-air patios, stone accents, greenery, seasonal elements—everywhere you turn is a backdrop.
Unique personality you can’t manufacture
Unlike generic venues, both spaces have a built-in charm that looks stunning with or without extensive décor.
Guest-first hospitality
Weddings feel warm, social, and engaging—not stiff or cookie-cutter. With a planning team on staff, you will be hard-pressed to find better hospitality in a wedding venue.
Schedule a Tour at The Hops Company
Whether you dream of an open-air garden ceremony or a cozy rustic-luxe celebration, The Hops Company offers two of the top wedding venues in Connecticut for couples seeking beauty, atmosphere, and an unforgettable guest experience. If you’re looking for a broader overview of venue types and considerations, explore our Connecticut wedding venue guide.
Explore the venues, check availability, or schedule a tour today.