The Best Historic Estate & Mansion Wedding Venues in Durham, NH

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7 Wedding Venues in Durham, NH

Historic estates, mansions
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Emery Farm Stays 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Durham, NH
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $12,800
  • Offer

Welcome! Nestled amid 130 acres of rolling fields and tranquil woodlands in Durham, NH, Emery Farmstay offers you and your partner a breathtaking blend of history, charm, and rural elegance on your wedding day. Built in 1803, The Big Barn is at the heart of the property, and its fabulous post-and-beam structure provides a welcoming space for both intimate and lavish affairs. You and a select group of guests will enjoy the luxurious on-site accommodations, thoughtfully appointed for this exact occasion. A Little Bit of History Repeating Founded in 1660 by Joseph and Mary Smith, Emery Farmstay proudly holds the distinction of being America’s oldest family farm, now lovingly cared for by the eleventh generation, David and Catherine. Beautifully restored historic homes, surrounded by pastures, blueberry fields, and the gentle rhythm of farm life, combine to create an atmosphere that is both timeless and deeply personal, a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for a bespoke wedding celebration.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Multiple event spaces
  • Combines timeless elegance with history
  • Has onsite accommodations

Venue considerations

  • No venue-provided food services
  • Does not allow pets
  • Not for you if you don't want a rustic vibe
Emery Farm is an absolutely stunning wedding venue—full of charm, warmth, and vibrant character. The Big Barn feels truly special, where rich history blends seamlessly with the joy of creating new, unforgettable memories.
Celie, 7 months ago
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1790 House Outdoor Event Venue 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Newfields, NH
  • Up to 140 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor
  • Starts at $3,750
  • Offer

If you are looking for a beautiful outdoor space, where you and your guests can make the most of your time together, 1790 is the perfect venue. At the 1790 House, we are passionate about providing you with the best experience on the Seacoast. We want to help you craft your perfect event by sharing our expertise and knowledge with you. We offer day-of coordination and will guide you through every detail. Our exclusive catering offers a menu to remember. Start with a beautiful custom designed graze board followed by a variety of menus like our award-winning Muddy River Barbeque or a traditional New England lobster bake. End the night with dancing while your guests enjoy making gourmet s’mores! The 1790 house is conveniently located just 10 miles from Portsmouth, NH. Set on a historic property in Newfields, 1790 blends rustic New England charm with Modern Hospitality.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Has a relaxed and casual vibe
  • Provides event staff

Venue considerations

  • Venue feels large for events with small guest lists
  • Dance floor not included
  • Not wheelchair accessible
The team at 1790 House was always quick to respond to any questions or requests we had during the planning process. The venue itself is absolutely beautiful, with a great location that was convenient for our guests. The food they provided was delicious, and they were able to work with our budget to create the perfect wedding day. We couldn't have asked for a better experience working with the 1790 House team - they truly contributed to making our special day unforgettable.
Elise, 2 years ago
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Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden 
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)
Portsmouth, NH
  • Up to 100 guests
  • Raw space
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $2,000
  • Offer

Nestled in the heart of historic Portsmouth, the Moffatt-Ladd House & Garden offers an intimate and enchanting setting for couples dreaming of a wedding that feels both timeless and personal. Built in 1763, this National Historic Landmark is defined by its lush formal gardens, brick pathways, and centuries-old charm—perfect for an elegant outdoor celebration. Exchange vows surrounded by seasonal blooms and classic New England beauty, then gather with your guests in a space that feels like a private garden estate. Every corner of the grounds offers a picturesque backdrop, creating an atmosphere that is warm, romantic, and effortlessly memorable. As a space-only venue, Moffatt-Ladd allows you the freedom to curate a wedding that reflects your vision and style, with trusted local vendor recommendations and thoughtful support along the way. Ideal for couples seeking a refined, romantic setting with historic character and natural beauty.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers full flexibility in setup and decor
  • Flexible event spaces
  • Natural elegance with open spaces

Venue considerations

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Dance floor not included
  • No in-house lighting and sound packages available
Always a beautiful location for a wedding ceremony!
Tammy B., a year ago
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Saltonstall Farm 
Rating: 5.0 (2 reviews)
Stratham, NH
  • Up to 200 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor & outdoor
  • Starts at $9,000

Historic, breath taking 4 story barn The farm and barn are about 200 years old, and the barn was originally used for cows. Over the years, it has been very well taken care of, so the original beams are still there, in sizes and shapes that you just can't get anymore! The owners are the third generation in their family to take care of the property and are very grateful to be the current stewards. The barn renovations completed in 2020 and it is all ADA compliant and up to code. In the barn, there is a full sound system, 14 chandeliers, a beautiful live edge bar top, two high end composting toilets (the flushing kind!), massive barn blue doors on each end, and a grand entrance staircase. The barn holds up to 200 people and is big enough that you don't have to rent a tent even with tables and chairs, a major benefit and money saver! In the event of rain, you can use the barn as a ceremony and reception space.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Private area for the wedding party
  • Unique barn setting
  • Wheelchair accessible

Venue considerations

  • Does not allow pets
  • Large venue, not ideal for small guest lists
  • No all-inclusive dining options
We absolutely LOVE Saltonstall. We worked at the barn before the renovation, and after. Sophie & Kyle did an incredible job with the updates and renovations. It truly is a special place. There's nowhere else quite like it!
Elise Parham, 5 years ago
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Stage House Inn 
Rating: 5.0 (13 reviews)
South Berwick, ME
  • Up to 70 guests
  • All-inclusive
  • Outdoor & indoor
  • Starts at $4,500
  • Offer

Stage House Inn is a stately and elegant wedding venue. The property offers 20 unique guest rooms, private function spaces, and Dufour, an on-site award-winning restaurant and bar. The venue offers plenty of historical charm and Maine-style hospitality. The Stage House Inn specializes in hosting private events. These include micro weddings (for up to 70 guests), showers, corporate events, holiday parties, baptism celebrations, funeral receptions, celebrations of life, and other events for 25-150 guests. Since the late 1700s, the structure that now houses Stage House Inn and Dufour has served many purposes. From a private residence, it soon became a stagecoach stop where visitors would stop to eat and lodge at Frost Tavern. Following that, it was Paul’s Hotel, and eventually also served as a boarding house. Then, for nearly 70 years it was a convent run by the Sisters of St. Joseph Order. It was also a christian school. Wedding Pictures: Jordan Luciano of Anne Skidmore Photography

Why you'll love this venue

  • Offers convenient lodging options
  • Classic, vintage atmosphere
  • All-inclusive venue packages

Venue considerations

  • On-site parking not available
  • Does not allow pets
  • Not wheelchair accessible
Awarded Best of Zola
From our first conversation and tour with Darien at Stage House Inn, we knew we had found my bridal shower venue. He answered every question we had during planning and was even there to help us set up the morning of my bridal shower. The space is absolutely beautiful, charming and updated, and the entire team showed up as kind, professional, and proactive. They even took care of little details without us asking—like putting my bouquet in a vase with water and making sure we felt taken care of throughout the entire day. Cheryl and the rest of the event staff were so friendly and they even offered to donate our leftover flowers to a local nursing home for us - so thoughtful. The food and drinks were delicious, and I could not recommend Stage House Inn enough to other brides looking for a shower venue.
Megan L., 2 months ago
The Hawthorn Portsmouth NH 
Portsmouth, NH
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Raw space
  • Indoor
  • Starts at $15,000

Our story begins in 1858 when Frank Jones arrived in Portsmouth with a dream of brewing ale. Within three decades, The Frank Jones Brewery became the largest ale producer in the country. As ale production expanded, the brewery added a cooperage and scald house to clean the barrels. Workers used scalding hot rocks to sanitize barrels because soap and water would cause them to warp. Once cleaned, the barrels were filled with Jones’ signature ales. The Hawthorn now occupies this Scald House, retaining its original red-brick walls, towering beams, and industrial windows. “Cheers,” then, has a whole new meaning at The Hawthorn. When you raise your glass at your event, you’ll be toasting in a place that’s positively brewing with Portsmouth ale-making heritage and local history.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Space for a large guest list
  • Exudes old-world charm
  • Provides lighting and sound

Venue considerations

  • Additional event staff required
  • Does not allow pets
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional
Quick responder
The Venue at Portwalk Place 
Portsmouth, NH
  • Up to 250 guests
  • Select services
  • Indoor & outdoor

Signature Portsmouth, NH Seacoast weddings are a specialty at The Venue at Portwalk Place. Our charming wedding venues marry classic coastal elegance with versatile event space that is certain to provide the perfect backdrop for your special celebration in Portsmouth, NH. Our understated elegance can be easily customized to reflect your unique style, creating a personalized experience for you and your guests. With over 4,600 square feet of flexible event and pre-function space, our New Hampshire wedding venue can effortlessly build an event that brings your vision to life and comfortably accommodates 15 – 250 guests. Our experienced and attentive staff takes care of the details so you can enjoy every moment of your special day. We’ll work with you to create an unforgettable experience based on your budget, style and guest needs. The Venue at Portwalk Place offers a variety of Wedding Packages to accommodate your wedding vision.

Why you'll love this venue

  • Accommodates more than 200 guests
  • Full catering menu to choose from
  • Flexible event spaces

Venue considerations

  • No on-site guest accommodations
  • No on-site bridal suite
  • Not for you if you are looking for something nontraditional

About wedding venues in Durham, NH

Getting married in New Hampshire gives you authentic New England charm with settings you won't find anywhere else. The Granite State surrounds you with majestic White Mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes like Winnipesaukee and historic properties dating back to the 1700s. You'll enjoy a perfect backdrop for celebrations that blend rustic elegance with natural splendor; exactly what makes New Hampshire weddings so special.

What Makes New Hampshire Wedding Venues Unique?

Each region of New Hampshire delivers a completely different wedding experience. In the White Mountains you can say "I do" against dramatic 4,000-foot peak backdrops with alpine meadows perfect for outdoor ceremonies. The Lakes Region offers venues with private docks where you can host waterfront celebrations or even arrive by boat. Southern New Hampshire venues give you proximity to Manchester Airport making transportation convenient for your out-of-state guests while Seacoast venues like Wentworth By The Sea combine stunning Atlantic Ocean views with historic Colonial-era architecture.

How Much Do Wedding Venues in New Hampshire Cost?

Wedding venue costs in New Hampshire typically range from $9,900-$12,100 compared to the national average of $6,500-$12,000. For different guest counts, expect total wedding costs around: - 50 guests: $25,260 - 100 guests: $42,178 - 150 guests: $58,078 - 200 guests: $72,284 - 250 guests: $86,489 - 300 guests: $100,694

Which Accessible Wedding Venues Serve New Hampshire Couples?

The Bedford Village Inn provides fully accessible spaces with gentle illumination systems that benefit guests with sensory sensitivities. You'll find wheelchair-friendly pathways throughout the estate and dedicated coordinators specially trained in accessibility needs to ensure everyone at your celebration feels comfortable and included.

Where Can You Find Remote-Friendly Wedding Venues in New Hampshire?

Mountain View Grand Resort in Whitefield offers advanced remote participation features with state-of-the-art facilities against a stunning mountain backdrop. Wentworth By The Sea Country Club in Portsmouth provides sophisticated settings with interactive virtual elements so distant loved ones can truly participate. At Steele Hill Resorts in Sanbornton you'll enjoy panoramic lake views while the venue integrates advanced virtual participation tools for your remote guests.

Which New Hampshire Venues Offer Exceptional Culinary Experiences?

Inn at Pleasant Lake stands out as an award-winning venue known for exquisite culinary offerings in New London. Flag Hill Distillery & Winery provides unique wine pairings in a picturesque vineyard setting you and your guests will love. Gunstock Inn & Resort offers state-of-the-art dining experiences with historic charm in Gilford. Rivermill at Dover Landing gives you flexibility to bring your own chefs for custom culinary experiences tailored exactly to your taste.

How Should You Budget for Wedding Vendors in New Hampshire?

Beyond venue costs understanding vendor expenses helps you create a comprehensive budget plan:

ServiceAverage Cost% of Total (150 guests)
Venue$11,02119%
Catering$8,81715%
Bar Services$7,05312%
Florists$6,04410%
Planners$5,2339%
Videographers$4,5368%
Photographers$4,2667%
Bands/DJs$1,8003%
Hair & Makeup$7001%
Cakes$7111%

What other Durham vendors will I need?

What other wedding venues are nearby?

What other wedding services are nearby?