Nice Weddings for Frugal People :) (Portsmouth, Hampton: receptions, chapel, buy)

[komojoaomo]

A wedding that originally started out as bride, groom and immediate family has expanding to about 30/40 people. We don't have a lot of money and while we have found some beautiful B & B's and some fancy venues - we can't help to think there are some small and just as nice parks or gardens out there that won't cost as much, possibly along the coast and preferably with a nice restaurant nearby for a small reception. Any ideas???

[buck naked]

there are a variety of garden parks in NH, but you might want to check out Prescott Park in Portsmouth - its a beautiful flower park maintained by UNH students and it has historic significance - plenty of restaurants nearby

[NH2NCMom]

Originally Posted by buck naked

there are a variety of garden parks in NH, but you might want to check out Prescott Park in Portsmouth - its a beautiful flower park maintained by UNH students and it has historic significance - plenty of restaurants nearby

I second that, my cousin got married there a few years ago - and then had the Rusty Hammer for reception. Beautiful

[Valerie C]

What month are you getting married? You might want to consider Fuller Gardens in Rye. Very reasonably priced, just BEAUTIFUL grounds. Late spring is when the tulips, azaleas, rhododenderens, and wisteria bloom. Then the roses start up in June, and they go all summer long--the most incredible rose garden. They also have a Japanese garden, but I'm not sure where on the grounds the wedding ceremonies are held. I think they are now hosting receptions as well, but if not there are restaurants nearby in Hampton or Portsmouth. Please let us know--would love to see pics!!!

[Valerie C]

Hi... me again. I'm not sure of the rates, but how about at one of NH's small vineyards? A friend of mine pours on weekends at Zorvino Vineyards in Sandown NH. Also there is Flag Hill Winery in Lee. I would imagine there are great photo ops in each, here are the websites: Zorvino Vineyards and Flag Hill Established in 1990 in Lee, NH

I should have checked the rates before posting... I just looked and it doesn't appear that Flag Hill has weddings. Zorvino does, but cost is much higher than I had anticipated... sorry

[komojoaomo]

Thanks for all the great ideas. Still looking. I'll let everyone know what we go with!

[Valerie C]

Someone (Dare to Dream maybe?) got married at Cathedral of the Pines, don't know the cost on that one... but they do have an indoor chapel in case of bad weather... Website: Cathedral of the Pines (http://www.cathedralofthepines.org/weddings-at-cathedral-of-the-pines.html - broken link)

[DareToDream]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Someone (Dare to Dream maybe?) got married at Cathedral of the Pines, don't know the cost on that one... but they do have an indoor chapel in case of bad weather... Website: Cathedral of the Pines (http://www.cathedralofthepines.org/weddings-at-cathedral-of-the-pines.html - broken link)

Sorry Val - It wasn't me We got married at the gazebo by the river that runs thru Littleton, which I can never spell - the Ammonoosuc (sp?).

[aponeil]

If the weather is nice, you can have a ceremony at the Rye Harbor State Park: The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation

And follow with a nice reception at Saunders At Rye Harbor: Saunders Restaurant at Rye Harbor New Hampshire, USA

[nicolem]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Someone (Dare to Dream maybe?) got married at Cathedral of the Pines, don't know the cost on that one... but they do have an indoor chapel in case of bad weather... Website: Cathedral of the Pines (http://www.cathedralofthepines.org/weddings-at-cathedral-of-the-pines.html - broken link)

It was me. It was over 13 years ago- I think we paid a few hundred dollar donation if I remember correctly. The only other fee for the service itself was the organist and the gift to the minister. We did not buy flowers for the altar as the view of Mt. Monadnock was beautiful and we felt flowers were not necessary.