I often get asked by people what my favorite wedding venues in Connecticut are. I have a short list, and love them each for a variety of reasons, but high on the list is Lord Thompson Manor …for so many reasons. I thought it was about time I did a wedding venue review for Lord Thompson Manor because I think I have now photographed there more than any other venue in Connecticut. So here it is: Lord Thompson Manor – a wedding venue review.

What I love most about Lord Thompson Manor is that it feels like a little escape from the hustle and bustle of New England life. It’s tucked in the woods of a small Connecticut town and stepping onto the property instantly makes you feel like you’re at an English cottage or French Chateau. I have photographed it in every season, and each time I see it, I am reminded why I love this wedding venue so much.

Lord Thompson Manor is fully of history and charm, but rather than feeling stuffy it has a welcoming vibe that will make your wedding guests feel like they were invited to a chic and debonair old English soirée. Really, it doesn’t get better than that. 

Their bridal cottage down the street from the manor is the most beautiful of any wedding venue in CT that I’ve seen. With it’s white walls and light streaming in the spa and cottage is the perfect place to get ready for your big day.

My favorite area on site is the sunken garden as well as the front facade of the manor. Let’s start with the front of the Lord Thompson Manor! As your guests arrive, they will be greeted with the beautiful exterior of the front of Lord Thompson Manor, and instantly the stage will be set for a classic and chic wedding. With its stunning exterior, exemplary foliage and plants, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking interior, it is sure to impress your guests and to make you feel like you are royalty. Pro tip: if you book Lord Thompson Manor, make it a Black Tie event! 

Another favorite spot of mine on the Lord Thompson Manor property is the Sunken Garden. I have seen this garden in ever season, and it never disappoints! It’s one of my favorite places to do a first look or couple portraits, and it almost always where couples choose to exchange their vows. The way the sun hits in the early evening is straight our of a fairytale. Pro tip: GO BIG with the florals around the gazebo!!

Another thing I really love about Lord Thompson Manor – and something that I think is unique to this particular venue – is the area for the Groom to get ready. So many wedding venues throw the Groom and his guys in some poorly lit side room, as an afterthought. Lord Thompson Manor allows the guys to use the bar area to get ready and I feel like it’s the perfect, masculine backdrop to set the stage for the day. That, combined with the dark wood elements and rich interior provides the perfect setting for the guys to have a great time!

Lastly, at least in my highlights because there are so many other wonderful things, is the attention that Jackie and Andrew give to each of their clients. They go above and beyond with coordinating details and helping your wedding vision become a reality.

The thing about Lord Thompson Manor is that there are just so many options. So many options, in fact, that it doesn’t feel like your wedding is cookie cutter. Every wedding I’ve ever photographed there has been unique, and for that reason it scores very high on my list of top wedding venues in CT.