Jackie and Tom’s Small New Hampshire Wedding Day
Having spent four-plus years in college there, I was excited to photograph my first New Hampshire wedding for Jackie and Tom. Here’s how their quintessential intimate New Hampshire wedding day went at Silver Fountain Inn.
Intimate Weddings at Silver Fountain Inn
Silver Fountain Inn is located along the Piscataqua River in Dover, New Hampshire. This small wedding venue is just minutes from the state line between New Hampshire and Maine in the Portsmouth region. Its location and layout make it perfect for intimate celebrations and vow renewals.
Built in 1871, this bed and breakfast is one of the best small wedding venues in Greater Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Its 10 rooms have everything you need in a bed and breakfast and the property is adorned with very well-maintained features inside and out (including the silver fountain out front).
Since you’d be just minutes from downtown Dover, you would have plenty of rehearsal dinner options. Getting around together with just a few vehicles should be doable, too, if you decide to celebrate in the area with your loved ones after your micro wedding (or just the two of you after your elopement).
Their Small Wedding in New Hampshire
Jackie and Tom are history lovers born and raised in New England. Their choice of this micro wedding venue was easy: the bride spent summers working at Silver Fountain Inn while growing up and both of them have family in the area.
Their wedding day vision was perfect. Taking place during the Covid-19 pandemic, they wanted a private ceremony with fewer guests in a familiar, intimate setting. Their guest list consisted of about 12 people with no wedding party.
A notable vendor for Jackie and Tom’s wedding day was Cotillion Bureau. Located in nearby Portsmouth, this vintage clothing store is great for those who love to thrift. The bride managed to find a classic wedding dress that fit her style perfectly.
Fortunately, Silver Fountain Inn is very accessible for all guests, complete with ramps. This wedding venue also specializes in indoor ceremonies in its famous Parlor Room.
Foregoing a wedding planner and handling all of the administrative duties themselves, Jackie and Tom took full advantage of making their smaller wedding their own. Admittedly, this is one of the great things about smaller weddings: less to worry about.
I should mention: this micro wedding was #1 of two for Jackie and Tom. Their sequel wedding took place at The Society Room of Hartford in Connecticut about a year later. It was a beautiful way for them to continue celebrating their love, this time with more people.
Why Have an Intimate Wedding in New Hampshire?
As far as intimate wedding venues in New England go, New Hampshire is a hotbed. What makes it particularly attractive for micro weddings are the expanse, quietness, and serenity of the state. Given its size, there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a small wedding venue.
During their intimate celebration, Jackie and Tom had their wedding ceremony in front of the large stone fireplace in the Silver Fountain Inn dining room. This space is ideal for small gatherings; about 12 or so guests observed as these two tied the knot.
Having gone to college in the state, I’m admittedly partial to New Hampshire. Whether you love the White Mountains or New England city nightlife, New Hampshire could be great for your small wedding (or even elopement).
Three Things to Consider for Small Weddings in NH
So you’ve decided that larger weddings aren’t for you? Then here are three quick things to think about when planning your small wedding in New Hampshire.
1. Pick a season
If you’re a New England native, then you know that one of the best kept secrets is our enjoyment of four true seasons. With that said, kick of wedding planning by choosing a time of the year for your big day.
2. Find options for smaller venues in NH
Keep things going by exploring options for venues. Small wedding venues in New Hampshire which are similar to Silver Fountain Inn include:
The Exeter Inn (Exeter, NH): Not too far from the NH-Massachusetts border is The Exeter Inn. This venue can take care of a smaller guest list or even a slightly larger wedding. (If you’ve been to Connecticut, the façade of this wedding venue might remind you of Inn at Middletown.)
The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain (Goffstown, NH): This is one of the more versatile wedding venues in New Hampshire, able to host anything from a few dozen guests all the way up to a 200-person larger wedding. Conveniently, weddings at The Gardens at Uncanoonuc Mountain have the city of Manchester nearby.
Oliver Lodge (Merrimack, NH): Located on Lake Winnipesaukee, Oliver Lodge is a chic, waterside ceremony and reception venue. It’s perfect for small weddings where the goal is to have all the guests together at all times. The seclusion and DIY feel is unique among small venues in NH.
3. Determine your guests and itinerary
Lastly, figure out who your guests will be. The thing that couples like Jackie and Tom have told is that for smaller events, you have to be confident in limiting your invites. Being a united front in inviting only the most important people in your lives is key to having a stress-free smaller wedding.
More Tips for Planning your Intimate New Hampshire Wedding
I have plenty of more great wedding planning advice here. Also, this post is helpful if you’re considering eloping in New Hampshire.
Learn More
To learn more, head over to my Webb Barn venue feature. If you’d like to learn more about wedding photography, just use the links below.
