www.englishtavern.com

Ridgefield is one of the rare Connecticut towns that has somehow managed to ward off the invasion of conglomerate retail stores and chain restaurants. Justin and I were thrilled to find a trip down Main Street to be delightfully Banana Republic-free, and a local coffee joint made me an iced-Americano that was so yum it made me giggle. Also located on Main Street is a rare, impeccably restored turn-of-the-century mansion, and the reason for our trip to Ridgefield.

The Historic 1896 Lounsbury House acts as Ridgefield’s Community Center and is used on a daily basis for everything from piano lessons to council meetings. Of course, it also makes for an idyllic wedding locale. You can pop on their site to learn all about the history of the property, etc. but here’s what we loved about this spot…

Two words… Gail Renken. Gail is the gal that takes couples through the whole “this is why you should get married here” dog and pony show at the Lounsbury House. If she weren’t happily married, we’d set her up with one of friends just to be able to hang out with her again. Twenty minutes with this woman will genuinely take that “gotta plan a wedding craze” edge off.

Now that I got that little outburst out of the way…

The Lounsbury House has a fairy tale quality to it that makes you want to trade that strapless, satin Vera Wang number in for a 1920’s couture, high-waisted silk gown and a lacy veil that will undoubtedly make your grandmother cry from reminiscence. The main hall is highlighted by a gorgeous staircase complete with a landing on which you can pause with your spanking new hubby before descending towards the admiring eyes of your friends and family. And when you reach the grand hall that awaits you at the base of the stairs you’ll find that it’s just right for your first dance. Dreamy, huh?

Unlike many historic homes in Connecticut, the Lounsbury House offers nearly every inch of itself to it’s visitors. Upstairs two of the rooms have been officially named the “Bride’s Room” and the “Groom’s Room,” and are decorated accordingly. In the Bride’s Room, there are four adorable country-cushioned stools lined up in front of a long mirror clearly intended for bridesmaid primping. And, of course, an antique full-length mirror well suited for a bride’s last glimpse of herself as a single woman. The guys get their own bathroom, which is completely unheard of, and have plenty of space in which to “get ready” (but, let’s be honest…they likely finish getting ready in five minutes flat and use the “Groom’s Room” for a pre-ceremony poker game and a few frosty… soda pops).

Downstairs there are four large rooms surrounding the main hall that are all up for grabs. You can sit people throughout the entire main floor, use each room for something different (dancing, eating, mingling) or you can even pull the pocket doors shut and just use only a portion of the space for a more intimate party. If you pick a date that’s weather friendly (um, summer… it’s Connecticut people), then the massive wrap-around veranda is an awesome spot for people to hang out or even dine!

Couples are free to hire whichever vendors they choose, and there’s a full kitchen available for your caterer. Heck, this place even has tables, chairs, china and flatware that can accommodate up to 150 guests just in case you don’t feel like renting all that stuff elsewhere.

The price tag on this classy joint is heavenly. You get the WHOLE house for the WHOLE day at a bargain, conveniently leaving you with more of that wedding budget to spend on important details like… an open bar perhaps? And because they only allow one party a day at this venue, you can avoid that wedding factory feel you get from throwing up a high-five for the bride whose ceremony starts thirty minutes after your party is hustled out the door.

We dig this joint. If you’re looking to get hitched in the Ridgefield area, it’s worth checking out. And if you do, tell Gail we said “hi.”