Connecticut Gay Wedding Destinations

Last year, Connecticut became the second state to permit gay couples to marry, resulting in an influx of same-sex couples flocking to its town halls for licenses, from as close as New York and as far away as California. As Connecticut doesn't have a residency or witness requirement, couples can opt to elope or plan a flash-bang, full-scale wedding way in advance.

For those planning the dream wedding, here are a few of EDGE's favorite venues as well as the stories of a few couples who have already tied the knot.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

The Delamar Hotel

One of the most popular wedding destinations, The Delamar, is an elegant 4-story hotel situated on Greenwich Harbor and provides the utmost in intimacy by hosting only one wedding at a time. There are several options for the wedding ceremony, including a private library (which ironically has no books) and beautifully landscaped gardens along the waterfront harbor.

The Delamar also offers the convenience of both an on-site caterer and top-notch spa.

The Food at Delamar

Although I was unable to experience a tasting, I did have the opportunity to dine at The Delamar's restaurant, L'Escale, serving an inventive French "Provencal" fare. I found the food to be quite good ordering the Tuna Carpaccio; oysters; wild mushrooms; and duck breast. I would imagine that more attention would be given if one were catering.

However, I found the service to be poor. Having a reservation as a single, I was asked several times if I was dining "alone". Although the indoor area barely had diners at 7 p.m., it took approximately 5 minutes before I was even acknowledged at the table and longer to have the menu presented to me.

Morello Bistro

Couples planning a rehearsal dinner or small wedding reception should consider the Morello Bistro, which features a menu of Italian and Mediterranean fare by Executive Chef Townsend Wentz. This historic landmark building, located on Greenwich Avenue, with an airy atmosphere reminiscent of the Riviera exudes class with dark woods, lush textiles and soaring vaulted ceilings.

The three-level eatery has a total banquet capacity for 140 people.

The Food at Morello Bistro

I undertook a tasting of the fare at Morello Bistro at lunchtime. Beginning with the fried artichokes, chilled zucchini soup, beef carpaccio, and roasted beet salad, I continued with their signature garganelli alla bolognese followed by the halibut zuppa de pesce and ending with the hazelnut fondant. From start to finish, the cuisine was exquisite.

Fjord Catering and Charters

Thanks to the proximity of Long Island Sound, weddings need not be land-bound. Fjord Catering and Charters in nearby Cos Cob has yachts available for maritime matrimony. One can sail from various harbors in the NYC area, including the Skyport in Manhattan, Huntington Down or Oyster Bay on Long Island, and World's Fair Marina in Flushing, Queens near LaGuardia Airport. Parking on the premises adds convenience for both local and out-of-town invitees.

There is a basic charge for the minimum 4-hour rental of the boat and then you pay "per head" for food. For info on the menu, visit www.fjordcatering.com.

Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich, close to Stamford, has a stunning atrium garden that offers an excellent background for photography. Smaller-scale ceremonies might feel right at home in one of the comfortable meeting rooms adjacent to the garden or at the on-site restaurant Winfield's.

Like most full-service hotels, the Hyatt provides ballrooms as well as a climate-controlled tent that can accommodate hundreds of guests.

Rates are based on the food "per head" charge with no cost for any room rental. Here I was unable to do a food tasting, but did have a quick lunch at Winfield's.

The Cooper Wedding Tale

There are folks, of course, who just want to slip on the ring, sign the paper and do away with the pomp and circumstance. One couple that decided to do this was Suffolk County Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D) and his partner Rob Cooper. They obtained the license and returned a few days later on April 30, their 29th anniversary.

Their ceremony, performed by Justice of the Peace Ann Isaacson, took place at the lushly landscaped Binney Park in Old Greenwich. Why not a reception? The Coopers, who have four children, already had their own Civil Union years ago, complete with reception. Jon said that they wanted to have the licensed marriage as a 29th Anniversary gift to each other.

Stamford Hilton

A few miles up I-95 from Greenwich, Stamford offers additional options for weddings. The Stamford Hilton claims to have the largest ballroom in Connecticut (not including the casinos). Feel free to throw caution to the wind here, as no matter how big, your wish is their command.

According to its staff, one same-sex wedding planned for 2010 has secured two adjoining ballrooms, one for the ceremony and the other with 10 tables, a nearly 600 square-foot dance floor, a DJ stage, cake service and dais. A climate-controlled tent for banquets in the gardens is yet another option. As at most venues, you are paying for the food rather than the room and a tasting is usually scheduled for approximately two weeks prior to the event.

Mrs. and Mrs. Cindy Frazier and Sharon Gretsch

One noted option for an eco-friendly lesbian wedding is Green Rocks Inn in nearby colonial Ridgefield. The inn, owned by Barbara Simkins and her partner Kim Wanamaker, serves organic food and drinks, supports local agriculture and welcomes small animal companions. It was here that Cindy Frazier and her partner Sharon Gretsch, held their wedding ceremony.

Though their home is in California, the Connecticut legislator made it so the state constitution cannot be amended for another 20 years, and California's fiasco won't be repeated.

The small ceremony was officiated by Justice of the Peace Mary Pugh in the art-filled living room and they were joined by several family members from both sides and a few friends for a reception on the lawn.

Area Attractions

For wedding guests, there are a few attractions to check out in Fairfield Country - Bruce Museum of Arts and Sciences, Bush-Holley Historic Site, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion and Museum.

In addition, Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Ferry is a picturesque narrated cruise of Norwalk Harbor to Sheffield Island on a 49-passenger, covered-deck motor vessel.

HEARTY HARTFORD

Marriott Downtown

Hartford, the capitol, has much to offer as it has recently been revived for the opening of the new Connecticut Science Center and other attractions that can easily double as a wedding venue.

The Marriott Downtown has the best hotel locale as it is next to the Convention Center and Connecticut Science Museum as well as the Riverfront Plaza and the Riverwalk. Raymond Benoit, Director of Catering and Events and Stephanie Simmons, Senior Catering Sales Manager arranged for what would be a tasting of food and wines for a wedding event while Raymond talked about the many same-sex celebrations both at the Marriott and other venues here in Hartford.

Vivo is the hotel's restaurant, where I had the opportunity to sample the fare. There is a different executive chef for Vivo as a catering menu is geared to serving courses for a large number of people. Thus, a menu special, Seared Atlantic salmon on braised leeks and a three-cheese potato cake with hollandaise was much enjoyed. However, it is not an item that should be mass-produced due to the consistency of various ingredients being the same as coming out in small amounts.

Having a spa, Glo, on the premises just adds to this venue and a perfect way to de-stress before the big day. Spa Manager Christina Pitcher took one look at me and suggested the following: Skin Resonance Facial for sensitive skin (redness, age); Renewed Skin (seaweed mask - dehydration); Aroma-Soul Asian Body Scrub for delicate skin. The facial revived my fa�ade and I was able to take home some of the products to assist me between facials. Oh yeah, Barbara, the aesthetician did some reiki and massaged my head, neck and shoulders as well. As for Christina's body renewal... let's just say that I was so de-stressed that I had a bit of a problem staying awake for one of my events, not to mention that the detoxifying effect caused me to lose a few pounds (really).

Mineral Makeup was the last step. Not one to wear makeup, I wasn't sure that I should have it done - let's just say I wanted to research it for the bride or groom to be.

The Max Group

After checking in to my cozy and comfortable room with a view of the famous Travelers Tower it was off to lunch at Trumbull Kitchen, one of the many restaurants owned by the Max Group. Here it's all about global comfort cuisine having a tasting of tapas: sushi rolls, filet mignon on a stick with a tater tot and crab fritters made with crabmeat and sweet potatoes. The Max Group restaurants are also terrific choices for the rehearsal dinner.

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

The Max Group does catering and is one of the five preferred caterers used at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, America's oldest public art museum. Not only is this one of the major attractions in Hartford, you can have the Wadsworth Atheneum's grand Beaux-Arts and classic modern galleries form the backdrop for your wedding. Depending on your entertaining style and space requirements, the museum's two primary spaces each offer a different ambience for your guests.

Avery Court features a spectacular skylight with a working centerpiece Venus fountain created in 1600 by French artist, Pietro Francavilla. Showcasing the museum's permanent collection of 20th century modern art, this gallery accommodates up to 220 for a seated dinner and 350 for a standing reception. An adjoining lobby and street access provide a convenient entry point for guests.

Morgan Great Hall offers a breathtaking view of large European and American paintings hung salon style. With majestic 50-foot high vaulted ceilings and a lovely second-story balcony, the Great Hall seats up to 120 for dinner and allows 200 for a reception. This space also features a marble pillar in the entry way with a Tiffany-style stained glass ceiling, double grand staircases and spectacular contemporary wall drawings by Connecticut artist Sol LeWitt.

Other Venue/Attractions

A performance of the Tony-nominated "Dividing The Estate" was being presented at the Hartford Stage Company, where I went to sample one of the two bigger theatres the facilities had to offer by way of "traps" and such.

You shouldn't expect a Broadway Tour at this facility, but at the larger theatre venue, the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, you can see shows such as "The Color Purple" and "Young Frankenstein". Both venues are open to wedding parties.

As the Connecticut Science Center was having their pre-opening event, it was noted that this newest major attraction would be yet another wedding locale, let alone THE attraction not to be missed.

MYSTIC MYSTIQUE

Mystic Aquarium

The Mystic area certainly affords a slew of wedding destination settings from hotel casinos, inns and even the Mystic Aquarium.

Swimming with dolphins would have been great if only I could swim, so instead I settled for a close encounter with a beluga whale at the Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration in Mystic, Connecticut.

The beluga meeting was scheduled for 1 p.m. Having arrived during the morning hours, there was time to explore much of the aquarium's facilities beginning with a peek at the Arctic Coast exhibit featuring the three adult beluga whales. Kela, aka Kellukak, underwent the first-ever beluga whale artificial insemination in 2005. Inuk, completely white and the largest animal in this exhibit, weighs 2,300 lbs. It is Naku, born in 1981, 11 feet long and weighing 1,350 who is often found in the holding pool, where my encounter took place. There is no "show" regarding the belugas, but scheduled times of feedings and trainings to view.

Our expert leader and trainer had already given us instructions about where not to touch the whale: the blowhole, ears or eyes. We went through various training techniques and learned much about both the physiology and mental makeup of Naku. So what did I get to do? I slapped Naku's tongue - something she loves. I massaged her back. I did a high five. I petted her head. I posed with her.

It's not unusual for wedding couples to pose in front of the whales. In fact, the whales will stare at black and white. As for the ceremony and reception, Ocean Blue Catering handles the food and setting. You can have these beluga whales swim along side your reception in their natural habitat. The venue can take place inside the main hall while hundreds of sea creatures are all witnesses. Perhaps you want an up close and personal encounter with a penguin that may be wearing the same outfit as you.

As with most wedding locales, Ocean Blue Catering will furnish your wedding tasting prior to the event.

Chris Rhodes and Katarina Midelfort

Chris Rhodes and Katarina Midelfort live in Gales Ferry, located in the county of New London. After a three-year relationship, they went to town hall and obtained their license. As residents of Connecticut they were given a choice of either tying the knot in the town in which they live or getting married in the town of which they applied for the license. They chose the latter.

The wedding ceremony took place on September 5th at the church that they normally attend, the All Souls Unitarian Church in New London.

It didn't take Katarina, a scientist at Pfizer and Christina, who owns her own company dealing with home inspections and energy audits, long to decide on their wedding reception venue. The party for about 30 people took place at The Spa at Norwich Inn. Katrina said that once they saw the Cottage room with a deck and its garden view, she and Chris felt that it was just perfect.

The reception was held on the back deck of the cottage room, and the dinner was held in the cozy cottage room, which had a stone fireplace.

They had 14 people staying at the Inn on Saturday night, some in villas and some in rooms. The bridal suite was beautifully decorated with rose petals, plus strawberries and champagne were in the room.

The Spa at Norwich Inn

I visited this 42-acre intimate retreat with its Georgian style inn. There are 100 guest rooms here that include the rooms at the Inn and villas. The facilities include: a full service spa and fitness center; indoor and outdoor pools; whirlpool, steam and sauna; a meditation and relaxation room (aka the "quiet room"); wellness classes featuring meditation and yoga; a spa boutique and juice bar.

Dress here was casual with most folks walking about in their robe and slippers for just about everything except dinner at the Kensington restaurant. Executive Chef Daniel Chong-Jimenez has a diverse bill of fare that is healthy but savory.

Mohegan Sun

If you're looking for a venue with everything, book the Mohegan Sun. You can have your photos taken in front of the Wolf near Wolf Den or the seven story cascading Taughannick Falls, but the ceremony and reception is limited to their Convention Center.

This is another venue where they choose a room size that best fits the number of guests and space needed for food and entertainment. You pay per person for the food.

Mohegan Sun's casino is vast and houses three separate gambling locales: Casino of the Earth, where "the rocks and trees tell tales of far-off time; Casino of the Sky, the location of a soaring 65 feet centerpiece, Wombi Rock; and Casino of the Wind, the newest addition to the property.

Major acts perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena, of which tickets are required. The Wolf Den does not require a ticket, and you can expect both performers that are new and others that are older, such as Jay Black and Tony Orlando. It's a first come, first serve seating with gamblers hanging along the out sides and in many cases, smoking.

As for the hotel itself, the accommodations are spacious and facilities include a pool and spa. Have an exotic signature treatment or couples massage lesson at the Elemis Spa in their spa therapy room for couples and then utilize their exercise room and relaxation lounges.

The Inn At Mystic

The Inn at Mystic is a resort on 15 landscaped acres that overlook Mystic Harbor and Fishers Island Sound. There are basically three buildings for accommodations: The Inn, which is the main building; The Motor Inn and East Wing; and the Gate House, located near the 1905 Colonial Revival mansion. As this inn is always in demand, I was lucky to get a room in the Motor Inn.

I took a tour of the acreage to view the Manor, an uphill climb that would have felt much better if the temperature were not around 90 degrees. The scenery was gorgeous, with gardens and water falls. It is this site that is used for weddings (and "corporate events").

The Food at the Inn

There is a restaurant on the premises called Flood Tide with Executive Chef Bob Tripp at the helm. I had heard that the restaurant was highly recommended but didn't realize just how delicious it would be. Thank goodness I had someone with me to do a dinner tasting.

We began with the Flood Tide's signature Lobster Madeira Crepe, chunks of cold water lobster and saut�ed mushrooms in a crepe covered with a shallot Madeira cream sauce. Think of it as a lobster roll that is ten times beyond its taste and not "chewy".

I haven't had a Classic Caesar Salad prepared tableside in years. Chopped anchovies (four for two people) and fresh garlic in the wooden bowl. Add a pasteurized egg yolk, drizzle in the olive oil while whipping it up, squeeze a lemon in it and mix. Now sprinkle on the parmesan cheese, throw in the romaine lettuce and croutons and toss. Now, that's a great tasting salad!

Next came the Maryland crab cake with zerako aioli sauce with a side of corn, zucchini and red bell pepper relish followed by the absolutely most scrumptious lobster bisque that I have ever indulged in! Bob said that he roasts the lobsters before broiling and uses the roasted lobster shells for the base. I urged him to enter a lobster bisque contest. Thyme was on my side with his New England Clam Chowder. That hint of thyme simply added to a chowder filled with succulent clams and just enough potatoes to give the "chowder" title to it.

The duck breast was pan seared with star anise, pomegranate glaze (slowly simmered pomegranate juice, star anise, fresh pepper and thyme) and this outrageous scallops (local) casserole. In fact, much of the menu relies on local foods from farms and sea sources. Need I say more?

With so many restaurants in Mystic, it's no wonder that Flood Tide is so popular!
Chef Tripp provides the catering for many weddings.