Saltwater Farm Vineyard in Stonington, Connecticut, is 108 acres on the Connecticut shoreline, a fully operational vineyard growing six varieties of grapes, and a WWII-era airplane hangar with a 1,800-foot preserved grass landing strip. The hangar is the reception space. The vines are the ceremony backdrop. The cove and tidal marshes border the property on multiple sides. Voted one of the top 50 most romantic venues in the US by Brides. I have photographed here, and the late afternoon light over these vines is extraordinary.
About the Venue
Located at 349 Elm Street in Stonington, Connecticut, between New York and Boston, accessible from I-95 and minutes from downtown Mystic. Owned and operated by Merrily and Michael. The property has 350 years of history dating to the founding of Stonington, operated as a private airport from the 1930s through World War II, and converted to a vineyard in 2001.
The Event Spaces
Ceremonies take place outdoors among the vines. The vineyard rows provide a natural aisle and backdrop with Long Island Sound and the tidal marshes in the distance. An outdoor platform and ceremony area are available on the property.
Cocktail hour is centered around a custom Sperry tent off the back patio.
The hangar houses dinner and dancing. The main level accommodates 150 or more guests, while the mezzanine level adds seating for an additional 45 or more, for a total capacity of up to 200 to 250. Original wood sheathing, massive timber trusses, and an aluminum exterior. The tasting room is located on the mezzanine and overlooks fifteen acres of vineyard and the preserved landing strip. A getting-ready loft is on site.
What to Know Before You Book
The rental is a six-hour block from 4 pm to 10 pm, in line with Stonington’s sound ordinance. Three exclusive caterers serve the venue: A Thyme to Cook, Coastal Gourmet, and Gourmet Galley. All catering and bar service must be arranged through one of these three. Couples are required to purchase at least one case of vineyard wine at a discounted rate. All other vendors are determined by the couple. Site fees vary by season and day of the week.
Photography at Saltwater Farm Vineyard
The vineyard rows in the late afternoon, when the light turns golden, and the symmetry of the vines creates natural leading lines. The hangar interior with the timber trusses and warm lighting for reception coverage. The mezzanine tasting room overlooks the vineyard and landing strip. The waterfront and cove for romantic couple portraits at sunset. The stone walls throughout the property. The preserved landing strip for wide, open-sky images. And the entire property at golden hour, when the Connecticut shoreline light does what it does.
Frequently Asked Questions: Saltwater Farm Vineyard Weddings
Where is Saltwater Farm Vineyard located?
349 Elm Street in Stonington, Connecticut, on the Connecticut shoreline. Minutes from downtown Mystic, accessible from I-95. Between New York and Boston.
What is Saltwater Farm Vineyard?
A 108-acre fully operational vineyard and winery in Stonington, CT, with a WWII-era airplane hangar as the primary event space. Ceremonies in the vineyard, cocktail hour under a Sperry tent, dinner, and dancing in the hangar. Capacity: 200 to 250 guests. Getting-ready loft on site. Three exclusive caterers. Six-hour rental block from 4 pm to 10 pm.
What makes Saltwater Farm Vineyard distinctive?
The combination of the working vineyard, the preserved WWII airplane hangar, and the Connecticut shoreline setting is genuinely unusual. The 1,800-foot grass landing strip is still intact and visible from the mezzanine tasting room. The property feels removed from everything while being accessible from the interstate. The late afternoon light here is some of the most beautiful I photograph in New England.
Are there exclusive caterers at Saltwater Farm Vineyard?
Yes. All catering and bar service must be arranged through one of three exclusive caterers: A Thyme to Cook, Coastal Gourmet, or Gourmet Galley. All other vendors are selected by the couple. At least one case of vineyard wine must be purchased at a discounted rate.
What time does the event end at Saltwater Farm Vineyard?
The rental block is from 4 pm to 10 pm in accordance with the town of Stonington’s sound ordinance. Mystic Village is a short drive away with restaurants and bars available for after-parties.
Do you photograph destination weddings at Saltwater Farm Vineyard?
Yes. If your wedding is here, I would love to hear about it.
