The Goodtime Stringband

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We have been fortunate enough to play traditional acoustic music (bluegrass, roots music, old time) at numerous weddings throughout New England. I thought it would be cool to write a post sharing some tips for nuptials planning for their special day.

In case you were wondering, roots music is a great option for weddings and heck - even anniversary parties! Have a look at this slide show prepared by our photographer friend Liz Linder showing how elegant, beautiful and memorable an event can be.

If you’re looking to hire a band (and came across this post),you are probably pretty far along in your planning. You may even have a tentative date and location. If you are still undecided on a location, here are a few that we have performed at and would recommend in New England:

Connecticut - There is a public garden in Hartford that we performed at called The Elizabeth Park Rose Garden. It is the oldest municipally operated rose garden in the country. It is a two and a half acre garden which has about 800 varieties of roses that amount to 15,000 plants. Very beautiful spot!

Maine and the Coast - The Bar Harbor area is a great location to have a wedding! Acadia National Park is quite excellent!

The Stone Mountain Arts center is a great rustic venue. The main hall is restored post and beam barn that includes a stage. Throughout the year, the Arts Center features national folk music acts. There are fishing/hunting lodges in the surrounding are that can host your out-of-town guests.

Massachusetts and the Cape - Thompson Island is a great location for a wedding - they have full service catering and everything else you could want. And speaking of islands Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard are incredible locations

Rhode Island - Hammersmith Farm is an incredible venue. It was the summer headquarters of JFK during his administration and the childhood home of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Also the Kinney Bungalow is a beautiful spot situated on a working farm in Narragansett.

Western, Mass / Berkshires / New York - The Mount Lebanon Shaker Village is venue shown in this Liz Linder slide show. It is located very close to the New York/Massachusetts border and the location is breathtaking. There’s even a church on premises!

Hampshire College is also a great setting for an Autumn/Indian Summer wedding. The “big red barn” can accommodate groups for an indoor reception.