The Mount wedding venue in Lenox, MA is one of our absolute favorite places to host a wedding in all of New England. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the Mount was designed and built by novelist Edith Wharton in 1902 as her country estate. Its historical beauty and stunning gardens make for a perfect backdrop for a wedding or event. As New England wedding planners, we have planned several weddings here, and it holds a treasured place in our hearts.

Why are weddings at the Mount so special, and why do you love working there?

We’re not sure if it’s the romantic words of Edith Wharton’s pages that seem to whisper through the air, or the manicured Versailles-inspired gardens, the exquisite Renaissance architecture, or the fact that guests can wander throughout the exhibits and the gardens at their leisure. Weddings at the Mount are so special because the entire property is a magical space, a historical landmark, and a space that was built for and by an artist. It is so inspirational to us and to our couples creatively.

Visually, we adore how expansive the property is without being overwhelming for guests. Couples really have the best of everything here—a location in the heart of the bustling town of Lenox, a historical mansion with a stunning facade, a terrace that overlooks the mountains, a flower-filled french garden with a beautiful fountain, paths in the woods with local sculptures, elegant tree-lined pathways in the gardens, an expansive lawn for any type of reception tent you desire, and a Stable with a fire pit that morphs into the perfect place for an after-party and s’mores. While many wedding venues offer a few of these things, the Mount seems to provide a chance to experience each with ease and beauty.

What type of couple do you recommend for a wedding at the Mount?

The Mount is ideal for the couple that wants to entertain. They want their guests to feel at home and taken care of in an elevated and experiential environment. Many of our couples who select the Mount are looking for space that feels romantic and meaningful, but also love that it allows for creativity.

The town of Lenox, MA is perfect if you’re the type of couple that wants their guests to experience an entire weekend. Lenox is a buzzing and artful location close to NY and MA—ideal for a bit of culture, cuisine and adventure. The Berkshires offer so many little pleasures guests can adore in their off-time: outdoor hiking, artisanal shops, cafes, farmer’s markets full of locally grown produce, cheese, and small-batch provisions or baked goods. It is one of Massachusetts’ best little getaways for a breath of fresh air. The Mount is ideal for the couple who wants their guests to feel like they are on a relaxing and natural vacation.

How can we utilize the entire property for a wedding at the Mount?

What we love about the Mount is that it allows for fantastic event flow. The bridal party can get ready in Edith Wharton’s room, with views that overlook the property.

When guests arrive, we often host an elegant and unexpected pre-ceremony drink in the Forecourt. The Forecourt’s enclosed white brick wall helps create a cozy entrance to the mansion – its large white facade and green shutters are always a unique sight to see for guests upon entering.

Following a bit of bubbly, guests wander to the French Flower garden for the ceremony. It lends itself well to a ceremony space as the peaceful gardens are manicured beautifully and the water fountain creates a sense of calm.

Following the ceremony, guests walk down the promenade of trees, to the terrace and mansion for cocktail hour. During this time, we often bring the couple to the Italian garden for a few quiet moments together (and for great newlywed shots) as it is intimately tucked down that path. You can use this garden for small ceremonies and first-look photos as well.

For the reception, we typically utilize the vast lawn across from the Stables for a tented dinner and dancing experience. And the best part: after dancing the night away, the after-party is a few steps away in the Stables – open until 1 am!

What is your rain plan at the Mount?

When it comes to an inclement weather plan, we typically embrace the use of the terrace for the ceremony and the mansion and terrace for cocktail hour. The terrace is covered, making it an ideal space if we have to make a fast rain decision. Bonus, no additional tent needed!

The Mount requires the couple to provide transportation to and from the mansion to the Stables and tent (a quarter of a mile distance, which surprisingly many do walk!). But in the case of rain, shuttles help transition guests to the tent in a convenient, dry and stress-free way. If weather is an issue, be sure to also consider renting canopies from tent to restroom trailers, and or heaters if the wedding is in the early fall.

Have you worked with the Mount’s preferred vendor team?

Yes! It is necessary to work with this stellar team because of how expansive the property is, and because it is open to the public during the day prior to your event. Of course, the mansion and property are closed and exclusively yours for your private event. However, in the production hours leading up, this means a very quick transition for set up, so an experienced wedding vendor team is essential to creating an effortless event.

The good news with this quick transition? The Mount allows tents and large rentals to come in a few days early, so long as they are not stored in the mansion.  Classical Tent is wonderful to work with when tenting at the Mount as they have a strong sense of the property, as well as catering and electrical needs.

We adore working with Mezze Catering, as they know the space and the local area like the back of their hands. Their team is artisanal, communicative, and creative. Mezze’s menus are seasonally inspired, and ingredients are fresh and local, most often procured from nearby farms.

Note that additional restroom trailers and transportation are required at the Mount. We recommend Yankee Restrooms, Luxury Loo and Abbott’s Limo.

What are some Insider tips for weddings at the Mount?

A few little tidbits:

– The Mount holds the liquor license, which means they provide all of the beverages for the bar. They offer a 3-tiered program that is expansive with spirits, beer and wine.

– The rental of the space is five hours, but additional hours can be added for the after-party. Many couples have also rented the Stables for rehearsal dinner or welcome party, too.

– About 50% of our couples invest in a fully floored tent. While not necessary (the lawn is immaculate), your choice will depend on the formality of your event.

What is something you have not done at the Mount, but would love to?

There is a beautiful tree that sits on the path between the Forecourt and French Garden. We would love to adorn that with lush florals for guests to experience on their walk to the ceremony.

And for the right couple, we would love to host a small dinner with a very long dinner table down the promenade of trees! So magical.

The Mount Wedding Photos

Want to see how we bring it all together? See more photos and full video from Emerald & Brian’s wedding at the Mount

Considering a wedding at the Mount or another New England destination? Contact us about wedding planning, design, and floral.

Photos by Christina Bernales

The Mount, Edith Wharton’s Home, is located at 2 Plunkett St, Lenox, MA 01240