We traveled to Lenox, Mass., to experience the LGBT-friendly venue offerings that this quaint Berkshire town has to offer.
What was once a fall getaway for urban dwellers fleeing the city, as evidenced by the hundreds of Gilded Age homes that are sprinkled throughout the idyllic New England town, Lenox, Mass., has become a year-round destination, particularly for weddings.
The Cranwell Resort and Spa, photography by Michelle Girard Photography
(Middle and above): Edith Wharton’s estate, The Mount, and grounds.
Many of the 19th century mansions which housed the vacationing elite and fondly dubbed as “cottages,” have been revamped and turned into bed-and-breakfasts, restaurants and venues. I had the opportunity to get a peek at the fabulous offerings ranging from farmhouse rustic (the Stonover Farm had me swooning), to quaint comfort, such as the recently renovated Ralph Lauren-styled Kemble Inn. Couples can take advantage of the Old World estate at the Wheatleigh or indulge in opulence at The Cranwell Resort, while literary lovers can marry in Edith Wharton’s home featuring picturesque grounds at The Mount.
The Kemble Inn, photography by Studio SMC Photography
Stonover Farm
The Wheatleigh
Jacob’s Pillow, photography by Eric Limon Photography
And though this Berkshire hamlet has a historical background, Lenox has become a cultural epicenter thanks to its proximity to Tanglewood’s alfresco concerts, Shakespeare and Company and the annual Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Berkshire Theater Festival. Of course, because of the town’s dedication to the arts, this puts a damper on the summer season as a wedding destination (many of the venues don’t book weddings between the months of June and August because of the seasonal boom). However, it’s hard to dismiss the culture that continues to hover in the air year-round, and when the actors, dancers and musicians have retreated, the cultural sites make for truly unique venues for those who want to give a nod to the arts during their I dos.
For more information on wedding vendors in Lenox, visit lenoxweddingtours.com.
