Why I Love Photographing Small Weddings at Chamard Vineyard in Clinton, CT

A Coastal Vineyard with Charm and Character

If you're dreaming of a small wedding in Connecticut that feels personal, scenic, and effortlessly romantic, Chamard Vineyard in Clinton should be on your radar. Tucked along the Connecticut shoreline, this vineyard combines French countryside vibes with New England charm—and it's a dream location for a micro wedding or elopement.

As a Connecticut wedding photographer who specializes in small, candid celebrations, I've found Chamard to be one of the most photogenic and relaxed venues for couples who want something beautiful but not overdone.

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What Makes Chamard Vineyard Ideal for Micro Weddings?

1. A Peaceful, Secluded Atmosphere

Unlike larger, high-traffic venues, Chamard feels like your own private oasis. The vineyard rows, pond, and tree-lined driveways give you plenty of space to breathe, wander, and celebrate without feeling overwhelmed. It’s perfect for elopements or weddings with 10–50 guests.

2. Rustic Elegance That Feels Authentic

Chamard’s stone buildings, charming Bistro, and cozy wine cellar give you a setting that feels both elegant and comfortable. Whether you're hosting a small dinner party-style reception or a garden ceremony, the venue strikes the perfect balance between elevated and laid-back.

3. Great Wine and Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Chamard isn’t just a wedding venue—it’s also a working vineyard and bistro. That means your guests can enjoy local wines paired with chef-curated meals, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s a foodie-friendly venue that doesn’t require you to bring in outside catering.

4. Year-Round Beauty

While vineyard weddings often get the spotlight in fall, Chamard shines in every season. Spring wildflowers, summer greenery, golden fall light, and even cozy winter elopements in the Bistro—this is a venue that adapts beautifully to whatever vibe you’re going for.

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Why Chamard Vineyard Is a Photographer’s Dream

As someone who focuses on Connecticut wedding photography, especially smaller, candid weddings, Chamard has everything I love in a venue: natural light, rustic textures, romantic vineyard views, and quiet corners for private moments.

The stone archways, soft golden light near the vines, and intimate Bistro interiors create a variety of backdrops—all within a short walk from each other. It's easy to capture portraits, family moments, and those blink-and-you'll-miss-them emotions that make small weddings so special.

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Tips for Planning a Micro Wedding at Chamard Vineyard

• Check availability early: The Bistro and vineyard space are popular for private events year-round.
• Ask about weekday weddings: Smaller weddings are often a perfect fit for weekday or off-season dates, and you might get more flexibility.
• Keep your guest list focused: Chamard is ideal for intimate weddings with your closest people—this isn't a 200-guest ballroom, and that's what makes it special.
• Plan your timeline around the light: Golden hour in the vineyard is unreal—talk with your photographer about when to sneak away for portraits.

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Final Thoughts

If you're planning a small wedding in Connecticut and want a setting that’s romantic, peaceful, and authentically New England, Chamard Vineyard in Clinton might be exactly what you're looking for. Whether you're envisioning a quiet elopement among the vines or a joyful dinner with your closest family and friends, this vineyard offers a one-of-a-kind experience that never feels too big or too small—just right.

And if you're looking for a photographer who specializes in capturing the heart of small weddings in a natural, story-driven way—I'd love to connect and hear more about your plans. Let's chat.

Talia & Paul's Engagement | Connecticut Candid Wedding Photographer

Paul and Talia’s fun engagement photography session in Killingworth, CT on a chilly Fall day.

I was so excited when Paul and Talia told me they wanted their fur babies to join in on some of the photo fun during their engagement session. The pups may have wanted to explore the park more than pose for photos, but they decided to join on the fun in the end.

I knew the perfect spot for a natural wooded location with tall trees as a backdrop to their engagement photos, just like they envisioned.

Couples may feel a little nervous at the very start of their session, it can feel a little weird to have a camera focused on you. Have no fear, my corny jokes and hilarious prompts with either loosen you guys up or help you bond over your mutual feeling of awkwardness at my expense…either way you nail the perfect laughing shot and I win. No but really, my sessions are just full of fun and focus on you two love birds enjoying your time together celebrating your love. No need for stiff poses or fake smiles.

I can not wait to photograph Paul and Talia’s backyard wedding this coming Fall in Milford, CT.

Scroll on down to view some of my favorite moments from this crazy cute engagement session.

If you are looking for a small wedding photographer in ct, connecticut intimate wedding photographer, candid wedding photographer ct, candid wedding photography in connecticut, photo journalistic wedding photographer ct, documentary wedding photographer ct, backyard wedding photographer connecticut, ct backyard wedding photography, please contact Rebecca Lynne Photography today

Keri and Steven's Intimate Wedding at Smith College | Northampton, MA

An intimate wedding surrounded by the closet of friends and loving family at Smith College located in Northampton Massachusetts.

The morning of Keri and Steven’s wedding was a total wash out. The heavy rain continued through their ceremony right up until they said “I do.” Not only did the rain come to an end just as their ceremony was ending, but the clouds moved away leaving us with the clearest blue sky for the rest of the evening.

Smith College Conference Center is located right near the gardens and green house which provided a gorgeous back drop to our bride and groom portraits. We spent time exploring the property while these two soaked up their time together.

And then it was time to party! Air guitar anyone?

Keri and Steven’s entire wedding day was full of laughs, positive vibes even through the storm, and over flowing with love!

intimate wedding ceremony photography in ct

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Rustic Wedding Decor DIY for Intimate Backyard Weddings

A rustic backyard wedding is a perfect way to invite your guests into an intimate space that is uniquely you.

The bride, Abby, for this Clinton, CT backyard wedding not only made the rustic decor details for her big day, but she actually built these amazing wood pieces you see in this post. No, like really. While planning her big day she also found the time to build things.
She even made these pieces using free scrap wood someone local was looking to toss out. Total life goals.

You can check out more of Abby's work at Saplings Woodwork & Design.

Imagine exchanging your vows in front of this stunning altar with doors made up of reclaimed wood. The cascading flowers added an elegant touch.

You can entertain your wedding guests with a few rounds of Giant Jenga. Guaranteed for some laughs and fun competition. 

Donuts and homemade apple pie are a great touch to end the evening on a sweet note. Adding homemade baked goods is lovely personal touch.

Small white pumpkin centerpieces are such an elegant touch and work wonderfully alongside the vibrant orange and red of Fall.

Apples are a lovely Fall element that often gets overlooked with wedding decor. Try pairing apples cascading down a statement piece made of refurbished wood alongside self-serve cold cider bar.

Olive oil looks dressed up when placed into small glass jugs and paired with spices such as rosemary. Add a personal touch with hand stamped wooden labels. A perfect "thank you" for your guests to take home.

Use large pumpkins to create jack-o-lanterns that have the Bride and Grooms initials carved into them. Smaller pumpkins make for a great Fall touch in this DIY "photo booth" area. Complete with a crate of glow stick accessories for guests to have fun with late into the evening.

Connecticut Intimate Wedding Photographer, Rebecca Lynne Photography specialized in small Backyard Weddings throughout CT.

Rescue Puppies instead of Bouquets at this Connecticut Wedding

Rescue puppies instead of bouquets

Becky and John were in the middle of planning for their wedding that would take place at The Litchfield Inn in Litchfield, CT, when their local rescue located in West Cornwall, CT The Little Guild had a post about some puppies needing a foster home. 

A local resident posted on The Little Guild's Facebook page looking for a foster home for a litter of puppies that they found in their neighbor's yard. Becky and John saw the post and said to each other "We've raised baby piglets and cows before, so this can't be much different!" 

They first started fostering two puppies from the litter named Penny and Patch. The puppies were so new that they couldn't stay home alone. Becky and John had to make a day trip to Cabelas to get some supplies for their honeymoon so the puppies joined along on their trip, snuggled up inside of a diaper bag in the shopping cart and having bottles in the car ride. 

Soon after they started fostering 3 more puppies from the litter, Roley, Lucky and Freckles. 
When Becky and John were switching the pups from milk to dog food, they got so covered in the food they would have to give them all baths every time they ate, multiple times a day. "It was mayhem," says Becky.
Becky and John were able to foster all of the puppies right up until they found their forever homes.

Including the rescue puppies in their big day was a no-brainer. Who needs bouquets when you can have puppies?!

Families who were interested in adopting the puppies submitted applications and references including a reference from their veterinarian. All of the puppies went to great homes shortly after Becky and John's wedding day. 
Patch, who is now named Mo, found a home with John's aunt, so they are still able to visit with him.

Becky believes all of the incessant puppy cuddling they did while fostering them turned them all into great dogs.

Connecticut Wedding Photography by Rebecca Lynne Photography

Intimate Wedding Photography in Connecticut | CT Wedding Photographer

Small intimate weddings tug at my heart strings. A familiar landscape filled with those dearest to your heart.

Abby and Jim's backyard wedding in Clinton, CT totally blew me away! Somehow between all of the planning that comes with your big day, Abby found time to incorporate her passion into her wedding day. All of the wooden structures you see, from her stunning backdrop she said her vows in front of, to the table decorated with apples and cider...Abby MADE. Like, by hand!! Is awesome is that?! All of the Autumn details of pumpkins and apples were perfect accents to craftsmanship.

Abby and Jim met at work and have been together for 7 years. They are total adventure junkies. Their most memorable date together was their first camping trip in
below freezing temps.

Their Wedding Day started with a First Look near the edge of the water. Abby's wedding dress was the perfect mix of elegant and simplify that goes so well with an intimate wedding.
Family and friends gathered on the lawn awaiting the Bride escorted by her father. Abby's mother was the justice of the peace and it was the perfect touch to their family filled Wedding Day.

The evening was filled with dancing, jumo Janga (yes, Abby made that as well!) paper lanterns and lots of love.

I am wishing Abby and Jim many, many more years filled with amazing adventures!

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