Jonathan Edwards Winery Wedding Guide
Everything You Need to Know — Ceremony Spots, Vineyard Views, Lighting Tips & Expert Venue Insights
Located in the countryside of North Stonington, Connecticut, Jonathan Edwards Winery blends New England charm with Napa Valley-inspired elegance. With its open fields, hilltop vistas, pristine vineyards, and classic white farmhouse architecture, it’s one of the most photogenic winery wedding venues in the state.
This guide gives you everything you need to know—ceremony options, best portrait locations, video insights, and timeline tips to help you plan your perfect vineyard wedding day.
Sitting on 48 rolling acres, Jonathan Edwards Winery is known for its California-meets-New-England aesthetic. The property features wide lawns, sweeping vineyard views, clean white structures, and beautifully maintained grounds—giving couples an elevated, timeless setting for an outdoor celebration.
Why It’s So Special
- panoramic vineyard views
- bright white buildings that reflect clean light
- long open fields for cinematic compositions
- natural breezes and soft rolling hills
- a sophisticated, airy atmosphere
- iconic winery architecture
Who it’s perfect for:
Couples wanting a luxury vineyard feel, bright natural light, scenic views, and a refined countryside setting.
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The Vineyard Ceremony Lawn
This is the winery’s signature ceremony location—an elevated lawn overlooking rows of grapevines and distant hills.
Perfect for:
- golden-hour ceremonies
- wide scenic backdrops
- soft side-lighting throughout the afternoon
- large guest counts with plenty of space
The horizon line here is extremely clean—amazing for photography and drone footage.
The Upper Field Ceremony
A second ceremony option sits farther up the property, offering a secluded, open-air environment surrounded by hills and vineyards.
Why some couples choose this:
- more privacy
- wider sky + more light
- easy access to tent + reception space
- beautiful symmetry for portrait framing
Both ceremony locations glow during sunset.
The Sperry Sailcloth Tent
Jonathan Edwards is known for its iconic sailcloth tent—bright, airy, and extremely photogenic.
Benefits:
- warm string lights that photograph beautifully
- breathable, high ceilings
- sweeping vineyard views behind the tent
- clean white fabric that reflects flattering light
- ideal for both elegant and relaxed décor styles
It feels luxurious without being overstated.
Cocktail Hour on the Lawn
Guests enjoy:
- panoramic vineyard and hill views
- natural breezes
- wide-open spaces for mingling
- perfect candid photography environments
The combination of lawn + tent + vineyard creates a flow that feels relaxed and high-end at the same time.
Jonathan Edwards is one of the best-lit venues in Connecticut thanks to its bright structures, open vineyards, and unobstructed horizons.
Best Portrait Locations
- vineyard rows at golden hour
- hillside overlook
- white farmhouse building (perfect for clean editorial shots)
- shaded tree lines for midday portraits
- open fields for wide cinematic compositions
- tent backdrop for evening silhouettes
Lighting Tips
- Golden hour is exceptional—light hits the vines perfectly
- Midday portraits → use shaded spots near the farmhouse
- Cloudy days → soft, even, editorial lighting everywhere
- Twilight → beautiful cobalt sky + warm tent lighting
Why This Venue Films Beautifully
- the white farmhouse bounces natural light
- vineyard rows create depth + symmetry
- open fields allow for cinematic movement shots
- wide horizons = perfect drone opportunities
- soft breezes add natural motion to dresses + hair
Jonathan Edwards gives your wedding film a romantic, airy, timeless atmosphere.
Planning a Wedding at Preston Ridge Vineyard?
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Ideal Ceremony Time
2 hours before sunset, or 2.5 hours depending on season.
This timing ensures:
- warm, flattering vineyard light
- sunset portraits immediately after the ceremony
- beautiful glow behind the tent
Portrait Schedule
- Pre-ceremony → shaded tree areas
- Post-ceremony → vineyard rows + hilltop
- Sunset → long-lens vineyard portraits
- Blue hour → tent glow + silhouettes
Vendor Coordination Insight
This venue has exceptional sunset conditions—ask your planner to build a 10-minute photo/video sunset break into the timeline.
Real Wedding Moments & Cinematic Opportunities at Jonathan Edwards Winery
What We Look For When Filming Here
- direction of sunlight across the vineyard rows
- possibilities for lens compression shots
- how wind interacts with the vines + dress
- natural audio elements (birds, wind, guests)
Shots That Look Incredible
- walking shots along the vineyard edge
- drone passes over the ceremony lawn
- wide shots with the white farmhouse
- backlit golden-hour close-ups
- silhouette shots against the tent
- slow-motion laughter during cocktail hour
Lighting Strategies
- use the white farmhouse as a natural reflector
- utilize side-light at the vineyard for depth
- shoot silhouettes near the tent at twilight
- avoid midday direct sun—use tree-covered spots
Cinematic Angles
- low-angle wide shots of the sailcloth tent
- long-lens vineyard-row compressions
- close-up over-the-shoulder vow shots
- sweeping drone reveals from the hill
- This venue offers Napa-style elegance with the charm of New England.
Why Couples Love Jonathan Edwards Winery
- iconic sailcloth tent
- warm, glowing vineyard sunsets
- Bright, elegant farmhouse architecture
- peaceful countryside surroundings
- timeless New England meets Napa vibe
- perfect natural lighting
- spacious, comfortable guest experience
- This venue is consistently a top choice for couples who want luxury vineyard aesthetics.
Costs, Availability & Booking Tips
Peak Season
May–October
Most Popular Months
June, September, and October (book 12–18 months early)
What to Know
- tent required for receptions (included in venue package)
- ideal for 120–180 guests
- exceptional sunset light in late summer
- beautiful in any weather—overcast days look editorial
Planning a Jonathan Edwards Winery Wedding? Let’s Capture It Beautifully.
Jonathan Edwards is a dream venue for photography + videography—wide-open skies, glowing vineyards, clean architecture, and soft rolling hills that create timeless, cinematic imagery.
At Legend Photo & Film, we help couples:
- plan a timeline around the best golden hour
- choose portrait locations that flatter
- capture emotional, story-driven wedding films
- create natural, elegant wedding photography
- document the day with movement and cinematic depth
