Preston Ridge Vineyard Wedding Guide
Everything You Need to Know — Photos, Ceremony Spots, Lighting Tips & Expert Venue Insights
Perched atop the rolling hills of Preston, Connecticut, Preston Ridge Vineyard offers one of the most picturesque outdoor wedding settings in New England. With sweeping views, warm golden-hour light, and refined countryside charm, it’s a dream venue for couples who love natural beauty and elegant simplicity.
This guide gives you everything you need to know—ceremony locations, photo tips, lighting insights, timelines, and expert planning advice from a photographer/videographer’s perspective.
Founded on a scenic hilltop overlooking miles of countryside, Preston Ridge Vineyard blends rustic charm with classic vineyard elegance. The venue features:
- panoramic hilltop views
- open-air lawns
- lush vine rows
- shaded portrait areas
- a romantic, naturally glowing landscape
Who it’s perfect for:
Couples wanting a warm, romantic, vineyard-style outdoor wedding with clean, timeless aesthetics.
Looking for photographers + videographers for your wedding?
View our wedding portfolio ↓
The Vineyard Ceremony Lawn
The most popular ceremony spot sits at the highest point of the vineyard, offering:
- soft backlighting in late afternoon
- a natural aisle framed by vines
- a wide horizon for cinematic photos
- a gentle breeze that adds movement
The Green / Open Field Location
This lawn offers:
- easy guest access
- open shade options
- a large, flat ceremony area
- excellent afternoon lighting
The Tented Reception
Most receptions unfold under a beautifully styled tent overlooking the vineyard.
Benefits:
- warm string lights for nighttime ambience
- golden-hour glow behind the tent
- neutral décor that fits any theme
- plenty of space for dining + dancing
Outdoor Cocktail Hour
Guests enjoy:
- sweeping hilltop views
- access to shaded areas
- beautiful candid photography environments
Best Photo Locations
- Between the vines
- Hilltop overlook
- Shaded tree lines
- Open field areas
- Stone and rustic fence lines
Lighting Tips
- Golden hour is exceptional
- Midday = use shaded tree lines
- Twilight produces amazing silhouettes
Why This Venue Films Beautifully
- rolling hills create depth
- vines act as natural leading lines
- warm earth tones flatter skin
- open space allows movement
- breezes add natural motion
Planning a Wedding at Preston Ridge Vineyard?
Get custom photo + video coverage recommendations based on your venue
Ideal Ceremony Time
2 hours before sunset
This timing guarantees:
- soft backlight
- warm skin tones
- immediate golden-hour portraits
Portrait Schedule
- Pre-ceremony = shaded spots
- Post-ceremony = golden hour
- Twilight = tent + vineyard silhouettes
Vendor Coordination Insight
Let your planner and caterer know you’ll need 10–15 minutes for sunset portraits—this venue shines at this time.
Real Wedding Moments & Cinematic Opportunities at Preston Ridge Vineyard
What We Look For When Filming Here
- interaction of vines + sunlight
- opportunities for foreground layering
- environmental audio (wind, leaves, laughter)
Shots That Look Incredible
- drone reveals
- walking shots through vines
- backlit golden-hour close-ups
- twilight silhouettes
- candid cocktail-hour moments
Lighting Strategies
- backlight among the vines
- shaded midday spots
- warm reception flash lighting
- blue-hour ambient tones
Cinematic Angles
- low-angle wide frames
- vine-row compressions
- over-the-shoulder vow shots
- wide tent shots at sunset
Why Couples Love Preston Ridge Vineyard
- breathtaking sunsets
- peaceful, elegant atmosphere
- natural vineyard beauty
- relaxed hilltop setting
- stunning golden-hour portraits
- perfect for outdoor tented receptions
Costs, Availability & Booking Tips
Peak Season
June–October
Most Popular Months
September & October (book 12–18 months early)
What to Know
- tent required for rain plan
- ideal for 100–150 guests
- perfect summer–fall venue
Planning a Preston Ridge Vineyard Wedding? Let’s Capture It Beautifully.
Vineyards rely heavily on natural light and movement. Capturing them beautifully requires intentional planning, expert lighting knowledge, and experience with outdoor weddings.
At Legend Photo & Film, we help couples:
- plan wedding-day timelines
- pick the best portrait spots
- capture cinematic movement
- create warm, emotional wedding films + galleries
