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An overhead night drone shot of a large clear tent set up at the Colonial Hotel for a wedding reception. Inside the tent, tables with white tablecloths and red accents are arranged around a dance floor, with warm string lights creating a cozy ambiance.

New England Weddings

New England Fall Wedding: The Perfect Season for Romance at The Colonial Hotel

A collage of images from a fall wedding at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, MA. The top row shows close-up details of the wedding decor, including a vintage book centerpiece with dried florals, the bride holding a large bouquet of white and blush flowers with greenery, and a vase with an arrangement of dried fall accents in warm, earthy tones. The bottom image features the bride and groom walking hand-in-hand along the hotel’s driveway, with the Colonial Hotel’s brick facade and large arched windows visible in the background.

There’s just something magical about a New England fall wedding, especially when the backdrop is as beautiful as the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, Massachusetts. Fall in New England is almost tailor-made for weddings. Cool breezes blend with the warm colors of autumn foliage to create a scene straight out of a dream.

From stunning orange and deep green palettes to textures that invite you to reach out and touch, a fall wedding in New England has a character all its own.

Why Fall is the Ideal Season for a New England Wedding

New England’s fall season feels almost like it’s putting on a show just for couples ready to tie the knot.

Crisp, cool air and the amber glow of afternoon light create an inviting, intimate atmosphere perfect for celebration. The foliage is at its peak, with trees turning every shade of red, orange, and yellow.

Plus, it’s the season that truly celebrates comfort and warmth. Guests can cozy up without bundling up, thanks to the cooler—but not frigid—weather. For this couple, that classic New England fall feeling set the stage for a warm and timeless celebration.

Rich, Autumnal Tones and Thoughtful Details

This wedding leaned into all that the season has to offer. The couple choosing a rich terracotta and green color scheme to ground the day in timeless elegance.

Terracotta added a touch of earthy warmth, while fresh green hues softened the palette for a look that was both classic and unique. And the textures? Pure magic.

They played with dried florals and fresh blooms, a stunning mix that gave their arrangements a depth and softness that mirrored the natural beauty all around. Each centerpiece was a delicate balance of structure and wild. Dried grasses blended with soft greenery and pops of color that captured autumn’s changing landscape.

Antique Books: A Personal, Literary Touch

Books have a way of anchoring a space in memory and meaning. And for this couple, they also brought a sense of their shared passion for reading to the celebration.

Instead of traditional centerpieces, they used antique books interwoven with fresh greenery. As if that weren’t enough, they were also scattered with dried flowers and accented with elegant candlelight.

The books were a delightful surprise for guests. As a former English teacher, I also adored these beautiful details!

Their collection was a mix of antique treasures and favorite titles, adding an element of storytelling that was both personal and inviting. This touch gave their wedding a timeless quality, as if guests were stepping into a cozy study or beloved library on a perfect fall day.

The Beauty of a New England Fall Wedding Backdrop at The Colonial Hotel

Set against the classic charm of the Colonial Hotel, every detail came together seamlessly.

This hotel in Gardner, MA, with its stately architecture and warm, welcoming feel, was the perfect canvas for a fall wedding. The ceremony space was adorned with textured grass and floral arrangements in with pops of cream.

Outside, the landscape itself did half the work, with fall’s colors painting every corner of the grounds, creating breathtaking spots for photos. And whether indoors or under the tent, the Colonial Hotel brought a sense of heritage and grace that made the entire day feel like a timeless love letter to New England itself.

Fall Wedding Attire: Embracing Cozy Elegance

Another reason fall weddings stand out in New England is that the cooler weather opens up so many options for attire. While summer weddings call for lighter fabrics, fall allows for a little extra elegance and layering.

For this celebration, the wedding party looked perfectly suited to the season in a mix of deep navy and warm terracotta, with soft textures that felt inviting and sophisticated. Bridesmaids’ dresses picked up on the season’s rich hues, while the gentlemen looked effortlessly classic in coordinating suits.

The layers, textures, and warmth added by fall attire gave every photo an extra touch of richness, something that might be missed in a warmer season.

Seasonal Florals and Textures: A Natural Choice

Incorporating a blend of dried florals with fresh blooms is a choice that not only reflects the beauty of fall but also adds dimension and romance to every bouquet, centerpiece, and arrangement.

For this wedding, bouquets were designed to feel both structured and free-spirited, with wispy accents of pampas grass, eucalyptus, and delicate greenery. The fresh blooms added vibrancy and life, blending seamlessly with the dried elements to create arrangements that felt both curated and effortlessly romantic.

Capturing the Romance: Fall’s Perfect Light

Let’s talk about the lighting! Fall’s light is softer, more golden, and somehow more romantic than any other time of year.

This couple’s celebration was perfectly timed to capture that dreamy, golden-hour glow that makes photos feel like treasured memories right from the start. The gentle light filtered through the trees, casting warm glow and illuminating the couple in a way that felt both natural yet epic.

When planning a New England wedding, timing your ceremony to take advantage of fall’s late afternoon light is one of the best ways to create a lasting impact on your photos. It’s that light that makes each moment look like it belongs in a storybook.

A Timeless, Heirloom-Worthy Celebration

A wedding that feels truly heirloom-worthy isn’t about the latest trends; it’s about creating an experience that will feel as meaningful years from now as it does today.

And this couple, with their beautiful attention to detail and personal touches, did just that. From the antique books to the timeless florals, and the colors that spoke of fall’s richness, they created an event that felt both nostalgic and unique to them.

When they look back at their wedding photos, the beauty of their day won’t just be in the details; it’ll be in the memories of a day that felt perfectly and entirely their own.

Planning Your Perfect New England Fall Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a wedding with that magical New England fall feel, take inspiration from this stunning celebration. Choose colors that echo the warmth of the season, layer textures for added depth, and don’t be afraid to add personal touches that make the day truly yours.

Remember, New England’s fall season doesn’t last forever, but its beauty makes the perfect backdrop for a day you’ll remember for a lifetime.

So, if you’re ready to plan a wedding that embraces everything wonderful about New England in the fall, reach out! Let’s make your dream day a reality—one beautiful, heirloom-quality memory at a time.

Get started by clicking here to inquire!

Aerial view of the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, MA – The Colonial Hotel, a long U-shaped building with dormer windows along the roof, is surrounded by colorful fall foliage. The hotel parking lot in front is filled with cars, and trees in vibrant shades of red, orange, and green extend into the distance.
Wedding ring and earring detail – Close-up of a round-cut diamond engagement ring in a white velvet box with a eucalyptus leaf resting beside it (left). A pair of gold earrings with diamonds and pearls is displayed against a background of red autumn foliage (right).
Diamond necklace detail – A close-up of a gold necklace with three square-cut diamonds in a vertical row, against a soft, textured background.
Wedding ring set display – Three rings, including a plain gold wedding band, a diamond engagement ring with side stones, and a gold wedding band with a wavy design, are displayed on a dark green surface with the faint text “Steven & Eileen.” Pink autumn foliage is in the background.
Engraved wedding band with flowers – A gold wedding band engraved with the name “Rebecca” is shown alongside two other wedding rings on a white surface. Small pink flowers are arranged behind the rings.
Outdoor wedding reception tent – Round tables set for a wedding reception inside a clear tent, each table featuring white tablecloths, gold-rimmed plates, red napkins, and simple glassware. An overhead wire ball decor light hangs from the tent ceiling, with soft natural light filtering through.
Table centerpiece with fall-inspired decor – A close-up of a table centerpiece featuring dried flowers in neutral tones with pops of red and orange, placed in a small glass vase on a wedding reception table.
Close-up of dried floral centerpiece – A tall arrangement of dried flowers in natural tones, with accents of soft red and orange, sits in a clear vase as part of a wedding table centerpiece.
Vintage book centerpiece – A stack of vintage books, including “Little Women” by Alcott, tied together with twine and set alongside dried flowers and a glass candle holder, is displayed on a reflective surface as a wedding table centerpiece.
Glassware and table setting detail – A single coupe glass sits on a wedding table next to a gold-rimmed plate, silverware, and a red napkin, showcasing the elegant place settings under natural light.
A table setting at the Colonial Hotel wedding reception in Gardner, MA, features a gold charger plate topped with a red napkin and silver cutlery, including two forks, a knife, and a spoon, neatly arranged on top. In the background, additional white plates, glassware, and decor elements complete the elegant fall-inspired setup.
A wedding reception table centerpiece at the Colonial Hotel with a fall-inspired arrangement of dried flowers, including soft, neutral tones and pops of orange and red. The table is set with gold-rimmed plates, glassware, and red napkins, with other tables and chairs visible in the background.
A close-up of a vintage book-themed wedding centerpiece, featuring several books tied together with twine alongside dried flowers, all arranged on a reflective surface. The books’ spines, aged and colorful, add a nostalgic touch to the table decor at the Colonial Hotel wedding.
A delicate arrangement of dried flowers in pastel tones at a wedding reception, including soft pink flowers, white accents, and an orange sprig, creating a soft and romantic ambiance on the table at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, MA.
An indoor wedding ceremony setup at the Colonial Hotel with rows of dark wooden chairs arranged on a polished wood floor. Large glass vases filled with pampas grass, eucalyptus, and other dried florals line the aisle, adding a natural, fall-inspired decor to the intimate ceremony space.
A close-up of a woman, possibly the mother of the bride, helping the bride by fastening a beige, block-heeled sandal on her foot. The woman is dressed in a deep red lace outfit, and her hands are adorned with a watch and a bracelet, adding a tender, personal touch to the getting-ready moment.
A close-up of the back of a bride’s lace wedding dress as a woman helps fasten the delicate button closure. The intricate lace detail on the dress is visible, along with the woman’s hands as she assists with the finishing touches on the bride’s attire.
A bride holds a lush bouquet of white hydrangeas, soft pink roses, Queen Anne’s lace, and green ferns. The arrangement has a natural, slightly wild look, adding a fresh, romantic feel to the New England fall wedding at the Colonial Hotel.
A wedding guest or bridal party member holds a program for the wedding ceremony at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, MA. The program cover reads “Steven Louis Ladine & Rebecca Eileen Przywara” in elegant text, with the person’s hand and red nails visible against a glittering, silver fabric background.
A black-and-white close-up of a woman’s hands playing a keyboard, wearing a ring and bracelet, adding a musical ambiance to the wedding at the Colonial Hotel. The keys and controls on the keyboard are clearly visible, capturing the elegance and focus of the live performance.
Bridesmaids at a fall wedding at the Colonial Hotel in Gardner, MA, hold bouquets featuring a mix of white and peach roses, Queen Anne’s lace, ferns, eucalyptus, and wispy pampas grass, perfectly complementing their terracotta-colored dresses.
A close-up of bridesmaids holding matching bouquets of white and peach roses with greenery, pampas grass, and ferns. Their terracotta dresses contrast with the natural, autumn-inspired floral arrangements.
A groom at the Colonial Hotel wedding wears a dark suit with a black paisley bowtie and a boutonniere featuring dried florals, including a small orange rose, pampas grass, eucalyptus, and other fall accents.
A fall-themed wedding table setup at the Colonial Hotel with candles in glass holders filled with sand and a soft green cloth draped down the center. In the background, place settings with red napkins and gold chargers are arranged on a wooden table.
A seating chart display at the Colonial Hotel wedding featuring individual table assignments printed on textured paper with torn edges, each card sealed with a wax stamp featuring a floral design.
A simple three-tier wedding cake with smooth ivory frosting and eucalyptus sprigs around each layer. The cake sits on a wooden base, adding a natural touch to this fall wedding at the Colonial Hotel.
A decorative ceremonial sword with a white and gold hilt, laid on a soft green cloth on a table at the Colonial Hotel wedding, adding a unique and elegant touch to the wedding decor.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand along the driveway of the Colonial Hotel, with the bride holding her bouquet and wearing a white dress with a low back. The Colonial Hotel’s brick exterior and large arched windows provide a classic New England backdrop.
An overhead night drone shot of a large clear tent set up at the Colonial Hotel for a wedding reception. Inside the tent, tables with white tablecloths and red accents are arranged around a dance floor, with warm string lights creating a cozy ambiance.
A fall-inspired wedding centerpiece at the Colonial Hotel, featuring vintage books, dried flowers, and soft candlelight. The table decor includes books with red and orange tones, a glass vase with dried florals in neutral colors, and sand-filled candles, creating a warm, vintage look against the softly lit background of the reception.

Vendor Team:

Photographer: Christine Hazel Photography

Venue: The Colonial Hotel

DJ: Go Event Group

Pianists: Blackstone Valley Entertainment Group, Liz Przywara

Cake and Dessert: Abby Rarig, Simply Sweet by Christine

Bridesmaids dresses: Birdy Grey

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Jos A. Bank

Makeup: Jennifer Thompson

Rings: Mon Amie Fine Jewelery

Officiant: Lincroft Bible Church 

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