Discover the Ellis Inn: a Quirky, Inn-timate Vermont Wedding Venue Full of Charm
The Ellis Inn isn’t your average wedding venue, and that’s exactly what we love about it. Tucked away just outside Burlington, it’s a charming, character-filled space with both indoor and outdoor options, perfect for couples planning a smaller celebration that still feels elegant and intentional. If you’re drawn to cozy corners, playful details, and a setting that feels custom-fit to your story, this one’s worth a look.
A Place With a Past...and a Whole Lot of Possibility
Once a stately 19th-century home, The Ellis Inn has found new life as an intimate venue for modern love stories. Owned and lovingly run by the Ellis family (parents Tim and Paula, along with their kids Jessica and Trevor, live onsite with their three dogs), this charming B&B offers a richly textured backdrop where couples can celebrate with warmth and character. Nestled near Burlington, the inn balances historic details with polished spaces perfect for cozy, intimate weddings.
But it’s not all antique banisters and classic New England charm...The Ellis Inn has a healthy dose of playful spirit and personal flair. Guests might find Senator Bernie Sanders himself (well, ok, a crocheted version) tucked into unexpected nooks around the property, making for a quirky “Where’s Bernie?” game that folx won’t be expecting. These quirky touches, along with its intimate charm and character, make the inn feel less like a traditional venue and perfect for nearlyweds seeking something a little different.
Flexible, Charming, and Entirely Yours
Weddings at The Ellis Inn blend the intimacy of a private home with the ease of an intentional venue. The main rental includes the stunning Great Room, complete with gorgeous black walnut walls, cozy seating areas, a pool table, and a built-in bar. (Though furniture can be removed depending on your needs.) It’s a rich, warm space that works for ceremonies, receptions, or late-night hangs. The indoors also features a small banquet room, library, walled porch, and fully equipped, caterer-friendly kitchen, while the gardens outside (featuring a koi pond and seasonal blooms) offer a picturesque spot for ceremonies or cocktail hours. You can host up to 60 guests indoors or up to 100 outdoors, and there’s the flexibility to rent the poolhouse separately or as part of a full-property takeover.
One of the perks of the inn being, well, an inn, is that there’s also on-site accommodation for up to 10, and extra spaces you might not expect - particularly great if you and your nearest and dearest are staying a bit longer. A playroom offers a soft space for little ones, while the game room (complete with foosball, air hockey, and board games) keeps teens and grownups alike entertained. There’s even an exercise room for those who want to start the day with a stretch. Whether you’re hosting an intimate elopement or an extended celebration, The Ellis Inn offers room to breathe, play, and gather, all without losing that homey, personal feel.
Are you all Inn on Character & Flexibility?
The Ellis Inn might be your ideal wedding venue if:
- You’re planning an intimate celebration: elopement, microwedding, or guest list under 100.
- You want the freedom to choose your own vendors and build a day that feels 1000% you.
- You love the charm of a historic inn, complete with both indoor and outdoor event spaces, but are also drawn to something a bit more quirky and playful.
- You’re looking for a space you can rent for just a few hours. While it’s a wonderful setting for multi-day wedding stays, it’s also unusually flexible for very short celebrations (and tighter budgets).
- You appreciate the extras, like a playroom for littles or a cozy game room with foosball and a mountain of board games.
However, if you're dreaming of a big blowout wedding with 150 guests, an all-inclusive package, or something more traditionally “wedding venue” (like a glitzy ballroom or rustic Vermont barn), the Ellis Inn probably isn’t your best fit. This place is made for couples who value personality, flexibility, and a unique blend of refinement, whimsy, and country charm.
In their own words: Paula Ellis, owner
What makes The Ellis Inn so special?
Our homelike warm welcome, personalized services, secluded setting, near by walking trail, resort style amenities, expansive common area. Close to Burlington.
Do you have a favorite wedding or event story that’s happened at the Inn?
We had a 70 person wedding party where they brought in Live music, food trucks had special lighting and contagious excitement.
What’s one thing about the venue that couples are most surprised or delighted by?
How luxurious and grandiose the common building spaces are. The many patios and beautifully groomed landscapes and garden beds. Cascading waterfall into the Koi pond.
What do you wish more couples understood when booking a venue or about the process?
How important it is to love and respect the ground and Inn and treat it as your own.
What is your favorite thing about working with couples?
Sharing in their excitement of hoe interest in the history of the Inn.
Do you welcome all types of couples (genders, ethnicities, races, ages etc.)?
All types.
When not at the inn, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Travel to new land, dining out, going to free live performances in the area.
What is your favorite local establishment?
Maquam Barn & Winery in Milton for live music, dinner and fantastic views of the Adirondacks mountains.
Make It Inn-credibly You
The Ellis Inn is the kind of place that practically dares you to make it personal—and that’s where we shine. At Whimsically You, we specialize in full celebration design that goes way beyond color palettes. We help you shape the whole guest experience to reflect your story, from immersive decor and custom signage to interactive moments and thematic flourishes your guests won’t stop talking about. Want to turn the rehearsal dinner into a cheeky murder mystery? Add a puzzle game inspired by your favorite fandom? Set the scene with a vintage-style photo booth that fits the vibe and your personalities? We’ve got you. Whether you’re dreaming big or just need a few playful, meaningful touches to tie it all together, we’ll help make this venue unmistakably yours.
Outside the Local Bubble
We love doing in-depth spotlights like this on local vendors and venues, but sometimes we also like to give a little love to some folx from farther afield! Depending on where you’re from and what you’re looking for, considering checking out these other wedding pros:
- Amethyst Star Ventures: Central Texas photo booths with creative add-ons like spotlight features and fun “boxed” templates.
- Buds, Blooms, and Blossoms: A Utah florist offering arrangements and nationwide floral preservation with options like coasters, jewelry, and framed keepsakes.
- Irene’s Bells: A virtual wedding planning coach helping DIY couples navigate logistics with custom guides and one-on-one support.
- Events by MDM Associates: Based in DC/VA/MD, they offer coordination, rentals, and fun extras like hotel room decoration, proposal planning, and 360 photo booths.
- Elster's Professional Wedding Officiant Service: A Tucson-based celebrant offering inclusive, non-denominational ceremonies for all couples.
- Enloe Entertainment: A Houston DJ who also offers lots of extras like snow machines, sketchbots, and silent disco setups.
- Happily Everitt After Services: Planning, officiating, and notary services in Tennessee for budget-conscious couples, with a heart for cat rescue and humanitarian causes.