Wedding FAQs

The Preserve at Chocorua

Welcome and congratulations! Below are the questions we hear most often from couples considering The Preserve for their wedding. If something you need to know isn't here, please reach out. We love getting to know our couples and hearing what matters most to you.

BOOKING & AVAILABILITY

  • Most of our couples book twelve to eighteen months ahead, though we occasionally have shorter-notice openings — especially for off-season weddings. Saturdays in peak season (late June through mid-October) tend to fill first.

  • The fastest way is through our inquiry form. We respond within a few business days with available dates and an invitation to schedule a tour.

  • Tours are by appointment so we can give you our full attention. If you're traveling from out of state, let us know, we'll work with your schedule.

  • A non-refundable retainer to hold the date, with the remaining balance due in scheduled installments leading up to the wedding.

  • Generally, retainers are non-refundable. We do our best to work with couples on rescheduling whenever possible, especially in cases of unforeseen circumstances.

  • Yes. Your wedding weekend is fully private, there are no other events on the property while you're here.

PRICING & WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Rental of The Preserve at Chocorua, includes exclusive, private and unlimited use of the following: The Hayford Barn, Mock Manor Farmhouse, Carriage House, Ice Pavilion, Gazebo, Sailcloth Tent, the four Guest Cottages as well as the surrounding property for a three night, four day restful stay. We also include a complimentary additional night for the wedding couple to bask in what was “the greatest weekend ever!”.

    Your wedding weekend also includes access to the Preserve’s curated collection of wedding pantry items, unique soft seating furniture, handcrafted farmhouse tables and chairs for up to 225 guests, and ceremony benches accommodating up to 225 guests.

  • The Preserve has two applicable fees, a Legacy Investment and a lodging fee. These fees vary depending on the chosen wedding date. The Preserve Legacy Investment includes all amenities that make our property ideal for your weekend long celebration. This fee is used to cover facility costs, maintenance, groundskeeping, upkeep of the property, staffing, and future improvements to this historic estate. This fee is paid by the hosts who will be reserving the estate. The Preserve Lodging Block includes all of the lodging for 60-72 guests from Thursday at 10am – Sunday at 3pm. A portion of this fee is usually reimbursed by guests enjoying their stay on property.

    Total investment is different for each couple. It can depend on budget, guest count, season, and vendor selection.

  • We offer reduced rates for weddings outside peak summer/fall, as well as one-day rates during the month of March.

  • New Hampshire has no state sales tax; a meaningful advantage when budgeting a wedding weekend. There is a state Meals & Rooms tax on lodging, currently 8.5%.

  • We pride ourselves on transparent pricing. Beyond the Legacy Investment and lodging fee, the Preserve does require couples to hire, at minimum, a day-of wedding planner or coordinator to help ensure a seamless wedding weekend. Optional add-ons are also available to make your celebration even more enjoyable.

  • Yes, events at The Preserve require insurance for the whole weekend. 

SPACES, CAPACITY & LAYOUT

  • We can accommodate 225+ guests. Most of our weddings range between 125 and 175 guests, which suits the property well.

  • Our property includes the Hayford Barn, Sailcloth Tent, Open Field, The Orchard, and The Pine Grove and several outdoor ceremony/reception settings across the grounds. Most couples use multiple spaces throughout the weekend — for example, an outdoor ceremony, a reception under the tent, and a Sunday brunch in the barn.

  • Absolutely, and we strongly recommend planning for both. We'll help you choose your primary ceremony spot and a confirmed weather alternative, and we'll make the call together 24 to 48 hours before the ceremony.

  • Many couples build a 'venue tour' experience into their wedding flow, moving guests between spaces as the day progresses.

  • We provide handcrafted tables and chairs for up to 225 guests, along with ceremony benches for up to 225 guests. We also offer a selection of linens available for rehearsal dinners, welcome gatherings, and other weekend events.

  • The Bridal Suite is a serene carefully curated space that allows the bridal party to relax and pamper themselves. The large windows, sheer draperies,and mid-century lighting allow your photographer to capture your picture perfect moments as you prepare for the ceremony. Groomsmen typically get ready in the Carriage House or one of the five cottages.

ACCOMMODATIONS & LODGING

  • Up to 72 guests can stay on-site. Lodging spans the Mock Manor Farmhouse, the four Cottages, and the Carriage House.

  • There are multiple options for guests to stay off-site including local inns, AirBnBs and hotels.

  • On-site lodging is typically available from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning.

  • Yes. We have ample on-site parking for guests, vendors, and overnight cars.

  • Yes. Guests are welcome to leave cars on the property and return for them the following morning. We always encourage couples to plan for this.

CATERING, BAR & VENDORS

  • We offer some in-house catering options to provide on-site guests with breakfast the day of the wedding however you will need to hire catering for the main events.

  • You are required to hire a bar service for the day of the wedding.

  • We do and we strongly recommend working with vendors who know the property. Our preferred list includes photographers, florists, planners, officiants, DJs, bands, and rental companies who have worked here many times.

  • Yes, you are welcome to use whichever vendor you choose.

WEDDING WEEKEND LOGISTICS

  • Most weekends follow a Friday-through-Sunday flow: Friday rehearsal and welcome dinner or party, Saturday wedding day, Sunday farewell brunch. The full property is yours, so guests staying on-site can come Thursday if you’d like to get the festivities started early.

  • Couples are welcome to arrive Thursday morning to begin setting up.

  • Depending on where the reception is held, the wedding day will need to wrap up by 10pm in the Sailcloth Tent and 11pm in the Hayford Barn.

  • Yes. Couples typically run their ceremony rehearsal on Friday afternoon. We coordinate timing with your officiant and planner.

  • We require all couples to hire a day-of coordinator in addition to our venue team. We also offer additional in-house planning services if needed.

WEATHER, DECOR & SPECIAL TOUCHES

  • Every outdoor ceremony has a confirmed indoor or tented alternative, chosen with you during planning. Weather decisions are made 24 to 48 hours out in close coordination with your planner. We've done it all, sun, rain, the occasional surprise snow flurry, and we know how to make any weather feel like part of the magic.

  • Our Sailcloth Tent accommodates a seated reception with sidewalls and heating available for cooler weather.

  • Absolutely. Winter weddings here have a quiet, snow-blanketed beauty that's hard to find anywhere else. The Hayford Barn and indoor spaces are heated for full-comfort celebrations year-round.

  • We have plans for every kind of New England weather. In rare cases of severe weather, we work with you and your planner to adjust the timeline so the day still feels seamless. Our team has navigated everything from August thunderstorms to February snow.

  • Yes, with vendor pre-approval and weather permitting.

GUEST EXPERIENCE: TRAVEL, ACCESSIBILITY & MORE

  • Tamworth is roughly 2 hours 20 minutes from Boston, 3 to 3.5 hours from Hartford, and about 5.5 hours from New York City. Most out-of-town guests fly into Boston Logan, Portland Jetport or Manchester-Boston Regional Airport.

  • Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the closest approximately 1.5 hours from The Preserve. Boston Logan (BOS) offers more flight options at a slightly longer drive, approx 2.5 hours.

  • Many couples arrange shuttles between off-site lodging and the venue. We can recommend local shuttle services that have worked here before.

  • We work with couples to make every guest feel welcome. Let us know early about specific needs so we can plan thoughtfully.

  • Absolutely. We've hosted plenty of weddings with little ones. Some couples arrange childcare on-site through local sitters; others build kid-friendly elements into the day. We can share suggestions either way.

  • Yes, we love dogs!

  • Yes. Tamworth and the broader White Mountains region offer hiking, lake swimming and paddling, charming small-town shopping, and great local restaurants. We share a curated guest guide with all of our couples to send along with their wedding website.

  • Yes, most carriers have cell service on-site. WiFi is also available in the Mock Manor Farmhouse, Hayford Barn and the Carriage house.