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Exeter Inn - This is a historic venue in a great town. I've had the honor of being the JP for quite a few weddings here both inside and outside in the garden courtyard. There are two that stand out in my mind. The first was indoors on an April night. It was a second marriage for both, and both had children. I helped them to put together a delightful ceremony that featured a children's unity candle. The second was outdoors on a summer's evening. It was the brother of a Bride who I had married a few years before. Very pleasant wedding that went off without a hitch... except for the music for the recessional. For some reason, it wouldn't play. We waited until the "DJ" (a friend of the Groom) figured it out, and then the couple marched triumphantly down the aisle. All's well that ends well!
•Fort Rock Farm - Nice site for a wedding that not a lot or people know about. There's an expansive lawn area with a trellis for outdoor weddings and a barn that I'm guessing would seat around 100 or so for an indoor ceremony. Weddings have been happening here for at least 3 years, but there is no official website for the venue - at least not that I could find. And, frankly, I'm not sure how couples find out about the place if you don't know the owner already. In fact, you may have to know the owners in order for you to have your wedding there. In any case, if you're interested in this location I think you'll need to visit it to inquire about it. It's located at 2 Newfields Road in Exeter. Pics:
Fort Rock Farm
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Green Gate Campground - Married a couple on the lawn in front of the main office recently. I hadn't been to this place since the 90's when I DJed an event there. At the time, this venue, which was lovely, hosted events like weddings but, at some point, they stopped doing that. Recently the banquet facilitity, which I can't vouch for personally, has reopened, so check them out as a potential site for your ceremony and reception.
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McDonnell Conservation Area - Beautiful little spot on the banks of the Exeter River. I officiate weddings at the trailhead next to the parking lot. Conveniently, there is a little bench located there in case a couple of your guests need to be sitting for the ceremony. Really, this is a place more suited to elopements than larger gatherings. In fact, I'd say if you have more than 15 guests, you might want to look for a different site. I included the FaceBook page because there is no official website yet. Because it is so close to home, rather than the ordinary fee for an outdoor ceremony where I come to you, I charge the reduced fee of a ceremony where you come to me.
Pics:
McDonnell Conservation Area
•Swasey Park Bandstand Gazebo - Was the JP for a wedding here in January. Wonderful site with a view of the Squamscott River, and shelter from the elements if needed. In the winter I think you can have an elopement or a wedding with a handful of guests without notifying the town, but in summer I would call to make arrangements. Pics:
Swasey Park Bandstand Gazebo
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The Word Barn - Nice little venue for a wedding. They also hold concerts, poetry readings and other events there. Officiated an October wedding here recently in a small room that could probably fit 35 or 40 or so guests. Rustic and kind of cool. Check it out if you're looking to get married in the Exeter area. Pictures:
The Word Barn
Here are links to the town clerk and information on obtaining your marriage license in Exeter...