Hildene, built by Abraham Lincoln’s only son to survive to adulthood, is a museum and wedding venue located in Manchester, Vermont. This historic, 24-room mansion sits on 500 acres and is home to the oldest residential pipe organ in the country. Hildene also features the Hoyt formal garden, carriage barn, Rowland Agricultural Center, 12 miles of walking trails, Cutting and Kitchen gardens, rolling meadows, and an observatory. With space to accommodate groups of up to 200 guests, Hildene offers the unique opportunity to hold your wedding ceremony and reception alongside a legacy of rich American history.

Facilities and Capacity

Hildene offers three indoor and outdoor event spaces. The 8,000-square-foot Georgian Revival mansion was completed in 1905 and features 24 bedrooms and eight bathrooms. Hildene’s restored formal gardens and terrace overlook the nearby mountains and valley below. The property’s largest space, the Event Tent, seats 200 guests and features a prep kitchen and restroom facilities.

Services Offered

Event planning, rentals, use of the bridal suite, and bar services are all provided in-house. Hildene’s Wedding Director, Carmine Cole, will be on hand to oversee every detail of your special day. Parking is available on site, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Your rental includes an altar or arch, dance floor, lighting, tables, tent accessories, and a tent. Lily of the Valley is the venue’s exclusive florist. Barware, china, glassware, flatware, and linens are available on site. Hildene holds a liquor license and offers the following bar services:

• Bartenders
• Champagne toast
• House beer
• House liquor
• House wine
• Open bar
• Premium liquor
• Specialty drinks
• Specialty wine

Cuisine

Pangaea Restaurant is the property’s exclusive caterer. Pangaea offers a variety of cuisine and service styles, including but not limited to the following:

• Buffet
• Cake
• Cocktail reception
• Dessert
• Family style
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Plated
• Servers
• Stations
• Tastings

History

Robert Todd Lincoln, the only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, purchased the land for a summer home in 1902. He had first visited Manchester with his mother as a young child. Many years later, when he was President of the largest manufacturing company in the U.S., The Pullman Company, Robert returned to Manchester. The Georgian revival mansion was completed in 1905. The mansion, land, and 13 accompanying buildings were occupied by the Lincoln family until 1975. In 1978, the nonprofit organization Friends of Hildene raised the money to save the mansion and land from developers and began to carefully restore the estate.

Location

Hildene is located in Manchester, a small town in southern Vermont. Manchester is home to multiple restaurants and hotels as well as year-round outdoor activities. The nearest major airports are located in Boston, New York, Burlington, and Hartford.