Nestled in the heart of Durham, NH, The Thompson Inn provided the perfect backdrop for Cara & Matt’s enchanting summer wedding.
From a heartfelt ceremony beneath a grand tree to an electric dance party that had everyone singing along, their day was nothing short of spectacular.
If you're searching for wedding venues in New Hampshire that combine rustic elegance with historic charm, this is one to add to your list.
The Thompson Inn: A Historic New Hampshire Wedding Venue
Once known as the Highland House, The Thompson Inn & Cyderhouse dates back as far as 1779. Restored with care by its owners, the inn seamlessly blends historic character with modern comforts, making it one of the most sought-after New Hampshire wedding venues.
Its wrap-around porch, lush outdoor spaces, and intimate event settings make it an ideal choice for couples looking for Portsmouth, New Hampshire wedding venues with a timeless feel.
Cara & Matt embraced all that this venue had to offer, from the serene front lawn where they exchanged vows to the charming inn that housed their afterparty.
Thompson Inn Wedding: Event Highlights
The Ceremony
Set beneath the sprawling branches of two grand maple trees, Cara and Matt's ceremony was something out of a storybook.
Guests gathered in neatly arranged white chairs, the soft rustling of leaves creating a serene ambiance as they fanned themselves in the warm July air. The natural greenery framed the couple beautifully, enhanced by a breathtaking floral arrangement.
As the ceremony began, live acoustic music by Joseph & Erika set the tone with a heartfelt rendition of I Love You Always Forever in the style of Mateo Oxley. Cara made her way down the aisle, radiant in a flowing lace gown, and joined Matt to make their love story official.
When the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Cara and Matt made their way back down the aisle together, with friends and family erupting in cheers. You Make My Dreams Come True played in the background, creating the perfect celebratory moment.
It was a scene of pure joy, framed by the historic charm of one of the most picturesque wedding venues in New Hampshire.
Looking for help with planning your wedding ceremony? Check out blog post with the best wedding recessional songs!
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to relax and celebrate during an intimate cocktail hour.
The wrap-around porch at The Thompson Inn provides the perfect setting for mingling, offering a shaded retreat where friends and family can sip cocktails while enjoying the evening breeze.
Inside the main building, warm lighting and cozy nooks create a welcoming space for laughter, conversation, and heartfelt reunions.
Live acoustic music carried seamlessly through the indoor and outdoor spaces, setting an effortless, laid-back tone for the evening. Joseph & Erika performed an eclectic mix of classics, including songs by Fleetwood Mac and Sixpence None the Richer, filling the air with melodies that felt both timeless and fresh.
Cara and Matt took a moment to soak it all in, pausing for photos and toasting with their signature drinks—small, intimate moments that made the celebration feel even more personal.
Planning a wedding? Check out our blog for more wedding cocktail hour ideas!
Dinner and Reception
As the sun began to set, guests were welcomed into the reception space, where Cara and Matt made their casual and heartfelt entrance.
Their first dance was a sentimental callback to the ceremony, as they swayed to I Love You Always Forever once again—this time in its recorded form.
From that moment on, the celebration was in full swing!
Dance Party
The DJ dance party kept the energy high all night, with guests tearing up the dance floor to an electrifying mix dance hits like One More Time by Daft Punk, Dancing On My Own by Robyn, and We Found Love by Rihanna.
One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the interactive acoustic singalong, where guests gathered in a circle, belting out classics like All The Small Things, What’s Up, and Sweet Caroline. The joy and energy in the room were undeniable, creating an unforgettable wedding moment.
As the night came to a close, guests were invited back across the property for an afterparty at the Inn, where firepits were lit, cocktails were poured, and the celebration continued under the stars.
Thompson Inn Wedding: Vendor Team
Every detail of Cara and Matt’s Thompson Inn wedding was beautifully brought to life by an incredible team of vendors. From the carefully curated floral arrangements to the seamless coordination, each professional played a vital role in making this day truly special.
Special thanks to Lauren Ingle at Thompson Inn, who ensured everything ran smoothly, allowing the couple and their guests to relax and enjoy the celebration.
Julia Gamache captured every moment with artistry and elegance, while the venue’s historic charm provided the perfect backdrop for Cara and Matt's love story.
Vendor Credits
Venue: The Thompson Inn
Photographer: Julia Gamache
Music & Entertainment: Joseph & Erika
All photos in this post are credited to Julia Gamache.
Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
Cara and Matt’s Thompson Inn wedding was a heartfelt and joyous celebration from start to finish.
With a ceremony set under the shade of a beautiful tree, a relaxed yet elegant cocktail hour, and a high-energy reception filled with unforgettable music, their day was truly magical.
As the night ended with guests singing along to classics and heading to the afterparty by the fire pits, it was clear that this was a wedding to be remembered. We were honored to be part of this incredible day and wish Cara and Matt a lifetime of love, laughter, and music!
If you’re looking to create an unforgettable wedding soundtrack, we would love to help bring your vision to life.
Let’s plan your perfect wedding soundtrack together. Book a consultation today!
What makes The Thompson Inn a great wedding venue in New Hampshire?
The Thompson Inn is a perfect blend of historic charm and modern elegance. With its stunning outdoor ceremony spaces, wrap-around porch, and beautifully restored Cyderhouse, it offers a warm, intimate setting for couples looking for wedding venues in New Hampshire that feel both rustic and refined.
How can wedding musicians like Joseph & Erika personalize the music for a wedding?
Why is The Thompson Inn a top pick among Portsmouth New Hampshire wedding venues?
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