Elopements and micro weddings continue to gain momentum as couples rethink what a meaningful wedding day really looks like. Rather than planning a large event with endless logistics, many are choosing intimate celebrations that feel personal and intentional. This shift has put small wedding venues in CT, like ours, at the top of lists for couples who value connection over spectacle. A smaller guest count creates space for real moments, genuine emotion, and a day that reflects who you are as a couple, not a checklist of expectations.
Mystic has emerged as one of the most appealing places to get married in CT, especially for couples drawn to coastal charm and historic character. Choosing a Connecticut elopement here allows you to design a ceremony that feels authentically yours, whether that means a simple waterfront vow exchange or a thoughtfully styled celebration with just your closest people.
An elopement also creates a seamless transition from the wedding day to the honeymoon, making The Whalers Inn even more important to the story. As the only elevated lodging in downtown Mystic, our hotel offers a rare opportunity to stay exactly where your day unfolds, without travel or interruptions. Couples choosing our Connecticut elopement packages can begin their married life with a relaxed stay that is both celebratory and restorative. From cozy rooms ideal for couples to elegant suites for a touch of luxury, there’s no better place to begin your journey. Contact us to book today!

The Best Small Wedding Venues in Mystic, CT
When you choose small wedding venues in CT like ours, you discover a celebration that feels effortless and meaningful from the moment you arrive. Include our elopement package in your stay, and you’ll enjoy a complete elopement experience, so you can focus on each other rather than on logistics. Your experience includes an officiant to guide the ceremony, a beautifully arranged mixed floral bouquet, a custom cake created by Lis Bakeshop, and sparkling wine with keepsake champagne flutes to mark the occasion.
Couples can arrange this package with just a short lead time before their date and enjoy a ceremony that feels tailored yet uncomplicated. If you want to add on to your experience, we offer ways for you to do that, too. These elevated options set us apart from other small wedding venues in Connecticut.
If you enjoy creative experiences, consider working with your own hands and booking a workshop through local artisans to design and fabricate wedding bands or engagement rings. We work with the local husband-and-wife duo, Cal & Emily, at Marquis Designs, to invite couples to stop by their studio in Stonington to customize rings. They will facilitate the entire process, from an initial design consultation to ordering any special materials (i.e., gold/platinum & stones) at market value, and schedule the private lesson. This adds a deeply personal layer to your day that extends beyond the ceremony itself.
Following your vows, continue the celebration at one of the best small wedding venues in CT. We offer couples the chance to enjoy exceptional farm-to-fork dining at The Shipwrights Daughter, the Inn’s acclaimed restaurant. A chef’s tasting menu paired with wine gives you a chance to raise a toast to your new life together. We can’t think of a better way to kickstart your honeymoon!
Beyond what we offer couples at our small wedding venue directly, we also offer easy access to all the best things to do in Mystic, which means you can get straight to enjoying your honeymoon without having to travel or deal with any complicated logistics. Mystic’s compact, historic downtown and waterfront views offer endless opportunities for intimate photos and moments after you say your vows.
As the only lodging in the downtown area, The Whalers Inn keeps you connected to all the charm and activity of this coastal Connecticut town without having to leave after your ceremony. Among all the small wedding venues in CT, this one makes it easy for your elopement to feel effortless and deeply personal.

Honeymoons, Anniversary Getaways, & More at Our Mystic Hotel
Starting your honeymoon in Mystic allows you to ease into married life with experiences that are as celebratory as they are unhurried. After an intimate ceremony, couples can stay right in downtown at The Whalers Inn, one of the most highly regarded hotels in Mystic, CT. Everything you want to do is just steps away. Morning coffee by the river, leisurely walks through historic streets, sunset views near the drawbridge, and memorable meals at local restaurants all become part of the first chapter of your marriage.
Instead of rushing off to a distant destination, you can stay present, relax together, and truly enjoy the moment, which is often exactly what couples want after choosing an elopement at small wedding venues like ours. Mystic also has a way of calling couples back, making it an ideal place to return for anniversary getaways year after year. Each visit can feel familiar yet fresh, whether you are celebrating one year or twenty.
Staying again at our hotel allows you to relive your elopement while creating new traditions. Don’t wait to plan; contact us today to book one of the most coveted small wedding venues in Connecticut today!