The small town of Mystic has become quite the destination thanks to it’s award winning restaurants, gorgeous scenery, and that “super-fun-downtown-buzzing-with-great-bars-but-still-gives-off-a-small-town-coastal-New-England” feel! You can totally see why people love visiting here. Add in the stunning wedding venues and it’s no wonder so many people find themselves planning a Mystic wedding weekend!
I’m a local wedding photographer (@lovesundayphoto) living in downtown Mystic. In the past few years I’ve noticed a huge amount of my clients are coming from out of town and are planning a Mystic wedding weekend from far away. I thought it’d be fun to put together a few of my favorite spots to help with planning a Mystic wedding weekend (or bach party!) to entertain your guests.
Here’s a unique take on places to stay, eat and party from a local who loves great food and great drinks! Feel free to add your recommendations in the comments π
Best Espresso Martini:
Best places to drink are below, but I created this category because the truth is the best espresso martini out there is right here in Mystic! Pop into Via Emelia (or grab one of their cute tables outside) for a secret recipe version of the cocktail of the year. If traffic is an issue (which hate to break it to you, it definitely can be) you can grab one at their sister restaurant Amalfi, 5 minutes down the road in the Old Mystic Village. Same recipe, same chef’s kiss. Warning: if you try to add Bailey’s like I do always, they’ll tell you it doesn’t need it. Trust them! INSTAGRAM
Where to Stay:
Mystic has its fair share of chain hotels. But if you’re looking for a few options that are closer to downtown and a little vibier, check out these great places.
Harbor View Landing– is a decent but do-able walk or about a 5 minute drive from downtown. Harbor View Landing is a private tucked away property containing multiple cottages and captains homes. Recently they just added a houseboat with floor to ceiling windows and a top deck bar and grill! You can also rent out the entire property for your wedding party and guests. HVL is also available as a wedding venue! INSTAGRAM
Whaler’s Inn– Right in the heart of downtown is a beautiful boutique hotel with 45 pristine rooms. There is a separate guest house you could rent for your wedding party to all stay in and get ready together. Whaler’s also offers micro and elopement wedding packages if you’re interested in getting married on or around the property. It is attached to the one and only Shipwright’s Daughter (absolutely listed below in Where to Eat!!) INSTAGRAM
Delamar Mystic– This brand new addition to Mystic needs no introduction as the Delamar is a well known luxury boutique hotel chain. We got a chance to pop in and check it out (and have a drink at La Plage) recently and it is gorrrrgeous. I can’t wait to see the view in the summer! I’m sure it will make a fabulous spot for weddings and rehearsal dinners as well. They are currently offering a discount for Connecticut (and surrounding states) residents! INSTAGRAM
Things to do:
Planning your Mystic CT destination wedding you’ll probably want to give your guests some fun things to do. Being such a beautiful town right on the water means there’s lots of options! Check out some of my favorite places to hang.
Saltwater Farm Vineyard– I really could have made “Vineyards” its own section, seeing as we’re so lucky to have so many great ones! SWF is a beautiful building on a beautiful vineyard and honestly, you’ve probably already heard of it. It truly needs no introduction! Most weekends you can find live music, raw bars, food trucks. Everything you could want at a place that’s close to downtown Mystic with plenty of parking. Their wine is delicious and it’s a great place to go if you have dogs or kids with you! Check their IG and website, as they are also one of the top wedding venues in the area, so they may be closed for events. You can also check out their sister vineyard Kingdom of the Hawk. Not too far away, you will also find live music, food and of course great wine π INSTAGRAM
Stone Acres Farm Pop-Up Dinners– Another stand out in all the categories is Stone Acres Farm. It’s a super creative working farm, wedding venue, and occasional “restaurant”. It hosts pop up dinners and events throughout the year. For sure one of my favorite things to do is to visit the pop up dinners in the spring, summer, or fall. The menu is sourced locally from the farm itself and surrounding local vendors, and is set up outside under twinkling garden lights. If you get there early enough you can stroll through the stunning gardens and take your time enjoying your meal. It’s truly an experience! INSTAGRAM
Tiki Bar Cruises– So much fun! A floating Tiki bar takes you down the Mystic River. You can grab your crew and rent out the boat for a fun private event! There’s a full bar and bartender on board, so you get to relax and let someone else do the work. A great way to kick off or maybe wrap up your mystic wedding weekend! INSTAGRAM
Mystic River Boat Adventures– A fun one or three hour self operated boat tour down the Mystic River! This is great idea for a small group. You can book all four boats in order to bring up to eight people with you!
Adventure Mystic– If you’re into paddle boarding, kayaking or biking, you want to check out Adventure Mystic. It offers all of the above along with specialized paddle boarding tours like a Full Moon or Women’s Wednesday. If you’re here in Mystic for Floatchella this is great spot to rent your board!!
Welcome / Rehearsal Dinner Ideas
All of the restaurants listed would be fabulous for hosting your rehearsal or welcome dinner for your mystic wedding weekend. However, here’s a few unique ideas in case you’re looking for something out of the box!
Argia– The Argia is a commercial sail boat docked right in downtown. You can buy out the boat to bring your whole wedding party or group with you! It holds 49 people and is BYOB so stop by the liquor store on the way. You can also bring your own food or they can provide catering. They have sunset sails which are just magical! INSTAGRAM
Mix at Sift– Sift is one of the most popular spots in Mystic thanks to head chef and owner Adam Young winning The Food Network’s Best Baker in America! But his popularity is not what keeps Mix packed (no offense Adam π ). This rooftop bar above Sift is always busy because of the food, atmosphere, amazing staff and great food and cocktails! The decor is comfy modern cool, and is honestly one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat and drink with a friend. They hold events and it’s an awesome spot to bring everyone to welcome them to your wedding weekend! If you’ve got another drink left in you, head to the building next door. Home to another of Adam’s creations, at A.T.Y Bar and Bonbons you will find a specialty martini and chocolate bar! INSTAGRAM
Engine Room Clubhouse– Engine Room is listed down below for the after party. It’s also definitely somewhere you should stop in just for dinner or drinks, but they recently opened a private space that’s perfect for hosting your welcome or rehearsal dinner! INSTAGRAM
Best Bar/ Atmosphere/ and Really Really Great Freaking Food!
OK all of these places are outstanding for food, drink, and atmosphere. Hopefully you have time to fit them all in!! If not come back sometime when you’re not planning a Mystic wedding weekend, just a fun Mystic getaway (always a good idea!)
Shipwright’s Daughter– Shipwright’s opened a few years ago and from day one has been as delicious as it is creative and keeps us coming back for date nights as often as possible! David Standridge is the head chef and co-partner along with wife Kathleen Standridge. David is the 2024 James Beard Chef winner, and Kathleen has won several awards from Wine Spectator. Such a killer combination. Bonus they also have a private room which would be great for a group dinner or brunch! INSTAGRAM
Bravo Bravo– Bravo is a true staple in Mystic. The bar is always busy with regulars, the Italian American menu is as solid as they come. It is consistently perfect. Sitting outside on the sidewalk with a chilled bottle of RosΓ© is the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Also check out their sister restaurant Red 36. You can boat right up to the restaurant and pull into a slip while you sit on the outdoor patio overlooking the water! INSTAGRAM
Tree House at Oyster Club– This spot is an absolute must. The atmosphere is what you are craving when you want to, but can’t be on an island. There’s a trend in Mystic restaurants, and it’s a creative menu using food that’s locally sourced paired with equally as creative cocktails that you might think you’d only find in NYC. It’s a trend mostly thanks to the 85th Day group, which consists of the Tree House, Oyster Club, Engine Room (mentioned above) Port of Call and their newest opening Haring’s Noank. ALLL of these restaurants are favorites. INSTAGRAM
After Party / Night Out
If you want to keep the party going after your wedding in Mystic, you’ve got some options! These places party particularly well.
Engine Room– Listed above for a great group dinner spot, and again for somewhere with great food, Engine Room is also specifically perfect for an after party! They can help you with great snacks and of course drinks to keep everyone partying until close. They’re used to taking care of big groups and guaranteed to also have good music playing so it really makes for a perfect choice! INSTAGRAM
Dive Bar– More from the 85th Day group, Dive bar lives below Port of Call (also great for an after party) and is everything you could want from a dive bar. But like a nice one! And fun! Head there to get some photo strips and great drinks! INSTAGRAM
Taquerio– Converted gas station turned retro Mexican food spot, Taquerio is a super fun spot in Mystic! Some nights there’s Karaoke or Trivia, there’s always outdoor tables and fire pits, and of course the best margs!! Side note: If you’re looking for a little more of an upscale Mexican dinner experience check out their sister restaurant Rio Salado. INSTAGRAM
Harp & Hound– You can NEVER go wrong with a traditional Irish pub, am I right?! And the Harp is THE pub you want to be drinking at. It’s as authentic as they come, with owners and staff from Ireland, live music, and the best pints. Some nights it’s too packed to even get in to, but if you can you definitely want to check it out! INSTAGRAM
Breakfast / Brunch / Bakery
You’ve do so much planning for your Mystic wedding weekend and you can’t end it on an empty stomach! Check out these places whether you just need a quick breakfast sandwich or want to say goodbye to everyone at a delicious boozy brunch!
Nana’s– Nana’s just has all the things. Listed here for breakfast, but also a great lunch, dinner and pizza spot! I can’t do all of their goodness justice, so please check out the website. If you need a perfect coffee, cocktail, or breakfast, this is a great go to. Sit outside by the water or hang inside and feel right at home. INSTAGRAM
Mix at Sift– Here she is again! Mix is offering brunch, and on par with the rest of their offerings, it is worth planning your post wedding brunch with them! INSTAGRAM
Macondo– The quickest option for when you’re heading out of time, Macondo offers Brooklyn based Devocion coffee and delicious freshly made bagels and cream cheese! If you don’t have to rush out, spend some time in the cafe surrounded by beautiful lush plants and comfy leather couches.
Planning a Mystic Wedding Weekend Roundup
I hope you find this info helpful! The truth is with so many good restaurants in this small town, one doesn’t survive unless it’s the best of the best. But it wouldn’t be much of a list if I included them all! These are some of my faves and I know are welcoming to larger groups but please come and check everyone out! Should also mention some couples opt to have their photographer there for a few other weekend events, and that’s a great way to really great awesome fun photos of your friends and family who traveled to see and spend time with you! If this is helpful maybe I’ll post finds from Stonington, CT and Westerly, RI- two surrounding towns who also have a great scene!
Looking for more Inspo for planning a Mystic wedding weekend? Check out these blogs!
