I have had the pleasure to photograph several wedding throughout the years at Alyson’s Orchard in Walpole, NH. It is a beautiful wedding venue with scenic views all around. Even after photographing wedding after wedding there, I still love coming back and finding new and beautiful locations to photograph my couples. With four different ceremony locations there really is a lot to choose from, and so many options to creating amazing images and memories. Fran was right in saying that it is a photographer’s dream to shoot at :)
If you are looking for a Walpole, NH wedding venue, definitely take a look at Alyson’s Orchard at 57 Alyson’s Ln, Walpole, NH 03608 right off of Rt. 12.
Alyson’s Orchard, a Walpole, NH Wedding Venue
Tell us a bit about Alyson’s, how long has it been around as both an orchard and a wedding venue?
In 1979 Bob Jasse and his wife Susan acquired a 450-acre parcel of land in Walpole and their vision was to not only grow apples but also to create a center where people could celebrate important occasions. They beautifully landscaped their scenic property and purchased two additional farms to add lodging. Today, the Orchard is managed using environmentally friendly techniques featuring over 50 varieties of apples, along with berries, peaches, grapes, pears and plums in season. Alyson’s Orchard is also a popular location for Destination Weddings as it offers multiple weddings sites with the seclusion, elegance, and natural perfection that you deserve on your wedding day! It is also a photographers “dream” when it comes to capturing your special day. The Orchard Room, their spectacular post and beam reception hall, accommodates up to 200 guests. If you are looking for a magical place to celebrate your love, you have arrived!
How many weddings do you hold each year and on average when does the season run for you?
We are now averaging about 50 weddings per year. Our season generally starts in late April and runs through mid-November, but this year we already have two weddings in December. We are also happy to host winter weddings but generally, the ceremony must be held indoors because of the cold weather, so the winter is not always as appealing as the other 3 seasons, but it’s more affordable in the off-season.
What makes your wedding venue unique?
What makes Alyson’s unique as a wedding venue is that your ceremony takes place outdoors at one of our four distinct and beautiful wedding sites with breathtaking views of either the Connecticut River Valley, the mountains of Vermont, or the farms of Walpole. We transport your guests from the parking lot to the wedding site, and back, using wagons drawn by John Deere tractors! After the ceremony, your guests gather at our reception hall to enjoy cocktails on the deck, and dinner in our air-conditioned Orchard Room. Perhaps the best part of hosting your wedding at Alyson’s Orchard is staying on-site in our lodging accommodations for the entire weekend with your close family & friends. Our Rochambeau Lodge and Foster Farmhouse can accommodate up to 36 guests and there is a B&B next door that can accommodate another 28 guests. Make your wedding a country Destination Wedding, complete with horseshoes, bocce, a fire pit and a spring-fed swimming pond!
Do you have a few tips for an engaged couple when it comes to deciding on their wedding venue?
Make sure you ask questions! Here at Alyson’s, we are very transparent about pricing and what you get for your site fee, but that is not always the case at every venue. Hidden fees and charges can amount to a lot of extra expense that you may not have planned on, so be sure to find out before you sign a contract. You should not be pressured into signing a contract on the day of your appointment. We give our couples two weeks so that they can research some caterers and visit other venues.
What would be your ideal wedding to hold at your venue?
To me, the “ideal” wedding at Alyson’s is between 125 and 175 guests. Having some live, acoustic music such as a harp or a violin adds a romantic touch to the outdoor ceremony. Our beautiful Orchard Room lends itself to most any décor, from elegant to rustic… but fresh flowers on the tables and beautiful food are a must! A live band is always my favorite for dance music, although a good DJ who can really keep the party hopping, is a close second.
I hope that you have enjoyed getting to know about Alyson’s Orchard. If you are looking for a wedding venue in the Walpole, NH area then definitely visit Alyson’s!
