Can we host both our ceremony and reception on-site?

Yes. Couples may host ceremonies outdoors or indoors within fully weather-protected spaces, followed by cocktail hour and reception in the same or different event spaces.

What happens if the weather changes on our wedding day?

The Knowlton offers fully weather-protected indoor ceremony and reception options across multiple event spaces, allowing couples to transition seamlessly without compromising the guest experience.

Waterfront Wedding Venue in Fairfield County, Connecticut

A Flexible Waterfront Wedding Venue with Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

Couples host weddings of many sizes at The Knowlton, with most celebrations ranging from 120–200 guests
and the flexibility to comfortably accommodate both smaller gatherings and full-venue weddings.

Located on the waterfront in Bridgeport, Connecticut, The Knowlton offers three distinct indoor event spaces and dedicated outdoor areas, allowing couples to design celebrations that feel intentional, well-scaled, and personal.

The Boathouse offers an industrial-chic setting ideal for wedding receptions of many styles and sizes. Filled with natural light during the day, the space features three expansive 14’ × 12’ garage doors that open to a 1,200-square-foot waterfront deck overlooking the Pequonnock River.

Ceremonies may take place outdoors on the lawn or deck, or indoors within The Armstrong Gallery or The Wilder Gallery for a more intimate or weather-protected setting. As the sun sets, customizable lighting transforms the space into an elegant evening atmosphere.

Weddings at The Knowlton may take place in a single space or flow across multiple spaces for ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, creating a smooth, intentional guest experience.

With three distinct indoor event spaces and dedicated waterfront outdoor areas, The Knowlton gives couples the flexibility to design a wedding that feels well-paced, right-sized, and thoughtfully planned.

Start Planning Your Wedding

Wedding reception in The Boathouse under elegant chandeliers and dramatic lighting

Fall wedding reception at The Knowlton with uplighting and rustic wood floors.

Outdoor ceremony in Mural Park with vibrant art as a backdrop.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white folding chairs and waterfront views.

Cocktail hour on The Knowlton’s riverside deck overlooking the Pequonnock River.

Bride and groom enjoying the food trucks setup by the lawn after their ceremony.

Modern sweetheart table with floating orchid centerpiece and uplighting.

Close-up of gold-rimmed charger and napkin fold with a single white rose.

Round reception table with tall white floral arrangements and candles.

Elegant tablescape with layered white florals, gold candles, and black Chiavari chairs.

Dramatic dusk view of the Pequonnock River from The Knowlton.

Sunset rainbow over Mural Park and The Knowlton lawn.

Lush red and gold floral arrangement under wedding drapery installation

Reception dinner with uplighting and round tables in The Boathouse

South Asian and Indian wedding send-off at The Knowlton, featuring a Pakistani bride and groom, classic Rolls-Royce, and bubble farewell in Mural Park.

Wedding Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can The Knowlton accommodate for a wedding?

The Knowlton hosts weddings of many sizes, from intimate celebrations to large full-venue receptions. Most weddings range from 120–200 guests, while larger weddings can be accommodated through flexible, multi-space layouts.

Will the space feel too large for a mid-size wedding?

No. Our event spaces are designed to be scaled intentionally through layout, lighting, and furniture placement, ensuring every wedding feels full, energetic, and well-balanced, never oversized or cavernous.

Can we host our ceremony and reception on-site?

Yes. Many couples host both their ceremony and reception at The Knowlton. Ceremonies may take place outdoors on the waterfront deck or lawn, or indoors within the Armstrong Gallery or Wilder Gallery as a weather-protected option.

Do you offer indoor and outdoor wedding options?

Yes. The Knowlton features three distinct indoor event spaces as well as dedicated waterfront outdoor areas, allowing couples to design a seamless indoor-outdoor wedding experience when weather permits.

Can we use multiple spaces throughout the day?

Absolutely. Couples often use one space for the ceremony, another for cocktail hour, and a third for the reception, creating a natural flow and dynamic guest experience.

Is outside catering allowed?

Yes. Outside caterers are welcome. We regularly host weddings with a wide range of catering styles, including kosher and specialty caterers.

Is parking available for wedding guests?

Yes. The Knowlton offers approximately 200 on-site parking spaces, providing easy and convenient access for guests and vendors.

How far in advance should we book our wedding?

Most couples book 12–18 months in advance, especially for peak spring and fall dates. Availability may vary, so we recommend reaching out early in the planning process.

How do we schedule a tour?

Click “Start Planning Your Wedding” to schedule a private tour. Our team will walk you through the spaces, layout options, and planning process.