I think this is the only vendor that was absolutely perfect on our Big Day! Not that I had a lot of trouble with others; it's just that Vinwood is phenomenal and I absolutely would hire them for something else or recommend them.

I know there's no tasting- and having Jewish and some Italian members means food is REALLY important. But we felt good about our decision after reading all the great reviews and meeting with Ray. Le Husband and I started to feel even better when we were meeting with other potential vendors who would ask who our caterer was...once we told them "Vinwood" they would reply that they have the best food, hands down. My dj furthermore said that he's been in the business for 30 years and they are the most polished and professional to work with- it's not just about what's on the menu. I would agree with that, too. I also want to mention that their complimentary china and linens were very elegant. Everything looked so classy and nicely coordinated.

They seamlessly moved our ceremony chairs to the our dinner tent and helped with all sorts of set-up as if they were both the caterer and the venue coordinator. They made a custom sorbet for us presented in lovely martini style glasses. I had requested that since it would be a little while before the actual dessert (cupcakes) and thought in June it would be refreshing. It looked so elegant with the glass and mint leaf, and they simply substituted it for their standard fruit spread. So, if you have something that you have dreamed up, ask them!

And oh yeah, my guests often said it was the best wedding food they've had. No "food was good" generic polite feedback from them. Nope, just raves and full, happy guests.

Got hitched on 06/19/11 at Hammond Castle- had both the ceremony and the reception there. Let me begin by saying that it's really like two venues in one: you get the back lawn that overlooks the ocean plus the interior of the castle. To say my guests were wowed by this place is to put it very mildly. Many of them said this was the best wedding they have ever been to- a real fairy tale setting for a wedding.

The grounds in June were lovely- we had visited the castle 4 separate times (initial visit, dropping off the deposit/ asking some questions, vendor walk through, and finally a pseudo rehearsal) all during different times of year, and I was so pleased with the way the grounds were in bloom. Our guests enjoyed just wandering around and taking pictures of everything: the drawbridge, gargoyles, the inside atrium, etc. Linda the event manager was lovely to deal with on each of these visits, and she will manage your event like it's second nature.

We got married on the lawn and had the cocktail reception there, too. We heard the ocean waves gently lapping behind us as we gave our vows. Dinner was also outside under a tent because I didn't want to waste one of the longest days of the year inside the somewhat dark castle...but it was perfect for dancing and the cake cutting later!

Hammond Castle wasn't the only venue in Cape Ann we had considered, but the castle was thousands less than, say, the Crane Estate or one of the venues at Endicott College. Both of those places have a nice historic house with an ocean view but all I could think of is "Gee, we could be renting an entire *castle* for a lot less". Plus, the castle doesn't have a liquor license which saves you serious money. Look, I'm not saying it was cheap- it's definitely not- but it's a better value than some comparable near-by places.

If you go with his venue- a few pieces of advice: get both phone numbers for Linda and the castle- the castle is a museum that is closed for much of the year, but she is there or will get back to you. Of course, there's email, too but sometimes it's quicker to go through a series of questions with her on the phone. On the big day, make sure your guests know to go over the drawbridge and not down the scary steep stairs that some of the vendors use. Some of our guests saw those stairs and skipped what could have been a fun, grand entrance. Lastly, pick a photographer who has photographed the venue before because the interior lighting can be tricky. Also they may not be aware of all the different places to pose you. For a small scale castle, it's packed with possibilities.

My husband and I had also considered Glen Magna Farms- he especially loved the formal gardens. But now we are so very glad we had it at Hammond- in 10 years our family and friends will most definitely remember their time there. There's plenty of historic houses and gardens in New England for weddings. But a castle by the sea is truly special.