Lighthouse Point Park is the kind of place where your timeline can breathe a little—and that ocean breeze, sand beneath your feet, and open space naturally help you relax into the day.
Which we definitely needed, because right as we started their first look… a light rain began to fall.Instead of stressing, M + B just rolled with it. That’s the kind of moment that sets the tone for everything. When things don’t go perfectly, but you lean into it anyway.
We shifted some portraits into the carousel area to stay dry, and by the time the ceremony rolled around, everything had cleared for a beautiful beach ceremony and outdoor cocktail hour.
Being Present
Because we tackled portraits at the start of the day, M + B were able to fully enjoy cocktail hour with their guests.
Not off somewhere taking photos.
Not missing conversations.
Just actually being there with their favorite people, laughing and grabbing a drink
The Carousel
Everyone’s favorite part of a Lighthouse Point Park wedding? The carousel.
It adds this playful, nostalgic energy you just can’t recreate anywhere else. And later in the night, guests hop on for a ride or two and take a break from the dance floor.
Sunset by the Water
Soft light glowing off the water, vibrant color mixed with the New Haven skyline in the distance. A moment that feels quiet in the middle of a busy day. M + B snuck away for a few minutes to soak it in and take portraits along the water. One of my non-negotiables: we sneak away after your meal, guests are eating, the light is beautiful and you get a minute to actually feel your wedding day (with me quietly tagging along).
Pizza
Food trucks on a wedding day are always a crowd pleaser. Catering by Big Green Truck Pizza and Red Apple Catering kept things fun and relaxed—and instead of a traditional cake cutting, they went for a pizza cutting instead.
Their details leaned right into the iconic New Haven pizzeria vibes—parm and red pepper flakes on the tables, fresh basil and fun sunglasses that made their way onto the dance floor later in the night.
Your Relaxed, Coastal Connecticut Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a coastal Connecticut wedding with a beach ceremony, ocean views, and a built-in rain backup that still feels open, this is the spot to consider!
View More Weddings at Lighthouse Point Park
Venue
Lighthouse Point Park, New Haven, CT
Catering
Red Apple Catering
Entertainment
DJ Harry G
Hair + Makeup
M.I.L.A. Beauty
Dress
Bridal Affection
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The Carousel at Lighthouse Point Park is a unique historic facility. Besides housing the antique Carousel, the building provides ample space for weddings with beautiful views of New Haven Harbor and Long Island Sound, especially at sunset.
Although there were more than 10,000 such carousels in operation in the 1920’s, The Lighthouse Park Carousel is one of less than 100 in use today. During your wedding reception you can take a ride on one of the 72 figures. Lighthouse Point Park Carousel was built in 1916, it is a rare and important example of American folk art. For years, a ride on the carousel was the highlight of a day at New Haven’s Lighthouse Park. Now it can be one of the highlights of your wedding day.
In 1977 the carousel closed down and the building was boarded up and the figures were placed in storage. Then in late 1980, the mayor of New Haven appointed a group of citizens to restore the carousel. These dedicated volunteers joined together to reclaim this piece of New England heritage. In 1983 the carousel and its storied pavilion were placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City of New Haven, which purchased the carousel in 1927, rehabilitated the neglected building. An “Adopt-A-Horse” program was developed to help pay for restoration as well. After hours of scraping, cleaning, painting, the carousel twirled once again.
Keeping the carousel beautiful and in working order is a continuing task. The motor that sends the carousel spinning requires regular refurbishing, as does the organ that accompanies riders on their flights of fancy. Horses need new tails, manes, and jewels. Routine wear and tear caused by the damp bathing suits of seaside riders make frequent paint touch-ups necessary. Maintenance and restoration must be ongoing if the carousel is to remain beautiful and vibrant.
Fun Facts
- assembled in 1916 by the Murphy Brothers in their Savin Rock workshop.
- one of the largest carousels – 20 ranks on a 60-foot platform.
- the animals – jumping horses, exotic dragon chariots, even a camel.
- Paintings of the New Haven Harbor – steamboats, sailing ships, barges, lighthouses and mermaids add to the attraction.
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