Caroline and Arthur’s August wedding at Dexter’s Inn in Sunapee, New Hampshire felt naturally connected to its surroundings.
Sage and hunter green details complemented the wooded property, while navy suits, ivory linens, burlap textures and candlelight brought warmth to the celebration. Their outdoor ceremony overlooked the mountains, giving guests an unforgettable view as the couple exchanged their vows.
Nothing felt overly arranged or disconnected from the setting. Every design choice supported the relaxed, woodsy atmosphere Caroline and Arthur envisioned for their New Hampshire wedding.
Planning your own celebration? See the complete list of wedding vendors at the bottom of this post.
A Summer Wedding at Dexter’s Inn in Sunapee, NH
Located in the hills near Lake Sunapee, Dexter’s Inn offers a quiet New England setting surrounded by open lawns, trees and mountain views.
The property was a natural fit for Caroline and Arthur, who wanted an outdoor wedding that felt grounded in the New Hampshire landscape.
The couple used Dexter’s Inn for both getting ready and celebrating. Keeping the day in one location eliminated unnecessary travel and allowed the wedding timeline to move more naturally.
The wedding party could prepare on the property, photographs could take place nearby and guests could transition from the outdoor ceremony into the reception without traveling to another venue.
This created a more relaxed experience for everyone involved.
A Sage Green, Hunter Green and Navy Wedding Palette
Caroline and Arthur selected sage green, hunter green, navy and ivory for their summer wedding palette.
The bridesmaids wore different silhouettes in varying shades of green. Allowing each person to choose a style and shade created a coordinated look that did not feel overly uniform.
The combination of sage and hunter green worked beautifully against the wooded setting and mountain backdrop.
The groomsmen wore navy and dark blue suits with green ties, connecting their attire to the bridesmaids’ dresses. Arthur wore a navy suit with an ivory tie, subtly distinguishing him from the rest of the wedding party while keeping the overall palette cohesive.
Ivory appeared throughout the reception design, helping balance the darker green and blue tones and keeping the look light enough for an August wedding.
A Woodsy Wedding Design With Natural Textures
Caroline and Arthur’s reception design was intentionally understated.
Rather than filling the space with elaborate décor, the couple selected a few warm, textural elements that complemented Dexter’s Inn and allowed the natural setting to remain prominent.
Ivory linens served as the foundation of the tablescape, with burlap overlays adding texture and a rustic New England quality.
The burlap felt at home within the wooded venue, while the ivory underneath kept the tables from appearing too dark or heavy.
The overall design demonstrated that a woodsy wedding does not need to rely on excessive rustic details. A restrained palette and thoughtfully chosen textures can communicate the setting without overwhelming it.
A Candlelit Wedding Reception
Candles served as one of the primary decorative elements at Caroline and Arthur’s reception.
Candlelight brought warmth and movement to the tables as daylight faded. It also softened the burlap textures and deeper shades of green and blue used throughout the wedding.
When used intentionally, candles can completely change the atmosphere of a reception. They create depth, reflect beautifully against glassware and make a space feel more intimate without requiring large centerpieces on every table.
For Caroline and Arthur, candlelight helped the reception transition from a bright August afternoon into a warm evening celebration.
Minimal Florals From Spring Ledge Farm
Florals from Spring Ledge Farm complemented the natural beauty of Dexter’s Inn without competing with it.
The arrangements were minimal and intentional, bringing in touches of texture and greenery while allowing the mountain setting and wooded property to remain part of the design.
At a naturally scenic wedding venue, more is not always better. Florals can enhance the environment without covering every surface or obscuring the views guests came to enjoy.
Caroline and Arthur’s floral design supported the overall palette and added softness to the burlap, ivory linens and candlelit tables.
An Outdoor Ceremony Overlooking the Mountains
Caroline and Arthur exchanged vows during an outdoor ceremony overlooking the New Hampshire mountains.
The open-air setting created a relaxed atmosphere while giving guests a clear view of the surrounding landscape.
Outdoor ceremonies require more planning than simply arranging chairs in front of a beautiful backdrop. The direction of the sun, guest comfort, accessibility, wind and transition into the reception must all be considered.
The ceremony time and setup were planned around the August conditions so Caroline, Arthur and their guests could enjoy the view comfortably.
Before the couple walked down the aisle, the vendor team knew the timeline, the ceremony space was ready and every transition had been accounted for.
Caroline and Arthur could focus entirely on the moment.
Planning an Outdoor Wedding at Dexter’s Inn
Dexter’s Inn provides a beautiful setting for couples considering a mountain or Lake Sunapee-area wedding. Its natural surroundings offer plenty of inspiration, but outdoor celebrations still require thoughtful logistical planning.
Account for the August weather
Summer in New Hampshire can bring heat, humidity, sudden rain and changing wind conditions.
Couples should understand the venue’s indoor or covered options and establish a clear weather decision deadline before the wedding day.
A backup plan should account for the full guest count, ceremony setup and vendor needs rather than simply identifying an available indoor room.
Consider the ceremony light
The direction and strength of the sun can affect guest comfort, photography and the couple’s experience during the ceremony.
Visit the ceremony location at approximately the same time of day as the planned wedding whenever possible. This helps determine whether guests will be facing direct sunlight and whether the ceremony time should be adjusted.
Keep the landscape central to the design
Dexter’s Inn already offers wooded surroundings, open space and mountain views.
Wedding décor should complement those elements rather than compete with them. Caroline and Arthur accomplished this through layered greens, natural textures, minimal florals and warm candlelight.
Coordinate every part of the property
When getting ready, holding the ceremony and celebrating the reception at one venue, each area still needs its own setup plan and timeline.
Vendor access, wedding-party movement, photography locations and guest transitions should be mapped in advance so different parts of the day do not interfere with one another.
Behind the Scenes of Caroline and Arthur’s Wedding
The simplicity of Caroline and Arthur’s design depended on careful coordination.
Linens and burlap overlays needed to be placed correctly. Candles had to be arranged and lit at the appropriate time. Florals needed to arrive and be installed, and the ceremony setup had to be completed before guests arrived.
The planner also needed to coordinate vendor arrival times, confirm the ceremony and reception timelines and make sure each part of the property was ready when needed.
When this work happens behind the scenes, the celebration feels natural to the couple and their guests.
Caroline and Arthur were able to get ready, exchange vows overlooking the mountains and enjoy their reception without managing vendors or watching the clock.
Caroline and Arthur’s Dexter’s Inn Wedding Vendors
Caroline and Arthur’s summer wedding was brought together by a talented team of New Hampshire wedding professionals.
- Wedding planning: Inked Events
- Venue: Dexter’s Inn
- Photography: Brightly & Free
- Catering: Hart’s Turkey Farm
- DJ: Sowa Entertainment
- Floral design: Spring Ledge Farm
- Hair and makeup: NH Hair & Makeup
- Bartending: DeeLuxe Bartending
Looking for a New Hampshire Wedding Planner?
Inked Events plans weddings at Dexter’s Inn and throughout the Lake Sunapee region, New Hampshire and New England.
With more than fourteen years of experience, we manage timelines, vendor communication, outdoor ceremony logistics and the many details required to create a wedding that feels relaxed and personal.
Inked Events was named the NH Union Leader Readers’ Choice Best Wedding Planner in 2025 and 2026.
If you are planning a Dexter’s Inn wedding, an outdoor mountain celebration or a wedding elsewhere in New England, we would love to learn more about your plans.
Schedule your complimentary consultation with Inked Events →
