Wedding Venue in Columbia, CT
Welcome to A Villa Louisa—Connecticut’s premier event destination and wedding venue located just minutes from Columbia, CT. Since 1890, we’ve proudly helped thousands of couples, families, and businesses create unforgettable memories. With a legacy steeped in hospitality, fine food, and impeccable service, we offer a warm, elegant setting atop scenic Birch Mountain—where timeless charm meets modern convenience.
Our venue is surrounded by natural beauty and is located close to Columbia, a picturesque town known for its quiet residential areas, outdoor recreation, and charming rural character. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, prom, anniversary, corporate event, or bar/bat mitzvah, A Villa Louisa is committed to making every event unique, seamless, and truly special.
From our beautifully landscaped grounds to our stunning indoor Grand Ballroom, our versatile spaces and dedicated team help you bring your vision to life. With customizable packages, professional event planners, and a long-standing reputation for excellence, A Villa Louisa is the perfect place for your next celebration.
Elegant Weddings in Columbia, CT
Weddings at A Villa Louisa are more than just events—they are personalized experiences filled with love, laughter, and elegance. Our property is designed to give you everything you need in one location. Picture this: exchanging vows under our charming gazebo surrounded by manicured gardens, followed by a celebration in our Grand Ballroom, adorned with sparkling chandeliers and gold Chiavari chairs.
We accommodate weddings of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to grand receptions of up to 350 guests. Our dedicated wedding consultants work closely with you to tailor every detail—from décor and lighting to custom menus and timelines. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic white wedding or something with a modern twist, we provide the flexibility and guidance to make it all come to life.
We also offer special winter wedding packages, ideal for couples who want to say “I do” during the magical snowy months. Our winter celebrations are cozy, romantic, and filled with seasonal charm, often enhanced by special pricing and exclusive services. A winter wedding at A Villa Louisa is a unique experience that blends warmth, elegance, and memorable scenery.
With over a century of history, a seasoned team, and a passion for weddings, we are proud to be one of the most beloved venues for Columbia couples and families.
Proms & Special Events
A Villa Louisa is a popular destination for school proms, formals, and student banquets in Columbia and the surrounding towns. Our ballroom transforms into a dazzling space where students can celebrate the end of the school year in style. With customizable lighting, entertainment support, spacious dance floors, and a wide selection of menu options, we ensure that every prom or formal is a night to remember.
Safety, professionalism, and fun are our top priorities. We work with school administrators, PTA organizers, and class advisors to plan well-organized and secure events. From red carpet entrances to dessert stations and theme-based décor, our team can bring a wide range of ideas to life.
We also host senior nights, homecoming banquets, and award ceremonies. No matter the occasion, we provide the perfect environment for students and faculty to relax and enjoy themselves.
Corporate Functions & Business Events
A Villa Louisa is also Columbia’s trusted choice for professional gatherings. Our facility offers flexible layouts and the amenities required for corporate functions, including trade shows, business luncheons, executive retreats, training sessions, and holiday parties. With proximity to Hartford and easy access from Columbia, our venue combines convenience with serenity.
Our team understands the importance of making a strong impression. That’s why we offer professional-grade audio/visual equipment, high-speed internet access, and private breakout rooms. Our culinary staff creates custom menus that range from breakfast buffets to multi-course dinners, all made with fresh, quality ingredients.
For companies looking to host holiday parties or team-building events, our venue offers a festive and relaxing environment. We accommodate groups of all sizes and provide the same level of detail and customization for professional events as we do for weddings.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations
Celebrate your child’s bar or bat mitzvah in a venue that respects tradition while embracing celebration. At A Villa Louisa, we take pride in helping families from Columbia and beyond honor this important rite of passage. Our team works with you to create an event that blends religious significance with joyful celebration.
We offer a variety of kosher-style menu options, and our chefs are happy to customize dishes based on your family’s preferences or dietary requirements. The ballroom can be decorated to reflect your child’s personality and theme of choice, and we offer space for DJs, games, photo booths, and dancing.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and we’re here to ensure every detail is handled with care, respect, and enthusiasm.
Social Events & Special Occasions
When life gives you something to celebrate, A Villa Louisa is ready to make it extraordinary. We specialize in hosting all kinds of social events including birthdays, baby and bridal showers, retirement parties, class reunions, fundraisers, and more.
Our Sunset Room is ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings of up to 90 guests, while our Grand Ballroom accommodates large-scale events. We offer full event planning services, from designing a theme to arranging entertainment and menus. Whether you want a relaxed afternoon tea party or a full-scale gala, we’ll bring your vision to life.
Columbia residents appreciate our location’s tranquil atmosphere, scenic backdrops for photos, and attentive staff that makes every guest feel special.
Anniversaries to Remember
There’s no better place to celebrate love and commitment than A Villa Louisa. Anniversaries are a time to look back on the journey and look forward to the years ahead. Whether you’re celebrating your first year or your fiftieth, we’ll make sure the celebration is one to cherish.
We offer romantic dinner packages for two, family luncheons, or formal evening receptions with all the bells and whistles. Our event planners will help design the perfect anniversary party, complete with personalized menus, speeches, and décor that reflects your story.
Columbia couples often return to A Villa Louisa to celebrate the very anniversaries of weddings we hosted for them, making us a meaningful part of their legacy.
Winter Wedding Packages
A winter wedding offers a unique opportunity for elegance, intimacy, and value. At A Villa Louisa, we embrace the beauty of winter and offer special packages that are perfect for couples who envision a cozy celebration with snow-dusted grounds and candlelit warmth.
Our winter wedding packages include seasonal décor options, discounted rates, and menu specials tailored to the season. With fewer scheduling conflicts and easier availability, winter weddings are an increasingly popular choice.
Whether you imagine a rustic-chic winter theme or a glamorous indoor affair, our team can help you create a romantic winter wedding that your guests will never forget.
Our Legacy and History
Founded in 1890, A Villa Louisa began as a peaceful inn for New Yorkers seeking a getaway to Birch Mountain. Over the decades, it evolved through multiple generations of owners, each enhancing and expanding the facility. What started as a simple country retreat has grown into one of Connecticut’s most celebrated venues.
In the early 1900s, Louisa and Edgardo Marchesini welcomed guests by horse and buggy, offering warm meals and restful accommodations. In the mid-20th century, the Facchetti family expanded the inn into a popular banquet facility. In the 1970s, the Botticello family further modernized the venue, constructing a new ballroom to accommodate weddings and larger events.
In 2000, Anthony and Maria Lo Grasso ushered in a new era of flexibility and customization. The name A Villa Louisa was adopted, and the space was redesigned to offer both traditional charm and modern elegance. By 2010, ownership transitioned to Asim Etem, whose culinary travels and international experience added a new layer of quality and creativity to the venue’s menu offerings.
Today, we remain dedicated to our founders’ original vision: a place where guests can gather, celebrate, and enjoy the finest hospitality Connecticut has to offer.
Our Mission and Core Values
At A Villa Louisa, our mission is to make every guest feel welcomed, cared for, and delighted. Our goals are simple but powerful:
- Provide attentive, friendly, and professional service at every step.
- Create great-tasting meals made from fresh, quality ingredients.
- Maintain clean, beautiful, and well-kept premises for every occasion.
- Treat every client and guest like a member of our extended family.
Our core values guide us in all we do. These values include honesty, respect, humility, innovation, and helpfulness. They are the foundation of our service and the reason guests return to A Villa Louisa time and time again.
Professional Catering Services
Hosting an event offsite? Let us bring the celebration to you. A Villa Louisa offers full-service catering throughout Columbia and surrounding towns. From weddings in private gardens to office parties and nonprofit galas, we deliver the same high-quality food and service that our venue is known for.
Our catering team offers drop-off or full-service options, including waitstaff, bartenders, rentals, and setup. We’ll work with you to craft a personalized menu that suits the style and tone of your event.
FAQs
- How far is A Villa Louisa from Columbia, CT?
A Villa Louisa is conveniently located about 15 to 20 minutes west of Columbia, CT, via Route 6 or I-384. This makes us an ideal venue for Columbia residents and their out-of-town guests. We are also easily accessible from Hartford and other eastern Connecticut communities, making it simple for your guests to attend your event. - Can I host both my wedding ceremony and reception on-site?
Yes, A Villa Louisa offers the convenience and beauty of an all-in-one venue. We have several ceremony options, including our romantic outdoor gazebo, a landscaped ceremony area, and elegant indoor spaces for colder months or inclement weather. After your ceremony, guests can seamlessly transition to our Grand Ballroom for your reception. You’ll save time, reduce stress, and give your guests a more comfortable experience by hosting everything in one location. - Do you offer customizable wedding or event packages?
Absolutely. We understand that no two events are alike, and we pride ourselves on flexibility. Our team will work with you to tailor every aspect of your package—from menu selection to décor, bar service, entertainment recommendations, and more. Whether you’re planning a lavish affair or a modest celebration, we’ll ensure your package fits your style and budget. - Are there menu options for guests with dietary restrictions?
Yes. We offer an extensive selection of menu items that can be modified to meet various dietary needs. Whether your guests are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or have specific food allergies, our culinary team will accommodate those requests with delicious and thoughtful options. We also provide kosher-style dishes and can work with families who observe specific religious or cultural dietary customs. - Do you provide event planning support?
Yes. Our in-house event planners are available to assist with every stage of your event, from initial planning through execution. We can help you with invitations, timeline development, seating charts, vendor coordination, menu planning, and even day-of coordination. With decades of experience, our team helps ensure your celebration is seamless and enjoyable for both you and your guests.
Need a Wedding Venue in Columbia, CT?
If you’re looking for a stunning venue to host your wedding or special event near Columbia, look no further than A Villa Louisa. With a rich history, a passion for hospitality, and a commitment to excellence, we are honored to help you create memories that will last a lifetime.
Contact us today to schedule a tour, request a custom quote, or begin planning the celebration of your dreams. At A Villa Louisa, we bring elegance, tradition, and heart to every event—because your moment deserves nothing less.
Let us be part of your story.