Green Haven: a Great Alternative to Local Parks for Wedding or Portrait Photos
These days, finding quiet, serene, outdoor parks or outdoor locations for photos– or even a small wedding ceremony– is hard to find. If a park is open, it’s likely going to be full of people, which defeats the whole point of going to a park to get some peace.

Green Haven, a private “park”
Green Haven is a private property located in Pomfret, Connecticut that’s a rare gem among outdoor garden photo spots. This has an enchanting, “secret garden” feel and reminds me a little like exploring an Oregon forest with surprises of little gardens and openings. My friend Andy owns Green Haven and is really proud of maintaining its charm inspired by the original owner who was an art collector. Green Haven can be rented by contacting Andy at (860) 428-0968 or emailing greenhavenct@gmail.com.
There are several different areas for a small wedding of less than 20 people (also known as “micro-wedding”) or for elopement ceremonies where it’s just you two, the justice of the peace, and maybe a photographer. To reserve a private, intimate wedding ceremony (with photography) anywhere on the grounds, it is $450 for 1 to 2 hours. If you reserve a time for your ceremony and photos before/after, this means that you are the only ones on the property and no other reservations will be made! Also, if there’s a chance of rain, you can talk to Andy as your time frame can be flexible.
Groups larger than 20 or so people are not allowed. No tent set ups. Standing ceremonies are ideal, and plan a reception elsewhere like Grill 37, or Mansion at Bald Hill, or a local restaurant in Putnam, if you want a party.
“Leave no trace” so don’t expect there to be a clean-up crew. Green Haven is home to many birds and the owner wants this place to remain litter-free.
A Garden Place for Engagement or Portrait Photos
People can reserve use of Green Haven for photo shoots such as engagement photos or family portrait photos for $75 for up to 2 hours. Contact Andy to reserve!
Areas of Green Haven CT for Photos
Some areas:
“The Tree of Life” – the large lawn visible from the gravel driveway, with a giant tree in the middle. At the edges are fruit and vegetable gardens, an orchard, and some gingko and mulberry trees.
“The Orchard” – a small apple orchard surrounded by a rustic fence. Next to it is a shaded area with wildflowers and a stone bench (can anyone envision a proposal here!)
“The Owl Glade” – walk the paths to a secluded, shady lawn that was designed by the original owner who was an art collector. Stone owl statues remain perched at the corners, and a giant stone structure sits in front of a rare Asian sequoia tree.
“The Overlook” – an exclusive area that can only be reserved, as this is normally not accessible by visitors. It’s an old, private, brick platform that overlooks a grass meadow and the rolling hills of CT and RI.

Elopement Photography in CT or MA
If you are planning an elopement, the Trailing Twine Photography team is available for elopement or small ceremony photography. Our budget-friendly rate for 2020 weddings of less than 2 hours is $975 plus CT or MA tax. This rate does NOT include everything that our full day wedding packages include. But the 2020 small wedding rate (for any location in CT and MA) includes:
- one photographer from the Trailing Twine Photography team
- 1 to 2 hours at one location only
- a minimum of 100 digital images, retouched, formatted for print & web on a Google Drive folder, with a print release
- a shareable online gallery
This is the most basic offering available for any couples that are still doing a small ceremony in 2020. Our normal full day (7 to 10+ hours) for wedding collections involve the features that we feel is most important for successful wedding day photography. Collections for full day weddings are customizable where you can create your own collection that suits you. Most couples create a collection that involves an engagement sessions, video, albums, or the Gif Booth. Our full day weddings include two photographers, the Trailing Twine wood box with USB drive and other items, a print release, guest gallery cards, an online Client Portal, important questionnaires, wedding day timeline consultations, image reviews, a team of backup photographers, and special delivery of premium photo products.