By Jennifer Brandt, Vermont Country Magazine correspondent.
BENNINGTON — In the heart of Southern Vermont, The South Shire and Niramit Thai extend a warm invitation to couples seeking a wedding experience that combines timeless romance and unparalleled luxury. With a seasoned team boasting over 50 years of collective experience in the realm of luxury hospitality, this dynamic duo is committed to ensuring that your special day unfolds with both sophistication and flawless execution.
While Niramit Thai takes pride in its specialization in Royal Thai cuisine, the culinary maestros are more than willing to weave the culinary tapestry of your dreams. The capable kitchen team stands ready to customize menus, catering to the whims and desires of the newly betrothed. Whether it’s a romantic Victorian-themed menu, a showcase of Vermont’s bountiful produce, or a recreation of a dish with sentimental value, Niramit Thai has the expertise to bring your culinary dreams to life.
Beyond the customary wedding options, The South Shire is an ideal location, conveniently within walking distance to the charming Bennington Downtown for various pre-nuptial celebrations. Whether it’s a bachelor or bachelorette party, a Jack and Jill gathering, or any other pre-wedding festivity you can envision, the property caters to every celebration leading up to the big day.
The South Shire offers an intimate and warm setting for close friends and family to stay during the wedding weekend.
The charming ambiance is a perfect staging area for the bridal party to prepare for the grand event.
With 10-foot ceilings, a mahogany-paneled library adorned with an intricately carved fireplace, leaded glass pocket doors, and raised plaster moldings in the dining room, the historic home stands as a testament to the Victorian era’s architectural grandeur in Southern Vermont.
Drawing inspiration from the visionary King Chulalongkorn of Siam (Rama V), who reigned during the Victorian era, Niramit Thai exudes sophistication while maintaining a comforting familiarity. The restaurant presents an elevated rendition of classic Thai cuisine, paying homage to its rich heritage. Authenticity is paramount, shining through in every flavor profile, and the menu showcases the finest ingredients with a commitment to seasonality and local sourcing.
For couples seeking an intimate elopement, South Shire treats all of its guests like royalty, with nine rooms providing space for 25 guests, offering an atmosphere that is both enchanting and private. The property accommodates up to 50 people for larger gatherings, making it the perfect venue for a dreamy, romantic celebration. Inquire about the wedding packages available, tailored to each couple’s preferences.
The South Shire embraces the concept of a grand residence on a small, intimate scale. It aspires to deliver the same breadth of services and efficacy expected in large luxury hotels, all within a more humane, personalized setting. This dedication to a guest experience built on the long-lost style of service ensures that every visitor checks out with enduring memories and the desire to return.
The wedding offerings of The South Shire and Niramit Thai stand as a harmonious blend of timeless romance, culinary excellence, and the intimate charm of a bygone era. With a commitment to crafting personalized experiences and creating lasting memories, this dynamic duo invites couples to embark on a journey of love and celebration in the heart of Southern Vermont.
Jennifer Brandt is a born and raised Vermonter and a recent Brooklyn transplant. She has worked as a freelance writer and event coordinator for the past decade focusing on food and Intersection with social justice issues. She has combined her passion for food and sustainable food systems with her Indigenous heritage by creating a series with MOFAD celebrating North American Indigenous folks in the food world. When not touring cities and the back roads of the Vermont countryside in search of the endless array of food and culture, you can find her taking Instagram photos of her rescue pup Bagel.
