Local Event Planners Advocate for Greater Accessibility at CT State Parks

Every couple deserves the chance to celebrate their love in a meaningful, beautiful setting- without facing financial roadblocks that make their dream day feel out of reach. Porchlight has teamed up with fellow planner, Debra White-Palmer of DWP Events to advocate for greater flexibility and affordability at two of Connecticut’s most sought-after venues: The Eolia Mansion at Harkness Memorial State Park, and the Ellie Mitchell Pavilion at Rocky Neck State Park.

As seasoned event professionals with years of combined experience across venues throughout the state, Porchlight and DWP has seen firsthand how the current catering policy at these venues can limit options for couples—especially those trying to stay within a reasonable budget. The parks are breathtaking, state-owned spaces maintained by Connecticut taxpayers, yet couples are required to choose from a small list of preferred caterers.

While the caterers on the list are certainly reputable, we’ve heard from multiple brides and families who report that hosting a wedding at these venues now often exceeds $45,000 (sometimes $60,000) after adding the catering, a price tag that’s simply unattainable for many working and middle-class couples.

The two planning companies have submitted a respectful, joint request to the State of Connecticut and the venue’s coordinators, asking them to reconsider their current policies. Specifically, we’re advocating for in-state couples to have the option of bringing in licensed and insured catering services of their choice, provided those caterers meet all required health and safety standards.

This change would open the door to a more inclusive experience at one of our state’s most iconic landmarks while also supporting Connecticut’s small business community—many of whom currently have no path to become part of the venue’s preferred list.

The goal isn’t to create conflict or diminish the wonderful work already being done at the Eolia Mansion and Ellie Mitchell Pavilion—it’s to start a conversation about how we can make state-owned venues more accessible and fair for the very people who live, work, and pay taxes in Connecticut.

The team has also launched a petition on Change.org to amplify this effort and show public support for more inclusive, affordable policies at these state parks. If you believe that all couples deserve access to beautiful, taxpayer-funded venues without being priced out, you’re invited to sign the petition and share it with your network. Every signature helps demonstrate that this is a community-driven issue that matters to real people across Connecticut.

Porchlight is proud to stand beside DWP Events in this effort, and we’ll continue doing what we always do best—advocating for our clients and finding creative ways to help every celebration feel like it truly belongs to the couple/client hosting it.

If you’d like to learn more about this initiative or share your own experience with Eolia, we’d love to hear from you.

Let’s keep building events—and policies—that reflect the heart of our community.