The Wedding Cottage (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Krakow + Penny = magic

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 25 April 2023]

8.2 stars.

How about a romance for romance sake? 'The Wedding Cottage', is a passionate romance featuring a wedding planner and a sculptor.

There is absolutely nothing amiss in this story, everything is rational. There are no major squabbles, only true to life disagreements.

Vanessa needs to use Evan's dilapidated old cottage for an upcoming wedding she is planning for her clients, but unfortunately, this once popular wedding venue has deteriorated due to disuse. Evan has lived alone there for years creating masterpieces of art...he might be a certifiable genius. She requests the use of the old cottage, but he is stubborn and will not agree to let her fix up the place, even at her own expense. She pokes and prods at his softer side and still he does not budge, but eventually he succumbs to her charms. Their relationship develops naturally as their curiosity for each other grows.

'The Wedding Cottage' is a very gratifying and passionate love story. You won't have to cover your kids' eyes or send them to bed but you might be tempted to. Don't worry, this is still rated G.

Utterly charming.

[rdubz-23518 · 7/10 · 25 April 2023]

This is the kind of Hallmark movie I adore - simple plot, but brought together by charming, compelling actors with tons of chemistry.

Erin and Brendan are two of my favorites Hallmark has to offer. I loved this movie, because the progression of the romance felt natural and not rushed. Although I suppose my only gripe would be the typical "character A thinks character B betrayed them" trope. I know all Hallmark films have to have a temporary separation of the leads, but I think it could've done better, especially since Evan jumped to conclusions and didn't even bother asking Vanessa what really happened.

Overall, though, several parts made me smile, especially teaching the young couple how to do the first dance at their wedding. Would definitely watch again.

Sweet chemistry

[wmmxox · 7/10 · 17 April 2023]

Really enjoyed this movie as the characters had real chemistry and a sweetness about them. It doesn't hurt that I love both of the main actors and believe they are talented, so put it in my list because of them. Kudos that Hallmark is using actors that are more mature with real ability.

Only found a few off putting moments- the fact that she had given up wedding planning as she was so busy with her new career was not believable and if course the 'misunderstanding' that seems to be built into so many of their movies. Would such mature characters not actually discuss it? The secondary characters were also great.

Nice romantic movie

[gem_nygirl · 20 April 2023]

I enjoyed the chemistry between the two leads. It's nice to see a female lead that is not so high strung or annoying, In the beginning she was a little but the movie gets better. This movie is probably the best one I have seen in a long time, I enjoyed the cottage scene and even the music. I liked the male actor Brendan Penny. It's nice he is paired with a Erin. Usually he is paired with the most annoying females on hallmark. This movie is one of the better ones I have seen him in. Watch if you are looking for an easy going romance that will get you in a good mood. I also love the scenery of Vermont.

Kind of different

[VetteRanger · 7/10 · 17 April 2023]

One thing I typically look for in the Hallmark romances is the level of relationship building. Some plots put the main couple together so seldom you wonder how they even remember each other's names.

This movie puts the leads together most of the time, and it works. The plot starts out with a bit of antithetical romance which is quickly stripped away as the lady wedding planner puts a cottage back in order.

Unfortunately the "relationship crisis" is one that's been horribly overworked, when one of the leads thinks the other has betrayed their fame to the press. I had to knock off a star for a lack of originality there.

However, overall we liked the story and the characters, and we're glad we watched it.

Military Oops

[damezz · 9/10 · 6 June 2023]

The groom was introduced on TV as Staff Sergeant, but his insignia was for a Buck Sergeant. Also, with his injury, his campaign ribbons did not include a Purple Heart. Hallmark should always use a military consultant. Admittedly these are picky points for an otherwise excellent movie with true heart. Erin Krakow is always on character and Brendan Penny showed a transformation as his artistic side began to be seen in his work at the cottage and in dealing with Vanessa. Another highlight for me was the community spirit shown by town folks in pulling together and sharing their skills to make the wedding a reality.

The Wedding Cottage

[allmoviesfan · 7/10 · 5 May 2023]

Not to be confused (and not in any way) related to The Christmas Cottage with Merritt Patterson and Steve Lund that aired on Hallmark a few years back.

Lots of Hallmark star power here. When Calls the Heart star (in a rare on-screen moment out of period clothing) Erin Krakow stars alongside Chesapeake Shores alum Brendan Penney, who is a reliable actor, no matter the role. He plays a somewhat curmudgeonly character - at least early on - in direct opposition to Krakow's bubbly, positive character.

After Krakow's character Vanessa promises a couple - competition winners - the dream wedding at The Wedding Cottage, she belatedly discovers that the cottage is in disrepair and must enlist Penney's Evan to assist in getting the cottage ready for the nuptials, which at first proves to be a bridge too far.

There's nothing forced about the chemistry between Penney and Krakow. They are very good in every scene together - but especially the "leaf blower" scene, which was particularly amusing - and The Wedding Cottage is a very entertaining rom-com. It could have been run-of-the-mill with any other stars, but Krakow and Penney definitely elevate the film.

Cute and funny

[manfredpeter-09628 · 9/10 · 21 May 2023]

This has been on Hallmark Channel recently. Have watched x3. I have actually laughed out loud each time. Worth watching just to see the expressions on Brendan Penney's face while Erin Krakow was being a klutz or making a passionate argument. Totally believable. Also worth noting his expressions as he grows fond of her.

As usual for Hallmark, the misunderstanding/conflict is pretty annoying but par for the course.

Overall, very enjoyable. Flows along well.

All supporting characters believable.

Must say though, what were they thinking when they dressed ErinKrakow in that ugly and matronly gown at the wedding.

Wedding cottage or planner?

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 16 April 2023]

Sometimes I think I shouldn't watch previews. I had seen so many of them where Erin Kradow as Vanessa i schmoozing Evan with little success that it turned me against this movie before I ever saw the first scene. Evan wasn't mean or rude, but Vanessa was annoying. Fortunately things quickly improve. Evan becomes cooperative quite quickly.

Krakow and Brendan Penny have intense chemistry which isn't expressed as much in banter as in body language and looks between them. Both seem natural in their roles.

The story of the prize winning couple is sweet and provides something for Krakow and Penny to work alongside of.

The conflict is borrowed from almost totally outside the context of this story, but it is still based on a well worn misunderstanding.

Wow finally a realistic rom com

[vjf36 · 10/10 · 16 April 2023]

One of the best movies of the year for Hallmark. Erin Krakow is perfect in this role. Not only is she beautiful but conveys a warm loving performance. Supporting cast is excellent and the Vermont characters are spot on. Erin's love interest does a very convincing job and a good stretch for him. From his previous roles at hallmark.

Also as a long time viewer off hallmark movies I do appreciate there are no hidden messages no racial issues just a good olde fashion romcom. Also there was more romance than normal which made the movie more realistic. Congrats to all who produced, directed and wrote this movie.

One of the Best!

[coachjohnston-49705 · 10/10 · 4 May 2023]

The Wedding Cottage is one of the best Hallmark movies ever!! Erin Krakow, after not having a new, stand-alone movie in a while, turned in a great performance. Even though she has been in some comedies, this movie showed her true comedic skills. Just watch the leaf blower scene and you will be hooked. As far as the romantic portion of the movie, Erin and, her co-star, Brendan Perry had incredible chemistry. Their romantic moments were true and special. And when Brendan brushed Erin's hair off of her face?? Pure love! It's been awhile since Hallmark has produced such a great movie, but this one fits the bill. The chemistry between Erin and Brendan deserve to be seen again in another movie!

Boring, no chemistry, no humor

[countessemily · 2/10 · 29 April 2023]

It seems the Hallmark movies in 2023 are trying too hard to be funny, it's a trend I have been noticing even in late 2022.

An embarrassing scene involves Erin and a leaf blower- it was a waste of time, not funny or cute. If that's the hallmark way of humor, I'm not here for it.

Erin and Brendan have ZERO chemistry. You don't care about their relationship. In fact, Erin comes off as extremely annoying, and Brendan comes off as a rude jerk.

The story about fixing up the wedding cottage is also just super boring, you're not emotionally invested in it, or the couple who wants to have their wedding there.

Don't waste your life with this one, just skip it, watch something better with your precious time!

Made me smile, laugh and actually cry!

[netphax · 9/10 · 25 April 2023]

I rarely write reviews and there a plenty of reviews with summaries. My Grandmother loved Hallmark. It was on practically 24/7 especially Thurs to Sunday. She often would fall asleep after finishing the movie but too (lazy) to get up. She passed last month. So I have been catching up on some of those I have missed and the new releases. As an artist and also someone who finds solace in gardening. Most things nature I feel very connected to. This movie really spoke to me in many ways. I felt the struggle of the artist because I live it but I am definitely NOT famous nor have a known name. I also felt the struggle of the now published author who misses their true passion. The connection to people, visual beauty and the ability to harness the spirit of love. All while putting it on display for the people who mean the most to the couple getting married. I felt the connection between the characters. I also felt it was closer to being more realistic and definitely more honest. This movie surprised me greatly. I laughed out loud, I chuckled, and I smiled so much the muscles in my face hurt. I loved the connection with nature, the amazing and stunning trees. I also appreciated the wildflowers as the main flower "theme". Too often simple, and natural beauty get overlooked.

This movie really did make me cry. I was in the army and my brother is a marine overseas over 8 years of his 13 in active duty. I lost the feeling in my legs in a training incident. We have lost many friends, brothers and sisters. Too many others have had to learn how to live with a new normal. It has been 19 years since I had real feeling in my legs and feet. Loosing a limb or two is more common than anyone wants to openly acknowledge. Alas I believe in Honesty almost to a fault. It is one of the main core values and code of ethics instilled in you. If you didn't understand them before you enlist they become essential after. We need those core values and ethics visualized. We need them on display interwoven with the beauty and nature of life. We are human and we all have storms to weather. We have mountains to climb. Some face similar lessons but rarely are the outcomes exactly the same. Why? Because we all have lessons to be learned and rarely are the outcomes supposed to be exactly the same. Even rarer that they are supposed to happen at exactly the same time. I hope that this movie will have a sequel. I would really enjoy a well made series with different couples coming to the cottage. Along with all the bumpy, messy real life that can happen when a real wedding is planned, created and made to happen. May this be a truly happy beginning!

That said: I just wish it was longer. I miss a real feature length film. This movie could have easily made a full 2 hour special (without commercials) and I have no doubt it would have been a hit. Sadly now we get so many commercials that without them we are now down to 83 or 84 minutes. We don't even get the whole 90.

Blessed be to all, I wish you enough and I hope you are always able to find the extraordinary within the ordinary ~CSM.

Definitely a better HM outing, check it out

[mccabe-shannon · 9/10 · 4 September 2023]

This is definitely one of the better Hallmark outings recently. It stars two HM veterans and the supporting cast is good as well.

The Chemistry is great between the stars and I like how they get brought together in a realistic way. The conflict was realistic as well.

There were definitely less inconsistencies than in this than most HM movies. One thing that got me was she takes off to go up to this place and ends up staying for 5 weeks... with what one would expect would be a weekend of clothes haha. All the vines on the house are dead and bushes are dead and at the end there is greenery and flowers on the vines and bushes that can't happen in the fall that quick. The statue is pretty but it's not jaw dropping from some hot shot NYC sculptor.

But all that aside, it's very cute, well acted, pretty and it all came together very well.

I was eager to watch this when it first came out and sadly missed it. I'm a huge fan of Brendan Penny. I happened to see it was recently added to Hallmark now and watched it as soon as I saw that!

Finally a wonderfully romantic film on Hallmark and I loved every minute of it!

[cgvsluis · 9/10 · 22 April 2023]

This was a wonderfully romantic Hallmark film and I feel like standing up and cheering. It seems like there has been a long dry spell on Hallmark filled with forced box checking and political agendas that really marked a deviation from the romantic films that originally brought me to the channel. This was a film that transcended all of that. It was beautiful, sweet and very romantic.

Erin Krakow, who I love in When Calls The Heart, is wonderful as a wedding guide creator that together with her team gives away a dream wedding to a would be bride and her hero military groom. The problem, they want to do it in the famous Vermont Wedding Cottage which has been out of business for five years and is currently owned by a famous artist who has allowed it to go to ruin. Thankfully Erin's character Vanessa Doyle is a real go-getter and she does what it takes to convince artist Evan Stanford to let her fix up the cottage and hold the wedding there...and bring him coffeee every morning...all quietly, so he can concentrate on his next piece for an upcoming art show.

These two, Vanessa and Evan, fit together like beautiful romantic puzzle pieces. I loved the romance in this film AND Erin's urban wardrobe! Erin Krakow and Brendan Penny have wonderful on-screen chemistry which really makes this film work.

I highly, highly recommend this to all the romantics out there...you will love this film.

Very enjoyable

[suewarren-74680 · 9/10 · 10 September 2023]

I love this film. It's a go-to whenever I'm feeling in need of uncomplicated comfort.

Brendan Penny and Erin Krakow have been presented with a delightful, light, amusing and romantic script and they give it their all. There's a scene which had me fanning my cheeks and clutching my metaphorical pearls... Well done to the writers and actors.

I've dropped a star only because the usual misunderstanding is even more daft than usual. A sentence or two would have sorted it out.

Particularly noticeable when everything else about the film is first class.

Lovely to see Mr Penny with very fetching grey in his hair. It makes him more attractive, not less.

Wedding planner and sculptor, is it a match made in Vermont?

[TxMike · 7 May 2024]

My wife and I regularly watch Hallmark movies, they are straightforward and clean with attractive characters. As I always do, I ask my wife when the movie is over, "Of all the Hallmark movies we have seen is this one in the bottom third, the middle third, or the upper third?" For this one she said, "I suppose in the upper third, the characters are good people."

Vanessa lives and works in Manhattan, she has done by her count about 235 weddings, and has written a guide for weddings. She holds a contest and the young couple who won will get an all-expense paid wedding at the venue of their choice. They choose a wedding cottage in Vermont.

The problem is the venue's website has not been updated in years and the listed phone number is out of service. So she does what any ambitious planner would do, she drives to Vermont to see what it up.

Evan is the owner of the venue, it became his when his grandparents died. He is a somewhat well-known sculptor and has let the wedding cottage become dilapidated. He has no interest in re-starting the wedding cottage, he just wants to live in the back and work on his sculptures.

So this whole movie is about Vanessa's persistence and Evan's resistance trying to meet somewhere in the middle. It is a cute story and the characters are entertaining.

At home on DVD from our public library.

Boring movie, had to switch off after 15mins

[margaretyong-94541 · 2/10 · 18 April 2023]

I found the movie boring, acting by Erin was so "one expression" - her laugh and giggles... i find all her laughs and giggles too annoying and she is doing so many postings on the BTS that you almost know the story even before the movies.

I like Brendan Penny overall. His acting was so good and he looks good Storyline was a bit boring and unbelievable.

The leather pants on Erin was not very flattering and hairstyle did not suit her. Anyway i think her acting has deteropater Overall HM movies have been quite disappointing since 2022

For now i am not going to watch the remaining movie, on to another movie.

Chemistry Off the Charts

[mjking-17200 · 8/10 · 10 September 2023]

I can't say the storyline was anything to wow me. The setting was pretty but honestly average, felt like they could have showed off Vermont a lot more. But can we talk about the chemistry between Krakow and Penny. Wow! I've seen them in many other films with many other actors but I can definitely say their chemistry with each other was off the charts and really carried the whole movie.

I'd actually be bold enough to say this is my favorite role that Penny has done recently with Hallmark. He brought a lot of energy to the role that was super endearing. I may or may not have googled to find out if these two were together in real life because their affection seemed so believe-able. I hope Hallmark puts these two together again soon!

Yay! Disability plotline

[SunnyDaise · 10/10 · 14 June 2023]

I'd pretty much given up with Hallmark, because like many brands it had become 'Hey, look at our diversity' whilst forgetting people with disabilities. This movie is a start to rectifying the issue, albeit with a secondary character. The plot is a bit similar to 'Wedding Bells' starring lead Erin Krakow's 'When Calls The Heart' co-star Kavan Smith/Danica McKellar, but the couple getting married are nicer - no Bride/Groomzillas here! There's nothing nasty, just some years-ago bereavements that characters bond over. The casting is great, spanning three generations of adults on-screen, but going back a century overall. This is a movie I'd happily re-watch.