PICKING A VENUE

by Samantha Manzella

date posted: March 01, 2017

YOUR VENUE IS A CENTRAL FEATURE OF YOUR WEDDING DAY, SO MAKE DECISIONS REGARDING THE LOCATION DU JOUR WITH CARE.

Smaller, more intimate settings, like restaurants, suit smaller wedding parties. For larger parties, larger spaces fit the bill: think open courtyards, spacious vineyards, or even grand, elegant ballrooms.

Vintage-inspired themes lend themselves to rustic settings, like backyard barns or farm grounds. Couples aiming for a more elegant look can seek out local vineyards, orchards, or resorts for stately and stylish surroundings.

DON’T FORGET YOUR SURROUNDINGS; BEAR IN MIND THE THEME OR “LOOK” YOU WANT FOR YOUR CEREMONY, AND CHOOSE A VENUE AND SURROUNDING AREA THAT MESHES WELL WITH YOUR VISION.

If you and your partner are the no-fuss type, consider channeling your attitude toward your special day. Try holding your ceremony at a local park, or encourage guests to bring homemade dishes in lieu of gifts for a new take on a potluck party!

Be sure to keep your guests in mind: for any outdoor ceremony, rent a tent to shelter your family and friends from potential weather hazards.

To keep transportation between your ceremony and reception as seamless as possible, offer your guests group transportation to and from each event. Ease of accessibility is key; ensure that all facilities are accessible to elderly guests or guests with disabilities or injuries.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER BEFORE SELECTING A VENUE:

How big is our guest list?
How much of our budget are we willing to allocate toward a venue?
How much do we and our families value traditional notions of what a wedding should look like?
Are the grounds protected from any potential weather concerns? If not, can the venue be adapted to be more comfortable for our guests?

How easily can the majority of our guests reach the venue’s location?
Should our ceremony and reception be at the same venue or in different spaces?
Do we want those in charge of our venue to take care of preparing and serving food, hiring waitstaff, choosing a band, etc., or do we want to outsource catering and entertainment?

1796 house inn at the ridge

Wallkill, 845-895-9251, innattheridge.com

The Inn at the Ridge’s location is a rural, but still close to Hudson Valley wineries, breweries, cideries, restaurants, antique shops, biking and hiking! We offer our beautiful property for weddings and private celebrations, accommodating events from 10 to 150 including weddings, anniversary celebrations, birthday parties, engagement parties, baby or bridal showers, and rehearsal dinners/BBQ. Chef/Owner Salvatore Riccobono looks forward to answering any questions you might have.

1850 house inn & tavern

Rosendale, 845-658-7800, the1850house.com

This historic boutique hotel is located in the town of Rosendale, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. It is the perfect location for an intimate wedding celebration. Whether it’s just the two of you or 60 of your closest friends and family, their brand new deck overlooking the Rondout Creek is a perfect choice for your wedding celebration. With ten comfortable guest rooms and modern amenities, the 1850 House Inn balances the old with the new to make your event everything you want it to be.

Arrowood farms brewery

Accord, 845-253-0389, arrowoodfarms.com

Arrowood Farms Brewery is nestled within the village of Accord, surrounded by cedar forest, organic fields of hops, grains and wildflowers. The skies open up all year long for dreamy days and picture perfect sunsets. The on-site brewery and tasting room provide an incredible space to gather, celebrate and enjoy. A pavilion, outdoor bar and mobile kitchen serving up farm fresh ingredients is underway. The privacy and beauty of Arrowood is like none other. Experience the magic.

Ashokan dreams

West Shokan, 845-657-2312, ashokandreams.com

Have your dream wedding at this historic Catskill Mountains estate with breathtaking mountain and reservoir views in a quiet country setting. B&B suites and the lodge are decorated in a rustic comfort style reminiscent of the Adirondack great camps. Ashokan Dreams has an extraordinary mountainside setting with views of the Catskills, the Ashokan Reservoir, and the Berkshires. It is surely one of the most special places on earth for your celebration.

beaverkill valley inn

Lew Beach, 845-439-4844, beaverkillvalleyinn.com

Located in the heart of the Catskills, bordered by the Beaverkill River, 40 acres of meadows, gardens and hiking trails. This historic 19-room Inn with barn, heated pool, fitness center, tennis courts, basketball court and self-serve ice cream parlor has it all. Weddings of 50 guests to 150 can be easily handled with customized menus including wedding cake created by the Inn’s experienced chefs. Call for a tour to see what the BVI can offer you for your destination wedding weekend.

best western plus

Kingston, 845-338-0400, bwpkingston.com

Catskill Mountain beauty surrounds this modern, impressive hotel and conference center. With 208 guest rooms and over 8,000 square feet of banquet space, Best Western Plus offers premiere event space plus the capacity to accommodate wedding guests traveling to the region. Their experienced team of event planners will provide a personal touch in making your wedding dreams come true. Call or email Sage at snewkirk@cooperhotels.com.

buttermilk falls inn & spa

Milton, 845-795-1310, buttermilkfallsinn.com

The vast reception patio with its broad Hudson River vista is available for up to seven hours until 10pm (in accordance with local zoning restrictions). The Barn at Buttermilk—a warm, inviting space—is versatile enough to be transformed into the epitome of country elegance or a welcoming space for large, casual gatherings. Catering services are provided through Henry’s at the Farm, their restaurant.

copake Country Club & The Barn at Copake Lake

Copake Lake, 518-325-0019 (The Greens Restaurant),
845-454-1490 (The Barn) thegreensatcopake.com, thebarnatcopakelake.com

Copake Country Club and The Barn at Copake Lake are must-see venues for those seeking a laid-back wedding weekend surrounded by nature. With rustic yet chic indoor decor and amazing views, both properties will instantly set the tone for a unique, memorable experience. They can provide personalized service with an on-site coordinator and catering by a CIA-trained chef. The beautiful spaces and options to customize your entire event create a one-of-a-kind celebration.

crested hen farms

High Falls, 845-687-2050, crestedhenfarms.com

Crested Hen Farms provides the ideal site for a rustic and organic yet sophisticated and elegant wedding or other special event. Nestled on the banks of the Rondout Creek, the farm sits in the middle of 32+ acres. The circa 1830 English-Dutch dairy barn has been carefully repurposed, resulting in a 3,000-square-foot special event space with soaring ceilings supported by original hand-hewn beams. The venue is available from mid-spring through mid-autumn.

emerson resort & spa

Mount Tremper, 845-688-2828 ext. 7611, emersonresort.com

Celebrate your day surrounded by the beauty of the famed Catskill Mountains. In addition to premium accommodations, spectacular views of the mountains and the Esopus Creek, and many amenities for your special event, Emerson Resort provides stunning indoor and outdoor options and a veteran event team with over 20 years of experience in helping couples create the day of their dreams. An Emerson wedding also includes on-site catering using freshly prepared and locally sourced menu items.

events at mount tremper arts

Mount Tremper, 845-688-9893, eventsatmounttremperarts.com

Take over the campus of Mount Tremper Arts for an incredible wedding weekend celebration. Situated on 150 acres, Mount Tremper Arts is an artist residency space dedicated to contemporary and experimental performance. With expansive mountain views by day and starry skies at night, your rental includes lodging, a gorgeous studio, fields, gardens, and fire circles. Host multiple events over your weekend rental for no additional charge. Full wedding coordination or DIY packages available.

F.E.A.S.T. at Round Hill

Washingtonville, 845-497-7476, feastcaterers.com

Lush gardens and fountains envelop this intimate and romantic 1800s Greek revival manor. The estate setting offers an intriguing and distinctive alternative to conventional wedding venues. Located in the heart of the Hudson Valley, this is an easy one-hour drive from Manhattan, Westchester, or northern New Jersey. At one wedding per day, the capacity, with dinner and dancing, holds 200 people.

The Forsyth B&B and Barn

Kingston, 845.481.9148, theforsythkingston.com

The Forsyth B&B and Barn in Kingston’s historic Rondout offers a charming and private new venue for intimate weddings, parties, gatherings, special events and retreats. A very special, recently restored 1830s home with four casually luxurious guestrooms (with private baths) plus a separate suite sleeps up to fourteen. The Forsyth Barn, opening summer 2017, is a skylighted, lofted and beamed vintage barn seating up to 60. In between the B&B and Barn is a chic courtyard garden for ceremonies and al fresco dining. Owner is an experienced event planner, available to make your event perfect.

Globe Hill

Pine Plains, 518-398-6455, globehillevents.com

We at Ronnybrook Farm Dairy have earmarked the most picturesque piece of our 350-acre farm for tented weddings. This special spot is known as Globe Hill—a piece of majestic, rural paradise with extraordinary 360-degree views of the Berkshires and Catskill Mountains. Located 90 miles north of New York City, in the beautiful Hudson Valley, Globe Hill can provide that one-of-a-kind, magical location with the expanse of the landscape, the freshness of the mountain air and access to the stars.

Hanah Mountain Resort
& Country Club

Margaretville, 845-586-4849, hanahcountryresort.com

At the Hanah, natural beauty can be found around every corner. Wake up to see a doe with her fawn pass by your guest room window, or watch the sun fade into the Catskill Mountains after saying your vows on the outdoor wedding deck. The staff at Hanah is prepared to handle every aspect of your wedding, from setting up your ceremony to serving a custom menu. They want to help you celebrate your love.

Hasbrouck House

Stone Ridge, 845-687-0736, hasbrouckhouseny.com

Experience historic modern luxury in a beautiful and natural setting at Hasbrouck House. We host a select number of weddings per year, from May through October. Celebrations will take place on our 4,000-square-foot bluestone patio, which can accommodate up to 150 for ceremony, cocktail, dinner and dancing. Butterfield at Hasbrouck House is the exclusive food and beverage partner for all of our events. We only host one wedding per weekend.

Historic Barns at Nipmoose

Eagle Bridge, 518-944-4414, nipmoosebarns.org

Perched on a knoll overlooking stunning farmland, the Nipmoose and its historic barns provide an idyllic setting for weddings. The fully restored Scottish Barn, German Barn and Corn Crib exemplify America’s rich agricultural heritage. These magnificent barns provide a rustic yet chic backdrop for celebrations, whether elegant or casual, grand or intimate, or something in-between. Couples will be excited by the many barn options, which are all included in a single wedding event.

Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa

Ellenville, 845-210-3114, honorshaven.com

Situated on over 200 acres at the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains, Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa offers breathtaking lake and mountain views. Its lakeside tent and outdoor ceremony site can accommodate up to 200 guests. Complete with 232 guest rooms, resort amenities, a spa, a golf course, and the Zephyr Lounge for possible after-parties, Honor’s Haven is so much more than a reception site—it’s a destination.

Hudson Cruises

Hudson, 518-822-1014, hudsoncruises.com

The Marika is a luxurious vessel available for private wedding cruises on the picturesque Hudson River. Her elegance, the tastefully prepared cuisine, and attention to detail combine to create a perfect setting. Wedding cruises can be custom-designed, and their team is available to work with you or your planners. The location offers quick access from Amtrak trains, major airports, and metropolitan areas. They also specialize in wedding rehearsals, corporate retreats, birthdays, and more.

Hudson River Cruises

Kingston, 845-340-4700, hudsonrivercruises.com

The perfect venue for your rehearsal dinner, ceremony or guest excursions is the Rip van Winkle motor vessel! Treat your guests to views of the beautiful Hudson River waterways while dining and dancing the night away. Exquisite menus, full bar service and amazing sunsets. We are a quintessential Hudson Valley experience. Let us help you make your special day unforgettable! Custom events or sightseeing cruises available for up to 400 guests.

Indian Ridge Farm

Highland, 845-883-3208, indianridgepreserve.com

Looking for a unique location with a country style? You’ve found the right place. Indian Ridge Farm offers beautiful indoor and outdoor options for a wedding, family reunion, birthday party, christening, weekend getaway, corporate retreat, or any other event. With acres of privacy, beach entry to their lake, paddleboats, a beach volleyball court, and a large tent area, their unique offerings are perfect for any party.

Lippincott Manor

Wallkill, 845-895-2474, lippincottmanor.com

Nestled in scenic Ulster County, Lippincott Manor features a beautiful country-rustic settings in the Hudson Valley for outdoor weddings and private events. This unique site, situated on 15 charming acres, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Wallkill River and Shawangunk Mountains. Owners Martin and Patricia Van Dyk pride themselves on developing close working relationships with each couple and treat every wedding as if it were their own. A full-service facility celebrating only one event per day, Lippincott Manor offers a full-service facility for a one-of-a-kind Hudson Valley wedding.

Minnewaska Lodge

Gardiner, 845-255-1110, minnewaskalodge.com

You’ve dreamed of this special day for a long time, and the experienced staff at the Minnewaska Lodge will help you transform your wedding into a day to remember. Allow us the honor of planning your ceremony or reception under the majestic Shawangunk Cliffs, with surrounding serene vistas and the astounding beauty of one of the most intimate Upstate New York wedding venues. We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true at the Minnewaska Lodge.

Mohonk Mountain House

New Paltz, 845-256-2053, mohonk.com

Picture the wedding of your dreams at Mohonk Mountain House. Their Victorian castle resort creates a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions. With over 40,000 acres of pristine forest, Lake Mohonk, and the surrounding mountains, your day promises to be extraordinary. Exchange vows in their lush gardens or the Victorian parlor, which offer unparalleled views of Lake Mohonk. Their staff will help you plan every last detail, from music and flower arrangements to cocktails and more.

Murray’s

Tivoli, 845-757-6003, murraystivoli.com/events

Historic architecture, modern venue. Housed in a restored 19th century church, the Sanctuary at Murray's is a one-of-a-kind space ideal for your special day. Room for 200+ guests with additional outdoor patio. In-house catering features delicious Hudson Valley seasonal cuisine that our customers love at our daytime café. Let our team custom tailor your event from ceremony florals to reception rentals. Five star lodging and dining steps away.

Nostrano Vineyards

Milton, 845-795-5473, nostranovineyards.com

Nostrano is located in the heart of the Hudson Valley wine country, where vast views of rolling hills, apple orchards, and grape vines are part of the everyday scenery. The view from their 75-acre fruit farm and vineyard is breathtaking, and the beautifully restored Pole Barn and Creekside space amongst the vineyards are equally perfect choices for a day in wine country. The property’s relaxing design and landscape makes this unique venue a charming location for any event.

Ole Savannah Southern Table

Kingston, 845-331-4283, olesavannah.com

Ole Savannah is excited to be the newest venue for weddings coming soon to the Hudson Valley! Our new Sperry Sailcloth tent is perfect not just for weddings, but also rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches, bridal and baby showers, graduation parties, anniversary parties, corporate events, and more. We can accommodate parties from 20 to 140 people. Whether you are planning a casual buffet, cocktail party, pig roast, or elegant sit-down dinner, our waterfront location is unlike any other, and located conveniently in downtown Kingston.

Rustic Ridge View Farm

Kerhonkson, 203-858-3634, rusticridgeview.com

Get married on a horse farm, and dance the night away in a covered, open-air pavilion. Stunning 360-degree mountain views, grazing horses, and rolling pastures make this a completely unique and unforgettable venue for a ceremony and reception. There is no shutdown time, so you can keep the party going as long as you like and even pitch tents. Planning and coordination services are available to help make the best of your weekend. Venue rental seasonal and includes Friday-Sunday.

Storm King Art Center

New Windsor, 845.534.3115, stormking.org

Host your ceremony and reception among Storm King’s 500 acres of fields, hills, and woodlands. The landscape provides a dramatic setting for a collection of more than 100 carefully sited sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time.

The Barn at Headwaters

Roxbury, 607-326-0064, headwatersbarn.com

Premier barn wedding venue in the Catskill Mountains. Rustic yet elegant event space for your wedding ceremony and reception. With phenomenal views and an exquisitely designed 2,700-square-foot 19th century barn, The Barn at Headwaters is bound to make your special day pure magic. Welcome to your Happily. Ever. After.

The Beekman Arms &
The Delmater Inn

Rhinebeck, 845-876-7077, beekmandelamaterinn.com

These two inns are located in the historic village of Rhinebeck. There are 80 delightful rooms, many with fireplaces in both historic and newer buildings. The Beekman Arms, America’s oldest continuously operating inn, has 23 rooms. Just one block away, the Delamater Inn has 57 rooms surrounding a garden courtyard. Both provide an elegant, romantic atmosphere while retaining an incredible historic feel.

The Bellwood Barn

Saugerties, 845-247-6240, bellwoodbarn.com

The Bellwood Barn is a boutique venue and vacation home rental designed for intimate gatherings, unique events, group retreats, or simple weekend getaways. The property consists of 24 acres on a cul-de-sac, just two hours from NYC. This spacious three-bedroom/three-bath home with cathedral-like ceilings and 2,000+ square-feet of indoor event space is architecturally stunning and unique. Whether for an intimate venue space or as a quiet weekend retreat in the woods, it will certainly feel special.

The Factoria at Charles Point

Peekskill, 914-788-4555, factoriacp.com

Create a one-of-a-kind event at The Factoria at Charles Point, a 14,000-square-foot, impeccably restored distillery from the early 1900’s, with sweeping views of the Hudson River. 6,000 square feet of additional flowing deck space create an unrivaled outdoor backdrop for gathering friends and family to celebrate life’s most important milestones.

The Hill at Wright’s Farm

Gardiner, 845-255-5300, thehillatwrightsfarm.com

The Hill at Wright’s Farm is one of the most beautiful and secluded farm wedding locations in the Hudson Valley. The site sits on top of the highest hill on the farm, surrounded by apple and peach trees, and it offers a breathtaking view of the Shawangunk Mountains.

The Inn at Kettleboro

New Paltz, 914-213-2487, kettleboro.com

Come celebrate your special day with breathtaking views and sunsets at The Inn at Kettleboro. Located on a 12-acre fruit orchard with the Shawangunks and Mohonk as a backdrop, the inn offers a magical space for your gathering of friends and family. Magnificent bluestone patios, elegant interiors and comfortably appointed guest rooms help create the atmosphere to make your wedding everything you want it to be.

The Phoenician Steakhouse

Phoenicia, 845-688-9800, thephoeniciansteakhouse.com

Located in the charming town of Phoenicia, surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, is the Phoenician Steakhouse, a true local gem. With a party-friendly backyard situated on the Esopus Creek, a selection of steaks ranging from grass-fed to USDA prime, and a friendly tavern serving craft brews and cocktails made from locally sourced ingredients, this place has something for everyone. The indoor and outdoor catering and event areas are perfect for intimate weddings or upscale affairs.

The Rhinecliff

Hudson Valley, 845-876-0590, therhinecliff.com

Your wedding at The Rhinecliff—magical, unique, special, individual—everything we do is geared towards helping you create your perfect celebration, the way you want it to be! Our boutique riverside hotel offers stunning views and sunsets, a historic location with a stunning renovation, luxurious jacuzzi tub suite included, local produce, after party, after brunch, nine guest bedrooms.

Tuthill House at the Mill

Gardiner, 845-255-1527, tuthillhouse.com

A ceremony or reception on the banks of the Shawangunk Kill, surrounded by the flowing falls of a century-old gristmill from 1788, is a most astoundingly gorgeous place to say, “I Do.” Beautiful river views and the sounds of flowing water provide a tranquil backdrop, and a specialized events team helps to arrange it all with superior service and amenities. Tuthill House is also a spectacular location for a rehearsal dinner.

Whistlewood Farm B&B

Rhinebeck, 845-876-6838, whistlewood.com

WhistleWood Farm Bed & Breakfast provides a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere with eclectic antique furnishings, fireplaces, comfy sofas and chairs, and delicious breakfasts. Our farm offers private views of acres of rolling land, grazing horses and flower gardens in bloom; a perfect site for a variety of events. The hilltop areas are wonderful places to hold wedding ceremonies and receptions. We can accommodate up to 150 people on our outside areas.

Windham Mountain Resort

Windham, 518-310-2725, windhammountain.com

Windham Mountain Resort offers spectacular Catskill Mountain views in every direction. Host your wedding with a chairlift ride to the summit, a patio ceremony, fireside cocktail hour, and an elegant reception. You will find sunlit rooms with vaulted ceilings and unique spaces for a memorable event.

Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild

Woodstock, 845-679-2079, woodstockguild.org

Weddings at the Byrdcliffe Art Colony, founded in 1902, are steeped in the Catskills’ pastoral beauty, the warmth of an artists’ community, and over a century of creativity. Original arts-and-crafts buildings decorate 250 acres of verdure and forest, inspiring artists, writers, and explorers alike. Whether you choose the rustic elegance of the Byrdcliffe Barn or the historic architectural gem of the White Pines, come celebrate love and life at the colony that made Woodstock.... Woodstock.

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

High Falls, 845-247-5700, woodstocksanctuary.org