finding the right venue

from WeddingVortex 2023 Guide to Hudson Valley Catskills Weddings

jewelry that makes a statement

by anne pyburn craig

Now that you two are sure you’ve found the right person, it’s time to pick the right place. Start looking for venues as early as possible—good ones are often booked 12 to 18 months in advance—and be as flexible about your exact date as you can.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELVES:

• If your ceremony is at a church or temple, how easy will it be for guests to get from there to your reception? How long will it take?

• How much hands-on planning do you want to do? From venues offering turnkey packages that include catering and staffing and lists of suggested vendors for other services, to places that are basically a blank canvas, your decisions in this department will affect your budget and entire planning process.

• What’s your style? Some spaces can dress up or down, accommodating a black-tie gala or laid-back bash. Others, not so much. You want a good fit for a venue.

Speaking of a good fit, how many are coming? You need a space that will hold everyone comfortably without feeling oversized. Some venues are more flexible than others, but a space that’s either too big or too small creates headaches that you, dear engaged people, do not need.

The right setting will help everything else unfold organically, from planning to the last dance.

QUESTIONS TO ASK VENUE OPERATORS:

• What kind of infrastructure is provided? Sound systems, lighting possibilities, food prep spaces and accessibility all have to meet your needs.

• What’s the rain plan? This is clearly most important if you’re planning outdoor festivities, but can also impact the comfort of, say, meticulously dressed guests making their way from the parking lot to the party on rainy or snowy days.

• Is there a backup plan in case truly extreme weather forces you to cancel?

When you’ve found a couple of possibilities, it’s time to plan in-person visits. Only then will you be able to answer the most important question of all: Does this place feel like us? The right setting will help everything else unfold organically, from planning to the last dance.

beaverkill valley inn

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

Historic Catskill lodge offering a weekend destination in a picturesque valley, yet only two hours from NYC. Over 40 acres of meadows, gardens, and hiking trails. Rustic barn for ceremonies and dancing, heated indoor pool, fitness center, tennis court, self-serve ice cream parlor, 19 rooms for guests. Custom menus crafted by the Inn’s executive chef. Call for a tour and discover the amazing BVI.

Bearsville Theater

Woodstock, bearsvilleweddings.com

The Bearsville Theater sits on 16 gorgeous acres in historic Woodstock, the Catskill Mountain town where the music revolution of the 1960s began; now, it’s an ideal wedding destination for couples who love the creative arts. There are six different locations for an unforgettable celebration: a park for ceremonies, a world-class auditorium for receptions, a theater deck, a theater lounge, restaurant fine dining for rehearsal dinners, and an exclusive club for late night parties.

Belleayre Mountain

Highmount, belleayre.com/groups/weddings brooklyn cider house / twin star orchards

A gentle breeze passes by with the grandest views of the Catskill High Peaks covered in shades of green, or hues of orange, red, and yellow. They almost serve as an audience to your special day, along with those loved ones you’ve surrounded yourself with! Belleayre Mountain in Highmount, NY is delighted to be offering weddings and services for your special day.

New Paltz, 845-633-8657, npevents@brooklynciderhouse.com, twinstarorchards.com buttermilk falls inn+spa

Twin Star Orchards is the home orchard of the award-winning farm cidery Brooklyn Cider House. Our venue is an idyllic setting for special events or for a casual weekend outing with friends and family. Stop by for hand-crafted ciders, local wine, and beer, along with wood-fired pizzas, burgers and barbecue or email us to book your farm-style wedding, rehearsal dinner, or corporate event.

Milton, 845-795-1310, buttermilkfallsinn.com

Where yesterday’s charm meets today’s luxury. Enjoy the tranquility and exclusivity of our 75 acre Hudson River estate. With two unique venue options, our incredible wedding team offers years of experience to enhance your most important day. Trust us with the details, while your loved ones savor the fine dining, animal sanctuary, lush gardens, and riverffront views that Buttermilk Falls offers.

Colony Woodstock

Woodstock, 845-679-7625, colonywoodstock.com

Just steps from the heart of Woodstock, Colony’s impeccably restored dance floor, bar, and wraparound balcony set the stage for an unforgettable wedding. Colony is the perfect venue for music lovers to celebrate in the town which birthed the iconic festival and one of the earliest art colonies in America. This venue includes a complete sound system, lights, stage, and billiard room for added entertainment.

Darlings

838 Route 32, Tillson, 845-658-2406, darlingsny.com

Darlings is located right at the top of a hill, just south of Rosendale, boasting whimsical gardens, craft cocktails, southern-inflected food, and “the best dance floor in the Hudson Valley.” Offering large open spaces indoors and outdoors, Darlings is perfect for your welcome event, rehearsal dinner, after-party, or wedding. We offer full-service events with in-house catering for up to 200 people. Drop in for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and fall in love!

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, with dinner and dancing, the capacity is 200 people.

Historic Barns Of Nipmoose

Buskirk, 518-944-4414, nipmoosebarns.org

The Historic Barns of Nipmoose provide an idyllic setting for rustic chic weddings. Perched on a knoll overlooking a breathtaking landscape of farm fields, the Scottish Barn, German Barn, and Corn Crib are superb examples of America’s rich agricultural heritage. All three barns are included in a single wedding event, offering couples a unique opportunity to plan their wedding, whether elegant or casual.

Homestead Farm Resort

Margaretville, 845-586-4482, homesteadfarmresort.com

Think of the barn at Homestead Farm Resort for your wedding or other special occasion. Located on 250 acres in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, the barn has been fully refurbished and features an elevated deck, bar area, caterer’s kitchen, buffet room, and men’s and women’s bathrooms. The barn is heated, so late-fall and wintertime dates are available. 26 guest rooms on property. Email: homesteadfarmresort@gmail.com.

Hotel Dylan

Woodstock, 845-684-5422, thehoteldylan.com

Conveniently located near several wedding venues, Hotel Dylan is an ideal destination for bridal parties. When the hotel is reserved, guests can enjoy exclusive use of the grounds and prepare for the big event in complete privacy. Staff will help set up hair and makeup services and secure transportation to your venue. They can also arrange for next-day brunch services at their on-site restaurant. The staff is dedicated to making guests feel well cared for, whatever their needs might be.

Hudson River Cruises

Kingston, 845-253-5854, hudsonrivercruises.com

Join Hudson River Cruises aboard the Rip Van Winkle II for your event. We are the perfect on-water venue for your rehearsal dinner, reception, welcome party, sightseeing tour or any special event for your wedding guests. Let us help you plan an unforgettable experience! Events up to 300 guests. Departing from the waterfront in historic Kingston, NY.

Indian Ridge Farm

Highland, 845-883-3208, indianridgepreserve.com the inn at kettleboro

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, paddle boats, a beach volleyball court, and a large tent area, their unique offerings are perfect for any party.

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

At the Inn at Kettleboro, we take your vision of the perfect day and turn it into reality. From small summer outdoor weddings to intimate dinner parties, we provide a stunning venue nestled amidst orchards with the peaks of the Shawangunks as an iconic backdrop. Historic, tasteful, and elegant perfectly captures the essence of the inn. From simple elopements to small, jeweled celebrations of wedding vows, we will help you create that special lifetime memory.

Lippincott Manor

Wallkill, 845-895-2474, lippincottmanor.com

Nestled in scenic Ulster County, Lippincott Manor features a beautiful country-rustic setting in the Hudson Valley for outdoor weddings. This unique site, situated on 15 charming acres, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Wallkill River and Shawangunk Mountains. A full-service facility celebrating only one event per day, Lippincott Manor allows for a one-of-a-kind Hudson Valley wedding.

Living Stone

Round Top, NY, 845-853-2287, livingstone-eventspace.com

Living Stone is a truly unique and enchanting venue, nestled next to a waterfall on 38 acres in the forests of the Catskill Mountains. The exquisite, handcrafted timber frame Pavilion has been built in harmony with the natural surroundings and is equipped with everything you need to host your intimate gathering. Created with love, intention, and reverence, Living Stone makes dreams come true.

luzon station Hurleyville, luzoncatskills.com

Looking for a unique wedding venue? Look no further than the historic train station in the heart of Hurleyville, NY. Built in 1676.After all, not all wedding venues are created equal.

Ole Savannah Southern Table

Kingston, 845-331-4283, olesavannah.com ollie ’ s pizza

Ole Savannah is a popular venue for weddings and events in the Hudson Valley. Our Sperry Sailcloth tent is perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, day-after brunches, bridal/baby showers, graduation or anniversary parties, corporate events, and more. We can accommodate parties from 20 to 140 people. Whether planning a casual buffet, cocktail party, pig roast, or elegant sit-down dinner, our waterfront location in downtown Kingston is unlike any other.

High Falls, 845-687-3464, ollies.pizza

Located in historic High Falls, Ollie’s Pizza is the Hudson Valley’s new standard for elevated casual dining, serving wood-oven and grandma-style pizzas, as well as natural wine, local beers, and custom cocktails. Started by a group of lifelong friends, Ollie’s was created to host good times over delicious food. Join us for your next private party, rehearsal dinner, or special event.

Opus 40

Saugerties, 845-246-3400, opus40.org/weddings

The most beautiful sculpture park in the Catskills area can also be the perfect location for your outdoor wedding. Our site features a spectacular 6.5-acre bluestone sculpture, as well as meadows, statues, fountains, and a breathtaking view of Overlook Mountain. The view alone will bedazzle your guests. Accommodating weddings up to 400.

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 and rolling pastures make this weekend-long rental an unforgettable venue for a ceremony and reception. There is no shutdown time, so you can keep the party going as long as you like. Planning services are available. Ask about staying over!

Seminary Hill

Callicoon, 845-887-4056, seminaryhill.co/weddings

An all-season venue with stunning views overlooking the Delaware River Valley. You and your guests may wander through our holistic orchard, enjoy the award-winning design of our Tasting Room, or dance the night away in an elegant tent with seating for 250 guests. In-house catering features seasonal ingredients from local farms and our own distinctive cider. Onsite accommodations for 50 guests, with ample accommodations nearby.

The Sablewood

Schoharie, 518-461-6013, thesablewood.com

An exquisite 1870s barn venue on 120 acres in the Catskill Mountains lovingly restored and fully modernized with climate control, 50 oversize windows, a soaring 40’ ceiling, and breathtaking 1920s crystal chandelier. Our meticulously manicured property includes a new white barn & veranda for indoor ceremony and cocktail hour options. A truly unforgettable experience, we host weddings of all sizes up to 175 guests.

the 1850 house inn & tavern

Rosendale, 845-658-7800, the1850house.com

Located in the town of Rosendale, this historic boutique hotel is the perfect location for an intimate wedding. Whether it’s just the two of you or 80 of your closest friends and family, their deck overlooking the Rondout Creek is a perfect choice for your celebration. With 11 guest rooms and modern amenities, The 1850 House Inn balances old and new to make your event everything you want it to be.

the grove at garvan’s

New Paltz, 845-255-7888, garvans.com the inn at west settlement

A centuries-old locust grove estate is the setting for your dream wedding. Vow your lasting love on the vast lawn, capture your memories in our lush gardens, gaze at the love of your life surrounded by family and friends. The Grove event space is where we make your wedding vision a reality! Call us today to schedule a tour!

Roxbury, 518-610-3449, innatwestsettlement.com

Nestled on 17 acres overlooking the pristine West Settlement valley, our historic barn has been re-imagined as the perfect romantic, rustic, and elegant space. Enjoy an unplugged weekend with no curfew or noise restrictions; live music is welcomed and encouraged. The organic cutting gardens are available for all your flower needs. Come to relax, celebrate, and create memories that last a lifetime.

The Phoenician

Phoenicia, 845-688-9800, thephoeniciansteakhouse.com

Located in the charming town of Phoenicia, surrounded by the Catskill Mountains, is The Phoenician, a true local gem. With a party-friendly backyard situated on the Esopus Creek, a selection of delectable food, 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, rehearsal dinners, and after-parties.

The Spiegeltent At Bard

summerscape

Annandale-on-Hudson, 845-758-7912, fishercenter.bard.edu/about/rentals/

“Best Places to Get Married in the Hudson Valley”—Hudson Valley Magazine. Rent the Iconic Spiegelent. This summer, host your special event under the sparkling lights in this timeless, enchanted custom-built wooden tent of mirrors—rent the beloved Spiegeltent at Bard SummerScape for your event today!

For more info and available dates, email cedwards@bard.edu.

The Venue Uptown

Kingston, 845-802-7007, thevenueuptown.com

The Venue Uptown gives you freedom to dream. Imagine: with 8,800 square feet of flexible space to accommodate up to 250 guests, your wedding can be as intimate or lavish as your heart desires. Our on-site hotel (The Best Western Plus–Kingston) allows your guests to relax and enjoy the fun, all in one luxurious setting.

Whitby Castle

Rye, 914-777-2053, lessingsweddings.com

Whitby Castle boasts a striking similarity to the details of the original Whitby Abbey in England, including some of the original Abbey stones. Set on 126 acres in Rye, New York, Whitby Castle is conveniently located, yet seemingly worlds away. Perfectly manicured lawns, breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound, a grandiose ballroom, plus two private reception rooms offer the perfect backdrop for an affair of any size.