Floral Arches
Hudson Valley Wedding Venues
The Other New York
I once read that when you graduate from New York City, you move to the Hudson Valley.
I fell in love with the Hudson Valley the first time we met. Part of the things that attracted me to New York City, also attracted me to the Hudson Valley and the Catskills and beyond.
I remember when I moved to New York, there were no chain stores in my home town. The grocery store was tiny, and the butcher knew all his customers by name.
A few years later, Wal Mart came to town. First the hardware store closed, then the local dress shop, the men’s store and finally the tiny grocery store who’s butcher knew everyone. Every time I went home to visit, I felt more and more disconnected from the community that I knew. The Hudson Valley reminds me of what of the one I once had.
Don’t get me wrong, I loved my city life, the 2AM perogies at Vasilika, limitless takeout options, and dancing until dawn. After a while, having easy access to nightclubs, bars and trendy restaurants gets a little tired. You want things like meaningful conversations, and neighbors who have deeper purpose than Tinder hookups.
Because of the slow life, because of the limited options, because how authentic everything is. chain stores are frowned upon on both sides of the river and because of the support of small, local businesses, there is tremendous pride in the community at large and in the level of workmanship that is produced. It makes it a magical place to be and the rich history and culture have every bit of excitement that New York has.
Having a wedding in the Hudson Valley is a great way to share this magical place with your friends and family. Options range from historic mansions to chic industrial spaces and bucolic barns.
Here is a roundup of some of my favorites that will be sure to impress your jaded city guests and keep you family at large comfortable and happy.
Cedar Lake Estate
Summer Camp For Grownups
One of our Favorite Hudson Valley Wedding Venues
Don’t you just love summer camp? Remember the hot days, cold showers and bug juice? This is summer camps for grown-ups, who still want to jump in a lake, and stay up all night, but appreciate being a little more, adult, the juice may have a little gin or bourbon bite to it. .
This venue is the brain-child of two sisters who inherited a family owned, summer camp that was home to an elite gymnastics camp. The sisters assured me that they sadly did not attend the camp as children.
They decided to put together a venue that had outstanding food and was updated to accommodate sophisticated tastes. It’s like the Hoxton Hotel landed in the foothills of the Catskills.
The attention to detail is astounding. I particularly love the use of found architectural salvage gems like the enormous ceramic factor sinks in the men’s room, the french inspired zinc bar, and the ginormous fire pit in the middle of the picnic pavilion.
Oh, and the view. Did I mention the View? For your ceremony, you have a choice of a lakeside vista or a mountaintop site with miles and miles of views.
Cedar Lake Estate
Guests can stay in hipster friendly cabins, or newly renovated bunk houses. There is a complete buyout of the property required so you can have a full weekend with a rehearsal dinner in the chef’s garden, breakfast in the picnic pavilion, cocktails by the lakeside pool, dinner and dancing in stunning barn which can be as rustic or sophisticated as you like.
Roundhouse at Beacon
19th Century Industrial Chic in a Charming Town
Roundhouse at Beacon is one of my favorite venues. Located in Downtown Beacon, Roundhouse has a boutique hotel hotel, full service restaurant, stunning event space and is a short stroll to lots of quaint shops in revitalized, downtown Beacon.
Beacon is also the home to DIA Beacon, a very well respected contemporary art center. Along with its rotating exhibitions, Dia is also home to several installations by Richard Serra, known for his mammoth sculptures made of rusted metal.
The Round House Beacon Waterfall
The main space is situated in an old factory building and is a family owned and operated facility that is meticulously restored into a venue that will impress any out of town guest. The floor to ceiling windows overlook a waterfall and its short distance to the MetroNorth train station make it a great choice for New York City guests who don’t have a car.
Storm King Art Center
Sweeping Landscapes, Iconic Sculptures
Storm King Art Center is a World Class sculpture park situated about a 90 minute drive from New York City. Having a wedding or event at this center will treat your guests to rolling hills, endless vistas and some of the best sculpture in the world.
Sculpture at Storm King Art Center
Proceeds from events go to support this institution and the arts. Their preferred catering company Fresh Company is one of the best in the region, offering a robust selection of farm to table fare.
Basilica Hudson
You will really impress your Artsy Friends
We love venues that have an underlying mission. Basilica Hudson supports arts and culture by offering music, performance, film, food and literally programing.
Situated in Hudson, NY, Basilica is in a re-claimed 1800’s industrial factory on the waterfront. This iconic structure has soaring ceilings, exposed brick and enormous, wooden beams.
Basilica Hudson
You can shape this venue to be whatever you want and bring in catering companies of your choice,
Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Amazing Food, Amazing Venue
Technically not in the Hudson Valley, but on the list nonetheless. For those downtown friends of yours, this offers enough rolling hills, trees and farm-life to feel like the real thing. This venue offers a bucolic retreat that will compliment any black tie party. Situated just 28 miles north of Midtown Manhattan, and a short, 35 minute express train ride away on Metro North, Blue Hill offers some of the best cuisine in the country.
Stone Barns is an educational agriculture center that is located in a pristine, stone farmstead. Its grand hall has soaring ceilings with exposed wood beams and lots of charm. Operated by Dan Barber, who is a superstar chef and winner of several James Beard awards, it is almost impossible to get a reservation at the restaurant.
Photo by Vincy Fong
Having a wedding in this beautiful setting will treat your guests to some of the best food in the world. In a stunning, almost European environment.
The Hasbrouck House
Historic Charm with a sophisticated edge
This cottage inn is charming and meticulously restored. Created by the genius behind The Green Building and 501 Union, this is the country cousin to the ultra chic city siblings.
Hasbrouck House
Perfect for parties up to 150 people, it offers all of the charm of the Hudson Valley and is a short ride from New York City. It also boasts an in house spa, pool, and lots of opportunity for exploration and antique hunting.
Glynwood Farm
Beautiful Estate, a Great Way to Donate to a Great Cause
One thing that this farm does not have is a barn available for a wedding because, well, the barns are used to house animals.
Glynwood Farm is a working farm that has a local CSA and is a teaching farm to teach sustainable, small scale, low impact agriculture. You know, the kind that will save humans and the planet.
Photography by Kimberly Coccagnia
The main house is STUNNING and is full of old world charm and grace. Vistas abound and all of the food comes from the farm so, yum. More importantly, proceeds go to support the teaching farm. How great is that?
Buttermilk Falls Inn
Because Everyone deserves a Spa Weekend Wedding
Buttermilk Falls is a wonderful getaway for all your friends and family. Situated about 70 miles from NYC, it is accessible by Metro North and is close to the Catskills and the Hudson Valley. Unlike Glynwood, it does have a barn which makes a great location for an after party or rehearsal dinner.
Buttermilk Falls Inn and Spa
Boasting several guest houses and an AMAZING on site spa, this is a great place for a not so far from NYC destination wedding. I’ve been told that it is difficult to choose who to let have the rooms, but there are plenty of options nearby for Air BnB or hotels.
Additional Hudson Valley and Catskills Venues
Not to be Missed
Here are some alternate venues that are also terrific. These should be on your list, especially if you want something a little different. They all have their own unique charm and beauty.
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