Best Wedding Planners in the Hudson Valley (A Photographer's Recommendations)

After shooting over 500 weddings across the Hudson Valley and Catskills, I've worked alongside a lot of planners and day-of coordinators. The difference between a smooth wedding day and a chaotic one often comes down to who's managing the logistics. These are the planners and coordinators I've actually worked with — people I trust with my own wedding day.

Planner vs. Coordinator: What's the Difference?

A wedding planner typically handles everything from initial concept through the final day: venue selection, vendor management, design direction, budget tracking, and timeline creation. They're involved from the start.

A day-of coordinator comes in closer to the date and focuses on execution: managing the timeline, wrangling vendors, handling emergencies, and making sure everything happens when it's supposed to. Some couples hire a coordinator for the final three months; others hire a full planner from the beginning.

Both roles matter. A good coordinator makes my job easier because they've communicated the timeline, they know the venue layout, and they keep people on track. I'll work with either — but understanding the difference helps you decide what you actually need.

The Planners I've Worked With

Christofora Events — Angela Christoforo's team, at Old Mill, Timber Lake Camp, and Hasbrouck House.

Merry by Mia — Audrey's Farmhouse.

Every Little Detail — Gather Greene and Audrey's Farmhouse.

Greater Good Events — Spillian.

Wild Blooms Bridal — Hasbrouck House and City Winery.

Canvas Weddings — Corinne Van Arsdale's studio, at Glynwood.

Other Planners & Coordinators I've Worked With

Emily Boziwick Events — Audrey's Farmhouse.

Cathy's Elegant Events — Full Moon Resort.

Small Shindigs / Sarah Carroll — Roxbury Barn.

Meg Critchell Events — Wildflower Farms.

Elevated Events by Shelby — Wylder Hotel.

Marissa Stone / Coordinating Amor — Friends & Neighbors.

Your Event / Paula Smith — Gather Greene.

Kelli Teglas Events — City Winery.

A Charmed Affair — Blooming Hill Farm.

KR Occasions — Audrey's Farmhouse.

Peony Events Co — A Private Estate.

Ruffles & Tweed — City Winery.

Starling Events — Red Maple Vineyard.

The Refined Host — Red Maple Vineyard.

Wedding Planning Plus — A Private Estate.

When Do You Actually Need a Planner?

Not every wedding needs a planner. Some couples have the time and bandwidth to manage vendors, scout venues, and build a timeline themselves. Others need someone taking those things off their plate from day one.

Read more about whether you need a planner here. The short version: if you have limited time, a large guest list, or you want to stay sane during planning, a planner is worth the money. If you're planning a small celebration and you enjoy the process, you might only need a day-of coordinator.

FAQ

How much do wedding planners typically cost in the Hudson Valley?

Pricing varies widely. Day-of coordination runs $1,500 to $3,000. Partial planning runs $2,500 to $5,000. Full planning from start to finish runs $5,000 to $15,000+, depending on the planner's experience and your budget. More on Hudson Valley wedding costs here.

Should I hire a planner if I'm doing a small wedding?

Not necessarily. Small weddings (under 75 guests) can often be managed without a planner if you're organized and have a responsive venue. A day-of coordinator — someone to run the timeline and keep vendors on track — is usually more useful than a full planner here.

What should I ask a potential planner before hiring them?

Ask how they handle vendor delays or problems, whether they've worked at your venue before, and how they define their role on the wedding day. Ask for references — specifically from other photographers they've worked with.

How early should I hire a planner?

Full planners work best when hired 12+ months out. For a 6–12 month engagement, partial planning or just day-of coordination works fine. If your wedding is less than three months away, you're looking at day-of coordination only.

Work With Someone You Trust

A wedding planner's job is to remove chaos from your day. The best ones do it quietly — you barely notice them working. That kind of invisible excellence takes experience and focus.

If you've hired your venue, your photographer, and your caterer, the planner is the next domino. They're the through-line connecting all those pieces. Get that right and everything runs smoother.

Browse all Hudson Valley wedding vendors here or book a consultation with Joshua Brown Photography to talk through your day.