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 dozens 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 wedding 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 Most

These are the ones handling multiple weddings I've photographed. That's a sign of consistency and the kind of workload that comes with solid reputation.

Elite Wedding Planning

I've shot weddings with Elite Wedding Planning at Old Mill and Timber Lake Camp. They manage the day with real authority—vendors respond to them, timelines stay tight, and they don't waste energy on things that don't matter. Cathy's crew understands that a wedding day has about six hours of actual content, and they're disciplined about protecting that time. I've seen them shut down a receiving line that was running ten minutes behind schedule, respectfully but directly.

Merry by Mia

Mia has coordinated weddings at Audrey's Farmhouse where I've photographed. She's methodical. I appreciate that she gets the details right—I've never had to ask her about the family formals timeline because it's already locked in. She coordinates with me before the wedding day, which saves everyone time. Mia works best with couples who trust her judgment and aren't trying to fit 200 ideas into a five-hour reception.

Every Little Detail

Two weddings with them: one at Gather Greene and one at Audrey's Farmhouse. They're detail-oriented in a way that actually helps the day run—not obsessive, but precise. They track vendor arrivals, confirm timing with each person individually, and they keep a paper copy of the timeline running. No surprises. Good for couples who want the backup of someone actually managing the list.

Greater Good Events

I've worked with them at Spillian multiple times. They're calm under pressure. I've seen them absorb a vendor no-show and pivot within minutes without the couple even knowing something went wrong. That kind of problem-solving comes from experience and level-headedness. They're a good fit if your wedding is going to have moving pieces or if you're the type who doesn't want to think about logistics.

Wild Blooms Bridal

Two weddings photographed: one at Hasbrouck House and one at City Winery HV. Wild Blooms manages both florals and coordination, which can be efficient or create bottlenecks depending on their headspace that day. In my experience, they handle it well. They're particularly strong if you want cohesion between florals and overall design. The venue coordination piece is solid, not flashy.

Canvas Weddings

Lauren at Canvas orchestrated a wedding at Glynwood where I photographed. Clean operation. They're organized without being rigid. Good at managing vendor expectations and keeping people in their lane. Works well for couples who want professional management without needing someone to hold their hand through every decision.

Other Planners & Coordinators I've Worked With

Emily Boziwick Events

Coordinated at Audrey's Farmhouse. Responsive and solution-focused. Strong communication with venues.

Cathy's Elegant Events

Handled logistics at Full Moon Resort. Experienced with mountain venues and their unique demands.

Small Shindigs / Sarah Carroll

Day-of coordination at Roxbury Barn. Works well with intimate celebrations and smaller guest counts.

Meg Critchell Events

Coordinated at Wildflower Farms. Detail-oriented and reliable timeline management.

Elevated Events by Shelby

Worked with them at Wylder Hotel. Smooth coordination in a hotel setting.

Marissa Stone / Coordinating Amor

Day-of at Friends & Neighbors. Calm presence and vendor communication.

Paula Smith / Your Event

Handled planning at Gather Greene. Organized approach to vendor and timeline management.

Christofora Events

Coordinated at Hasbrouck House. Professional vendor liaison and day-of execution.

Kelli Teglas Events

Worked together at City Winery HV. Strong on timeline and vendor coordination.

Charmed Affair

Day-of at Blooming Hill Farm. Good at managing farm venue logistics.

KR Occasions

Coordinated at Audrey's Farmhouse. Responsive and detail-focused.

Peony Events Co

Planning at A Private Estate. Brings design sophistication to coordination.

Ruffles & Tweed

Day-of at City Winery HV. Professional and organized approach.

Starling Events

Coordinated at Red Maple Vineyard. Experienced with vineyard venues and their nuances.

The Refined Host

Worked together at Red Maple Vineyard. Strong on vendor management and execution.

Wedding Planning Plus

Full planning at A Private Estate. Methodical on timeline and logistics.

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 the planning process, 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.