Bride in dress and hiking boots smiles and leans on groom's shoulder as he puts his arm around her waist, standing on a log over a river in winter Hudson Valley forest.

Hudson Valley Forest Elopement

Lauren and Nick live in NYC but instead of a typical city hall wedding decided to book our all inclusive Hudson Valley elopement package. The package included photography by Joshua, flowers by Heart and Soil here in Newburgh, an officiant (Joshua’s wife Rebecca), a hair and makeup appointment with Campbell and Campbell salon, and lodging at The Linden House also here in Newburgh and one of the most stunning homes on the Hudson River. They decided to take the short train ride up to Beacon, where they spent a gorgeous winter Saturday morning reading their vows to each other next to an icy waterfall.

Hair and Makeup

The day started in Beacon at one of the top Hudson Valley hair salons, Campbell and Campbell. Anthony and Stephanie opened the salon a couple years ago and live nearby. They also happen to be celebrity hair stylists during the week down in the city.

Bride sits as hairdresser does her hair for her wedding.
Bride sits as hairdresser does her hair for her wedding.
Bride and groom walk together holding hands down Hudson Valley town street before getting ready for wedding ceremony.

Wedding Flowers

While they were getting their hair done, Kelsey, from Heart and Soil flowers in Newburgh, dropped off a perfect bouquet and boutonnière. One of the great advantages of being a Hudson Valley florist is that you can forage all sorts of amazing flowers and foliage just by taking a quick hike. It’s still winter here in the Hudson Valley, so Lauren wanted something that would blend in with all of the neutral tones and textures. Kelsey nailed it as usual.

Bride holds dry brown grass and weeds bouquet.

Midcentury Airbnb

Once the hair was done, Joshua met them at the salon and drove them over to the Linden House in Newburgh. The Linden House is an amazing midcentury home that is available on Airbnb. It’s absolutely ideal for elopements or tiny weddings.

Groom begins putting on tie before wedding ceremony in mid-century home in Hudson Valley.
Bride looks in mirror, fixing her mascara in midcentury home in Hudson Valley.
Through doorway, bride stands in wedding dress, finishing up getting ready before wedding ceremony.
Groom puts shoes on before wedding ceremony inside midcentury home in Hudson Valley.
Bride smiles and laughs at groom, and groom smiles, both sitting on couch inside midcentury home in Hudson Valley.
Bride buttons groom's jacket before wedding ceremony in Hudson Valley.
Bride rests smiles and rests head on grooms should, both standing on gravel walkway in Hudson Valley winter scenery.
Bride in dress smiles from laughing and wipes tear from under her eye with bamboo behind her.
Bride stands on rocks and smiles, groom holds her hand as she walks down.
Bride in dress and orange sunglasses looks at and holds bouquet in Hudson Valley winter forest.

Waterfall Elopment

After getting ready and shooting a few portraits, we met up with Joshua’s wife who is a Hudson Valley wedding officiant thanks to the internet. We all headed to Black Rock Forest which is just a few minutes away from Storm King, but is usually very uncrowded. We followed a short hiking trail to a very large waterfall and Rebecca performed the short and sweet ceremony. Lauren and Jon exchanged some beautiful vows with each other and had two friends as witnesses. We took a few more photos in the forest, and then headed out. Lauren and Nick drove back and had a nice dinner in the City.

Here is Lauren’s review:

“We decided to skip NYC city hall and pop up to Beacon/Newburgh for the day to have a quiet ceremony in the beautiful countryside. What an excellent decision. Joshua helped us connect with local vendors to make the afternoon special but kept it low key and intimate. He also scouted some lovely locations for photos and the ceremony. And the photos! So gorgeous, a wonderful keepsake of a special day for us. The turnaround time for the images was immediate and not a day has gone by that my partner and I haven’t looked through the photos together. If you’re thinking city hall or or big blowout but it’s stressing you out, trust your gut and go with the romantic, intimate ceremony in the woods. 13/10 would do again.”

Skip city hall and book your own Hudson Valley Elopement here!

Bride smiles at groom during ceremony in Hudson Valley winter forest.
Bride reads groom vows during ceremony in Hudson Valley winter forest.
Groom reads bride vows during ceremony in Hudson Valley winter forest.
Wedding officiant with baby strapped to her smiles at wedding couple in winter Hudson Valley forest.
Bride in dress and hiking boots smiles and leans on groom's shoulder as he puts his arm around her waist, standing on a log over a river in winter Hudson Valley forest.
Bride in dress laughs at groom in blue suit as they stand on a log over a river in winter Hudson Valley forest.
Bride in white dress and groom in blue suit look seriously at the camera and stand together in winter Hudson Valley forest.