The Best Hudson Valley Wedding Venues for 2021 and 2022
The Hudson Valley is our home. We moved about 7 years ago from NYC and have never looked back. Luckily, it’s one of the most photogenic locations in the country. While there are thousands of farms, barns, and airbnbs you can rent for a wedding, these are my favorites. They generally have the highest levels of service and the most picturesque ceremony backdrops.
Most of them are set up to do larger weddings of at least 125 people or so, but some are open to smaller elopements as well. We will be expanding this page soon to include virtual tours of them all so you can decide which ones you would like to visit. If you need help deciding between wedding venues, book a call with Joshua and he can share his insights.
- A Private Estate
This is an amazing new wedding option on the Hudson, with two unique ceremony locations seated atop a cliff with awe-inspiring river views. By choosing A Private Estate, you’ll have access to the entire property: the grounds, the 19th-century estate at the center, the Carriage House (sleeps 12), the Creekside Cabin (sleeps 6), multiple barns, multiple locations for tent placement, forested trails, and a variety of photo environments.
Guests: Up to 275, Micro Packages Available
Closest Train Station: Rhinecliff, 20 Min. Drive (Amtrak)
930 Woods Road, Germantown, New York 12526 - Audrey’s Farmhouse
Audrey’s offers all-inclusive packages that feature use of their massive barn and fashionable adjoining greenhouse, 18th c. farmhouse, and exterior bluestone patio, plus top-notch on-site catering, rentals, lighting, lodging, and more. The vintage greenhouse is a unique, plant-packed industrial space that will make even the largest gathering feel intimate, and while the property only sleeps 38, it’s located close enough to New Paltz to offer plentiful lodging and AirBnb options. The owners, Doug and Sally, are particularly cool to work with and their culinary game is on point.
Guests: Up to 200
Closest Train Station: Poughkeepsie, 35 Min. Drive (Amtrak/MNR)
2187 Bruynswick Rd., Wallkill, NY 12589 - Blue Hill at Stone Barns
Food is the primary draw for this Westchester hideaway known for farm-to-table fare and its legendary Executive Chef, Dan Barber. For couples attracted to ethical farming, seasonal menus, and food justice, Blue Hill is your spot. The white-glove price tag pays for extremely warm and attentive service (think personal concierge), direct-from-the-farm/in-season ingredients, access to the farm itself, and a truly one-of-a-kind culinary experience for you and your guests. Couples can opt for a total buyout for the night, or a smaller affair alongside other visitors. Their indoor lighting can be tricky, but Joshua has a comfortable handle on it, having shot many Blue Hill weddings.
Guests: 15-260
Closest Train Station: Hawthorne, 10 Min. Drive (MNR Harlem)
630 Bedford Rd., Pocantico Hills, NY 10591 - City Winery Hudson Valley
Located in a newly refurbished, 19th century manufacturing facility on the banks of the Wallkill River, City Winery HV is the newest addition to the City Winery franchise. With a fully functioning winery, live music space, variety of indoor and outdoor event spaces, all-inclusive planning and service packages, and decked out bridal suite, this is a versatile option for weddings of any size year-round.
Guests: 25-1,200
Closest Train Station: Beacon, 25 Min. Drive (MNR Hudson)
23 Factory Street, Montgomery, NY 12549 - Glynwood
With Glynwood, more than any other venue on this list, philanthropically-minded couples will appreciate that their wedding dollars are supporting an important cause. As a hub for sustainable farming education and food justice initiatives, this Hudson Valley nonprofit banks its wedding proceeds to support apprenticeships, outreach, and other mission-oriented programming. It offers the widest diversity of photo backdrops–lake, forest, farm, meadow, and historic house, barn–and is known as a popular fashion/editorial shoot location. The team from Cedar Lakes Estate recently dropped in to help Glynwood restyle its 1920s fieldstone house, so the decor is fresher and more appropriate for its younger clientele.
Guests: Unknown
Closest Train Station: Cold Spring, 15 Min. Drive (MNR Hudson)
362 Glynwood Road, Cold Spring, NY 10516 - Hasbrouck House
This 18th century Dutch Colonial stone house has been fully renovated as a boutique inn, with high-end modern suites, in-house restaurant, an old world bar, and multiple patios/outdoor event spaces. The Butterfield, Hasbrouck’s restaurant, is a perfect spot for rehearsal dinners or more intimate gatherings (fewer than 50 guests). Beyond the historic house, guests can wander through an apple orchard, stroll around a lake, explore forested trails, and take a dip in the outdoor pool–lots of bang for your buck considering the property’s small footprint.
Guests: Up to 150
Closest Train Station: Rhinecliff, 30 Min. Drive (Amtrak)
3805 Main Street, Stone Ridge, NY 12484 - Hutton Brickyards
Having served as a music and entertainment hub for the past several years, Hutton Brickyards is being redeveloped in 2021 as a sprawling boutique hotel and recreational destination, featuring 73 acres of historic manufacturing structures, industrial features, waterfront views, 31 Shaker-inspired cabins, and more. When fully operational, Hutton will likely host massive, luxurious weddings for parties of 500+, complemented by its proximity to bustling Kingston, easy access to the river, and direct routes from New York City.
Guests: Unknown
Closest Train Station: Rhinecliff, 20 Min. Drive (Amtrak)
200 North St, Kingston, NY 12401 - Meadow Ridge Farm
This 100-acre 19th century dairy farm offers multiple ceremony locations, photo backdrops, a newly-restored barn that can accommodate 300 guests, and a large bluestone terrace on the banks of the Hudson. Meadow Ridge is a great option for summer weddings with some nice shaded areas and views of both the Catskills and the Berkshire Mountains. One drawback for a property so large, though: they don’t offer any on-site lodging.
Guests: Up to 300
Closest Train Station: Hudson, 25 Min. Drive (Amtrak)
2745 NY 385, Coxsackie, NY 12051
- The Roundhouse
No other venue on our list beats The Roundhouse for its access to public transportation and proximity to New York City. Beacon’s Metro-North Station (Hudson Line) is quickly reached by taxi, ride share, or shuttle bus, and the small city offers lots of dining and entertainment options within walking distance of the venue. The Roundhouse’s events are run like a well-oiled machine, with comprehensive packages, friendly service, multiple air-conditioned spaces for inclement weather, and large hotel capacity. The former industrial site offers awesome views of the falls on Fishkill Creek.
Guests: Up to 200, Micro Packages Available
Closest Train Station: Beacon, 5 Min. Drive (MNR Hudson)
2 E Main St, Beacon, NY 12508 - Troutbeck
Troutbeck is probably the highest-end venue on our list and features some amazing history. Built as a private estate, country inn, and tavern in 1765, it’s been a favorite of naturalists, poets, creators, and thinkers for centuries, including Twain, Thoreau, Emerson, and Burroughs. Fully restored for modern audiences in 2017 and offering small, exclusive event accommodations, Troutbeck is ideal for quiet creatives looking to bring some history and gravitas to their day. Beyond the inn, there are two barn-style buildings with modern spas, a beautiful new pool, a small dining room, copper-topped bar, a pool table, and several picnic locations along a creek. They don’t do weddings every weekend so they often have flexibility to move dates around–couples are paying for this exclusivity.
Guests: Up to 300 (Ballroom)
Closest Train Station: Rhinecliff, 45 Min. Drive (Amtrak)
515 Leedsville Rd, Amenia, NY 12501 - Blooming Hill
Blooming Hill offers rustic, all-inclusive events set within a fully operational Hudson Valley farm. Food is harvested and prepared on-site, flexible event rentals are available, and they offer three indoor/outdoor spaces for gathering, including a covered open-air bar. Ample room is available on secluded parts of the property for additional tenting/custom ceremony setups. Their country vibe and moderate price point tend to be attractive, but transportation and local lodging can be problematic for guests, especially given the local 10pm noise ordinance. Check out their bomb Sunday Brunch and wood-fired pizzas.
Guests: Up to 200
Closest Train Station: Peekskill, 30 Min. Drive (MNR Hudson)
1251 State Route 208, Monroe, NY 10914 - Cedar Lakes Estate
Your childhood sleepaway camp meets 5-star elegance on 500 acres. A full buyout of Cedar Lakes gives you access to: multiple indoor and outdoor event locations, a massive air-conditioned barn, lakes/pools, hiking/biking trails, hammocks, bonfire pits, tennis/basketball courts, and ample lodging for you and 300 of your closest friends. In-house catering, multiple meals, and craft cocktails are included, while rowboat, canoe, and pool toy rentals keep your guests engaged all weekend. If you’re gonna go big anyway, why not rent out an entire summer camp?
Guests: Up to 300
Closest Train Station: Beacon, 45 Min. Drive (MNR Hudson)
1 Team USA Way, Port Jervis, NY 12771 - Mohonk Mountain House
This old school resort’s private lake and stunning Catskills views will probably seal the deal for you. Once home to a ten-room tavern, Mohonk was purchased and expanded several times over in the mid-1800s by a local Quaker family committed to land preservation. The buildings offer a hodge-podge of architectural styles and much of the original Victorian decor has been maintained where possible, so dated event spaces and accommodations will feel more earnest and authentic than out-of-step. There are amazing lake and mountain views, beautiful gardens, an extensive trail system, and tons of recreational options for guests, plus ample lodging for everyone. With its proximity to the college town/entertainment hub of New Paltz, this is a great spot for an extended wedding weekend.
Guests: Up to 200
Closest Train Station: Poughkeepsie, 30 Min. Drive (Amtrak/MNR)
1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz, NY 12561 - Pioneer Farm
140 acres of historic farmland are essentially a blank slate for any ceremony style, and Pioneer offers overnight accommodations for 40-50 guests across several houses, tiny houses, airstream trailers, and tents. Their open meadows are an ideal locale for extra-long, family-style tables or any amount of creative tenting/seating, and parties can make use of fire pits across the property to keep the celebration rolling late into the night.
Guests: Unknown
Closest Train Station: Peekskill, 45 Min. Drive (MNR Hudson)
65 NY-94, Warwick, NY 10990 - Red Maple Vineyard
In-house event planning, rentals, catering, warm staffing, and house-made wines make Red Maple a low-stress booking option for hands-off couples. Owners Gary and Liz Stone met at the Culinary Institute, started their careers in catering, and have retained some of their staff for nearly 30 years, so Red Maple is an easy winner for best-run and most food-focused venue on this list. The newly refurbished cattle barn includes a bridal suite, bar/lounge, grand piano, and areas for entertaining, and the light-filled reception pavilion is a refined, flexible space. The primary ceremony location is up on a hill, featuring incredible views of the entire Hudson Valley.
Guests: Up to 300
Closest Train Station: Poughkeepsie, 15 Min. Drive (Amtrak/MNR)
103 Burroughs Dr, West Park, NY 12493 - Southwood
Southwood is one of the original manor houses of the politically connected Livingston family, who settled much of surrounding Clermont, NY and Livingston, NY. The old-world glamour of a proper country estate is still on full display, with a grand mansion at the property’s center, sprawling gardens, a classic gatehouse, and a cottage. Couples looking for a regal, FDR-era vibe for their moderately-sized event will enjoy the exclusivity and privacy of Southwood’s 86 acres on the eastern side of the Hudson. The estate is owned privately.
Guests: Up to 200
Closest Train Station: Rhinecliff, 20 Min. Drive (Amtrak)
Germantown, NY 12526
Choosing a venue in the Hudson Valley?
Consider the following elements:
1. The Season
Peak: May - Oct. / Off-Peak: Nov. - April
Are you planning to get married during “peak” wedding season? With only 24 Saturdays between May and October, venues aren’t shy about charging premiums for their coveted space. Be sure to ask how “peak” season rates may differ from a late fall or early spring affair, and consider shifting your plans if money is an object. You may find that your guests are even more eager to celebrate your day during a long, chilly winter.
2. The Weather
What’s the weather looking like? Now that you’ve chosen your season, consider how Hudson Valley weather may limit or expand your venue options. If there’s potential for a May downpour, does your preferred venue have optional rain coverage built into their contract? If you’re looking at a 95-degree day in August, will the venue provide shade coverage and ample water for guests? If you plan to take advantage of October leaf-peeping, does your venue offer multiple sweeping views of the surrounding landscape?
3. Guest Count
How many people will you invite? Do some Google Image research of past weddings/events to get a better sense of the venue’s capacity. This research will also help you ask better questions and get the most out of a venue tour. Hint: “How does parking function for a party of 150?” “Do you charge a flat-rate or per-head fee for site use?”
4. Proximity to Public Transportation
How important is it for your guests to have access to a Metro-North or Amtrak station? Some venues–such as The Roundhouse in Beacon, situated a mile from the nearest Hudson Line Metro-North stop and easily accessed by ride share, taxi, or shuttle bus– are a perfect option for parties traveling from New York City. Try to get a better sense of ride sharing coverage in your venue area as well; Uber and Lyft have been slow to expand throughout some parts of the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
5. Overnight Lodging
How important is it for your guests to be able to stay the night on-premises? If a weekend-long slumber party for you and all of your guests is your preferred approach, consider an all-inclusive venue such as Cedar Lakes Estate, which can accommodate close to 500 guests in a variety of updated rustic cottages. If you’d like your guests to scatter post-reception, do some research on the number and quality of hotels, motels, and AirBnb stays in the area to arm your guests with ample info.
6. Air Conditioning
How “rustic” is too rustic?
A barn is a great blank slate, but a stuffy, straw-packed barn in the middle of a muggy Hudson Valley summer can cause problems for bridesmaids in heavy makeup and elderly grandparents alike. Ask your top venues what their air conditioning (and conversely, heating) options are for each of the spaces you plan to use. The focus of the day should be on you and your partner, not your guests’ sweat stains.
7. Preferred Vendors
Does your top venue choice offer a preferred vendor list? Preferred vendors (i.e. vendors who have worked numerous times with the venue and maintain a positive working relationship with venue staff) can make your planning efforts so much easier. Hiring florists, caterers, musicians, and others who are already familiar with your wedding venue will mean fewer headaches for you and a smoother run-of-show for everyone involved.
8. In-House Vendors
Does the venue require you to use in-house vendors, such as a florist or caterer? For some, this all-in-one solution to wedding planning may be just the ticket. If that’s not you, be sure to get a good handle on any in-house vendor requirements your venue may have so you don’t over-commit to outside providers or pay any deposits you can’t get back.
9. Property Size
Does the venue offer a variety of landscapes/photo environments? This is a selfish one, but photographers love a venue with lots of variety: seasonal light falling through an orchard, wooded trails packed with color, glimmering creekside spots, awe-inspiring cliffside vistas, rustic outbuildings on a historic estate…. we’ll take ‘em all.
10. The Factory Factor
Is the venue known for being a “wedding factory?” If your venue of choice places tight requirements on your end-of-night schedule or makes mention of “the next party,” there’s a good chance it’s a wedding factory. Cycling multiple couples in and out in a single day or weekend is a great way for venues to make money, but a terrible way for you to feel seen, taken care of, and that your special day is truly special.
