Also in this Issue:

The Borscht Belt

Celluloid Heroes

Dog Eat Dog World

John Hall: Musician

Zoe Bellot

Fish & Game’s Zak Pelaccio Champions Place-Based Cuisine

Reed Street Bottle Shop

Francis Greenburger

Collaborative Catalyst

Space to Dream

Preapproval Is Paramount in Home Buying

Lynn & Mario Callaway

Space to Dream: Hudson Valley Wedding Venues

Upstater Magazine   |  By

A Hudson Valley wedding can be many things, from utterly chill to every luxe frill. Amid our mountains and waters and architectural gems, hosts and coordinators who are in love with love will help you tailor the unforgettable day of your dreams. Reach out to any of these folks and discover the expert hospitality you need to make it happen.

Playful

The Bear Mountain Inn complex in Bear Mountain State Park offers a selection of four venues ranging from the Bear Mountain Inn, which can handle 230, to the intimate Cliff House for groups of 40 to 60. Ample lodging, an on-site spa, and park amenities—there’s a lake for skating or boating and a zoo of rescue animals—make this an activity-rich spot for the Big Weekend.

“Some people love the Appalachian Ballroom, or the Overlook Lodge, which has stunning river views,” says Catering Director Mina Park. “Or the merry-go-round; it’s in an enclosed pavilion that can accommodate 60 to 100 guests, and the package includes an attendant who’ll keep the ride going all night. It takes the concept of ‘party’ to a whole new level.”

Bespoke

How about vows in a mountain meadow followed by drinks in the library lounge with two-story skylight, circular fireplace, and billiards? Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter is a classic mountain hideaway updated to cozy contemporary while preserving the starlit-nights-around-the-fire vibe. There are 38 guest rooms and suites, a locally inspired restaurant that seats up to 65, and over 20 acres of mountainside to play on.

“People have ideas in mind and we help make them happen,” says owner Marc Chodok. “We offer a feeling of being somewhere ‘away’ and different, but with luscious creature comforts. We have venues for all styles; we’re putting down slate in the meadow, so people can enjoy it in high heels.”

Circular

The RoundHouse in Beacon is a painstakingly restored streamside factory complex. Share vows and cocktails outdoors by the waterfall or indoors in the modern/industrial/rustic main room, with its floor-to-ceiling windows. There are 41 guest rooms, including a penthouse suite with private deck.

“You could create an awesome weekend just on our property, and then there are all the attractions of Beacon,” says General Manager Katie Guerra. “We’re often told our food is the best a person has ever tasted at a wedding, and our staff are incredible pros who care about every detail.”

Regal

Mohonk Mountain House, your Victorian castle come to comfy life. Room for the whole family, a cornucopia of venues, full-service spa, fun for everyone from rock climbers to porch sitters. There are packages at four different per-guest price points. “Guests can exchange vows in Mohonk’s award-winning gardens, or enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the Parlor Porch overlooking magnificent Lake Mohonk,” says Wedding Coordinator Christina Latvatalo, “then continue the celebration with dining and dancing in one of our many reception venues offering a more casual setting, such as our outdoor pavilion, or a more formal atmosphere in our indoor West Dining Room.”

Sparkling

Elegant without being stuffy, the Diamond Mills prides itself on a “SoHo in Saugerties” feel, with 30 boutique-style guest rooms, seating for up to 400 in the Grand Ballroom, and an on-site coordinator to make your worries disappear.
“If you can dream it we can produce it—we go above and beyond,” says Emily Glass, Diamond Mills’ coordinator. “One huge ‘wow’ factor is being right over the Esopus Creek. We’ve got a state-of-the-art Grand Ballroom, the Tavern—two floors and multiple rooms you can configure any way you want—and the Saugerties Steamboat Company, a renovated marina with the original brick and exposed beams and a giant fireplace.”

Artful

Mount Tremper Arts offers everything from full-service coordination of your weekend to a beautiful canvas onto which to paint your own colors. Facilities include on-site lodging for 16, two kitchens, air-conditioned post-and-beam studio, and two fields—one with gardens and fire pit, another with a spectacular mountain view.

“It’s got that casual feel, yet it dresses up really nicely,” says coordinator Megan Byrne. “I find our studio magical—the architecture and acoustics are amazing. We’ve got mountain hiking, the Esopus right across the street, air-conditioning and wheelchair access. It’s a beautiful, versatile campus, with a lot of possibilities to fit your budget.”

Rockin’

Basilica Hudson, an 1880s waterfront factory reimagined with solar power and vast creativity, works closely with the walkable little city’s many boutique inns, hotels, and B&Bs. They’ve got 7,000 square feet of indoor space to play with and a top-notch sound system.

“We’re off the beaten path and steps from Amtrak,” says rentals coordinator Parker Shipp. “We like to give people the entire weekend to do what they want—the Basilica has no curfew. One couple installed a solar system of planets from the 20-foot rafters in the Main Hall and rode into the reception on a horse. Another couple is planning a music festival wedding.”