Nestled in the lush foothills of the Catskill Mountains, the Ashokan Center has offered immersive music and dance camps and nature-based educational programming for a decade. Dotted with pastures, forests, and meadows and bisected by the Esopus Creek, the 385-acre property has numerous romantic outdoor sites for a plein-air wedding. And with onsite lodging for 150 guests, the 385-acre property also makes a perfect destination wedding venue, with all your guests in one place.
The recently renovated Vanderbilt Lakeside Bar Room & Guesthouse wraps upscale Victorian vibes and a laidback lake-house attitude into one cozy location. The historic Philmont establishment boasts eight, cozy light-filled guest rooms—each with private en suite bathroom. In the backyard, an emerald expanse of lawn stretches to the shores of the 20-acre Summit Lake, where 500 feet of water frontage would make a perfect backdrop for a summer wedding ceremony. The backyard also boasts an outdoor bar, firepits, and chimineas. The Vanderbilt can accommodate a wedding party of up to 80 guests. Work with their CIA-trained chef to customize a food and drink package, or bring in an outside caterer.
Originally the estate one of Robert Livingston's grandchildren, Southwood has the serene elegance and regal bearing you would expect of a Founding Father's manor. Eight-six acres of rolling meadows, perennial gardens, and lush forests run alongside the Hudson River, offering views of the Catskills and spectacular sunsets. Southwood hosts a limited number of high-end (and high-budget) weddings a year and can accommodate up to 150 guests. For wedding parties that wish to stay onsite, the central mansion sleeps up to 12, the cottage sleeps an additional five to seven, and historic gate house sleeps six. Southwood requires a two-night minimum.
This 20-room inn, retreat center, and event venue in Canaan operates out of a 19th-century stone building originally built as a gristmill. With acres of edible landscaping, organic vegetable gardens, lawns, streams, and forest, this is a peaceful wedding site for parties of up to 70. Weddings are usually held in a tent near the pond, but smaller events can also be held in the sunroom. For additional lodging, there is another inn right across the street. The staff can work with the couple to create a custom, seasonal menu, and they also have two interfaith ministers available.
Troutbeck is a historic Tudor-style mansion-turned-inn on 45 manicured acres in eastern Dutchess County. Laced with gardens, secret pathways, stone bridges over the Dunham Creek, and quaint outbuildings, the lush estate offers endless romantic photo opportunities for your big day. The property also has a farm-to-table restaurant run by decorated chef Marcel Agnez, an outdoor pool, and a ballroom event space. Lodging is split between the main Manor house, Century House, and Garden House, with accommodations for up to 72 guests.
Originally built in 1854, The Rhinecliff came of age as a resting place and watering hole for railroad and ferry passengers. Today, as a nine-room boutique hotel, the historic building maintains its sterling hospitality reputation with a pub and brasserie and river views from every room. Exchange vows on the expansive bluestone patio as the sun sets behind the Catskills, before heading into the banquet hall for the reception. Walking distance from the Amtrak station, The Rhinecliff allows wedding guests coming from afar to arrive without renting a car.
Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, Tivoli
Kaatsbaan sits on 153 acres of hay fields and woodlands, offering views of Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. The expansive bucolic setting offers welcome peace of mind for the world-class dancers and choreographers that pilgrimage to Kaatsbaan every year for residencies—and for the brides and grooms that choose this spot to get married. Capable of hosting wedding parties of up to 130 people inside the Music Barn or upward of 200 outdoors, Kaatsbaan is a great option for larger groups. The inn has 16 motel-style rooms, accommodating 32 guests or more with children.
