One common wedding hope is for the day to feel representative of the couple. The Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn helps couples customize a special day at a one-of-a-kind location.
“The ability to make the day your own is the missing ingredient for weddings—that piece is what it is all about,” says Helene Rosenkranz, the wedding and events coordinator at Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn in Dover Plains.
Built in the 1750s, the Old Drovers Inn catered to cattle herders driving livestock to New York City. It was restored with an effort to preserve its charm—no two rooms in the inn are alike. Included in the wedding package, the inn caters to an intimate setting, with 13 bedrooms on site that accommodate 26 guests, affording proximity to loved ones during a weekend wedding. There’s also a speakeasy-style restaurant to host after-parties, rehearsal dinners, or private events.
Couples can tailor details in the wedding package. Meals are offered in any designated style—buffet, sit-down, or family-style. “One couple first met over nachos, so we provided a nacho bar at their wedding,” Rosenkranz says.
A tucked away gem in Dutchess County, Rosenkranz typically hears that couples have passed by for years on their way to work without knowing about its presence.
There are eight different areas on the lawn where ceremonies can be hosted, each with a different charm. A common choice is the picturesque stone wall and arbor positioned behind the couple, creating a storybook feel. The property also has spots with more of a woodsy Hudson Valley look, or a tent large enough for a wedding party that doubles as a rainy-day backup plan.
“Some couples bring in hay bales, and some bring leather furniture for their guests to sit on. We really just want to help them bring their vision to life,” Rosenkranz says.
Unlike many other wedding venues where guests must rent every accessory, everything is included at Preston Barn at Old Drovers Inn. “There are so many considerations when it comes to planning a wedding—we aim to alleviate all stressors possible by providing the littlest details, like a cupcake stand, to all linens and tableware,” Rosenkranz says.
The barn’s smooth wooden floor is optimal for dancing, with reclaimed wood that’s 250 years old. The beams are hand-hewn, yet the barn is equipped with air conditioning and heating. The sliding door allows someone to have an indoor and outdoor medley, holding 220 joyous guests.
“There’s something meaningful about marrying old and new, indoors and outdoors, modern and rustic, and two people,” Rosenkranz says.
