This great resource section is courtesy of our good friend Judy Lewis at Hudson Valley Weddings.

When it comes to weddings, it's all about dreams.  Many a bride and groom envision their wedding as a no-holds-barred, all-out affair in a location that oozes glitz and includes mirrors, chandeliers and lots of plush velvet.  Certainly, there is a place for this traditional view of a reception venue and the Hudson Valley offers a variety of such places from which a bride and groom may pick.

Then too there are wedding couples for whom their dream is for a wedding site as far away from mirrors and chandeliers as they can get.  It is these couples who are looking for the unusual, unique wedding venue.  The Hudson Valley offers such couples a virtual smorgasbord of interesting locations from which to choose.

At the Belvedere Mansion, expansive lawns, tree stands and mountain views make up the surroundings. The present building was constructed on the stone foundation of a home that Mary Hastings’ husband gave her as a wedding present in 1900. Its neoclassical style was the preferred taste in the first decade of 1900s. The Belvedere is an excellent example of that style. The house, its columns and gazebos are situated so as to dramatize its Hudson Valley setting. Belvedere means "beautiful view." The house has been known by that name since the early 19th century. In 1993 the interior of this great estate was restored to its grandeur and elegance. Reminiscent of the "Gilded age," it is lavishly decorated with 18thcentury French antiques and cloud-painted ceiling. Sumptuous silk and damask fabrics adorn the walls and vintage fixtures and lighting grace this fine home.

Another great choice for lovers of yesteryear is the Wilderstein Historic Site in Rhinebeck that offers as its backdrop an exquisite Queen Anne Mansion, widely regarded as one of America's most important examples of Victorian architecture. They may prefer Staatsburgh State Historic Site, on 192 acres, boasting a magnificent Beaux-Arts mansion, built in 1895 and an exterior embellished with balustrades, pilasters, floral swags, and a massive portico.

Mount Gulian Historic Site in Fishkill is tucked away on twelve acres overlooking the Hudson River. It has an 18th century Dutch Colonial Homestead with a barn.  The restored home served as a Revolutionary War Headquarters. The two museum rooms in the house are furnished with 18th and 19th century antiques and the reception room, boasts a working fireplace. The 1740's barn, still has its original wood plank floors and hand-hewn beams, and can also accommodate a wedding with less that 150 for sit-down dinner.

For some couples just the sound of “A Norwegian Wood Farm” will start them salivating. It’s easy to be tempted by sweeping mountain views, a covered pavilion that accommodates up to 300 guests, with

horses grazing peacefully on the rolling green hills. If it’s a magnificent backdrop that the bride and groom are looking for, then West Park Winery may suit the bill with its breathtaking panoramic Hudson River views and picturesque gardens, that adjoin the winery.

Opus 40 in Saugerties is a must-see if “unique” is the core word. Called "One of the largest and most beguiling works of art on the entire continent," it boasts one of the most extraordinary pieces of sculpture ever created, spread out over more than six acres. Both beautiful and interesting, Opus 40 is far from the ordinary.

Many relationships are built on the love of a common interest, so a hobby-centered wedding venue may be the “unique” concept which they seek. If skiing and outdoor winter sports are “the ties that bind,” then  Ski Windham is a fabulous, alternative wedding location. With a magnificent backdrop, the verdant glory of a mountain summer, or the gorgeous golds and reds of a Catskill autumn, Ski Windham is a skiing couple’s dream-come-true. If it is golfing that the couple shares, then The Garrison, in Garrison, described as  a glory of land and view, is ideal. Lush, informal gardens punctuate the clubhouse grounds, as do old specimen trees.  The panorama is the stuff that possessed the Hudson River School painters. The Garrison is a natural for a hobby-centered-wedding in a beautiful setting.  The Links at Union Vale offer another golf location in a beautiful country setting with gorgeous views of the golf course. Throw in the spectacular sunsets and grounds for a unique wedding venue.

Couples might choose one of the Hudson Valley’s many delightful Bed and Breakfasts for an intimate wedding. Caldwell House in Salisbury Mills was built in 1803 and is situated on three landscaped acres.

It is ideal for intimate weddings of up to thirty people. It has exquisite guest rooms with private baths and many creature comforts like VCRs and spa services.   Sparrow Hawk Bed & Breakfast in Stone Ridge offers a 1770 nationally registered brick Colonial and five uniquely decorated spacious bedrooms, The grand room with 17 foot ceilings, windows on three sides, fireplace, and library add a modern touch to old world charm. The bluestone patio opens onto five majestic acres with hundred year old trees, nesting place for sparrow hawks and other birds. The Catskills to the west and the Shawangunks to the east are the backdrop.

For the couple who can’t get enough of nature and her bounty, a vineyard in the Hudson Valley reinforces their feelings. Benmarl Vineyards claim to be America’s oldest vineyard. They are actually holders of  New York State Farm Winery license #1. Located in Marlboro-on-Hudson, the winery boasts lovely grounds, an outdoor patio and the Beaumont Mansion . . . endless possibilities to make a perfect wedding, in a location that combines old world charm in a natural environment. Benmarl is the home of "America's Romance Artist" Mark Miller and the site of his unique Gallery in a Vineyard. The artist’s paintings, portraying people in love, are among the finest.  This chalets-tyle winery and adjacent buildings create an atmosphere of old world charm and include gorgeous Hudson River view.

If couples are looking for an off-land experience, then one of the Hudson Valley’s yachts is the unique answer. River Rise Tours & Cruises offers the only paddle wheeler on the Hudson. Hudson River Adventure’s “Pride of the Hudson,” departs from Newburgh Landing, in Newburgh and offers another yachting experience, an affair afloat.

Even as we think we have pegged all the unique wedding venues in the Hudson Valley, yet another is brought to our attention. So here are a few more to choose from: a beach or park like the one at Kingston Point or in Saugerties, a garden such as the one St. Gregory’s A-Frame church in Woodstock, a castle such as Cat Rock in Garrison, a cave like the ones in Rosendale, a pavilion like the one at the Catamount Café at Catskill Corners (Mt. Tremper), a zoo like the one at Forsythe Park in Kingston, or an ice-skating rink like the one in Saugerties. And if the couple are still up in the air about finding the unique location, there always is a hot air balloon!

Hudson Valley Weddings

http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com

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The Only Resource You Need to Plan a Hudson Valley Wedding

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