By Colette Connolly
Are you finding it difficult to select the perfect wedding venue, something different from the traditional wedding facilities that dot our area? Finding the perfect place to tie the knot in the most economical fashion is also difficult given the price of weddings in the New York area. According to The Wedding Report, a research company devoted to the wedding industry, the average cost of a New York wedding in 2016 was close to $37,000. With that in mind, brides and grooms-to-be need to do plenty of research before choosing the right wedding venue. Here are five of our picks from several venues in the Hudson Valley area.
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery, Millbrook, NY
If a 1940s-style loft set in a beautiful vineyard is your idea of the perfect wedding venue, check out the Millbrook Vineyard & Winery. The 95-foot hallway leading into the main loft area can seat between 120 and 150 guests. If an outdoor wedding is your thing, Millbrook’s 30-acre estate is the perfect backdrop. Prices run from $2,500, which covers the site fee for an outdoor tented wedding, to $3,750 for Millbrook’s Loft Wedding Suite package. All other items, including catering, tables, place settings and linens must be acquired separately. Check out the venue at http://www.millbrookwine.com/loft-weddings-site-rentals/
Bedford Post Inn, Bedford
This elegant 19th century boutique inn is set on 14 acres of lush Westchester back country, the perfect place for a sophisticated wedding. Whether it’s the cathedral ceilings in the inn’s yoga loft, the cozy fireplace in the wine cellar, or the inn’s reflecting pool, there’s sure to be lots of opportunities for great photographs and the chance to make special memories. The venue caters to approximately 150 people. The rental fee is between $6,000 and $15,000. The average wedding at the Bedford Post Inn costs about $37,500. For more information, visit http://www.bedfordpostinn.com/events/weddings/
Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson, Tarrytown
If you’ve ever longed for a storybook wedding, Tarrytown House Estate on the Hudson is the perfect place. Never mind that the estate, which features 12 distinct buildings, has gorgeous views of the Hudson River and the surrounding valley, the interior of the estate is equally beautiful. Choose from the Mary Duke Ballroom, with its floor-to-ceiling windows; the King House Mansion, with its beautiful lobby, fabulous crown molding and a patio overlooking the estate’s garden and private lawn; The Winter Palace, with its amazing chandeliers, elegant décor and breathtaking views of the entire estate, and the Statue Garden for outdoor celebrations. Tarrytown House also caters to specialty weddings, including kosher weddings and Indian wedding celebrations. For more information on their wedding packages, go to http://www.tarrytownhouseestate.com/hudson-valley-westchester-weddings.php
Glynwood Farm, Cold Spring
How about having your wedding on a sprawling piece of property with views of the rolling green hills? Glynwood Farm, a non-profit working farm dedicated to agricultural education, healthy local food and rural conservation, is the perfect option for couples who prefer to go low key. Wedding receptions usually take place in the stately 1920s ranch house, built by financier George Perkins. Weddings at the site help fund programs at the farm, including apprenticeships for farmers, a local business incubator, and organic and non-GMO food production for humans and livestock. Wedding ceremonies can take place either inside or outside. The farm’s boathouse can be rented for after parties at an additional fee. The farm accommodates approximately 12 weddings per year. For more information, go to http://www.aweddinginthevalley.com/glynwood-farm/
Boscobel House & Gardens, Garrison, NY
There’s nothing more impressive than a Boscobel House & Gardens wedding. The yellow 1808 Federal period house, the property’s romantic tree-lined entryway, its bucolic West Meadow, elegant Rose Garden, inspired by the classic-style English garden, and the magnificent views of the Hudson River and the United States Military Academy at West Point, all make this a superb wedding venue. Boscobel can accommodate up to 800 guests on its Front Lawn. It does not cater to indoor weddings. Photography on the grounds of Boscobel must be approved in advance. For more information, go to https://www.boscobel.org/site-rentals/weddings/
