Wedding Venues

Top Intimate Destination Wedding Weekend Venues in Upstate NY

September 9, 2020

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With the uncertainty of everything that’s going on right now, more couples are looking for intimate wedding venues in upstate NY. Basically something where they can spend quality time with a limited number of guests. You might be one of them! With more and more couples looking for smaller wedding venues, it was the perfect time to gather a list of intimate wedding venues in Upstate New York. Generally, if you're dreaming of a small wedding, this blog post is for you.

When I was getting married 11 years ago, I knew I wanted to create a weekend wedding experience for our friends and family. I wanted as many people to be able to stay on the same property as the wedding reception. So that it would feel like one giant house party and sleepover. Perfect. On top of that, I also wanted to keep it on the smaller side (about 100 guests) so that it wasn’t overwhelming for us. Above all, we knew we wanted to spend time with each person traveling to celebrate with us. We lived in Washington, D.C. at the time, but planned a destination wedding in Charlottesville, Virginia, which is a lot like Upstate New York. With its rolling hills, mountains, vineyards, and small lakes, the backdrops are incredible. If you are interested in reading more about planning a destination wedding in upstate NY, click HERE.

Whether you’re looking for:

  • Intimate wedding venues in upstate NY that let guests stay on property?
  • Small wedding venues that allow for a wedding weekend experience?
  • Venues for micro weddings so you can get married now and have a larger celebration later?
  • Destination wedding venues in upstate NY?
  • Or really, any style of wedding venues in upstate NY that can accommodate a smaller guest list.

You’re in luck! Below, we have barn wedding venues, unique wedding venues, boutique hotel wedding venues, and so much more.

 

MAKE A COHESIVE WEDDING DESIGN

 

At Verve Event Co, we have always loved intimate weddings. In today’s blog post, I’ve done all the research for you. I've searched top to bottom to compile a definitive list of the top intimate wedding weekend venues in upstate NY. Below, are my favorite venues for you to celebrate your intimate wedding. These aren’t ranked in any specific order. They’re all amazing and have different pros and cons. It really depends on what you’re looking for. For help choosing an intimate wedding venue in upstate NY, contact me here

 

HUDSON VALLEY & CATSKILLS WEDDING VENUES

Foxfire Mountain House

Foxfire Mountain House describes itself as “bohemian and relaxed, like your globe-trotting uncle’s country estate.” It’s located in the Catskills and sits on ten private acres with a pond, lily pool, bonfire pits, and a rustic outdoor pavilion for nights under the stars. The 100-year-old inn on-site includes 11 guest rooms, perfect for your closest friends and family. One of my favorite details about this property is the covered porch. It’s so nice to have a built-in outdoor option that doesn’t require a back-up weather plan! Visit this venue.

Foxfire Mountain House - Upstate New York Wedding Venues

Foxfire Mountain House - Upstate New York Wedding Venues

Photo Credit: Foxfire Mountain House

Woodhouse Lodge

Built in 1982, the Woodhouse Lodge is a modern escape for Manhattanites in the Catskills. Its owners have updated it with a minimalist alpine meets mid-century modern vibe. With only 10 guest rooms, this property is able to give guests their utmost attention and care. From intimate to elaborate, you will love your weekend wedding experience at this property. They even have a mini-wedding package! Renovated by an interior designer in a former life, your guests will love all the beautiful and thoughtful details they’ve included in the lodge. Visit this venue.

Woodhouse Lodge - Upstate New York Wedding Venue

Photo Credit: The Woodhouse Lodge

Blooming Hill Farm

If a farm-to-table wedding is what you envision, look no further than Blooming Hill Farm. The farm began its roots in the 1980s growing a wide variety of specialty organic produce – some of it strange and new even for the burgeoning New York restaurant scene. Today, they’re still known for their unaltered, eclectic, and broad produce offerings. They sell to some of the best restaurants in New York City, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley. For your wedding, they work closely with you in creating a seasonal menu based around what they have available on the farm during the time of year surrounding your wedding. For couples wanting an intimate celebration, they even offer a micro-wedding package. Visit this venue.

Blooming Hill Farm - Upstate NY Wedding Venue

Photo Credit: Blooming Hill Farm

Roxbury Barn & Estate 

The Roxbury Barn & Estate was founded 169 years ago by a Mississippi boat captain as a summer residence for his family. This 42-acre mountainside estate fuses heritage with a feisty modern flair, combining indoor and outdoor event spaces, with plenty of room and solid rain plans in place.

According to owners Casper de Boer & Roger Ross Williams, “We had a dream to combine our love of the Catskills and of our home into a majestic and distinct gathering place. We combined the lush beauty of our grounds with bold, welcoming event spaces. We scraped and built, planted and grew, and formed a team of talent, providing genuinely friendly service… And with a wide variety of distinct and intentionally designed spaces, you’ll have the ability to choose the setting that’s perfect for you.”

While couples can’t stay on property, all Roxbury Barn & Estate couples receive a comprehensive list of 100+ options of the best guest accommodations in Roxbury and its surrounding villages and hamlets. Visit this venue.

Roxbury Barn and Estate - upstate NY Wedding Venue

Photo Credit: Roxbury Barn & Estate

Hasbrouck House

It’s no wonder why the Hasbrouck House received the 2018 Winner of ‘The Americas’ Most Romantic Retreat’ by World Boutique Hotel Awards. With its cozy and beautifully designed interiors and thoughtfully designed spaces, Hasbrouck House is one of my favorite destinations for an intimate Upstate NY wedding celebration. There are several locations on the property to choose from, including a large blue-stone patio – perfect for a tented dinner and movies on the lawn, or the more intimate Butterfield restaurant. 

Conveniently located in the center of town, guests staying on and off property will be able to easily wander the streets of Stone Ridge and experience everything that the Hudson Valley has to offer. With 17 sleeping rooms plus the 3 bedroom cottage, the Hasbrouck House can accommodate up to 56 guests on property, making it the perfect setting for your intimate upstate New York destination wedding weekend. With an exceptional hospitality team, you and your guests will feel exceptionally taken care of and never want to leave.  Visit this venue.

Hasbrouck House | New York State Wedding Venue

Photo credit: Hasbrouck House

FINGER LAKES AND CENTRAL NY WEDDING VENUES

The  Inns of Aurora 

The Inns of Aurora is by far one of the most beautiful properties in the Finger Lakes as it overlooks Cayuga Lake. This Finger Lakes venue is actually a collection of luxurious historic inns. Guests mingle along the water’s edge while the sun sets over the lake. It’s spectacular and breathtaking and no surprise it’s touted by BRIDES as the “perfect place for a weekend wedding.” 

Most ceremonies take place along the water. If you prefer to have a church ceremony, there’s a local Catholic church almost next door to the Inn. The wedding reception takes place on a stone patio under a beautiful custom Sperry tent at the Aurora Inn with views looking over Cayuga Lake. The tent patio can comfortably seat around 180 guests, but we often plan weddings with around 120 guests and it fits comfortably without feeling like there's a lot of extra space. 

Most couples rent out the Aurora Inna, which has 10 rooms, and the Rowland House, which also has 10 rooms. If you need additional rooms, there are plenty more in the newly restored Zabriskie House across the street, which holds 11 guest rooms, the E.B. Morgan House, which has 7 guest rooms; and the Wallcourt Hall, which has 16 guest rooms, including twin beds for families needing separate beds.

It’s one of our favorite wedding venues with a lake view in the Finger Lakes, so I encourage you to add it to your list. Visit this venue.

Luxurious Fall Inns of Aurora Wedding Ceremony Aisle-Verve Event Co.

Luxurious Fall Inns of Aurora Wedding Ceremony-Verve Event Co.

Ashley & David's Luxurious Inns of Aurora Wedding_Reception_Verve Event Co.

Ashley and David's Luxurious Inns of Aurora Wedding_Reception Tables_Verve Event Co.

Kin Event Space 

From intimate elopements to small weddings, the team at Kin Event Space welcomes you. Located in Rochester, this industrial venue sits on the edge of the historic NOTA district. A former shipping warehouse, it’s open and modern, with lots of light. A few of my favorite features include the industrial beams that allow for so many opportunities to hang from above, the gorgeous built-in bar, and blank walls everywhere so we can truly customize the space to your liking. While guests can’t stay at the venue, it’s conveniently located to several area hotels like the Strathallan and the Del Monte Lodge. While the space can seat 135 max, events with both the ceremony and reception on-site are more comfortable at around 50 guests, making it perfect for an intimate celebration. Visit this venue.

Kin Event Space - Verve Event Co List of Intimate Wedding Venues in upstate NY

Kin Event Space - Verve Event Co List of Intimate Wedding Venues in upstate NY

Photo Credit: Laura Rose Weddings and Tammy Swales Photography

Jackrabbit Club 

Newly opened in 2019, the Jackrabbit Club offers hosts 7,000 square feet of flexible, airy space. Catered by one of Rochester’s top restaurants, Good Luck, Jackrabbit Club provides a neutral color palette of creams and black and 2 custom bars built into space. Tables, chairs, glassware, and service ware are already included, too.  But, my favorite feature? The beautiful open chef’s kitchen allows guests to watch the food as it’s prepared. Similar to Kin Event Space, while space can seat 200 max, events with both the ceremony and reception on-site are more comfortable at a smaller guest count to maximize separate spaces for each event. This makes it perfect for your upstate NY intimate wedding. Visit this venue.

 

LEARN HOW TO PLAN A STYLED SHOOT

Planning a wedding for 2023 or 2024? Grab my wedding planning checklist here so you know EXACTLY what to do every step of the way.

 

Jackrabbit Club - Intimate Wedding Venue in Upstate NY

Photo Credit: Jackrabbit Club

Top intimate wedding venues in upstate NY: Conclusion

In this blog post, there are many incredible options for intimate wedding venues in upstate NY. Whether you’re having an intimate affair with your immediate family, or you’ve extended the guest list to a smaller circle of friends and family, there are many wedding venues in Upstate New York. Verve Event Co plans weddings all over the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes, Rochester, New York, and Upstate New York.

Further, Intimate weddings give you the opportunity to spend quality time with those closest to you. A long weekend away with your friends and family will allow you to connect with them on a level that wouldn’t have been possible with a larger wedding. It's one of my favorite parts. For assistance planning your intimate wedding weekend in upstate NY, contact me here. I would love to connect with you. 

In case you scrolled to the bottom…

To begin with, I’ve compiled for you this list of seventeen stunning intimate wedding venues in Upstate NY. As you can see, there is no shortage of incredible choices. And above in the descriptions, you will find some have links to micro wedding packages as well. Essentially, we love a variety of Upstate New York wedding venues around here.

In the Hudson Valley, you have Foxfire Mountain House, Woodhouse Lodge, Elm Rock Inn, the Roxbury Barn & Estate, and my personal favorite, the Hasbrouck House. 

In Central and Western New York, you have the Inns of Aurora in Aurora New York (also a favorite), Kin Event Space, and The Jackrabbit Club.

As you can see, there are many different intimate wedding venue options in New York. While each property has its own flavor and reason that makes it special, there is certainly no shortage. By all means, I would love to help you plan your intimate wedding at any of these properties. Make sure to reach out if you want help planning.

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Top Intimate Destination Wedding Weekend Venues in Upstate NY

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