Imagine saying “I do” in a sun-soaked courtyard, surrounded by manicured gardens and Italian-style architecture that feels worlds away. But you’re not in Europe, you’re just 50 miles from Manhattan. If you want a wedding that’s luxurious, private, and completely transportive, a Glenmere Mansion wedding may be the perfect fit.

As a luxury wedding planner based in upstate New York, I help couples plan elegant, seamless wedding weekends that feel personal and elevated. And Glenmere is one of those rare venues that delivers on every front. From beauty, to service, and guest experience, every detail of this venue is spectacular.

In this post, I’m giving you an inside look at what makes Glenmere so special, from its romantic spaces to must-know planning tips. Whether you’ve just discovered it or it’s already on your list, this guide will help you decide if a Glenmere Mansion wedding is right for you.

 

About Glenmere Mansion

Just 50 miles from New York City, Glenmere Mansion is a quiet escape tucked into the Lower Hudson Valley. Set on 150 acres of rolling lawns and gardens, this former private estate turned boutique hotel offers an intimate setting for couples planning a weekend-long celebration that feels both elegant and easy.

Originally built as a country home for the Goelet family, Glenmere has hosted a long list of artists and guests over the years. Today, it blends that rich history with thoughtful service, stylish design, and all the comforts of a modern stay.

The Perfect Wedding Venue For A Private Estate Weekend

When you host a Glenmere Mansion wedding, you're not just booking a venue. You're creating space for a full weekend surrounded by your favorite people. With only 15 guest rooms, the property is perfect for couples who want to turn their wedding into a shared, immersive experience. From an al fresco welcome dinner to a farewell brunch in the courtyard, Glenmere offers flexibility across the weekend so you can make every moment feel personal.

Food That Feels Just as Special

As your hosting your guests, it's also important to consider the culinary experience (and options). Glenmere’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Gunnar Thompson, makes every meal feel intentional. Whether it's a candlelit dinner in the Supper Room or a casual gathering at Frogs End Tavern, your guest's will be well-fed here. Plus, with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, the food and drink experience can be tailored to your style and the flow of your weekend.

Design That Balances Grandeur with Intimacy

From cozy fireplaces and sweeping marble staircases to hand-picked art and antique-filled suites, Glenmere’s interiors feel like a thoughtfully curated blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. Whether you’re drawn to classic elegance or a more relaxed style, the space offers a beautiful, versatile backdrop to bring your wedding vision to life.

 

Photo from Glenmere Mansion

 

Ceremony and Reception Spaces

One of the most unique parts of planning a Glenmere Mansion wedding is the variety of spaces available to host each part of your celebration. Whether you're envisioning an outdoor ceremony surrounded by gardens or a lively evening of dinner and dancing, the property offers beautiful backdrops that can be tailored to your vision.

The Barn in the Meadow

Finished in 2019, the Barn is Glenmere’s largest event space. It's 10,000 square feet of clean, whitewashed interiors, vaulted ceilings, and five Italian chandeliers that bring just the right amount of character. Set on the highest point of the property, it features a full-length covered patio with sweeping views of Glenmere Lake and the mountains beyond. The space is climate-controlled and includes separate rooms for getting ready, restrooms, and a catering kitchen. It can host up to 350 guests.

Ceremony Options

• Exchange vows in the formal gardens or on the lawn overlooking the lake

• Host an intimate ceremony in one of Glenmere’s secluded terraces or courtyards

• Move indoors for a winter wedding in one of the mansion’s elegant rooms

Cocktail Hour and Dinner

• The Cortile: Glenmere’s interior courtyard with European charm is ideal for cocktails or a seated dinner

• The Supper Room: A refined indoor option with thoughtful details and great natural light

• Outdoor spaces around the mansion can also be tented for larger guest counts or inclement weather (We have a whole guide about tented weddings, grab it here!)

Each space flows naturally into the next, so transitions feel seamless whether you’re moving from ceremony to cocktails or from dinner to dancing.

 

Photo from Glenmere Mansion

 

The Guest Experience

One of the most memorable parts of a Glenmere Mansion wedding isn’t just the event itself, it’s how cared for your guests will feel the entire weekend.

With only 15 unique guest accommodations, your closest friends and family can enjoy an intimate, luxurious stay right on the property. Each room features custom Italian linens, marble bathrooms with heated floors, and thoughtful design touches that reflect the mansion’s historic charm and elevated style. No two rooms are the same, but they’re all equally unforgettable.

Between events, guests can:

• Unwind at the full-service spa, complete with a Carrara marble bath house, steam rooms, and soaking tubs

• Take a dip in the outdoor heated pool or relax in the large whirlpool spa

• Explore the estate’s 150 acres, from peaceful walking paths to croquet lawns, bocce courts, and tennis

• Enjoy nearby attractions, including art museums, wineries, and antique shops in the Hudson Valley

Even meals feel like an experience, whether it’s late-night cocktails in Frogs End Tavern or morning coffee on a private terrace. And because the staff is so attentive, your guests will feel genuinely welcomed and cared for, making the celebration feel like a retreat for everyone involved.

 

Tips for Hosting a Glenmere Mansion Wedding

Planning a Glenmere Mansion wedding is equal parts elegant and logistically seamless, especially when you know how to make the most of what the property offers. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Consider a full weekend buyout if you're hosting a destination-style celebration. With only 15 rooms, Glenmere is ideal for creating a private, immersive experience for your closest people.

• Use the grounds creatively. From welcome cocktails on the terrace to farewell brunch in the Cortile, Glenmere’s layout allows you to host multiple events in distinct settings. Trust me, no space will feel like a repeat.

• Plan around the seasons. Glenmere shines in every season, but spring and fall are especially breathtaking. Consider these times for peak foliage, comfortable temperatures, and gorgeous light for portraits.

• The Barn in the Meadow is ideal for larger weddings. With room for up to 350 guests and stunning views of Glenmere Lake, it offers a more expansive option without sacrificing style.

Hosting your wedding at Glenmere Mansion means your event isn’t just beautiful, it’s thoughtful, layered, and full of intention. That’s exactly what we love helping our clients create.

Not sure if Glenmere is the right fit? Check out our full list of the best New England wedding venues for even more stunning options.

 

Photo from Glenmere Mansion

 

Plan Your Glenmere Mansion Wedding with Verve Event Co.

A Glenmere Mansion wedding is so much more than a one-day celebration, it’s an experience your guests will talk about for years. With its romantic setting, intimate accommodations, and thoughtful details around every corner, it’s a dream venue for couples who want a wedding weekend that feels personal, elevated, and utterly unforgettable.

At Verve Event Co., we specialize in planning refined, full-experience weddings just like this. From designing tented receptions to coordinating weekend itineraries, our process is built to help you feel calm, confident, and fully present throughout it all. Ready to start planning? Inquire here! Let’s plan a celebration that reflects your story and makes your guests feel like they’ve stepped into something truly magical.

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