One of my first weddings was for a client based in Washington, DC. I had worked with the bride at a foundation’s gala for several years and when it came time to plan her lake wedding at their summer home, she immediately thought of me. I've always loved mansion wedding venues or weddings held at private estates, so I was super excited to work with her again on this special event.

Not only were they planning a destination wedding (they lived in D.C. and the wedding was in northern Pennsylvania), they wanted to host a wedding festival weekend. This included multiple concerts, two out-of-state bands, a professional stage complete with lighting trusses and concert-style audio, security, and a green room trailer for the bands. 

Read more about the festival wedding I planned here.

From that first wedding, I was hooked on home and mansion wedding venues. I love the challenge of building an entire environment from the ground up. From electrical plans and logistics to the decor and aesthetics, I love it all. Although not every home wedding turns into a wedding festival, I love to take my experience from each wedding with me as I plan the next. 

 

My Top Home, Private Estate, and Mansion Wedding Venues as a Luxury Wedding Planner

In today’s blog post, I’m going to give you my top picks for private estate, home, or mansion wedding venues. I love these types of wedding venues because you really feel like you’re entertaining in your home and welcoming your friends and family to a meaningful occasion. These wedding venues usually come with a blank canvas that can be transformed into whatever style or aesthetic you, the couple, want. That really is my specialty and before I share my top estate and mansion wedding venues, I want to remind you that you can contact me here if you are looking for a wedding planner who will be as excited as you are to plan your wedding!

Cedar Lakes Estate (Port Jervis, NY)

Retreat from your hectic life at Cedar Lakes Estate. This spectacular property offers both indoor and outdoor event venues. A former summer camp in the 1920’s, it has plenty of room for your wedding guests with different levels of accommodations. From your parents to your college friends, there are cabins and lodgings for all. This type of setup is great for couples that want all their guests to stay at the same property to make it a weekend affair for everyone. Its breathtaking vistas offer tree-lined lakes, rolling green hills, and stunning mountains.

Only 70 miles from New York City, the property is perfect for a destination wedding weekend and only hosts a select number of weddings each year. Another unique element of the property is their farm-to-table experience. The staff plant its gardens to produce menus designed for each season's events. Amazing! Whether your wedding requires grandeur or intimacy, this property will make it unforgettable. 

 

 

Learn more about Cedar Lakes Estate in my venue spotlight on the blog!

Photography Credit: Britt Chudleigh (top left) Heather Waraska (top right), Lauren Fair Photography (bottom) | Visit this venue

Hasbrouck House (Stone Ridge, NY)

Hasbrouck House is a boutique luxury hotel tucked away on 50 beautiful acres in the hamlet of Stone Ridge. Built in 1757, but fully renovated and restored with modern amenities, the hotel has 17 guest suites, along with a private two-story cottage spread throughout the four buildings on the property. One of the aspects I love about this property is they only host 1-2 weddings per month (like me!) so they’re able to fully focus on your event.

Hasbrouck House has a lovely bluestone patio where you can build a beautiful sail cloth tent and have the outdoor wedding of your dreams. The accommodations are both posh and welcoming, so you know your guests will be well taken care of the whole weekend. Also, the restaurant closes for the day of your wedding, so the whole property is completely focused on you and your guests. That sounds like a win for everyone!

Photography Credit: Provided by the venue | Visit this venue

The Woodhouse Lodge (Greenville, NY)

Built in 1982, the Woodhouse Lodge is a modern escape for Manhattanites in the Catskills. The 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. Additional guests can stay at nearby lodgings and fully take advantage of all that the Catskills offers. They also recently built a pavilion to host open-air events, making it easy for you to plan the outdoor wedding you’ve been dreaming of without the cost of the tent rental. From intimate to elaborate, you will love your wedding experience at this property. 

Photography Credit: Provided by the venue | Visit this venue

 

Foxfire Mountain House (Mt. Tremper, NY)

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 itself includes 11 intimate guest rooms, making it 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 for your wedding ceremony (that doesn't require a back-up weather plan)! It's tiled patio is also perfect to make your open-air home wedding vision come to life.

Photography Credit: Provided by the venue | Visit this venue

M & D Farm  (Westerlo, New York)

Looking to host a laid-back yet stunning gathering complete with English and Mediterranean-inspired gardens? M & D Farm is the answer. The 58-acre property comprises a beautifully restored 1800’s Victorian Farmhouse, a gently preserved 1940’s barn, pond, pastoral fields, and woods. My favorite feature is the open courtyard – perfect for al fresco dining under the stars. Your nearest and dearest can stay with you in one of the 4 guest rooms on site while the remaining guests can stay nearby while they explore the Catskills, Hudson Valley, and Capital Region of upstate New York. This property is perfect for discerning and creative couples who love to entertain but want a relaxed, European atmosphere to their wedding.

Photography Credit: Nicole Nero | Visit this venue

 

Inns of Aurora

The Inns of Aurora is by far one of the most beautiful properties in the Finger Lakes, overlooking Cayuga Lake. This Finger Lakes venue is actually a collection of luxurious historic inns, allowing most of your guests to stay close by. Your guests will enjoy exploring the picturesque town of Aurora during your wedding weekend. Moreover, I recommend hosting your rehearsal dinner at the beautifully appointed lakefront Rowland House. Again, I’m obsessed with the interior design and beautiful artwork.

On the following day, you can host your lakeside ceremony at the historic Aurora Inn. Your lakeside ceremony comes with a beautiful new tent, perfect for an outdoor wedding. Meanwhile, guests mingle along the water's edge while the sun sets over the lake. It's no surprise the Inns of Aurora are touted by BRIDES as the “perfect place for a weekend wedding.” I couldn't think of a more beautiful setting for your destination wedding in Upstate New York. Can you? 

Photo Credit: Mary Dougherty (top 4), Alexandra Elise Photography (bottom 2) | Visit this venue

The Lake House on Canandaigua

Perched at the top of Canandaigua Lake, this gorgeous and completely re-built property is the epitome of an elegant Finger Lakes wedding. Their outdoor ceremony space is almost at the water's edge and their event venue is steps away in the opposite direction. This property is built for couples that want to create a full weekend getaway experience for their guests. The Lake House is perfect for Finger Lakes destination weddings with over 125 sleeping rooms. Your guests will love it too as the property includes dreamy lake view suites. Not to mention a gorgeous getting-ready suite filled with natural light! 

 

I love this property so much I wrote a venue spotlight post all about it – check it out here.

I have 2 weddings at this property this summer and I can’t wait. They’re going to be absolutely stunning! This is truly one of the most beautiful Finger Lakes wedding venues. It's definitely an unrivaled outdoor ceremony space in the Finger Lakes. If you are planning a Finger Lakes wedding, definitely get in touch here. 

Photography from a Recent Site Visit & Provided by the Venue| Visit this venue

 

Wedding Planning at a Mansion Wedding Venue or Private Estate

These wedding venues are absolutely beautiful (and I hope they leave you feeling inspired!). With that in mind, you've likely started to realize that planning a wedding can be a lot of work. There is so much more that goes into a wedding, but choosing your wedding planner should be the first step. Seriously, I recommend couples reach out to me BEFORE securing their wedding venue. This way, I can help them choose a wedding venue that is not only stunning but will also meet the logistical requirements you might need. Things like budget, guest count, accommodations, etc. All the “less fun” parts of wedding planning!

A venue might limit you more than you realize so don't end up in a contract because you had rose-colored glasses. These venues WILL wow you. It's my job to make sure we are being wooed by the right venue. If you want to learn more about my wedding planning services, head here. If you are ready to get started, I'm waiting with champagne (and likely macarons) here.

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