Extraordinary Hudson Valley Wedding Venues (That Aren’t Barns)

One of the most important parts of planning a wedding is choosing a venue that feels good to you as a couple, and for some, the typical ballrooms and barns just won’t cut it. If you’re looking for an alternative wedding venue, the Hudson Valley is still your ideal destination — we’ve got everything from rushing waterfalls to historic rock venues, summer camps to sculpture parks, and other outside-the-box ideas in our list below. Are you getting ready to say, “I do,” why not have some with it!

OLD RHINEBECK AERODROME | Red Hook NY | @old_rhinebeck_aerodrome | INSIDE+OUT In the Spotlight

Aviation enthusiasts can say their vows amidst a truly unforgettable backdrop of antique airplanes at the Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome. Dine and dance in an airplane hangar with planes displayed overhead, or sip cocktails during an on-site airshow; past couples have even had the option of flying their own aircraft to make a grand wedding entrance. Dates are limited, so be sure to contact the venue to lock in your special event.

COLONY WOODSTOCK | Woodstock NY | @colonywoodstockny | INSIDE+OUT In the Spotlight

Share your love from center stage with a true rock star vibe at this historic Woodstock music venue. The Colony specializes in weddings for up to 90 seated guests in their main ballroom, with catering and a full bar offered on-site. Couples can also take advantage of a well-appointed groom’s lounge, charming bridal suite, and day-after Jazz Brunch. Photos by Katie Anello + James Orr

CITY WINERY HUDSON VALLEY | Montgomery NY | @citywineryhv

Nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley, this fully restored 130-year-old mill offers a stunning backdrop for weddings, rehearsal dinners, and any special occasion. City Winery Hudson Valley is a winery, distillery, and entertainment venue with multiple event spaces inside and outside with a team dedicated to making your day perfect!

ABOVE THE CLOUDS | Middletown NY | @atcballoonrides

It’s easy to feel like you’re on cloud nine when you’re saying “I do” in a hot air balloon at Above the Clouds in Middletown. Enjoy a birds-eye view of the Valley below, either just you and your officiant or a few close friends, and invite others to enjoy their own uplifting experiences. Options for small groups and Champagne toasts are available.

THE CAPITOL THEATER | Port Chester NY | @capitoltheatre

Sure, this iconic, nearly a century-old theater in Port Chester regularly sees top rock acts grace its stage, but The Cap also offers an elegant space for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Dance beneath a soaring 65-foot domed ceiling, sip libations from a balcony that overlooks the scene below and enjoy full use of the artist’s green rooms as dressing suites.

BETHEL WOODS MUSEUM | Bethel NY | @bethelwoodscenter

Bethel Wood Center for the Arts is home to the original Woodstock festival. You’ve likely heard about their concerts, but did you know about their elegant event space? Weddings up to 150 guests can dine beside a stunning stone fireplace in a venue with tall windows overlooking rolling fields, and then tour the museum to learn about (or reminisce about) 1960s culture. Photos by Christine Studios

STORM KING ART CENTER | Cornwall NY | @stormkingartcenter

Although a Membership is required to host a ceremony or reception at this outdoor sculpture park, your guests can enjoy taking in awe-inspiring art installations and the gorgeous grounds of this world-class art park in Cornwall. Storm King offers ceremonies up to 150 guests during operating hours, or ceremonies plus cocktail hour and receptions of up to 300 after-hours.

SAUGERTIES LIGHTHOUSE | Saugerties NY | @saugertieslighthouse

For an intimate wedding that’s equal parts romantic and historic, couples can invite up to 30 guests to join them on the deck of this 1869 landmark. The lighthouse also operates as a seasonal bed and breakfast; the happy couple can request a room or head inland to celebrate and stay in Saugerties’ vibrant village. Perfect for romantics, sailing and historical enthusiasts.

BANNERMAN’S ISLAND | Beacon NY | @bannermancastletrust

Couples who have long gazed at that mysterious little island on the Hudson with its castle-like ruins — a former arsenal known as Bannerman’s Castle — can coordinate with the nonprofit that maintains the island for a small on-site wedding. Guests are transported by boat and ceremonies take place beside the castle with picturesque views of the river and mountains.

MERRY-GO-ROUND AT BEAR MOUNTAIN STATE PARK | Bear Mountain NY | @bearmtninn

Let your inner child join in the celebration. Bear Mountain’s Merry Go Round Pavilion is a stone and timber venue with a vibrant antique carousel that’s distinctly Hudson Valley: its hand-carved seats represent animals native to the region — black bear, deer, eagle, fox, and others. A large, open dance floor in the pavilion can accommodate up to 100 seated or 150 cocktail guests. Photos by Custom by Nicole Photography and Gustavo Tessaro Photography

OPUS 40 | Saugerties NY | @officialopus40

Over the course of 40 years, artist Harvey Fite shaped an abandoned bluestone quarry into a sprawling sculpture park. Now a National Historic Site, the grounds offer a stunning labyrinthine of stone, trees, fountains, and statues, all visible from an open meadow where weddings up to 300 guests can be accommodated.

HUDSON RIVER CRUISES | Kingston NY | @hudsonrivercruises

If floating on the River with up to 150 of your closest friends and family sounds like a dream, you can enjoy quality time with scenic views and photo ops aplenty aboard a private cruise that sets sail from Kingston. Your event coordinator can assist with custom catering, full-service bars, and entertainment options.

GATHEROUND AT TIMBER LAKE | Shandaken NY | @gatheroundus

Camp weddings are a growing trend that takes the convenience of an all-inclusive resort and pairs it with the fun of youthful summer nostalgia. Timber Lake Camp in Shandaken offers a weekend-long event with catering, lodging, and the kitsch of summer camp: marshmallows around the campfire, ziplining, a water slide, and other memorable guest experiences.

AWOSTING FALLS AT MINNEWASKA STATE PARK | Kerhonkson NY | @minnewaskastateparkpreserve

You can always go and take stunning wedding photos by the majestic Awosting Falls Waterfall in Minnewaska State Park, but if you want to legally get married there, you’ll need a permit and a small crowd of your nearest and dearest (up to 15 guests). The scenery is unmatched; you’ll have access to waterfalls, cliffs, carriage roads, and, in winter, pristine snowy trails.

Featured photo by City Winery Hudson Valley

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MORE WEDDING RESOURCES:

Luxury Wedding Venues in the Hudson Valley

The Best Venues for Barn Weddings in the Hudson Valley

The Ultimate Guide to Upstate Wedding Photographers

Nine Bakers Featuring Hand-crafted Cakes to Sweeten Your Wedding Day

Hudson Valley Event Planners for an Exceptional Wedding Experience!

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