The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Weekend Wedding Venue

Hey, lovebirds! I’m Victoria, your go-to Hudson Valley wedding photographer who’s excited to capture you at your chosen weekend wedding venue and the heart behind Stories by Victoria. If a weekend wedding packed with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments sounds like a dream, you’re in the right place. Let’s find the perfect venue to bring it to life!

 

Why Choose a Weekend Wedding?

Imagine waking up on your wedding day feeling calm—yes, really. No rushing, no vendor chaos, no squeezing everything into a few frantic hours. Just pure excitement. That’s the magic of a weekend wedding venue—it gives you time to actually enjoy your big day!

What Makes a Great Weekend Wedding Venue?

Finding the right wedding venue is key to pulling off a celebration that feels seamless and stress-free. Here are a few things to look for:

1. On-Site Accommodations:

   Imagine this: The music’s pumping, your feet are sore (in the best way), and you’re sipping champagne without stressing over Uber surges or venue curfews. That’s the magic of a weekend wedding venue with on-site stays! ✨

   And the best part? With everyone staying over, your photographer (hi, that’s me!) can capture everything—golden-hour romance, late-night laughs, and next-morning brunch candids straight out of a magazine.

   It’s not just a wedding—it’s a full-on wedding experience! 🥂

2. Multiple Event Spaces:

   The best weekend wedding venues flow like a perfect love story. Imagine this: a sunlit garden for your vows, a charming barn with a packed dance floor, and a cozy brunch the next morning to relive all the magic. Pure wedding perfection! ✨

   And the best part? No cramming your 2025 dream wedding into one space. Whether you’re drawn to modern chic, rustic charm, or vintage romance, the right venue brings it all together—seamlessly. Less stress, more “this is exactly how I imagined it” moments!

3. Activities for Guests:

   A weekend wedding isn’t just about saying “I do”—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. Keep guests entertained with hiking trails, a pool, or a cozy bonfire, because the in-between moments matter just as much as the vows!

   Let’s be real—not everyone wants to nap between the ceremony and cocktail hour. Some will explore, some will swim, and others will be first in line for s’mores under the stars. 🍫🔥 More activities make your wedding feel like a getaway, not just a one-day celebration!

4. Exclusive Use:

   Many weekend wedding venues give you the entire place to yourself—no awkward run-ins with another bride, no random party crashing your moment. Just you, your favorite people, and a wedding weekend that’s 100% yours. 💍

   Because your love story deserves the spotlight—no sharing required!

5. Less Stress, More Fun:

   Let’s be real—weddings can feel like a three-ring circus. 🎪 Between hair, makeup, speeches, and making sure Aunt Linda doesn’t overdo the champagne, it’s a lot.

   A weekend wedding gives you breathing room. No cramming everything into a single whirlwind day—just time to relax, soak it all in, and even handle that one groomsman who always forgets his tie.

6. More Time = More Memories:
   

   A traditional wedding can feel like someone hit fast-forward—months (or years!) of planning, and then poof—it’s over in a blur of hugs, happy tears, and dance floor chaos.

   A weekend wedding lets you press pause. ✨ Picture Friday welcome drinks, a Saturday “I do,” and a Sunday brunch to soak it all in one last time.

   That’s not just a wedding—it’s a full-on wedding experience!

   A Venue That Feels Like a Destination Wedding—Without the Passport

7. Weekend wedding venues are like a mini vacation—no passport required! Imagine saying “I do” at a rolling countryside estate, a dreamy vineyard, a cozy mountain lodge, or a serene beachfront retreat. 🌿Your guests get a relaxing getaway, and you get a wedding that feels like pure bliss—slow, meaningful, and absolutely unforgettable.

My Favorite Weekend Wedding Venues in New York

As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer, I’ve captured some truly breathtaking celebrations. Here are a few of my favorite venues that always deliver unforgettable moments!

1. The Maples Estate – Schoharie, NY

This colonial estate is straight out of a storybook—perfect for a full wedding weekend. With 12.5 acres of stunning scenery, you’ll have space for your ceremony, reception, and all the in-between magic—golden-hour photos, late-night laughs, and slow morning coffee with your favorite people.

And the farmhouse? Cozy yet chic—the ultimate spot to pop champagne with your bridal party and soak it all in. Because let’s be real—why squeeze the best day of your life into just one day?

2. Full Moon Resort – Big Indian, NY

Tucked in the heart of the Catskills, Full Moon Resort is where rustic charm meets effortless elegance. 🌿 With all-inclusive packages, wedding planning feels less like a juggling act and more like a dream—because, let’s be real, you’ve got enough on your plate!

The best part? On-site accommodations mean no rushing, no rideshares—just a full weekend of love, laughter, and late-night firepit stories. And if jaw-dropping wedding photos are on your wishlist, this place is pure magic behind the lens!

3. Callicoon Hills – Callicoon Center, NY

Looking for historic charm with modern perks? Callicoon Hills has you covered! This Catskills gem features a beautifully restored barn for your reception and cozy guest rooms for your stay.

And the best part? A pool and a campfire. Because let’s be honest—s’mores and wedding weekends just belong together!

4. Buttermilk Falls Inn – Milton, NY

Nestled in the Hudson Valley, Buttermilk Falls Inn is a serene escape with breathtaking Hudson River views.✨ With multiple ceremony and reception sites, luxurious accommodations, and even a spa, it’s the perfect place to unwind before or after the big day.

And the cherry on top? Their adorable animal sanctuary! Because who wouldn’t want to celebrate love and visit some furry friends? 🐐

5. Cedar Lakes Estate – Port Jervis, NY

If you’re dreaming of a wedding weekend that feels like an epic getaway, Cedar Lakes Estate is the place to be. ✨

Picture this: kayaking on a serene lake, roasting s’mores by a crackling fire, and waking up in a cozy yet stylish cabin with breathtaking mountain views.

This venue isn’t just about saying “I do”—it’s about creating unforgettable memories that you and your guests will be raving about for years!

6. Glenmere Mansion – Chester, NY

If you and your love dream in champagne toasts and silk table linens, Glenmere Mansion is your wedding heaven. 🍾

This estate is the epitome of European elegance—grand architecture, manicured gardens, and Gatsby-level luxury at every turn. But don’t let the old-world charm fool you—modern comforts abound, from indulgent spa treatments to gourmet dining that will have your guests swooning. 🍽️

If you’re planning a wedding weekend where sophistication meets pure indulgence, Glenmere delivers in spades.

7. The Roxbury Barn and Estate – Roxbury, NY

Tucked away in the Catskills, The Roxbury Barn and Estate is pure magic. It’s where rustic charm and modern style come together like the perfect love story. Say “I do” beneath a canopy of towering trees, then dance the night away in a stunning, spacious barn. And those mountain views? Absolutely breathtaking. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels intimate, stylish, and straight out of a storybook, this is the place.

8. Mountain House at Onteora – Boiceville, NY

Perched high in the Catskills, Onteora feels like a hidden retreat in the clouds. The views? Absolutely unreal. The vibe? Cozy, intimate, and effortlessly romantic. 💕

With on-site lodging and flexible event spaces, it’s perfect for a wedding weekend where nature steals the show. If you’re dreaming of saying “I do” with mountain peaks as your backdrop, this place delivers.

9. The Garrison – Garrison, NY

The Garrison is where modern elegance meets jaw-dropping Hudson River views. 🌊✨ Think sleek design, open spaces, and a backdrop so stunning it belongs in a painting. 🎨

With on-site accommodations, a scenic golf course, and farm-to-table cuisine that wows, this venue is made for unforgettable weekend celebrations. If you’re looking for a wedding that feels effortless yet upscale, this spot checks all the boxes.

10. Stone Tavern Farm – Roxbury, NY

Stone Tavern Farm is rustic charm at its finest, with wide-open fields and picture-perfect views. Whether you’re dreaming of a tented reception under the stars or a cozy barn celebration, this Catskills gem has you covered. It’s flexible, stunning, and made for couples who want a wedding weekend that feels effortless yet unforgettable.

11. Alder Manor – Yonkers, NY

Alder Manor is where vintage romance meets a touch of mystery. 🏛️ Think grand old-world architecture, overgrown gardens, and just the right amount of Gatsby-era charm.

Perfect for couples craving something unconventional yet utterly romantic, this venue sets the stage for intimate moments beneath ivy-draped columns and candlelit dances in a historic hall. 🕯️💃 If you love the idea of stepping into a beautifully faded love story, this place is pure magic.

12. Hamlet Inn – Southampton, NY

If a breezy, beachside wedding is calling your name, the Hamlet Inn is the perfect escape. It’s relaxed yet refined, offering charming accommodations just minutes from the shore. Think barefoot walks on the beach by day and elegant celebrations by night. For couples who want a coastal weekend that’s equal parts chill and chic, this spot is a dream.

13. Shepherd’s Run – South Kingstown, RI

Just past the New York City border, this vineyard gem feels like a world away. Rolling vines, luxury accommodations, and breathtaking wine country views set the stage for an unforgettable weekend. With elegant indoor and outdoor spaces, you can sip, celebrate, and say “I do” in pure style. If you love the idea of toasting under the stars with a glass of locally crafted wine, this spot is perfection.

14. Brooklyn Winery – Brooklyn, NY

For city couples who want a weekend wedding without the hassle of travel, Brooklyn Winery is a dream. It’s urban chic with a side of cozy, blending rustic charm with an industrial edge. Think candlelit tables, exposed brick, and the rich aroma of aging wine. It’s the perfect spot for a celebration that feels modern, intimate, and effortlessly cool. Plus, who doesn’t love a wedding with a built-in wine supply?

Tips for Planning a Weekend Wedding

Planning a weekend wedding is a bit different from a traditional one-day affair. Here are some tips to make sure everything goes smoothly:

1. Start Early

Weekend wedding venues are like the hottest brunch spots—if you wait too long, you’re out of luck. The best ones book up fast, especially in peak season. Start your search early to lock in your dream spot before someone else beats you to it.

2. Plan for All Three Days

Think of your wedding weekend like a well-planned road trip—everyone should know where they’re headed next! 🗺️✨

Will there be welcome drinks on Friday? A farewell brunch on Sunday? Mapping out the schedule keeps everything smooth, stress-free, and fun. Plus, your guests will thank you for letting them know when to celebrate and when to recover!

3. Keep Your Guests in Mind

Make it easy for your guests—no one wants to feel like a detective on your wedding weekend. 🕵️‍♂️

Provide transportation options, clear directions, and a list of fun local spots to explore. The simpler you make it, the more they’ll relax, enjoy, and soak in the celebration!

4. Hire a Planner

If juggling a full weekend of events sounds like a headache, a wedding planner is your new best friend. They’ll keep things organized, handle the details, and let you actually enjoy your own wedding. Less stress, more champagne—sounds like a win!

5. Capture Every Moment

A weekend wedding isn’t just about the big “I do”—it’s the laughter at the welcome dinner, the dance-offs at the reception, and the tearful goodbyes at brunch. You’ll want a photographer (like me!) who captures it all. That’s why you choose Stories by Victoria—so every moment, big or small, is frozen in time, ready to relive again and again.

Why I Love Photographing Weekend Weddings

As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer at Stories by Victoria, I live for capturing the real, unscripted magic of a wedding weekend. That’s why I love when couples go all-in on a multi-day celebration—it lets me tell your story from start to finish. ✨📸

From the belly laughs at the welcome dinner to teary-eyed toasts and sleepy, love-filled brunch hugs, these little moments make your wedding yours. And because I stay ahead of 2025 wedding photography trends, I’ll blend them seamlessly with your vision—so your photos feel both timeless and fresh.

My goal? To make you feel celebrated, valued, and completely present—while I capture it all. 💕🥂

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right weekend wedding venue is about finding a place that feels like you. Whether it’s a rustic barn in the Catskills, a serene Hudson Valley inn, or a chic estate, blue hill wedding venues, the right venue will set the stage for a celebration you’ll never forget.

So, if you’re planning a weekend wedding and looking for a photographer who’s just as excited about capturing your love story as you are about living it, I’d love to chat! Reach out, and let’s make some magic together. Until then, happy planning for your weekend wedding venue!