The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Weekend Wedding Venue

Hey there! I’m Victoria, your friendly Hudson Valley wedding photographer and owner of Stories by Victoria. If you’re here, I’m guessing you’re dreaming about an incredible weekend wedding filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let’s talk about what makes a weekend wedding venue so special and how to find one that checks all your boxes.

 

Why Choose a Weekend Wedding?

Weekend weddings are the perfect way to slow down and savor every moment of your celebration. Instead of cramming everything into a single day, you get to spend quality time with your favorite people over two or three days. Think welcome dinners, morning yoga sessions, brunches, and even a bonfire to cap off the weekend. It’s like creating a mini vacation for you and your guests—and who wouldn’t love that?

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: Having rooms or cottages for you and your guests means you can party late into the night without worrying about transportation. Here we can freely do the wedding photography trends in 2025 using their accommodations.
2. Multiple Event Spaces: A great weekend venue will offer different areas for different parts of your celebration, like a garden for your ceremony, a barn for your reception, and a cozy space for brunch. This will avoid you from stress in choosing whatever trending wedding themes in 2025 you want to have on your big day.
3. Activities for Guests: From hiking trails to swimming pools, having activities available ensures your guests have a great time even when there’s a break in the schedule.
4. Exclusive Use: Many weekend venues offer exclusive access, so you won’t have to share the space with another wedding party.

My Favorite Weekend Wedding Venues in New York

As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer, my skill in Hudson Valley wedding photography had the pleasure of capturing stunning celebrations at some amazing venues. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. The Maples Estate – Schoharie, NY

This charming colonial estate is perfect for a full weekend of festivities. With 12.5 acres of picturesque grounds, you’ll have plenty of space for your ceremony, reception, and everything in between. The on-site accommodations in their farmhouse are cozy and stylish, making it a great place to spend time with your closest family and friends.

2. Full Moon Resort – Big Indian, NY

Tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, Full Moon Resort offers a rustic yet elegant vibe. Their all-inclusive wedding packages make planning a breeze, and the on-site accommodations mean you and your guests can fully immerse yourselves in the experience. Plus, the surrounding natural beauty is a dream for photographers like me!

3. Callicoon Hills – Callicoon Center, NY

Looking for a mix of historic charm and modern amenities? Callicoon Hills has it all. This Catskills venue features a beautifully restored barn for your reception and adorable guest rooms for your overnight stay. They also have a swimming pool and a campfire area, which are always a hit for weekend weddings.

4. Buttermilk Falls Inn – Milton, NY

Nestled in the Hudson Valley, Buttermilk Falls Inn is a serene escape with stunning views of the Hudson River. This venue offers multiple ceremony and reception sites, luxurious accommodations, and even a spa—perfect for unwinding before or after the big day. Don’t forget to check out their adorable animal sanctuary!

5. Cedar Lakes Estate – Port Jervis, NY

If you’re dreaming of a wedding weekend packed with activities, Cedar Lakes Estate is your spot. From kayaking on the lake to s’mores around the campfire, this venue is all about creating an unforgettable experience. Their cabins and cottages are cozy and chic, and the mountain views? Absolutely breathtaking.

6. Glenmere Mansion – Chester, NY

For couples seeking luxury and sophistication, Glenmere Mansion delivers. This exquisite estate combines European elegance with modern amenities, offering stunning gardens, opulent accommodations, and gourmet dining. It’s perfect for an upscale weekend wedding.

7. The Roxbury Barn and Estate – Roxbury, NY

This Catskills gem offers a magical mix of rustic charm and modern style. With its lush forest ceremony site, spacious barn, and stunning mountain views, The Roxbury Barn and Estate provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding weekend.

8. Mountain House at Onteora – Boiceville, NY

Perched high in the Catskills, this venue boasts breathtaking views and a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Onteora’s on-site lodging and flexible event spaces make it a fantastic choice for a weekend wedding surrounded by nature.

9. The Garrison – Garrison, NY

This Hudson Valley venue offers a sleek, modern vibe with panoramic views of the Hudson River. The Garrison’s accommodations, golf course, and farm-to-table cuisine make it a favorite for weekend celebrations.

10. Stone Tavern Farm – Roxbury, NY

Stone Tavern Farm offers a stunning mix of rustic charm and open fields. With options for tented receptions and cozy barn celebrations, this Catskills venue is ideal for couples who want a flexible and picturesque space for their wedding weekend.

11. Alder Manor – Yonkers, NY

For a unique and historical touch, Alder Manor offers a vintage vibe with its old-world architecture and lush gardens. This venue is perfect for couples seeking a romantic and slightly unconventional setting for their weekend wedding blending it with an intimate couple poses is ideal.

12. Hamlet Inn – Southampton, NY

If you’re dreaming of a beachy weekend wedding, the Hamlet Inn provides a laid-back yet elegant experience. With access to nearby beaches and charming accommodations, it’s a great choice for a coastal celebration.

13. Shepherd’s Run – South Kingstown, RI

Just over the New York City border, this stunning vineyard venue offers luxury accommodations, beautiful wine country scenery, and a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for your weekend wedding.

14. Brooklyn Winery – Brooklyn, NY

For city dwellers looking for a weekend wedding without leaving town, Brooklyn Winery combines urban chic with a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The winery’s rustic-industrial aesthetic is perfect for a modern yet warm celebration.

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 book up quickly, especially during peak wedding season. Start your search as soon as possible to secure your dream location.

2. Plan for All Three Days

Think about the flow of your weekend. Will you have a welcome dinner on Friday? A farewell brunch on Sunday? Having a detailed schedule will help your guests know what to expect.

3. Keep Your Guests in Mind

Make it easy for your guests to join in the fun by providing transportation options, clear directions, and suggestions for things to do in the area.

4. Hire a Planner

If the idea of coordinating multiple events feels overwhelming, consider hiring a wedding planner. They’ll help you stay organized and take the stress off your shoulders.

5. Capture Every Moment

Weekend weddings are filled with little moments that make your celebration unique. Be sure to hire a photographer (like me!) who can document the entire experience—from the welcome dinner to the farewell brunch that’s the reason why you choose Stories by Victoria.

Why I Love Photographing Weekend Weddings

As a wedding photographer at Stories by Victoria I live for capturing the love and connection between couples and their guests, that’s one of the reason why choose stories by Victoria. Weekend weddings give me more time to tell your story—the laughter during the welcome dinner, the teary-eyed toasts at the reception, and the joyful hugs at Sunday brunch. These moments are what make your wedding truly yours, and I feel so honored to be part of them doing the wedding photography trends in 2025 just to make my couple feel valued.

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, 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!

— Victoria