This content originally appeared on our Weekend Inspiration newsletter, mailed on 1/10/25. Want to get news like this, straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Escape Club, where upgraded paid membership also gets you exclusive discounts on Upstate getaways you won’t find anywhere else.
Welcome back, everyone! Our weekly newsletter is back in action, post-holiday. Hope everyone had an amazing break.
While the holiday season is finally over, a select few may have gotten the gift that keeps on giving: an engagement! Congrats to any of you lovebirds who got/gave a ring last month.
For those of you who are beginning to plan your big day, or know someone who is, we got you – below, we’re outlining four very dreamy Upstate venues. (For everyone already married, perennially single like me or otherwise, all these wedding venues are also lovely hotels that open to the public.)
Though each is unique, offering slightly different vibes, all of them come from the minds at Audrey’s Farmhouse who are vets in Upstate weddings. Given their Upstate location, each venue leans into its surrounding landscape: from the oversize pergola at Old Mill, to the covered courtyard at Friends and Neighbors, to the converted flower nursery at The Greenhouses, and the creekside Tentipis at Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club.
Of note: all venues have big capacities, ranging from 150 to 200 guests – but midweek and off-season intimate weddings are available at The Greenhouses, and Friends and Neighbors. (More info below, or inquire about weddings of any size to hello@audreysfarmhouse.com!)
The Greenhouses in Wallkill, NY under a starry night sky. Photo: Arius Photography
In addition to booking for the 2025 and 2026 wedding seasons, these spots also open their calendars to the public throughout the year. For those venue shopping, it’s a great way to experience the grounds before committing – and for the rest of us singles, couples and families – they’re all just really spectacular getaways. (LMFFC is a personal fave for groups!)
Before jumping into it, a quick reminder to check out our January promos newsletter for 10+ vacation rentals and hotels offering exclusive promos this month. Lean into winter and hit the ski slopes, cozy up in front of a fire, relax in a sauna, and enjoy a restorative trip Upstate.
Happy 2025!
-Erin and the EB Team
Friends and Neighbors in Stone Ridge, NY
Get hitched in style at Friends and Neighbors, the newest offering from the Audrey’s Farmhouse team. Photos: Jessica Perez
Meet Friends and Neighbors — the newest Audrey’s Farmhouse event space and boutique hotel in Stone Ridge, NY. Located at the foot of the Shawangunk Mountains, this charismatic Hudson Valley venue is less than two hours from NYC.
Though it joins a roster of three other magical Upstate venues, Friends and Neighbors is uniquely charming. Its iconic checkerboard dance floor and vaulted ceilings pair for the perfect dance party inside its grand hall — while intimate and cozy spaces including a Guest Lobby and Bar Room provide respite from the party. A lush meadow and outdoor area expand the F&N footprint — and on the big night, each of these separate spaces harmonize into one magical venue, ready to host an unforgettable evening.
(Of note: midweek and off-season intimate weddings available! Inquire within.)
Event scoop: 10 guest rooms, sleeps up to 20 | Event hall & meadow space | Full service catering and bar | Site fee ranges $9k-$16k, $28k F&B minimum | Price includes 6.5 hour event including dinner, cocktail hour, reception, ceremony, 5 hour open bar plus staff | Up to 200 guests | Midweek and off-season intimate weddings available | See full FAQ page for more info
Book a room: This summer, Friends and Neighbors will be open for public lodging. If you’re planning on taking an Upstate venue tour, add them to your list and keep an eye on their bookings page for openings.
The Greenhouses in Wallkill, NY
The reception setup in the greenhouse, which can accommodate up to 175 guests year-round. Photos c/o Audrey’s Farmhouse
For a one-of-a-kind wedding, head to The Greenhouses: a spacious, plant-filled venue tucked into the quiet Hudson Valley town of Wallkill. Once a commercial flower nursery, The Greenhouses is made up of a converted greenhouse and a recently updated, all-white barn. Both can be used year-round. (Of note: midweek and off-season intimate weddings are available! Inquire within.)
Behind the greenhouse, there is a foliage-dense open-air courtyard, ideal for ceremonies of any size. The adjoining lawn, pergola, and lush garden courtyard can also provide additional locations for cocktail hour, complete with optional lawn games (we’d definitely opt-in). The Greenhouses can accommodate upwards of 175 guests; and with the talented Audrey’s Farmhouse staff ensuring smooth transitions between locations, even the largest weddings are made to be stress-free.
We also *must* mention that The Greenhouses is super dog-friendly! Well-behaved furry friends are welcome throughout the venue (dogs must be on leash during events.)
Event scoop: 19 guest rooms, sleeps up to 38 | Greenhouse, barn, courtyard, and lawn spaces | Full service catering and bar | Site fee ranges $9-16k, $28k F&B minimum | Price includes 6.5 hour event including welcome refreshments, ceremony, cocktail hour, buffet dinner, reception, 5 hour open bar plus staff | Up to 175 guests | Midweek and off-season intimate weddings available | See full FAQ page for more info
Book a room: Select dates are available this winter! Scope The Greenhouses January 17-19, February 7-9 and 14-17, and March 7-9. Rates begin at $290/night; check out the rooms and book here.
Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club in Livingston Manor, NY
Nordic Tentpis are the perfect creekside gathering spot for weddings. Photos: Peter Crosby (above) and Escape Brooklyn (below)
Less than two hours from NYC, Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club brings the river-centric heritage of the Western Catskills to an intimate, one-of-a-kind venue. This event space enjoys a uniquely magical riverfront setting, nestled in old growth forest inside the Catskill Park, and is best suited for lovers of the outdoors.(Fly-fishing experience welcome, but not necessary!)
Wedding ceremonies are held next to the river, before moving into Nordic-inspired Tentipis for dinner, dancing and festivities. In addition to weddings, LMFFC hosts a variety of events, including wellness retreats, brand meetings, company outings, and photoshoots.
After a weekend of celebrating, guests can unwind by the river in its wood-fired hot tub, fly-fish, swim, or continue festivities on Main Street Livingston Manor, just a five minute walk away (check out the EB guide to Livingston Manor for trip inspiration).
Event scoop: 2 guest units, sleeps up to 10 | Wooded, creekside location | Site fee ranges $5,500-$10,000, $7k F&B minimum | Price includes 6.5 hour event including non-alcoholic welcome refreshments, ceremony, cocktail hour, buffet dinner, reception, 5 hour open bar with beer, wine, Prosecco, and 3 signature cocktails, plus staff | Up to 150 guests | See full FAQ page for more info
Book a room: Livingston Manor Fly Fishing Club is now booking stays from April through June. Rates start at $500/night; book your stay here.
Old Mill in Wallkill, NY
After the ceremony takes place at the edge of the forest, guests are invited to gather beneath Old Mill’s pergola for the reception. Photos: Kate Edwards (above) and Nicole Nero, Nina Barry/Pasture Mama (below)
Old growth forest, an open-air courtyard, an expansive lawn, and a stunning pergola make up the 24-acre events space at Old Mill, one of Audrey’s Farmhouse’s two outdoor-only venues. The day starts with a ceremony tucked into the property’s wooded area – just steps away from the cocktail and reception spaces, allowing for easy transitions throughout the event. After the ceremony, guests can gather beneath Old Mill’s new timber-framed pergola, or can spend the cocktail hour basking in the sun on the expansive lawn.
While the pergola can accommodate up to 200 guests, the open-air courtyard serves as an ideal location for intimate weddings of 50 guests (or less). Those celebrating with a smaller group can also utilize the on-site pool and cabana for a more casual vibe. Weddings of any size can go until 10pm, with the option for an after-party or a laid-back firepit and s’mores session to extend the festivities.
Event scoop: 19 bedrooms in 7 guesthouse units, sleeps up to 50 | 24 acres of event space | Full service catering and bar | Site fee ranges $14-16k, $28k F&B minimum | Price includes 6.5 hour event including dinner, cocktail hour, reception, ceremony, 5 hour open bar plus staff | Up to 200 guests | See full FAQ page for more info
Book a room: Those interested in checking out Old Mill can book a stay for any weekend through the remainder of the winter. Rates start at $350/night; see guest accommodations and book here.
That’s it for this week – happy 2025 and congrats again to anyone who got engaged over the holidays! See you next week where we’ll be sharing some getaways to *warm up* your winter.