Hudson Valley Micro-Wedding Venues and Bridal Shops

The Hudson Valley is such a perfect place to host a wedding, from historic inns to lush farms, there are just so many remarkable venues to choose from, as well as talented vendors that live and work in the nearest county. With so many choices available around us, it can be difficult to figure out where to begin. iHeart Hudson Valley has done some research to help get you started. First and foremost, let’s talk venues and bridal shops because it’s usually how to kick off the planning process!

We have been experiencing a shift of perspective when it comes to weddings. Large gatherings that include every family member and friend from various walks of life are slimming down to a smaller scale of quality vs. quantity. Not just solely due to gathering restrictions, but because sometimes, less is more. The financial expenses that couples are faced with for a wedding can be draining at the best of times. A more intimate affair is a great solution for having that quaint, special gathering with the most important people in our lives in attendance, so the micro wedding is experiencing a revival.

Brides often underestimate the amount of time, details, and logistics that are involved in planning the wedding of their dreams. They often know the type of wedding they are dreaming of, determined their special date, and perhaps have a venue in mind, but have not prepared beyond that. Hiring a wedding planner is the perfect starting point, as they are familiar with all of the nuances involved in planning a wedding and they can provide a timeline and monthly checklist to make the process less stressful. Planners can help pull everything together to ensure that all of the details are covered and vendors are secured.

We spoke with Faith Ferguson of Faith Ferguson Productions to get a deeper understanding of the benefits of hiring a professional wedding planner. Faith has been planning events for over 25 years and weddings for over a decade. She brought to our attention that an experienced planner goes beyond bringing your vision to fruition, it’s also understanding the costs and contract details involved in venue and vendor contract negotiations, protecting clients in their financial obligations. Faith develops a deep understanding of her client’s needs and vision in order to best achieve their inspirational goals while caring deeply about the bride, family vision, and the guest experience for the day. Having a professional by your side throughout the process can ease the stress of planning, reduce costs and ultimately produce a flawless execution for the family and guests’ special day.

One unique micro wedding venue with breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River is Lamb’s Hill in Beacon, NY. This rustic-chic private estate is ideal for small gatherings of up to 50 people throughout their event season from May through October. The focal point of the breathtaking property includes a pergola that is perfectly placed for you to exchange ceremony vows. If weather becomes an issue on your special day, the reception can be moved into the gorgeous barn, which features vaulted ceilings, a quaint bar, hardwood floors, and large windows to take in the view. Your host Charlotte can suggest a variety of local catering options who are familiar with the site such as Main Course Catering in New Paltz and Mill House in Poughkeepsie. The property also has an equestrian-themed Airbnb that is accessible from a romantic winding staircase through stained glass barn doors. It has a full kitchen, loft bedroom, and master bedroom with a deck that holds a large hot tub, complete with sweeping views. It truly is unforgettable and you can feel the love and dedication that has gone into creating such an enchanted space.

If elegant Inns are your delight, then Stagecoach Inn in Goshen, NY can make dreams come true. The restored Inn was built in 1747, has five guest rooms, indoor and outdoor dining, plus various rooms with fireplaces throughout the historic building. There are many choices available when booking the Inn, depending on how large an affair. The Atrium event space holds 40 – 110 guests, is chic and clean, with white farm tables and modern wooden floors. The connecting covered porch can accommodate up to 140 guests when the two areas are combined. Private dining rooms are better suited for intimate celebrations of up to 26 guests, or the entire Inn can be all yours to host a luxurious event. The expertly manicured lawn and surrounding property make a rich backdrop for photographers to work their magic. High expectations are usually surpassed with the variety of culinary dishes available for catering that will please the pickiest of palettes.

If an indoor wedding is what you seek, Dramatic Hall in Peekskill is an Art Deco style venue, inspired by an 1870-era theater. It is a truly unique and spectacular space that can entertain up to 150 guests.

Another noteworthy Peekskill site is Factoria at Charles Point. The riverfront location with an industrial feel, professional staff, booking flexibility, and on-site catering make it a superb choice for a larger affair.

Kindred Creeks sits on a 70-acre working farm in Poughquag, NY, where the Whaley Lake stream and Gardner Hollow stream join as one. With three decades of wedding industry experience, you will be in good hands with the Cartwright family who owns the farm.

For that authentic country setting that’s further north in Ulster County, look no further than Shared Blessings Estate in Gardiner, NY who can accommodate up to 75 guests on their farm.

We know how difficult picking out the perfect dress can be, so we have some suggestions to help you find what you are looking for. Lambs Hill Bridal Boutique opened in January of 2017 and is located in downtown Beacon, NY. Walking into the gorgeous boutique, it is obvious why they have won best bridal in the Hudson Valley for three years. Lamb’s Hill carries all of the latest trends, always has fresh inventory and their dresses range from $1,100-$4,500. You can find a well-made dress for a reasonable price and feel like a princess in the welcoming space of the boutique.

Another choice for beautiful, unique, and affordable wedding dresses is Wild Blooms Bridal in Wappingers Falls, NY. It’s a creative space filled with great energy for brides to come and experience a truly pampering day. They offer non-traditional gowns for the more free-spirited individual to celebrate with stylish simplicity.

For a creative combination of hair salon and bridal boutique, Crystal Boutique and Beauty Bar in Hopewell Junction, NY could be a sure fit. They carry selections from the down-to-earth to the more formal bride. The hair salon offers extensions, color, and makeup artistry, and can bring the services to you if your venue has a dedicated bridal room.

Giving brides access to a well-curated selection of gowns from leading designers is Blush in Kingston, NY. Blush offers a diverse collection of gowns for the trendy, traditional, or modern bride. Emily is incredibly knowledgeable about her inventory can help you find the perfect dress with her keen eye for detail along with very personalized service.

A professional team of sisters who have created a successful business in Rye, NY are Jessica and Haley of Jessica Haley Bridal. They are both passionate about weddings and their love for fashion really shines through their elegant selection of bridal gowns.

So much goes into the planning of your perfect day. In addition to the venue and dress, there is an abundance of talented hair and makeup artists, photographers, food trucks, stationery designers, DJs, entertainment, and more to choose from when looking to achieve the most perfect wedding experience in the Hudson Valley. In an upcoming article, we will showcase and suggest more top-notch vendors to help you choose the best possible local businesses to work with for your next event. Stay tuned!

By Lauren Simonetti, Marketing and Content Coordinator, iHeart Hudson Valley