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New York-Hudson Valley

Venue help PLEASE?

Hey everyone, i've been engaged for about a month now and i'm still searching frantically for a venue.  I keep going back and forth between a few (Hunter Mountain and Twin Lakes) both in the catskills are two favorites.  First off, anyone have any reviews of either place?  Hunter Mountain seems PERFECT because I love the idea of a mountaintop ceremony, but the only thing is if it rains youre pretty much screwed because obviously the ski lifts to get to the top of the mountain will be shut down.

Twin lakes was beautiful but I didn't like it as much as hunter mtn.  On the other hand, they have an outside/under the tent option in case it rains.  

My next question is to see if anyone has any other suggestions for a venue.  I'm from CT, but really like the catskills area.  I want an outdoor ceremony and possibly reception, but don't mind if the reception is indoors either.  I'm a country girl, so I want a place where the atmosphere kind of matches a countryish theme (cowboy boots with the bridesmaid/wedding dress kinda deal.)  And also somewhere that would have pretty foliage in Sept/Oct of 2012.  Nice views, either the mountain kind of deal or maybe a lake?  I know it probably sounds like i'm looking for a lot, but I have a vision in my head of a place I just can't find, so i'm curious to see if anyone has any suggestions.

OH and a big deal to me, is somewhere that can have some kind of bonfire.  Thanks guys! :)

Re: Venue help PLEASE?

  • edited December 2011

    What about Onteora Mountain House?
    I have never been to a wedding there, I've only seen pictures, but I personally find it to be one of the most beautiful venues around here and it is in the mountains.
    I have no idea if you can have a bon fire there.

  • ryncat74ryncat74 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Check out Onteora Mountain House. I was at a wedding there last October and it was beautiful. You have the option of renting the whole B&B for the entire weekend, and I believe there was an outdoor fire pit. The ceremony took place outdoors with the mountains as a back drop, it was a little chilly, but beautiful. I would love to have my wedding there, but its a little too far for most of my guests, and a little too pricy for this bride, who is stingy with her purse strings for a one day event. :)
  • prshelleyprshelley member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I just went to a wedding at Twin Lakes last weekend. They didn't have a cocktail hour, but I am guessing that was the choice of the bride and groom. However, the dinner food was excellent! I have never seen such large portions at a wedding. I got the chicken which was great and my FI got the prime rib and is still talking about it. It did rain that day but like you mentioned they have the covered outdoor ceremony area so it was still able to be outside.


    Good luck and congrats on your engagement!!
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • shannonc88shannonc88 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks guys. Onteora is BEAUTIFUL but I heard its very pricey.  I'm looking to stay at around 100 per person.  prshelley, do you know if the bride and groom were happy with twin lakes?  They're a big possibiltiy for me so i'd be interested in hearing how they liked it.
  • woodfrogswoodfrogs member
    Knottie Warrior 100 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Windham is beautiful too. But after the devastation in the Catskills over the weekend, you might want to wait a bit.
  • edited December 2011
    Yes. Onteora is very expensive. I do not believe it is possible to stay under
     100/PP. I was in love with that venue but we couldn't even consider it due to the price.
  • edited December 2011
    What about Bear Mountain?  Not sure it'll fit what you are looking for but worth a shot.
  • shannonc88shannonc88 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I just went today to look at Rocking Horse Ranch.  It's not exactly a typical wedding place, but they said they do about 4 a year and it seems to be exactly what i'm looking for.  Very friendly staff as well.  Anyone ever been to or heard of a wedding there before?
  • minionloverminionlover member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    You could try Mohonk mountian house too.  I have seen pictures and its beautiful there.  There are also some great wineries that overlook the Hudson River that might be nice too. 
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  • edited December 2011
    I think Onteora Mountain House is $$$ (probably closer to $200 a head, though lovely) how about Apple Barn Farm?  Its a barn wedding and the lady that runs it coordinates everything from food to buses picking up your guests @ local b&bs-I looked at it and thought it was really different and fun but it didnt work for my family or us so I passed, but she did say she can work with (almost any budget) and they do an outdoor ceremony.

    How many guests are you having?  That would either broden or limit your search.
  • shannonc88shannonc88 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for all the input girls!  I actually am now 99 percent sure on Hunter Mountain in NY.  I've read great reviews, and it's BEAUTIFUL! Not too pricey either!
  • edited December 2011
    Hunter Mountain is beautiful. We just shot a wedding there this past weekend. Would be gorgeous in October w/ all the falliage colors.

    Rebecca Turnquist
    Turnquist Photography
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