Most Expensive Outdoor Reception Sites in Upstate NY: Catskills & Saratoga Areas
Based on industry reputation and known high-end packages, here is a curated list of some of the most luxurious and expensive outdoor-focused wedding venues across the region.
🥂 Hudson Valley (Includes Westchester)
The Hudson Valley stretches northward from Westchester County (just outside NYC) up to Albany, following the majestic Hudson River. This region is defined by its dramatic riverside cliffs, rolling farmlands, and a mix of historic Gilded Age estates and meticulously restored 19th-century barns. Wedding venues here specialize in farm-to-table cuisine and full-weekend estate buyouts, capitalizing on the beautiful scenery. The style is typically a blend of rustic luxury, historical elegance, and modern design, offering convenience to metropolitan New York while feeling completely removed from the city pace.
| Name | Brief Description | Address | Website Link |
| Blue Hill at Stone Barns | A globally renowned, highly exclusive farm-to-table culinary estate with a stone HayLoft and extensive grounds. | 630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591 | Blue Hill at Stone Barns |
| Cedar Lakes Estate | A sprawling, exclusive resort-style estate offering a full-weekend experience with luxury cabins and a stunning barn. | 188 S.C. Rd 1, Port Jervis, NY 12771 | Cedar Lakes Estate |
| Mohonk Mountain House | A Victorian castle resort set on a pristine lake, offering diverse outdoor ceremony sites and mountain views. | 1000 Mountain Rest Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561 | Mohonk Mountain House |
| The Garrison | A contemporary country inn with breathtaking, panoramic views of the Hudson Highlands and a dedicated outdoor ceremony site. | 2015 U.S. 9, Garrison, NY 10524 | The Garrison |
| Troutbeck | A historic, secluded luxury estate that blends refined hotel accommodations with a rustic, beautifully manicured property. | 515 Leedsville Rd, Amenia, NY 12501 | Troutbeck |
| Glenmere Mansion | A grand, Relais & Châteaux Tuscan-style villa estate with opulent gardens and sweeping views of Glenmere Lake. | 634 Pine Hill Rd, Chester, NY 10918 | Glenmere Mansion |
| The Whitby Castle | A historic, classic stone castle estate on a golf course with elegant outdoor patio spaces for ceremonies and cocktails. | 330 Boston Post Rd, Rye, NY 10580 | Whitby Castle at Rye Golf Club |
| Red Maple Vineyard | A rustic-elegant vineyard with a renovated barn, fieldstone patio, and ceremonies overlooking the rolling grapevines. | 1004 Rte 9W, West Park, NY 12493 | Red Maple Vineyard |
| Gather Greene | A 100-acre luxury retreat featuring a sleek, modern open-air pavilion and 17 stylish cabins for a full-weekend buyout. | 1489 Rte 22, Coxsackie, NY 12051 | Gather Greene |
| Rushmore Estate | A grand, historic estate offering a luxurious, refined setting in the heart of the Hudson Valley with stunning grounds. | 3109 Rte 208, Wallkill, NY 12589 | Rushmore Estate |
🌲 Catskills
The Catskills are synonymous with mountain serenity, natural rugged beauty, and a deep history of classic Upstate New York resorts. Located northwest of the Hudson Valley, this region is characterized by thick forests, deep valleys, winding rivers, and dramatic peaks. The high-end wedding market here focuses on secluded, all-inclusive resort experiences and rustic-chic destinations. Venues are often restored historic lodges, elegant barns, or private estates that prioritize mountain views, wilderness settings, and an unplugged, multi-day celebration experience for guests.
| Name | Brief Description | Address | Website Link |
| Roxbury Barn & Estate | A historic 42-acre property featuring a three-story carriage barn and a unique cathedral-in-the-woods ceremony site. | 609 Spruceton Rd, Roxbury, NY 12474 | Roxbury Barn & Estate |
| Blenheim Hill Farm | An exclusive, private, and sustainable farm estate with restored barns and a stunning ceremony site overlooking the private lakes. | 673 Blenheim Hill Rd, Jefferson, NY 12093 | Blenheim Hill Farm |
| Full Moon Resort | A unique, rustic-yet-sophisticated destination resort in the Catskill mountains offering a full-weekend buyout experience. | 160 Valley View Rd, Big Indian, NY 12410 | Full Moon Resort |
| Handsome Hollow | An impeccably restored 18th-century dairy barn and 93-acre farm providing a luxury rustic experience in a secluded valley. | 5494 River Rd, Long Eddy, NY 12760 | Handsome Hollow |
| The Chatwal Lodge | A highly exclusive, rustic-chic sanctuary deep in the Catskills with luxury accommodations and a focus on nature and privacy. | 390 Beaverkill Rd, Bethel, NY 12720 | The Chatwal Lodge |
| Wylder Windham | A newly renovated, upscale hotel set against the mountains, offering beautiful outdoor spaces and a stylish, modern-rustic barn. | 19 Sypniewski Dr, Windham, NY 12496 | Wylder Windham |
| The Inn at West Settlement | A beautifully restored post-and-beam barn venue on a historic farm with extensive grounds and Catskill mountain views. | 3054 County Rd 41, Roxbury, NY 12474 | The Inn at West Settlement |
| Taconic Ridge Farm | A stunning, well-appointed barn and private estate located centrally between the Catskills and the Berkshires. | 2110 NY-22, Hillsdale, NY 12529 | Taconic Ridge Farm |
| Seven Ponds Farm Estate | A large, secluded 107-acre sustainable farm property featuring ponds, forests, rolling pastures, and a luxury barn. | 258 Shaver Rd, Summit, NY 12175 | Seven Ponds Farm Estate |
| Windham Manor | A purpose-built, luxury barn venue capable of hosting large groups, set on a beautiful property with mountain backdrops. | 100 Maple Ln, Windham, NY 12496 | Windham Manor |
🐎 Saratoga (Includes Lake George & Capital Region)
The Saratoga region, including Saratoga Springs and nearby Lake George, is famous for its Regal, historic grandeur and summer sophistication. Unlike the deep rustic feel of the Catskills, Saratoga has a refined atmosphere, known for its historic racetrack, natural mineral springs, and Victorian architecture. Venues here tend to be historic hotels, ornate mansions, and upscale golf clubs with large, manicured lawns and stunning views of Lake George or the surrounding parklands. The style is classic and formal, catering to large, elegant, and timeless events.
| Name | Brief Description | Address | Website Link |
| The Inn at Erlowest | An elegant, historic stone mansion on the shores of Lake George with picturesque lakeside ceremony sites and terraces. | 3178 Lake Shore Dr, Lake George, NY 12845 | The Inn at Erlowest |
| The Sagamore Resort | An iconic, historic resort situated on a private island on Lake George, offering grand outdoor ceremony lawns and waterfront views. | 110 Sagamore Rd, Bolton Landing, NY 12814 | The Sagamore Resort |
| The Mansion of Saratoga | A historic, meticulously restored mansion and inn offering a picturesque, full-service outdoor wedding experience. | 801 US-9, Rock City Falls, NY 12863 | The Mansion of Saratoga |
| Saratoga National Golf Club | An upscale golf club with a grand, sophisticated setting and expansive outdoor patios overlooking the course and Owl Pond. | 458 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Saratoga National Golf Club |
| Hall of Springs | A nearly century-old Neoclassical venue in Saratoga Spa State Park, known for its grand columns and surrounding manicured park grounds. | 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Hall of Springs |
| The Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa | A historic hotel set within the beautiful Saratoga Spa State Park, offering elegant outdoor function areas and gardens. | 24 Gideon Putnam Rd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | The Gideon Putnam Resort |
| Highlands Castle | A completely private, luxurious castle estate with breathtaking views of Lake George and the Adirondack mountains. | 1 Sagamore Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814 | Highlands Castle |
| The Saratoga Winery | A rustic-elegant winery featuring a spacious rustic barn, cozy tasting room, and expansive outdoor backyard spaces. | 462 Rte 29 W, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | The Saratoga Winery |
| Brookledge | A 60-acre park venue with modern on-site lodging, nestled in the rolling hills of Saratoga, ideal for nature-focused weddings. | 38 Brookledge Rd, Middle Grove, NY 12850 | Brookledge |
| Stable Gate Winery | A beautifully designed venue offering a modern, elegant outdoor setting on a winery property near Albany/Saratoga. | 1630 Rte 9H, Castleton on Hudson, NY 12033 | Stable Gate Winery |
🗽 NYC (Focus on High-End Long Island/North Fork Estates & Wineries)
While true barns and estates are not available within the five boroughs of NYC, the adjacent high-end areas—specifically Long Island’s Gold Coast (known for Gatsby-era mansions) and the North Fork (the renowned wine region)—provide the most luxurious outdoor alternatives. This region is characterized by oceanfront properties, historic European-style castles, and exclusive working vineyards. The overall feeling is one of unparalleled opulence, coastal elegance, and exclusive access, appealing to couples seeking a grand, high-fashion event with proximity to New York City.
| Name | Brief Description | Address | Website Link |
| Oheka Castle | A spectacular, historic chateau estate with formal gardens, known for its ultimate luxury and extravagant outdoor settings. | 135 W Gate Dr, Huntington, NY 11743 | Oheka Castle |
| Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club | An exclusive private club on the ocean with a stunning beach/outdoor setting for ceremonies and receptions in the Hamptons. | 231 Shampinyan Ln, Bridgehampton, NY 11932 | Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club |
| The Muses | A high-end, classic Hamptons estate offering sprawling manicured grounds and a luxurious tented event space. | (Private Estate in Southampton, address varies) | The Muses Southampton |
| Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa | An oceanfront resort with multiple outdoor terraces and beach access for ceremonies, offering a Hamptons luxury experience. | 290 Old Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954 | Gurney’s Montauk |
| The Vineyards at Aquebogue | A stunning North Fork winery venue with outdoor ceremony sites among the vines and a beautiful rustic-elegant reception barn. | 978 Main Rd, Aquebogue, NY 11931 | The Vineyards at Aquebogue |
| Wölffer Estate Vineyard | An extremely exclusive and highly sought-after vineyard known for its beautiful European-style setting and high-end events. | 139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962 | Wölffer Estate Vineyard |
| Peconic Bay Yacht Club | A premier waterfront venue on the North Fork with expansive outdoor lawns overlooking the water, offering a nautical luxury feel. | 64300 Main Rd, Greenport, NY 11944 | Peconic Bay Yacht Club |
| The Mansion at Oyster Bay | A historic, luxurious mansion set on 120 acres of greenery, offering grand outdoor spaces and timeless architecture. | 1 S Woods Rd, Woodbury, NY 11797 | The Mansion at Oyster Bay |
| Brooklyn Botanic Garden | (The closest “Estate” feel within NYC proper) A premier garden venue with stunning outdoor ceremony locations and elegant pavilions. | 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225 | Brooklyn Botanic Garden |
| The Central Park Boathouse | (A sophisticated outdoor/waterfront option in NYC proper) Offers a unique waterfront ceremony site and elegant lakeside dining. | E 72nd St and Park Dr N, New York, NY 10021 |