Planning the Perfect Wedding Weekend: Hudson Valley Venue Guide
Weekend weddings in the Rosé Garden at Black Walnut Farm
Host a Wedding Weekend That Feels Like a Dream (Not a Blur)
Here’s the thing about weddings: everyone tells you to "live in the moment." But between managing timelines, dodging uninvited toasts, and wondering where your veil went, the moment tends to fly by faster than your uncle on the dance floor when “Shout” comes on.
That’s where a wedding weekend comes in. Stretching your celebration over a few days gives you space to breathe, connect, and actually enjoy the people you invited (imagine that!).
If you're looking for a Hudson Valley wedding venue or a dreamy Catskills wedding weekend destination, Black Walnut Farm is ready to make your upstate dreams come true. We specialize in full wedding weekend experiences at our Upstate New York wedding weekend venue, where you set the vibe, and we handle the behind-the-scenes magic.
Our couples want something completely original: where disco balls meet forest trails, vintage trucks sit next to sunset lawn games, and their guests say, "I've never been to a wedding like this before." Black Walnut Farm is for dreamers, creatives, and romantics who want to break the mold without sacrificing style.
Our style? Think eclectic rustic vintage glam: timeless, character-rich, and designed to feel like a weekend getaway at your most creative friend's estate. (Finally, a wedding venue without that LIVE LAUGH LOVE font everywhere).
With exclusive access to our property, modern amenities, and vintage details with eclectic personality at every turn, it's the perfect place to host your wedding celebration. Black Walnut Farm is a destination wedding experience with no passport required. With VIP lodging onsite (the historic 1747 farmhouse sleeps 8) for four whole days included, and a wide array of hotels within a few miles of the property, Black Walnut makes hosting several days of celebrations a snap!
Yes, we’re dog-friendly. Your pup is absolutely welcome at your wedding weekend (flower collar optional.)
Hammocks, fire pits, and majestic forests: The Hudson Valley’s Black Walnut Farm has all the weekend wedding inclusions of your dreams.
Wedding Weekend Ideas Your Guests Will Love
Give Your Guests Something to Explore
They’re going to have downtime between events. Don’t leave them scrolling aimlessly for ‘brunch near me’ on Yelp… give them a curated list of your favorite local spots. Print it, email it, or create a shareable Google Map (pro tip: we did this for our favorite antique shops, and guests loved it).
Some top local attractions include:
Hiking at Falling Waters Preserve
Touring the Saugerties Lighthouse
Spa treatments at Waterside Spa
Brewery and winery tours nearby
Shopping at local farmers markets and vintage stores
Rent a boat for a leisurely sail on the Hudson River
Explore the art scene home to so many artisans, musicians, and creatives
There's no shortage of fun things to do! Let your wedding party and guests choose their own adventure… just don’t be surprised if they never want to leave the natural beauty of the heart of the Catskill Mountains.
Make a Road Trip Playlist
Guests are road-tripping from New York City, Long Island, and beyond (or, commuting up via Amtrak or Trailways bus). Set the tone before they arrive with a custom playlist: something that screams weekend wedding vibes.
Email it a few days ahead with a note like, "Skip track 6, we don’t know how it got in there."
Host Something Before & After
A Friday night welcome party? Yes. A Sunday brunch send-off? Absolutely. These moments turn your celebration into a multi-day wedding experience and give you more chances to actually spend quality time with guests.
You could:
Host a food truck night in the outdoor area by the fire pit
Meet at a local bar like Partition
Do a farewell brunch with bagels and Bloody Marys under the trees
This is your special day, but stretched across the entire weekend. More laughs, more toasts, and less pressure.
The 1891 barn is ready to host a whole schedule of events for your weekend wedding at Black Walnut Farm
A Wedding Weekend Itinerary at Black Walnut Farm
Want to see how it all comes together? Here's what a typical wedding weekend timeline looks like at our barn venue in the Hudson Valley:
Thursday: Arrive & Exhale
Check in at 3 p.m. and get the keys to your kingdom. Drop your bags in our 1747 farmhouse: an elegant yet historic venue that feels like walking through a real life Pinterest board crossed with the most magical antique shop. Snack on the local cheese board we left for you, and pour a glass of wine— we stocked the fridge with the good stuff (when the venue owner is Martha Stewart’s Sommelier, that’s just how we roll).
Walk the extensive gardens, swing in a hammock, or sit by the 8-foot fireplace and say, "We're really doing this."
For a cozy dinner out, we recommend:
Many of our couples prefer a private evening on Thursday before the rest of your guests arrive on Friday. Black Walnut Farm is about soaking in every moment and letting leisurely hours roll by.
Relax in front of the 8-foot fireplace in the Farmhouse living room on your weekend wedding at Black Walnut Farm. Photo by Julian Bracero
Friday: Welcome to the Pre-Party
As guests arrive, give them a soft landing: wine tasting, yoga on the lawn, or exploring town. Our Hospitality Coordinator is all yours for the weekend, and there to help book any experiences you like!
Rehearsal dinner options:
Food trucks and lawn games right at the farm (tacos + cornhole + giant Jenga = instant party). Our long-weekend packages include a welcome event for no additional fee; spaces and staff to help set up and clean up is included! Along with parking attendants, coat check, a golf cart, the works! (Ask us about our couple who had a full-on talent show during their welcome party… EPIC!)
Prefer to dine off property? Check out private dining at Cucina or The Dutch Alehouse
Casual meetup at The Partition Bar with live music
Whatever option you choose, we recommend that welcome festivities wrap up at a reasonable hour to give everyone time to get adequate rest before the big day!
Weekend wedding at Black Walnut Farm, on the lawn, photo by Autumn Jordan
Saturday: the big day is here!
Wake up in your farmhouse suite, eat a locally catered breakfast (bagels, fruit, and alllll the coffee), and get ready without ever leaving the property. Walk our private nature trails in the crisp morning air, it’s truly the perfect way to get in that peaceful, calm mindset! We offer guest rooms and plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces for your crew to spread out. We even can set up a bloody mary bar or mimosas upon request.
Getting ready spaces include:
The Sunroom (natural light galore)
The Parlor (perfect for glam teams)
The Barn Loft (great for chill vibes + card games)
The sun room at Black Walnut Farm is ideal for hair and makeup teams!
Wedding Photos
The grounds at Black Walnut Farm offer 34 acres of photo opportunities! Whether you prefer posing in a wildflower meadow, strolling through our gardens or forest, or posing on our numerous benches and swings, there are plenty of charming, picturesque landscapes for your wedding photographer to capture. Family portraits are especially sweet in front of the ivy-covered Dutch stone house!
The Dutch-built stone farmhouse at Black Walnut Farm
The Ceremony
Guests are greeted with refreshments (fresh herb-infused water and lemonade in the spring and summer, or hot cocoa or cider in the fall and winter), and get excited for an epic celebration. As the great Dolly Parton said, laughter through tears is our favorite emotion!
Wedding Ceremony Options:
The Forest (whimsical and woodsy, Twilight vibes)
The Lawn (chic, classic, timeless)
The Meadow (fairytale feels among the tall grass and wildflowers)
Forest Ceremony Site at Black Walnut Farm
The Reception
After the ‘I Dos’ and wiping away the happy tears, it’s time to toast!
Cocktail Hour
Host your cocktail hour surrounded by nature with multiple site options:
Our adorable secret outdoor bar tucked inside an Amish garden shed on the front lawn
Among antique white lawn furniture, shaded by white fringe parasols on the back lawn
Sipping local wine in the Rosé Garden, with yard games + sunset mountain views in the meadow
A stunning autumn cocktail hour set against the beautiful backdrop of fall foliage. Photo: Jimi Ferrara Photography
Dinner + Dancing:
Enjoy dinner in the barn, under our antique chandeliers and string lights. Or, out on lawn under the stars, or in a tent.
We provide antique mismatched chairs for up to 200 guests
Also, stunning rustic farm tables
And of course: our 4-foot disco ball spinning above the dance floor
The Barn at Black Walnut Farm can accommodate up to 100 for a seated dinner. And yes, it’s temperature controlled!
Want to bring your own vendor team? Absolutely. You’re not locked into a rigid list—we have fantastic recommendations, but you’re welcome to bring your dream crew.
Dining under the stars is truly a timeless and classic experience that never goes out of style.
A barn that just begs for a dance party! Photo: Autumn Jordan
After-Parties, right onsite:
After the DJ or band wraps, head out to the bonfire for s'mores and stargazing
At midnight, pop over to the Village of Saugerties (5 minutes away) for more revelry (yes, there are bars open til 4!)… or stay in and eat leftover cake in your robe. You’ll be best kind of exhausted: after all the planning and anticipation, you did it! The perfect setting for your dream wedding.
Need inspiration for your wedding day schedule? Download our example: Wedding Day Timeline.
A couple roasts marshmallows over the bonfire. Photo: Julia Ann Photography.
Sunday: The Cool Down
Brunch, coffee, hugs, and maybe one guest wearing last night's outfit (we can relate). Say goodbye, relive the magic, and know you still have the rest of the day to soak in the hot tub.
Bonus: Checkout isn't until Monday at 11 a.m. You get a full four-day Upstate New York wedding venue rental to truly enjoy the perfect backdrop to your story.
A final hot-tub soak to cap off your weekend wedding in upstate New York
What’s Included in a Wedding Weekend at Black Walnut Farm
✔ Five days, four nights of exclusive venue access
✔ Lodging for 8 in our historic 1747 farmhouse
✔ Ample getting-ready spaces
✔ 34 acres of forests, meadows, gardens, and a charming creek
✔ Three outdoor ceremony sites: Forest, Meadow, or Lawn
✔ Reception space for up to 200 guests
✔ Disco ball, antique chairs, and rustic farm tables
✔ Barn party spaces with included restrooms, parlor, dance hall, speakeasy-style lounge, and dedicated bar area (plus, heating and AC!)
✔ Sunset views, wildflower meadows, and Catskill backdrops
✔ Pet-friendly property so your pup can join the party
✔ Late-night Popcorn Bar with our vintage machine and all the fixins
✔ Vendor flexibility: bring your own team or use our favorites
✔ Totally un-cookie-cutter vibe: stylish, original, unforgettable
✔ Spaces and Staff for your welcome event, at no additional charge
✔ Dedicated venue team with warm and caring service to make sure every detail is * chef’s kiss *
Your Planning Partners, Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re working with a wedding planner or just need help navigating logistics, our dedicated team is here to support your planning process. From your first tour to the farewell brunch, we offer hands-on coordination, thoughtful guidance, and connections to trusted vendors.
Need a florist? A top-tier upstate New York wedding photographer? A farm-to-table executive chef? A timeline that builds in time for yoga and tequila shots? We've got you. You'll never feel alone in the process, and we'll make sure your celebration is as smooth as it is stunning.
Other Venues for your Catskills or Hudson Valley Wedding Weekend
We know it’s a big decision, and of course you want to view some other venues. Other local options that offer the immersive weekend experience: Deer Mountain Inn, Foxfire Mountain House, Full Moon Resort, Cedar Lakes Estate, The Maples Estate, Onteora Mountain House, Gather Greene, Windrift Hall, Handsome Hollow, or Basilica Hudson. Go check ‘em out and see how we measure up! We’re proud that the Hudson Valley has become a world-class destination for top-tier weddings, and we know a rising tide raises all boats. We happily support the other local venues in our community. When ‘our’ couples find us, the feeling is usually mutual and we know it’s meant to be.
Ready to book a tour?
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, joyful, totally-you kind of celebration, Black Walnut Farm might just be your perfect venue. Our luxury farmhouse wedding venue, with its rich history, is ideal for creative couples seeking a mix of historic charm, scenic acres, and exclusive access to host a truly unforgettable wedding weekend in Upstate NY. Come tour Black Walnut Farm and see why we were voted one of the best wedding venues in the region.
Book Your Tour Today!
Tour the barn, stroll the gardens, and imagine your wedding weekend unfolding right here. Click here to schedule your visit: we can’t wait to meet you!