The Hudson River Valley in New York is a diverse region that spans along the Hudson River and has such a range of places to experience – but universally it is riddled with epic landscapes and lovely little towns along the river. Krista and Jesse’s private residence wedding in the Hudson River Valley was no exception.

You Can Plan a Pretty Picnic, But You Can’t Predict….

The weather! Oh the weather. In New England, no matter what time of year there is a threat of rain on your wedding day. Krista and Jesse married during one of the rainiest fall seasons on record throwing off their original plans for an outdoor ceremony under the trees canopy.

But everyone made the best of it – because frankly, what else can you do? Their families kept their cool and stayed focus on keeping Krista and Jesse calm, on track and at ease while quietly putting out little fires here and there. The rigged a tarp covering their lovely little ceremony space out using rope and bungee cords and it did the trick. Guests wore raincoats and brought umbrellas. They imbibed on warm bevys under the tent once ceremony was complete and kept track of their shot list by hopping outside being mindful of their shot list (that list of desired family/friend combinations), when the rain would let up or stop (ayo! Always an exciting little moment).

They each got ready only a few hundred feet from each other in separate homes on the property, with a first look in front of a third home. We created some portraits while there was a lull in the rain, walking a muddy path to the little river that cut through the back edge of the property in a different pair of shoes than their wedding attire, quickly swapping into their formal shoes for photos. They both kept the coolest attitudes (I mean, they hail from the outdoorsy state of Colorado and preferred their hiking shoes and Converse) which kept us going strong and without any issue.

They married while it poured, had an elated blurry kiss as their faces and hair misted with rain before making their ways inside to reset and dry off before joining their guests under the tent. Rain continued to pour on the tent as guests ate, danced and the couple mingled with their guests who traveled near and far to celebrate.

Why Hudson Valley?

Well, if you happen to have a connect with someone who has a property here, that is enough. The lush greenery of late summer was still in full bloom and the history of the area is felt in the types of buildings and old homes that occupy most of the land. If you like the feel of nearby epic hikes, walks along a roaring river or the quaintness of little towns, then this might be the perfect spot to elope or marry.

It is one of those places in New England that feels a bit epic when it comes to the terrain – the nature, the trees, the mountains and the way they give such incredible views of the river. There is even a little climbing culture in the New Paltz area.

Hudson Valley Wedding Venues

If you aren’t one of those lucky ones that has a hookup with a Hudson River Valley private spot, do not fret peeps! There are tons of venues that provide unique wedding day experiences. Here are some to consider for a wedding in the Hudson River Valley:

Arrow Park, Monroe, NY – think Italian garden feels mixed with the rocky elements of the Hudson

Hudson House Distillery, West Park, NY – a gorrrrrgeous white stucco building with black trim right on the river with an excellent patio for ceremony.

Hudson River Cruise – that’s right, a wedding on a boat that gives you the most epic backdrop of the river and surrounding hills from a unique perspective.

Living Stone, Round Top, NY – described as “forest chic” – this is a dream for someone wanting a fairy-esque, nestled-in-the-woods feel but with fancy waterfalls and carved paths through the dense trees. Equipped with a transparent tent that shows off the panoramic views of trees above, this place looks so cool.

If you connect with these photos or want to learn more, I would love to hear from you. Reach out here 🙂