The Most Charming Upstate New York Wedding Venue
Photo: Photos By Siobhan
Meet The Barn at Black Walnut Farm
Are you looking for a picturesque, convenient, and unique upstate New York wedding venue within a two-hour drive from New York City? Look no further than The Barn at Black Walnut Farm, nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley– one of the most beautiful places in the state. The Farm offers endless customizations to ensure your wedding isn't like anyone else's barn wedding: the property's rich history and natural beauty provide an unforgettable backdrop for your dream wedding.
History lives on in one of New York's oldest settlements
If you're researching the best Hudson Valley wedding venues, Black Walnut Farm is not to be missed– especially for history lovers! The historic estate was established in 1747 as one of the first ten settlements in the county. Every nook and corner of the property is overflowing with the timeless charm of a bygone era. Originally built as a Way Station and Guest House offering ale, bread, and a comfortable bed to weary travelers between Albany and Manhattan, there are over 275 years of hospitality at the heart of Black Walnut Farm. Now, that spirit lives on as the Farm hosts milestone gatherings of family and friends from around the world. You'll instantly feel the spirit of home, warmth, and conviviality the moment you step onto the grounds.
The Grounds at Black Walnut Farm
Features and moments on the grounds
Photo: Julia Ann Photography
The estate sprawls across 34 acres of land, with stunning indoor spaces and outdoor locations for incredible photo ops. Private nature trails wind along a quaint creek through acres of forests. Beautiful gardens are sprinkled throughout the property, filled with native plants, flowering shrubs, quaint stone benches, and antique iron lawn furniture.
Photo by Julia Ann Photography
Lovely open meadows stretch out to the horizon, filled with wildflowers and a glimpse of the Catskill mountains in the background. The rolling landscapes of the Farm are filled with tucked-away treasures like swings and hammocks, birdbaths and sundials, and all sorts of celebrations of nature (you might even spot a garden gnome or two!).
Photo: Julia Ann Photography
And, the acres of woods across the property are worthy of a fairytale.
Photo: Photos by Siobhan
Ceremony Site Options
Outdoor ceremonies are particularly magical, as you and your loved ones gather in the meticulously manicured gardens or expansive open fields, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
The grounds at Black Walnut Farm offer three different options for breathtaking outdoor ceremony spaces, each with its own distinct feel– whether you're having an intimate wedding with a small ceremony or something more grand. Exchange your vows against the backdrop of the fairytale-worthy Forest Site, the natural, sweeping Meadow Site, or the pristine Lawn Site. Whichever option you choose, they are all a short walk from the Barn. The venue provides a portable, rechargeable PA system with a microphone, so even ceremonies in the most remote corners of the property can access stellar-sounding pre-recorded ceremony music and clear, amplified vows.
Cocktail Hour and Reception Spaces
Photo: Lin Pernille
The Front Lawn of the Barn features an Amish garden shed with a secret, hidden bar inside– ready to delight your guests with signature cocktails infused with herbs and botanicals grown right on the property and homemade syrups made with love by the resident Farmtender. Host a lively cocktail hour filled with lawn games, or enjoy locally distilled bourbon around the roaring bonfire after dinner, with complimentary s'mores service. The venue provides patio heaters for cool evenings with crisp breezes rolling off the Catskills.
Photo: Katie Scarlett Imagery
Guests love to pose for photos by the classic 1934 green Chevrolet truck, which is one of the most unique venue offerings of the Farm and is included in every event rental. A complimentary popcorn machine with a station for seasonings and salts will satisfy late-night snack cravings.
The Barn at Black Walnut Farm
As if the stunning outdoor spaces didn't offer enough variety and beauty, the Barn is a rustic, elegant indoor reception event space that seamlessly merges views of the great outdoors with the modern amenities of a top-tier wedding venue. Originally built in 1891, the Barn was once used for raising horses but now a perfect venue for parties and special events- complete with a 4-foot disco ball.
Photo: Nidya Lloyd Photography
The venue effortlessly combines rustic features full of character with the beauty of nature, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. And, because modern conveniences are essential, the Barn now features heating, air-conditioning, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems that can be customized for every moment of a special event.
The Barn is intimate but features several distinct areas:
The Dance Hall
The Dance Hall is the main room and features a large chandelier and antique sconces reclaimed from a former dance hall. Street-lamp-inspired vintage lighting fixtures accent the central pillar of the room, with string lights glowing overhead.
Golden hour light streams in through a custom window wall install made from antique windows reclaimed from a former mansion in the Hudson Valley, and as the sun sets, the oversized disco ball glitters overhead. All lighting in the Barn is on dimmers to create the perfect vibe for each moment.
Photo: Stephanie Naru
The dance hall can be set with rustic farmhouse tables and mismatched antique chairs (provided by the venue) for dinner service– about 80 guests can be accommodated in this space for dining (with an option to seat an additional 30 on the mezzanine). It's also common for larger groups to dine outdoors in a tent and utilize the entirety of the Barn for cocktails and dancing.
The Bar
Set back from the main dance hall is the bar area where guests can slip away from the party to order local wines, Old Fashioneds, or Kings Highway Spritzes before returning to the dance floor. The bar features stunning antique lanterns for the perfect sultry ambiance.
The Lounge
Photo: Catharina Christiana
Up on the mezzanine level in the former hayloft of the Barn is a lounge area bursting with character. Leather lounge seating, Persian rugs, and antique Tiffany lamps create a speakeasy cigar bar feel. A curated gallery wall stretches up to the rafters with dozens of one-of-a-kind paintings and photographs to admire. One of the most popular features is a wall of vintage vinyl albums, with gems from Elvis and Johnny Cash, classic country-western and jazz records, throwback soul and rhythm and blues albums, and some fun surprises. Since the lounge area doubles as a getting-ready suite on the wedding day, a record player connects to the house sound system via Bluetooth, and wedding party members can take turns playing DJ while relaxing and prepping for the day's festivities.
Photo: Tara Kearsing Photography
The Lounge is also home to a complimentary Audio Guest Book, tucked inside a 1940s phone booth reclaimed from an old hotel in Brooklyn. The Audio Guest Book looks like a vintage rotary phone: when the receiver is picked up, guests are prompted to leave a message for the newlywed couple, and the venue will send the audio files to the couple following the wedding. It's easy to see why Audio Guest Books have become so popular: having the voices of your loved ones immortalized forever on your wedding day is simply priceless.
Crowning the Lounge are three more antique chandeliers, an epic view of the disco ball, and high-top cocktail tables where guests can enjoy conversation and drinks, accompanied by a dance floor view. Upon request, the Lounge can also be set with dining tables and utilized for additional dinner seating for 30 more guests.
The Loft
Up at the very top of the Barn, you'll find the Loft: this area is equipped with more lounge seating, and DJs can set up there and preside over the dance floor (they are also welcome to set up on the main floor). Photographers and videographers are also welcome to use the Loft to capture overhead shots of the room below.
The Parlour and Restrooms
The Barn features a waiting room for the restrooms (which are ADA-accessible) called the Parlour. This space departs from the 'rustic barn' feel and brings us into a glamorous space filled with pink marble countertops, crystal chandeliers, gilded sconces, and a rose-colored Victorian tufted velvet sofa. This space is a fun surprise and gives an entirely different photo backdrop for your wedding photographer to capture!
The Farmhouse
photo: Julia Ann Photography
The icing on the cake: onsite accommodations! The historic Dutch stone farmhouse, built in 1747, looks straight out of a storybook with its ivy-covered exterior. The farmhouse can sleep 8-10 people in 4 charming guest rooms, offering a resort-style feel for a long weekend wedding. You'll have a gorgeous, cozy, and relaxing 'home base' just steps away from the festivities, complete with a private fire pit, cozy common areas, two wood-burning fireplaces, and a hot tub for instant stress relief.
The farmhouse provides plenty of space for getting ready on the wedding day. With four bedrooms, a freshly remodeled kitchen, common areas including a living room, dining room, patio, all-season sunroom, and a large wedding suite with an ensuite bathroom, there's ample room to relax and spread out– much more comfortable than the entire wedding party cramming into a small hotel room for hair and makeup services! Glam teams especially love the sunroom with floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, allowing tons of natural light to perfect the makeup looks on the big day.
The Farmhouse at Black Walnut Farm was dubbed 'the most charming country home' by Hudson Valley Magazine, and guests have described it as 'walking through the most magical antique shop crossed with a real-life Pinterest board.'
To view all the spaces, click here: Virtual House Tour
Convenient location, remote feel
One of the best things about the property is how centrally located it is: while the upstate New York area has no shortage of gorgeous venues, Black Walnut Farm is unique, with a perfect location that feels totally secluded and remote-- but is only 5 minutes away from downtown Saugerties. The Village of Saugerties is filled with art galleries, antique shops, lively bars, and a diverse array of restaurants. Everything you need is located within minutes of the Farm, giving you the peace of mind that only a convenient location can offer. If you forget anything, you'll find CVS, several grocery stores, and retailers like Target just minutes away.
Local lodging options
There are several local hotels in Saugerties within a five-minute drive of Black Walnut Farm: The Diamond Mills Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, Howard Johnson by Wyndham, and Comfort Inn, which makes the venue very convenient for your guests.
Several additional national hotel brands are within seven miles of Black Walnut Farm in nearby Kingston, including Hampton Inn by Hilton, Courtyard By Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, and Best Western. Many guests today prefer to stay at hotels where they earn or redeem loyalty rewards points rather than the traditional wedding 'hotel block,' and plenty of great options are nearby. There are also numerous vacation rental homes, Airbnbs, Bed and Breakfasts, and incredible boutique hotels and inns in the area. Many upstate New York wedding venues located in more remote corners of the Catskills lack local lodging, and it can be stressful to find accommodations for your guests– not the case at Black Walnut Farm.
Getting to Black Walnut Farm
While it may seem like a world away from the hustle and bustle of midtown Manhattan, Black Walnut Farm is conveniently located just a 90-minute drive from the George Washington Bridge. Nestled within the town of Saugerties, the Farm is within a short drive of major cities and towns in the Upstate NY area, including Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, Kingston, and Hudson. It's the ideal location for couples seeking a getaway wedding without venturing too far from the comforts of home.
The Albany airport is 45 minutes away, making it easy for friends and family from afar to join in the festivities and share in your joy. While Black Walnut Farm is just a quick drive away from Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Upstate New York's capital region, it's also ideal for guests who don't want to travel by car: Saugerties is easily accessed by train or bus from New York City and the surrounding Hudson Valley towns via Amtrak (the closest station is Rhinecliff) or Trailways Bus.
A Wedding Weekend Experience
For couples who don't want to limit the party to the wedding day, Black Walnut Farm specializes in weekend getaway weddings– offering a destination wedding experience with no passport required!
Click here to see a sample long weekend wedding itinerary at Black Walnut Farm.
One of the advantages of hosting your weekend at a private estate is the option to gather your closest friends, extended family, and guests for multiple events surrounding the big day. Black Walnut Farm Long Weekend Wedding Packages offer couples the perfect setting to host rehearsal dinners, welcome cocktail parties, or post-wedding brunches right on the property for no additional rental fee.
Imagine a festive welcome party with food trucks, yard games, and hikes through the woods. Serve a send-off brunch on the morning after the wedding, with a chance for guests to say a final farewell, stroll the extensive gardens, and leave with grateful hearts and full bellies.
The Long Weekend Package kicks off on Thursday at 3:00 pm, with checkout at 11:00 am Monday morning– allowing extended time to enjoy everything the Farm has to offer, with time after the wedding to savor the feeling of being married and reminisce about all of the amazing memories and experiences of the weekend.