These sweet spots can help create a variety of celebrations that will put your party in a New York state of mind. And with three major area airports, it’s also convenient for your guests.
Bedford Post Inn, Bedford, New York
Set in the picturesque Hudson Valley, about an hour north of New York City, this eight-room inn has won fans with its serene vibe, gourmet food and perks, like complimentary yoga and wine-and-cheese hours. Wedding events can take place in several areas around the 14-acre property: smaller ceremonies are often by the Reflecting Pool, with its tall hedges (and roaring fireplace), while the Zen Garden and Farmhouse Patio—the latter with a rock wall and bubbling water—can seat up to 80 and 120, respectively. And in the A-frame Yoga Loft with private garden 120 can be hosted. In addition to offering signature dishes like Kobe beef pigs-in-a- blanket hors d’oeuvres, fagotelli pasta, and prosecco-and-elderflower cocktails, the kitchen can whip up unique bites—one couple wanted a NYC street-food theme with hot dog and pretzel carts—and latenight snacks to enjoy around the fire pit. Rooms #2 and #7 are top-picks for the wedding night (wedding packages start at $140 per person for a seated lunch and one hour of passed canapés. Location fees start at $2,000; bedfordpostinn.com).
Photo Credit: Bedford Post Inn
Montauk Yacht Club, Montauk, Long Island
For more than 80 years, visitors have been kicking back at this understated 104-room seaside hotel in Montauk, Long Island, near the famous Hamptons resort towns and the North Fork wine region. Despite the posh location and upscale amenities (the hotel has 213 guest yacht slips), the vibe is mellow and family-friendly, with offerings like beach access, complimentary bike rentals and a bocce court. For weddings, ceremonies can take place either in a chapel in town or on property; popular on-site locations for both vows and receptions include the beachfront (for up to 100 guests), the rustic, seaview Farmhouse Ballroom and Patio (for about 160) and a tent on the Great Lawn (for up to 1,000). Menus, customized for each event, often feature fresh seafood from the local waters. The hotel’s signature clam chowder and lobster bake are top picks for rehearsal dinners, while mini-pizzas and s’mores are often presented at bonfire after-parties. The hotel can also help arrange a sunset cruise for the cocktail hour. Note: Montauk Yacht Club is closed yearly from the day after Thanksgiving to March 1 (wedding packages start at $150 per person and include five-hour open bar, passed canapés, cheese table and more. Location fees start at $1,500; montaukyachtclub.com).
Photo Credit: Montauk Yacht Club
The Surrey, New York City
Built in 1928, and once host to guests like JFK and Bette Davis, The Surrey recently emerged from a total re-do with a chic, Paris-meets-New York style, modern-elegant suites (some with working fireplaces), the always-buzzing Bar Pleiades and gourmet Café Boulud restaurant. With its tuckedaway location on the Upper East Side, near Central Park, the hotel enjoys a more residential and intimate vibe, so its become a favorite for small, truly customized weddings. Ceremonies and receptions can take place on the lovely Rooftop Terrace (for up to 50 guests), or in one of the two homey balconied suites (in which you can stay after). The 17th-floor Penthouse Suite has a 1,000-square-foot terrace, full kitchen and living and dining rooms, while the Presidential Suite has a formal dining area, a baby grand piano and a bar; both can host about 20 guests for a seated dinner or up to 75 for cocktails and canapés. The hotel bar is a popular choice for wedding party photo shoots, as is Central Park. Thanks to its location, the hotel can arrange pretty much anything in terms of activities for guests and unique touches for the event; one couple wanted to recreate the style of food from their first-date restaurant, for example, while another bride asked for a cotton-candy machine on hand for guests to sweeten their espresso drinks. As an added bonus, one of the hotel’s expert concierges is also an ordained minister, and is available to officiate ceremonies (wedding packages start at a $3,000 food and beverage minimum. Location fees start at $5,000; thesurrey.com).
Photo Credit: The Surrey Hotel
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