There’s nothing worse than having to fly across the country to celebrate your loved one’s special day.
We’re happy for you, truly, but not thaaaaat happy.
So when it’s your turn to be the center of attention (finally!), you’re going to want to spare your friends and family the schlep (and the ridiculously-overpriced plane ticket, may we add).
See Also: Industry Connoisseur Shares The Chicest Wedding Venues Out East
And who better to confer with than the creative visionary behind award-winning event planning and design production firm, Tracy Taylor Ward Design?
Keep reading for Tracy’s highly-curated event venue recommendations all within driving distance from New York City.
More importantly, who’s bringing the road trip snacks?!
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634 Pine Hill Rd, Chester, NY/Website
Just an hour outside of Manhattan, Glenmere Mansion is a breathtaking estate that will make you feel transported into the rolling hills of Tuscany. A Relais & Chateau property, Glenmere Mansion brings classic Gilded-Age glamour to upstate New York with its elegant manor and manicured gardens. Larger events, like wedding receptions, take place in the recently constructed contemporary white barn set at the top of the property, offering guests magnificent views for the entirety of their celebrations. Glenmere Mansion requires a full-weekend buyout for events (Friday-Sunday), and has 15 suites on the property that can accommodate up to 35 guests on-site for the full weekend of festivities, perfect for a wedding party or any event host’s closest family and friends!
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630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown, NY/Website
If you’re looking for a rustic, yet elegant, environment for your next celebration and have food and beverage at the top of your priority list, Blue Hill at Stone Barns is the perfect place for you. Located at the Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in Tarrytown, NY, Blue Hill at Stone Barns offers its guests true Farm-to-Table culinary experiences, whether dining at their world-class restaurant (open year-round) for a special occasion or hosting a private event on the beautiful property. Plus their staff offers unbelievable service, making for an enjoyable and hyper-personal event planning process for any event, from bridal or baby showers to birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, and more!
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1 Team Usa Way, Port Jervis, NY/Website
Though it once was a fully functioning summer camp in the early to mid-1900s, Cedar Lakes Estate now serves as a luxurious lakeside campground highly sought after for a variety of events, from corporate retreats to full wedding weekends. The property is known for its delicious menu and has various lodging options on-site for guests, including private cottages that can accommodate just over 100 people and camper-style cabins that can sleep an additional 100+ individuals, creating a sense of community that is hard to find elsewhere! All of the event spaces on-site have been immaculately restored and now provide a tasteful contemporary environment for events of all types.
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548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI/Website
Sitting along the eastern coast of Newport, RI, Rosecliff is the epitome of old-world elegance and European charm. Run by the Preservation Society of Newport County, Rosecliff acts as both a beloved museum and a timeless event venue. The property’s exquisite Ballroom can accommodate up to 160 guests, with additional seating for up to 60 guests in the Salon just off of the ballroom. Rosecliff’s pristine lawns can welcome larger groups of up to 300, giving those celebrating at Rosecliff both outdoor and indoor spaces, allowing for a highly-customizable celebration. With unmatched views of the Newport Cliff Walk, Rosecliff is an incredible setting for those looking to create memories that will last a lifetime.
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1 Museum Rd, New Windsor, NY/Website
Storm King is a beautiful 500-acre sculpture garden about a 90-minute drive from Manhattan, located in New Windsor, NY. We adore the sprawling outdoor space at Storm King, which is perfect for those looking to host a tented affair. The property’s natural surroundings paired with its numerous large-scale sculptures provide a chic and fashion-forward setting, elevating all Storm King events in a truly unique way. Since tenting of the property requires bringing all third-party vendors on-site for an event, Storm King is an ideal place for those hoping to have a highly-customizable event planning experience.
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Hawthorne Rd, Lenox, MA/Website
Nestled among the beautiful hills of the Berkshires, Wheatleigh offers incredible secluded spaces that serve as an idyllic setting for private events. Built in the late 1800s with Florentine flare, the private estate is renowned for its sophisticated style that effortlessly combines the property’s rich history with contemporary artworks, creating a romantic and traditional, yet timeless, venue. Those celebrating at Wheatleigh can buy out the property for an entire weekend to create a relaxed and intimate environment for them and their guests to enjoy throughout the duration of their festivities. Plus, the hotel’s restaurant, The Portico, is a must-try while at Wheatleigh, boasting delicious french cuisine and unmatched views.
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118 Woodbury Rd, CT-47, Washington, CT/Website
For those looking for a wedding venue that is intimate, elegant, and harmonious with nature, Mayflower Inn & Spa in Washington, CT, is one of our favorite options. Sitting on 58 acres of lush gardens and surrounded by a nature preserve, Mayflower Inn & Spa is an enchanting backdrop for any celebration, complete with New England charm. The Inn itself can accommodate events of up to 75 guests, though tenting is allowed on the property and could accommodate seated dinners of up to 150 people. We also love the unbelievable wellness offerings provided by The Well at Mayflower Inn, and the quaint nearby town of Washington, CT.
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194 Perry Ave, Norwalk, CT
GrayBarns is located alongside the Silvermine River in Norwalk, CT. The venue is rich with history, from operating as a stagecoach stop in the 1600s and serving as a speakeasy throughout the Prohibition to the recently restored country Inn it’s known as today. GrayBarns is a great spot for smaller celebrations (up to 40 guests) like a micro wedding or celebratory dinner party, which can be held in the private dining room or the reclaimed barn on the property. In addition to providing quaint event spaces, the inn also offers a variety of on-site services and activities for guests, including in-room spa treatments, yoga, biking, and even fly fishing lessons. If you’re looking for a calm country setting that can accommodate you and your closest family and friends for your next celebration, GrayBarns is the perfect venue for you.
Photography by: Christian Oth Studio, Judy Pak, Kylee Yee
