6 Upstate New York Wedding Venues That Feel Like a European Getaway
There’s something undeniably magical about Europe: the texture of old stone, the soft rustle of olive trees, the languid pace of long dinners under string lights. But what if you didn’t need a passport to evoke that sense of timeless romance? What if the European wedding of your dreams was waiting just a few hours north of Manhattan?
Upstate New York, with its historic estates, expansive gardens, and refined natural beauty, offers an abundance of venues that echo the elegance of Tuscany, Provence, and beyond. Born and raised in Upstate myself, I’ve long admired how this region blends cultivated charm with untamed beauty—and how perfectly it lends itself to fine art wedding photography. Whether you’re envisioning a weekend-long celebration or an intimate ceremony surrounded by nature, here are six wedding venues in Upstate New York that feel like they were plucked straight from a European fairytale.
photo courtesy of Glenmere Mansion website
1. Glenmere Mansion, Chester, NY – Tuscan Luxury in the Hudson Valley
If you’re dreaming of terracotta rooftops, sun-drenched courtyards, and the rich, warm palette of an Italian summer, Glenmere Mansion delivers it all—without ever leaving the Hudson Valley. This 150-acre estate in Chester, NY, was designed with Tuscan villas in mind and brings Mediterranean grandeur to the Northeast.
From its manicured gardens and columned porticos to its serene reflecting pool and grand interior spaces, Glenmere is perfect for couples seeking a wedding weekend that feels as luxurious as it does relaxed.
Why it feels European: Classical architecture, al fresco dining terraces, walled gardens, and suites that channel old-world glamour.
Perfect for: Elegant wedding weekends with full buyouts, black tie affairs, and fine art lovers who want a cinematic gallery.
photo courtesy of M&D Farm Website
2. M&D Farm, Westerlo, NY – A Whimsical Italian Garden Dream
Tucked in the quiet countryside of Westerlo, NY, M&D Farm feels like stepping into a private English garden. The property, curated by two designers with impeccable taste, is a masterclass in layered charm: aged stone, weathered wood, hydrangea-filled borders, and a field of tall grasses that sways in the wind.
With a European sense of intimacy and composition, this venue invites creativity. Every corner becomes a moment: vows beneath a tree canopy, champagne in the courtyard, portraits among the wildflowers. It feels like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, and what could be more romantic than that?
Why it feels European: English- and Mediterranean-inspired landscaping, slow-living energy, and an emphasis on detail and design.
Perfect for: Artistic couples, thoughtful hosts, and those seeking a high-touch, design-forward elopement or micro-wedding.
Photography by Justin Schwalb Design by Nina Broflerman *Florals by Florals by Kitty, Image courtesy of L’Orangerie Website
3. L'Orangerie, Greenville, NY – A Victorian Greenhouse with French Flair
If your vision leans romantic and botanical, L'Orangerie in the Hudson Valley offers a rare blend of European greenhouse architecture and secret garden romance. Surrounded by lush foliage, a reflective pond, and ivy-covered structures, this venue exudes ethereal charm.
The namesake glasshouse nods to the classic French orangeries of the 17th century. Inside, filtered sunlight and the patina of time create a luminous setting that transforms beautifully throughout the day.
Why it feels European: A glass conservatory that evokes the charm of Parisian gardens, paired with moody florals and rustic elegance.
Perfect for: Intimate ceremonies, editorial shoots, and couples who crave atmosphere over scale.
Photo courtesy of Rushmore Estate Website
4. Rushmore Estate, Highland Mills, NY – A Villa Hidden in the Hills
Elegant and secluded, Rushmore Estate is perched on a hillside in Highland Mills, offering sweeping views, manicured gardens, and interiors rich with heritage. The architecture nods to classic European design, with arched windows, dramatic balconies, and a regal ballroom. From ceremony to celebration, the estate balances grandeur with intimacy. There’s a rhythm to the space that encourages slowness, beauty, and connection.
Why it feels European: Tuscan-style stonework, mountain vistas, and a manor house that feels transported from the Italian countryside.
Perfect for: Weekend weddings, formal receptions, and couples seeking old-world charm with modern service.
Photo by Justin Barr, courtesy of Lyndhurst Mansion website
5. Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, NY – Gothic Romance Along the Hudson
If a castle-like backdrop is your vision, Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown brings Gothic Revival architecture, sweeping river views, and dramatic visual storytelling. Built in 1838 and set on 67 acres, this estate pairs grandeur with a sense of storied history. The mansion’s turrets, stone façade, and elaborate interiors offer an unforgettable setting. It’s as close to a European château as you can find this side of the Atlantic.
Why it feels European: Neo-Gothic architecture, garden promenades, and an atmosphere steeped in history.
Perfect for: Editorial-style weddings, black tie events, and lovers of moody, romantic grandeur.
Photo courtesy of Belhurst Castle Website
6. Belhurst Castle, Geneva, NY – A Finger Lakes Fairytale
Overlooking Seneca Lake, Belhurst Castle channels old-world elegance with its Romanesque stone towers, arched windows, and ivy-covered walls. It’s a place that feels slightly otherworldly—like you’ve wandered into a storybook set in the European countryside. The castle grounds are ideal for lakeside ceremonies, wine-infused receptions, and golden hour portraits among the vineyards.
Why it feels European: Lakeside lawns, historic stonework, and a castle silhouette straight out of Scotland.
Perfect for: Destination-style weddings, intimate celebrations with a view, and couples drawn to a little drama and a lot of charm (perfect for those trying to live out their Outlander fantasies— iykyk).
Why I Love Photographing Weddings in Upstate New York —An Artist’s View
As someone who was born in Upstate New York and raised in Europe—specifically Germany and Italy—this blend of worlds is more than familiar to me; it's foundational. I consider both places home in different ways. Upstate holds my roots, while Europe shaped my eye for old-world beauty, thoughtful composition, and visual storytelling.
That unique duality has given me an instinctive appreciation for venues that evoke European charm while embracing the quiet romance of the North-East. I don’t just know what to look for—I recognise the familiar language of light on textured stone, the understated elegance of aged architecture, and how a thoughtfully chosen landscape can ground the emotion of the day in something lasting and true.
As a photographer, that connection shows up in how I see light, colour, and space here. There’s a softness to the region—a quiet, cinematic poetry—that offers an exquisite canvas for storytelling.
Upstate New York has the soul of Europe in many ways: it invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and notice the details. It’s where intimacy meets grandeur, where history and nature coexist in harmony. And in the hands of the right creative team, it becomes the most magical place to begin a new chapter.
Whether you’re planning a full wedding weekend or an intimate gathering beneath the trees, these venues offer more than just beauty—they offer atmosphere. And that, more than anything, is what timeless weddings are made of.
If you’re seeking a wedding that feels elegant, intentional, and artfully told, I’d be honoured to help bring that vision to life. Reach out here to connect about your Upstate New York celebration.