Cedar Lakes Estate Is the Ultimate Weekend Wedding Venue

Why We Love It

There’s no other venue in the Hudson Valley quite like it. The Karvellas family has done an impeccable job of restoring this former Port Jervis summer camp into an ultra-luxe adult retreat with an elegant-rustic feel. Spend the whole weekend here — peak-season pricing covers Friday to Sunday anyway — and host a rehearsal dinner in the garden (did we mention stellar farm-to-table catering and expert mixology are part of the package here?), throw a cocktail party by the pool, row out onto the lake, hike the grounds, and spend the night in one of the luxury cottages. Plus, gorgeous lake, forest, and mountain views make for spectacular photography. Honestly, what more could you want?

What it Costs: $110,000

Cost is calculated assuming a peak-season Saturday night with a 150-person guest list. It includes the $19,500 site fee, which reserves the entire property from Friday to Sunday (the only option if you’re looking to get married on a Saturday), and the $90,000 catering minimum, which can be applied across the entire weekend (see “Before You Book” for more info). It does not include entertainment, photography, or service fees and sales tax.

The Space

Ceremonies are held in one of three spaces: The Mountaintop, an open field with panoramic views of the Shawangunk Mountains; the Outdoor Amphitheater, a secluded, pine-tree-lined deck overlooking the lake; or the landscaped Great Lawn. For the reception, there’s no barn in the Hudson Valley that’s more elegant. Other spaces, including the Chef’s Garden and Poolside Patio, are perfect for rehearsal dinners and cocktail hours.

Before You Book

Yes, the $90,000 catering minimum is almost painfully steep, and, to be quite honest, it makes Cedar Lakes impractical for smaller guest lists. However, if you’ve planning to host 150-plus guests for the full weekend, you can easily get your money’s worth. Apply the budget across the weekend to cover a rehearsal dinner, cocktail hour, and wedding feast with premium open bar, and Sunday brunch. (You can also pamper guests with welcome barbecues, breakfast, or a whole host of other options.)

Getting and Staying Here

Train and bus service is available to Port Jervis, which is just a short taxi ride from Cedar Lakes Estate. Guests may want to book one of the 16 luxury cottages (from $269/night). Less expensive, communal, camp-style houses are also available (about $100/night).

When to Book

Peak season runs April to November and booking one year in advance is recommended for covetable dates.

Interested in Having Your Wedding at Cedar Lakes Estate?

Fill out the contact form at www.cedarlakesestate.com/contact and someone will be in touch to schedule a visit.

Related: Here’s How You Can Get Married at Blue Hill at Stone Barns