When it comes to weddings, big cities can be just as expensive as destination weddings. But what if you didn’t have to go far to find a one-of-a-kind event?
Couples seeking to host a unique event need only take a short drive from the Northeast’s three big cities to find a venue that boasts the perfect rustic ambiance, in charming towns their guests can explore.
Here are six spots sure to make your special day even more memorable.
Basilica Hudson
Hudson, New York
2.5 hours from New York City
basilicahudson.org
This raw space offers couples a stripped-down factory feel across a number of rooms that range from intimate to downright cavernous. The main hall is the ideal blank canvas for those eager to feature their own unique touches, with enormous windows that offer a ton of natural light. The ultra-hip town of Hudson, which features a number of highly rated restaurants as well as a ton of adorable shops, is ideal for guests who wish to spend the weekend.
Terrain
Glen Mills, Pennsylvania
1 hour from Philadelphia
shopterrain.com
Green thumbs will swoon at this earthy venue filled with beautiful flora, wooden accents and an outdoor ceremony space. A cafe and shop by day, Terrain offers couples the chance to dance the night away in a restored antique greenhouse and dine on farm-to-table cuisine. Guests who stay the weekend in Glen Mills can take advantage of a nearby golf course or enjoy a hike through a local park.
Updike Farmstead
Princeton, New Jersey
About 1 hour from Jersey City
princetonhistory.org/our-site
If you are planning a rustic barn wedding and are interested in a spot that has some history, Updike Farmstead may be your ideal venue. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this venue allows wedding guests to explore a six-acre site that includes a museum, a windmill and a restored 18th-century farmhouse. As a college town, Princeton offers visitors a chance to check out local libraries and museums as well as some historic architecture.
Old Sturbridge Village
Sturbridge, Massachusetts
About 1 hour from Boston
osv.org/weddings-functions
Tired of 2017? This living history museum allows couples to travel back in time and host their wedding in 1790s New England. For those wishing to really get into the spirit, amenities include a horse-drawn carriage to bring guests to the main event and costumed musicians to accompany the ceremony. Visitors to Sturbridge can book a canoe trip in a state park or spend the day antiquing.
Handsome Hollow
Long Eddy, New York
3 hours from New York City
handsomehollow.com
For those seeking a venue that features both rustic accents and modern design, look no further than this 93-acre property nestled in the foothills of the Catskills Mountains. Handsome Hollow offers couples access to a barn and a farmhouse, each of which feature thoughtfully designed modern elements built into more traditional upstate structures. Guests can enjoy a nearby hike or plan some excursions for the drive home such as a visit to the Dia:Beacon art galleries.
The Cork Factory Hotel
1 hour and 45 minutes from Philadelphia
corkfactoryhotel.com/weddings
Couples interested in a venue that captures that cool factory feel without having to go all DIY can find a good balance with The Cork Factory Hotel. Complete with exposed brick, metal accents and open rafters, this space provides all-inclusive packages and on-site accommodations for those wishing to stay overnight. Located in historic downtown Lancaster, the hotel is close to the countryside and the city, so guests can choose to either check out urban spots like Central Market or head into the hills of Pennsylvania Amish Country.
