Perched above beautiful Lake George on a wonderful mountainside rests Highlands Castle.  One of the most majestic New York Wedding Venues, this one of a kind property is certainly worth visiting if you are seeking an Adirondacks wedding venue.  Hosting weddings indoors and out, Highlands Castle offers views and historic elegance that is unrivaled in the Lake George wedding  region.

Painstakingly refurbished with great attention to detail this amazing New York wedding location will surpass your expectations with a one of a kind wedding experience that you and your guests will remember for years to come.  This is one of the most truly amazing New York wedding venues to be found in all the Northeast. Able to accommodate up to 1oo guests for indoor/outdoor receptions and rehearsal dinners, Highlands Castle is a one of a kind wedding location in New York.

To learn more about this great New York Wedding Venue please click HERE.

All photos courtesy of and copyright Sara Zarrella

Sara Zarrella (one of our blog contributors) is not only an exceptional  photojournalist (just look at the eye candy above!) – but very lucky! She lives in the smallest state in New England, but without doubt, one of the most beautiful.  Rhode Island is home to various landscapes, oceans, bays and a few islands.  One of the better known locales and the most famous for wedding destinations is Newport.

If you approach Newport from the West, you encounter one of the island’s grand gestures right away.  The Newport Bridge stands tall and long, gracing many of the wedding shots taken in the area. Not only home to the gilded era’s notorious past, the famous “Ocean Drive” and Seaworthy races such as the America’s Cup,  Newport was also the famed wedding location for Jackie Onassis and JFK.

The farm where Jackie and John married is no longer available for weddings (the Church is though), but rest assured, when it comes to tying the knot, there is no shortage of wedding venues in Newport.  Sara was kind enough to share  fabulous photos of past weddings held at some of the most sought after locations.

Astors’ Beechwood, Newport Hyatt, Salve Regina University {private campus weddings in Ochre Court}, OceanCliff, Belle Mer, Castle Hill Inn & Resort

Please roll over image for location and credit

A short drive from New York City, New Jersey and really, the entire east coast, New York’s Hudson Valley is home to some of Northeast’s finest wedding venues.  From rustic farm weddings, private estate and castle weddings to glamorous, resort country club affairs, the Hudson Valley does have it all.

Many destination weddings will find a haven here – the lush green hills, mountains and of course lakes, ponds and rivers offer a remarkably romantic setting.   These hills are strewn with history and plenty of historical sites that are witness to the past, but are happy to host your modern affair. Chances are you will find a few ballrooms, rustic pavilions and of course, tented sites to create the wedding of your dreams.

Here are just a handful of Hudson Valley wedding locations:

Whistlewood Farm , Twin Lakes,The Grandview, The Garrison, Opus 40

Onteora, Mount Gulian, Mohonk Preserve, James House, Cole hill Farm

Clermont Historic Site, Cedar Lakes Estate, Cat Rock Osborn Castle, Boscobel House

Check out Storied Locations website for more great wedding venues!

Not just a ostentatious show of money, the Castle was built on love – true love. George C. Boldt – think Waldorf Astoria – began building the Castle as a monument to his wife, Louise, in early 1900.  This gesture of love was stopped short though in 1904 when Louise suddenly passed away. It is said George Boldt was so distraught he halted the construction on the Castle and left Heart Island to never return. The Castle remained abandoned until 1977, at which time the Thousand Island Bridge Authority began restoration efforts and continues to maintain Heart Island today.  Wow! True love… at its grandest!

Ceremonies only,  no wedding receptions are allowed. Nuptials at Boldt Castle are an experience your guests will surely not forget anytime soon.  Keep in mind having a private ceremony on an Island is not inexpensive. Everything – including you and all your guests must be ferried over, regardless of rain or shine. Additional “tolls” may be assessed as well. Be sure to read the fine print on contracts before securing historic venues as well, many stipulations may be in place to protect the integrity of the property!

Our valentine to you: Great Boldt Castle images from Andrea Casey Photography

Happy Valentine’s Day!

All images in this post found.

Banquet menus are not the norm. Everything changes, sometimes on a daily basis.  Entrees are created from what is available from local farms.  The reception menu you end up with is a blend of the season, your tastes, quality, local ingredients and the Chef’s talent.

Capacity at these locations are often lower than grand ballrooms and larger receptions are often limited. Be sure to check availability and book well in advance.

Some of our favorite New England and New York locations include:

Vermont: Hen of the Wood, Shelburne Farms, Stowe Mountain Lodge, Inn at Weathersfield

New York: The HayLoft at Stone Barns, Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Blue Hill in New
York City and The Bedford Post Inn

Massachusetts:Henrietta’s Table, Gibbet Hill

Rhode Island: Castle Hill Inn and Resort

We will be sure to post more of our favorites in future posts!

Images courtesy of in order left to right; The HayLoft at Stone Barns ,  Blue Hill in New
York City (first two, respectively), Hen of the wood (middle two), Gibbet Hill(last two).

http://www.stylemepretty.com/tag/mulford

More of our favorite locations include { from left to right and images courtesy of } 1699 Isaac Wilson House, Branford House Museum, Clinton Academy, Mass Horticulture Museum – Elk Bank, Old Stone House Museum, Gibbet Hill.  You will find more information on these properties on our soon to be launched website! You can expect to see more historical favorites in the future.