The Ultimate Wedding Planning Checklist for a Stunning Catskills Celebration
Weddings are all about celebrating love, but planning one? That can be a whole other story. If you're dreaming of tying the knot surrounded by natural beauty, outdoor wedding venues are the perfect choice. And what better place to say "I do" than the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York? With their scenic views, serene forests, and charming Hudson Valley atmosphere, they provide a picture-perfect setting for a day you’ll never forget.
This wedding planning checklist is designed to help you craft your dream Catskills wedding experience. From finding the ideal forest wedding venue to personalizing an outdoor celebration at Living Stone, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
Outdoor Pavilion at Living Stone
Tips for Planning an Outdoor Wedding in the Catskill Mountains
The Catskill Mountains are a treasure trove of gorgeous natural settings, but planning an outdoor wedding here needs some thoughtful preparation. Here’s what brides, grooms, and planners should keep in mind to create a magical yet stress-free day.
1. Choose the Right Outdoor Wedding Venue
The foundation of your big day is selecting the perfect venue. Here in upstate New York, the variety of Catskills wedding venues is incredible—from rustic barns to magical forest settings. Focus on places known for their versatility and all-weather flexibility, as Mother Nature can be unpredictable.
Pro Tip
Look for venues that offer both covered outdoor spaces and indoor options. Having a backup plan for sudden rain or extreme heat can give you peace of mind.
Pavilion with Clear Topped Tent at Living Stone
2. Understand the Seasonal Charm
Each season in the Catskills brings its own aesthetic magic:
Spring weddings bloom with wildflowers and soft pastels.
Summer promises vibrant greenery and warm breezes.
Fall dazzles with fiery sunburst foliage, offering the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.
Winter weddings, though chilly, bring a uniquely serene and cozy vibe.
When selecting your wedding date, consider what seasonal details will complement your vision.
3. Plan Your Décor Around Natural Beauty
One big advantage of a forest wedding venue is that nature provides the ultimate backdrop. Whether it’s towering trees or a gentle mountain vista, you can keep your décor light and cohesive without overpowering the scenery.
Opt for sustainable decorations that uplift the natural surroundings:
String lights or hanging lanterns for a romantic evening glow
Floral arches that mimic the wildflowers in the area
Wooden tables and chairs that blend into a rustic theme
Floral Arch by Dancing Tulip Floral Boutique
4. Prepare for Your Guests’ Comfort
While the Catskills are breathtaking, an outdoor celebration comes with its own challenges. Consider your guests’ comfort as you plan details like seating, temperature, and accessibility on uneven terrains.
What to Provide:
Weather Essentials: If it’s sunny, offer parasols or fans for shade. For cooler evenings, consider cozy blankets or outdoor heaters. Bonfires are a nice touch on chilly evenings. Loved ones gather around the cozy fire, snuggle up, and can even toast some marshmallows!
Footwear Tips: Notify guests ahead of time about the outdoor terrain, so they can come prepared with the right shoes. Think wedges or flats instead of stiletto heels sinking into the grass.
Forest Animals: Keep in mind that when you choose to celebrate in nature, you are in the animals’ homes, so be a considerate guest. Do not disturb the deer, squirrels, and other friends, and keep all food and garbage contained. Hungry and curious black bears will get into any food left lying out (remember they are not aggressive, but curious and sometimes destructive to property. They are shy, beautiful animals!)
Bugs: Any outdoor venue may have some bugs. It comes with the territory, and is easily dealt with. Scatter all-natural bug spray throughout your reception. Rosemary, oregano, and lavender herbs in bud vases are beautiful, smell wonderful, and deter the bugs. Added bonus- fireflies in the summer months make for a magical light show!
5. Hire Local Vendors Who Know Nature
This area is celebrated for its local talent—from florists and photographers to caterers specializing in Hudson Valley weddings. Local vendors are familiar with the area’s unique challenges (like fluctuating mountain weather) and can bring incredible insight to the planning process.
When it comes to food, lean into the farm-to-table trend that Hudson Valley is known for. Fresh, local, seasonal ingredients will bring an unmatched flavor to your menu.
Weddings at Living Stone
When it comes to Catskills wedding venues, Living Stone is a standout choice. Nestled in the heart of these awe-inspiring mountains, it offers everything you need for a perfectly bespoke outdoor celebration. Here’s why Living Stone could be just what you're looking for.
1. Breathtaking Outdoor Backdrops
Imagine exchanging vows under a canopy of towering trees, with sunlight streaming through the leaves. Living Stone’s forest wedding venue offers the ultimate fairytale experience for nature lovers.
Multiple natural backdrops provide endless options for stunning wedding photography, from grassy clearings to babbling brooks winding through the property. You’re essentially working with a photographer’s dream canvas!
2. All-Weather Versatility
This venue offers both open-air spaces and covered options, ensuring you’re supported no matter what the weather has in mind. Plus, their planning team helps execute seamless Plan Bs, meaning no last-minute fretting.
3. Expert Planning & Services
Living Stone is more than a pretty venue. Their all-inclusive venue and catering packages include:
Full Weekend Site rental from Friday through Sunday which allows for plenty of time to set up and break down, and the ability to host multiple events
Wedding Reception Catering with bar service, staffing, dish ware, cutlery, and glassware
Rentals, including tents and lighting tailored for the outdoor vibe
Three fire pits throughout the property
Eco-friendly vendor partnerships that align with the natural surroundings
Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony for 20 or a full-blown celebration with 125 guests, Living Stone’s flexibility and professional team make it an outstanding choice.
Late Night Campfire in the forest at Living Stone Turnquist Collective
4. Tasting Notes & Fine Dining
Your guests will rave about the food for years to come. Living Stone’s talented team crafts menus that reflect the season while satisfying every taste. Think organic farm-to-table offerings paired with breathtaking surroundings for a sensory experience like no other.
5. A Place to Make Memories
What sets Living Stone apart isn’t just the venue itself, but the memories it helps create. From your first look in the woods to sunset cocktail hour overlooking the mountains, every moment feels more personal and connected when shared in such a stunning, intimate setting.
Your Fairytale Wedding Awaits
Planning a wedding blends excitement, creativity, and attention to detail—but choosing the Catskill Mountains (and a stellar venue like Living Stone) simplifies things in all the right ways. Whether you're drawn to the crisp mountain air, vibrant greenery, or softly lit forest canopies, this location will frame your love story beautifully.
Need help planning your dream outdoor wedding? Explore venues like Living Stone, or consult with experienced wedding planners who specialize in Catskills weddings. With the right venue, thoughtful details, and a sprinkle of mountain magic, you’re sure to create memories that last a lifetime.
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