What Is an Enchanted Forest Wedding in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York?
Esme and Daniel’s Enchanted October Wedding. Photo by Autumn Jordan Photography
Imagine exchanging vows beneath a canopy of towering trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the soft murmur of a nearby stream harmonizing with a gentle breeze. An enchanted forest wedding in the Catskill Mountains is something out of a storybook. It’s a celebration immersed in natural beauty, where every moment feels steeped in romance and tranquility.
Living Stone Outdoor Forest Wedding Venue in the hamlet of Round Top in the Catskill Mountains of the Hudson Valley, NY
For couples dreaming of a wedding that feels both intimately personal and magnificently grand, the Catskills in Upstate New York provide the perfect backdrop. This region offers more than your typical wedding venue—it offers an enchanting experience, one where breathtaking landscapes and serene sounds of nature create an atmosphere of magic. But what exactly defines an enchanted forest wedding here? Read on as we explore this unforgettable wedding style that has nature lovers and romantics alike saying “I do.”
What Makes a Forest Wedding "Enchanted"?
An "enchanted" forest wedding isn’t just any ceremony in the woods—it’s one imbued with whimsy, romance, and a connection to nature that feels almost otherworldly. The Catskill Mountains provide the ideal setting, with their lush woodlands, mossy trails, shimmering streams, and hidden waterfalls. It’s as if the mountains themselves are whispering their blessings over each couple who chooses to celebrate within their magical folds.
This kind of wedding embraces everything nature has to offer. Picture floral arches draped with ivy and twinkling fairy lights, wooden tables adorned with wildflowers, and guests dancing under the stars. It’s about creating a union where the untamed beauty of the outdoors perfectly complements your love story.
Forest Ceremony Space at Living Stone
Why Choose the Catskill Mountains for Your Wedding?
Located in the heart of Upstate New York, the Catskill Mountains are a haven for those seeking a serene escape. Known for their transcendent beauty, they have long drawn artists, poets, and romantics who are mesmerized by their sprawling landscapes and timeless charm. When you choose the Catskills for your wedding, you’re inviting your guests into a world where time slows down, and every moment feels precious.
Here’s what makes the Catskills stand out:
Breathtaking Venues: From sprawling meadows to intimate woodland clearings, the Catskills offer venues that feel like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale. Many, like Living Stone, balance natural beauty with rustic elegance, offering features such as stone fire pits, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering ponds.
Seasonal Splendor: Whether you dream of exchanging vows surrounded by fresh spring blooms, lush summer greenery, fiery autumn foliage, or delicate winter snow, the Catskills can make your vision a reality.
Accessibility: Just a few hours from New York City, the Catskill Mountains provide a convenient escape for couples and guests looking to step into nature without venturing too far from modern comforts. And being that the Catskills are a tourist destination, there is an abundance of lodging options ranging from the “Authentic Catskills Resort” (Think Dirty Dancing!), to micro-resorts, hotels, motels, private Airbnb rentals, and much more.
Private Waterfall at Living Stone Events, a forest wedding venue in Round Top in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York
Key Features of an Enchanted Forest Wedding
1. Nature Takes Center Stage
An enchanted forest wedding in the Catskills celebrates nature in all its forms. The towering trees and soft, mossy forest floor replace the need for extravagant décor. Add a few floral accents or candlelit lanterns, and you’ve created an intimate, ethereal space for your ceremony.
Esme and Daniel seal their love with a kiss in the forest at Living Stone. Photo: Autumn Jordan Photography
2. Rustic Elegance
Wooden benches, vintage lanterns, and aisle runners of scattered petals blend rustic charm with effortless elegance. Consider a reception under a tent with twinkling string lights to balance sophistication with the raw beauty of the surrounding forest. Venues like Living Stone in Round Top offer hand-crafted, unique structures. These are not your cookie cutter wedding halls. These are one-of-a-kind works of art.
Hannah and Jordan’s Elegant Forest Wedding Reception under the Pavilion. Photo: Autumn Jordan
3. A Connection with the Elements
Unlike traditional venues, nature plays an active role in forest weddings. The delicate sound of leaves rustling, the soft scent of pine, and the golden glow of sunset become part of your celebration. Even in their unpredictability, elements like a sun shower or morning mist only add to the magic.
Lisa and Grant enjoy a serene moment at the Secret Bar perched on the moss path stream-side. Photo by Turnquist Collective
4. Tasting the Seasons
Take inspiration from the Catskills’ abundant offerings to create a menu that reflects the seasons. Treat your guests to locally sourced dishes and craft cocktails made with regional ingredients, offering them a sensory experience that ties back to the natural setting.
Living Stone’s Artisan Grazing Table in the Pine Forest makes for an elevated and unique Cocktail Hour
5. Mindful Celebrations
Many enchanted forest weddings emphasize sustainability, echoing the harmony of the natural world. Eco-conscious details—like renting furniture, choosing reusable décor, or serving farm-to-table cuisine—ensure your wedding not only celebrates love but also honors the Earth.
Seasonal local vegetables and foraged florals on the buffet at Living Stone. Photo: Autumn Jordan
Crafting Your Enchanted Wedding Day
Planning your enchanted forest wedding is an adventure in itself! Here’s a roadmap to help you envision your day in the Catskill Mountains:
Start with the Venue
One of the most important decisions is finding a venue that captures the essence of what you’re imagining. Living Stone, nestled in the heart of the Catskills, is a perfect example. With its pristine natural surroundings and thoughtful amenities, it offers a canvas on which to paint your dream wedding.
Birds-eye view of the Waterfall and bluestone patio with fireplace at Living Stone
Choose Your Details
Whether it’s barefoot vows on the moss or a lively reception strewn with wildflowers, small details make all the difference. Work with local florists and designers who understand the beauty of keeping things simple yet meaningful.
Mossy centerpieces and foraged flowers for Christina and Brian’s Enchanted Forest Wedding
Plan for the Unexpected
Nature is part of the romance, but it also comes with surprises. Prepare for changing weather with cozy blankets, heaters, or tents to keep your guests comfortable.
Clear topped tent and space heaters, included in the site fee at Living Stone. Photo by Autumn Jordan
Include Your Guests in the Magic
Transform your wedding into a weekend getaway for your guests. Consider hosting pre- or post-wedding activities like guided hikes through Catskills trails, s’mores around a campfire, or yoga sessions amidst the trees.
Make it Personal
Your enchanted forest wedding should reflect your love story. Maybe it’s incorporating a favorite poem as your vows or including a special tree-planting ritual to symbolize your future growth together.
Hannah and Jordan take some time alone on the waterfall patio perched on the stream. Photo: Autumn Jordan
Make the Catskills Part of Your Forever Story
There’s a reason the Catskills have drawn lovers, poets, and dreamers for centuries—it’s a place where the lines between reality and fairytale blur. By choosing an enchanted forest wedding here, you’re not just planning a ceremony; you’re stepping into a story that’s uniquely yours.
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate elopement or a grand celebration, the Catskill Mountains provide the perfect setting to honor your love. If you’re ready to turn your dream into reality, Living Stone is here to help. From the mossy paths to the stone bench overlooking the waterfall, it’s a space designed with romantic hearts in mind.
Learn more about Living Stone and start planning your enchanted wedding today.
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