……and what I love about Catskills, NY weddings

So, you’re thinking about getting married in the Catskills? Excellent choice. Let’s talk about why this place it is awesome.

1. The Scenery is Unreal

Mountains? Check. Waterfalls? Check. Rolling hills, golden fall leaves, and fields that look like they were made for slow-motion running? Check, check, and check. Whether you want moody forest vibes or sun-drenched meadows, the Catskills deliver.

2. It’s Like a Built-In Destination Wedding (Without the Long Flights)

If you're coming from NYC, it’s just a couple of hours away—but it feels like another world. Your guests can trade traffic jams for mountain air, and nobody has to stress about passports or time zones.

3. The Venues Are Next-Level

Rustic barns, historic inns, mountaintop resorts, lakeside lodges—you name it, the Catskills have it. Want twinkle lights under the stars? Done. A cozy winter wedding with a roaring fireplace? Also done.

4. The Laid-Back, Let’s-Just-Have-Fun Vibe

If you’d rather have a wedding that feels like a weekend getaway with all your favorite people instead of a stressful, buttoned-up production, the Catskills are where it’s at. There’s a reason people come here to unwind.

5. Your Guests Will Actually Want to Stay a Few Days

There’s hiking, brewery-hopping, farm-to-table dining, cute little towns to explore, and even ski resorts in the winter. Basically, your wedding becomes an excuse for everyone to take a mini-vacation.

6. The Seasons Are Straight-Up Movie-Worthy

Spring is lush and green, summer is vibrant, fall is a full-blown color explosion, and winter? Pure cozy magic. No matter when you get married, the Catskills will be showing off.

7. The Wedding Photos Will Be Insane

I mean, let’s be honest—half the reason to get married here is the photos. Those mountain backdrops, golden hour glow, and misty mornings? Yeah, that’s the kind of stuff that makes wedding albums legendary.

So, if you’re into epic landscapes, good vibes, and a wedding that feels more like a fun getaway than a formal obligation, the Catskills are calling. And honestly? You should probably pick up.

and some tips on must-see places in the area!

/THINGS TO DO/

The Catskills really have something for everyone. If you're into hiking, there’s no shortage of trails to explore, like the Devil's Path or the picturesque Kaaterskill Falls. In the winter, you can hit the slopes at Hunter Mountain or Windham Mountain for some skiing or snowboarding. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, check out the beautiful waterfalls like Kaaterskill Falls and Plattekill Falls—perfect for a relaxing day and some great photos. For a scenic drive, Route 23A offers incredible mountain views and takes you through some cute towns. And if you’re into art, you can explore galleries and museums like the Thomas Cole National Historic Site to dive into the area's artistic history. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to unwind, the Catskills have a little bit of everything.

Cool facts that make the Catskills extra special too!

• The whole idea of selling Christmas trees started in the Catskills. Back in 1851, a guy named Mark Carr had a genius idea—he cut down Douglas firs and spruces from the forests around him (for free, of course), loaded them onto two oxcarts, and hauled them down to New York City. He sold them for just a buck each, and just like that, the Christmas tree market was born!

• The Catskills also have some pretty unique nicknames—people used to call the area the “Borscht Belt” or even the “Jewish Alps.” That’s because, in the mid-1900s, tons of Jewish families from NYC would escape the city heat and spend their summers at resorts in the mountains. It was the place to be for great food, live entertainment, and a break from city life.

• And speaking of resorts, if you’ve ever seen Dirty Dancing (who hasn’t?), you probably remember it takes place at a Catskills resort. But here’s the twist—they didn’t actually film it there! Even though the region had plenty of real resorts, the movie’s sets were built in Virginia and California instead. How cool is that!

A Little History: The Catskills’ Journey from Summer Getaway to Revived Retreat

Did a little digging, and turns out the Catskills have been the go-to summer escape for New Yorkers for centuries. Back in the 1800s, the wealthy would retreat to mountaintop resorts to avoid tuberculosis (because apparently, fresh mountain air was the cure-all back then). Meanwhile, painters flocked here, turning the Catskills into the birthplace of American Impressionism. Basically, it was the place to be.

But like all good things, the hype didn’t last forever. As Jewish-Americans became more welcome in other vacation spots, the need for exclusive Catskills resorts faded. Air conditioning made city summers more bearable (goodbye, TB escape plan), railroads cut back service, and suddenly, hopping on a cheap flight to Florida or Europe sounded way more exciting. By the ‘60s and ‘70s, the massive resorts started going under, and just like that, the Catskills’ golden era came to a close.

Except—plot twist—the Catskills never really die. The place has been through cycles of reinvention, and recently, it’s having another moment. When COVID hit, a lot of city folks packed up, bought property, and suddenly, the mountains were buzzing again. And these days? You don’t need a boat or a plane—just a two-hour drive from NYC, and boom, you’re in a whole different world. The Catskills are back, and honestly, they’re cooler than ever.

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a list of weddings venues that I believe are stunning for wedding photography

Living Stone

Round Top,NY

Forest Wedding

Living Stone is an absolutely beautiful venue. The whole place is thoughtfully designed and well-maintained, with a laid-back, woodland vibe that makes it feel special. The open-air pavilion, the blue-stone patio, fire pits, and waterfall create the perfect setting for a wedding.

What really stands out, though, is the team. They made everything smooth and easy, coordinating the day so that it ran like clockwork. You’ll actually get to enjoy your day without worrying about a thing.

And the food? It’s some of the best wedding food I’ve had. Every dish was delicious, and you can tell it’s all made with care.

If you're looking for a venue with great service, a beautiful setting, and incredible food, Living Stone should be at the top of your list. You won’t regret it.

https://www.livingstone-eventspace.com/

Foxfire Mountain House

72 Andrew Lane
Mount Tremper, NY 12457

Foxfire Mountain House is one of those places that just feels right the moment you arrive. Cozy and thoughtfully designed, every detail is taken care of to make guests feel at home. And the food—incredible. Whether it’s a meal from the restaurant or a wedding feast, every bite is something to remember. Those breakfast biscuits and chicken and waffle bites during happy hour are unforgettable. The staff is warm and attentive, making sure everything runs effortlessly. They can host up to 140 guests for ceremony & reception. The whole place has this peaceful, laid-back energy, with stylish mountain-inspired decor that feels timeless, not outdated. Plus, with space for up to 38 guests to stay onsite, it’s the perfect setting for a wedding weekend or a quiet escape. If you’re looking for a spot that blends charm, comfort, and top-notch hospitality, this is it.

https://www.foxfiremountainhouse.com/

The North Branch Inn

869 North Branch Rd
North Branch, NY 12766

From the moment you arrive, the charm just hits you. The vibe is warm and cozy with a rustic flair, making it the perfect backdrop for a wedding. There’s so much variety in the space—from the Lower and Upper Fields to the Inn Courtyard. It’s secluded and intimate, perfect for up to 50 people all year round. Guests can stay on-site, and they even have an old-time bowling alley.

They have a dream team at North Branch Inn. They make everything so easy, which honestly is rare. The staff is incredibly accommodating and truly ensures that the day is all about the couple. The attention to detail is on point—nothing felt rushed or out of place. The team makes sure every little thing is taken care of.

And the food? Chef Jake knocked it out of the park with a farm-to-table menu that wowed everyone. He puts his unique spin on classic family favorites, and every dish was thoughtful and delicious. As a photographer, it’s always a win when the food lives up to the hype—and this was definitely a highlight.

What made this venue stand out even more for me were the spaces. There’s room to breathe, and so many great spots for photos—whether it’s those candid moments or stunning couple portraits. The vibe is relaxed, and everything flowed seamlessly.

If you’re looking for a place that combines stunning charm, incredible food, and a team that makes everything feel personal and perfect—North Branch Inn is it. I’m so grateful I had the chance to be part of this special day, and I can’t wait to capture more weddings there!"