5 Reasons You Should Host Your Wedding in the Berkshires

As Upstate New York wedding planners, we love when couples come to us dreaming of a wedding in the Berkshires! It’s such a gorgeous place for a destination wedding weekend, and today we are going to dive in further and share exactly we we think a wedding in the Berkshires is so incredible. From the centralized location to the array of wedding venue options, there’s truly something for everyone here!

At Elite Wedding and Event Planning, we have been planning weddings in the Hudson Valley, the Catskills, and the Berkshires for almost a decade now. It’s safe to say, we love an untraditional and charming destination. For personalized wedding venue selection (or full wedding planning and design help), learn more about working with our team here.

Wedding at Miraval Berkshires

Location, Location, Location

First, the Berkshires are situated in an ideal location for a memorable destination wedding weekend! Just an hour away from the serene Hudson Valley and a short 2 1/2-hour drive from bustling NYC, it offers the perfect balance between tranquility and accessibility. Guests arriving from out of state will find it convenient to reach, whether by car or flight, with Albany International Airport only one hour away and Logan Airport in Boston just two hours away. Plus, the beautiful landscapes, charming venues, and wide range of activities available make it worth the trip! Which brings us to…

The Vibes and the Views

The Berkshires combine the charm of the Hudson Valley region with a touch of uniqueness for guests traveling from NYC, Connecticut, or New Jersey. Guests who may have already been to the Hudson Valley can enjoy a unique experience, without sacrificing the luxurious and serene feel they’ve come to love about Upstate New York. With its stunning mountainous scenery and favorable wedding season temperatures, you are almost guaranteed an incredible wedding day backdrop.  

When selecting your wedding date, consider that you’ll likely enjoy the warmest weather temperatures from June to August. Or, if you want to get married in peak foliage (and get married amidst those gorgeous autumn colors), you might want to wait until October. 

gorgeous fall wedding colors in the Berkshires

Photo Credit: Forever Photography

Art, Culture and Historical Wedding Venues

We can’t talk about why we happily recommend a wedding in the Berkshires without talking about the variety of wedding venues available to couples here!

Whether you desire a traditional or unique wedding venue, one of our favorite aspects of the Upstate New York area is the range of options available. From rustic barns and historic mansions to modern contemporary art galleries and high-end resorts, there are plenty of possibilities for couples looking to host their wedding in the Berkshires! Here are a few of our favorites.

For art venues, we have MASS Moca which is a gorgeous industrial style wedding venue that can host up to 400 people, or The Clark, which is another stunning venue option if you are dreaming of an outside wedding venue with a view.

If you would prefer a historical wedding venue, there are no shortage of options. A few of our favorites have been: The Mount (a beautiful historical home turned museum), Chesterwood (which offers a European garden style wedding and is absolutely idyllic for evening weddings after 5pm), Seven Hills Inn (a 1700’s farmhouse turned charming wedding venue), and Miraval Berkshires (we love this one so much you can read about it more in detail here).

Lastly, for a culture-rich venue that’s sure to impress, we have Tanglewood. And that’s just the tip of the Berkshires wedding venues iceberg!

Did you know we offer venue scouting as a service?

Venue selection is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as you plan your wedding, so you want to make sure you are choosing the perfect venue for your vision. We can help with that! The list above is nowhere near extensive and we would love to learn more about your wedding day vision and help you find and book the perfect Berkshires wedding venue for you. Learn more here.

venue scouting tips from Berkshires wedding planners

Food in the Region

Locally sourced, farm to table food has become a top priority for couples everywhere in 2023. We don’t see this slowing down anytime soon. For example, Swell Party, Heirloom Fire, Mezze Catering, and Crisp Catering are all fantastic catering options to choose if you are looking to bring some local fare to your wedding day.

farm to table catering from swell party catering Berkshires wedding catering from swell party catering Heirloom fire wedding catering in the Berkshires

Plenty of Hotel Options

Regardless of whether you choose a venue in Lennox, Williamstown, Great Barrington or Stockbridge, there are likely a variety of hotel options for you. As wedding and event planners who are used to planning in more remote destinations and arranging transportation for couples and our guests, we appreciate this aspect of the Berkshires more than you know (and your guests will too!).

In Lennox, for example, we have the Marriott Courtyard in Lenox and the Hilton Garden Inn Lenox Pittsfield. Or, for a more boutique experience we have places like the Apple Tree Inn. Life House Hotels and Wheatleigh are other popular options. Nearby in Pittsfield, we have hotels like Hotel on North which is an excellent choice.

Prefer something on the water? Just North of Pittsfield we love the Berkshire Lake House Guest Cottages in Lanesboro! Moving even more North, near Williamstown, we have the Porches Inn which is always a favorite.

Or if you prefer to head south of Lenox, we love Lake House Inn in Lee, MA for something on the water. Or, if you are looking for a luxurious experience in Stockbridge, look no further than the Red Lion Inn.

Planning a Wedding in the Berkshires?

As you can see, planning a wedding in the Berkshires is a magical experience in itself. From stunning venues to delicious locally sourced food and an array of hotel options, everything you need for a memorable wedding is right here. At Elite Wedding and Event Planning, we are here to help you navigate through all of your incredible choices and design a wedding in the Berkshires that reflects your style and personality. We have extensive experience planning weddings in this beautiful region and are ready to bring your dream wedding to life.

So, are you ready to say ‘I do’ in the Berkshires? Contact us today and let’s start planning your unforgettable Berkshires wedding.