Ah, weddings. A celebration of love and commitment, and often a great party! But sometimes a wedding ceremony and party aren’t enough, and those who choose to have a destination wedding often find more goes into the planning of such events.
New York’s Catskills are a favorite wedding destination, for those who want to connect with nature and for those who just want to escape the hustle of the city. With easy access to both New York City and Albany’s airports, its convenient location and wealth of activities for all ages make the Catskills an attractive wedding destination for events of all sizes and budgets.
Here are some excellent ideas to keep guests busy and entertained, before and after the big day.
Get their hands dirty
Some guests may love the idea of being able to participate in the countless activities that the Catskills has to offer, such as hands-on yogurt making or visiting one of the many craft breweries.
Children in particular will love the thrill of picking their own pumpkins in the fall, or learning how to milk a cow in the summer. This is also a great way to educate people of all ages on the industries and agriculture that keeps the region vibrant.
There are a number of farms in the area that are happy to have organized groups come and visit and work the fields. While this may not be everyone’s idea of fun, it is a great way for nature lovers to see first-hand the crops and flora of the region, which depending on the season will have them doing everything from picking from apples to berries to wildflowers. Plus, they can take their pickings home, and maybe even contribute to the wedding day feast.
Get their hands cleaned
Many guests may see a destination wedding as a chance for a little relaxation, and arranging for spa treatments is a great way to make sure everyone is calm when the big day comes. Whether guests want something from a simple manicure to a complete seaweed scrub, a full-service resort and spa like Honor’s Haven (www.honorshaven.com) is a great way to pamper those who need it.
Consider arranging treatments particularly for immediate family and new in-laws to make sure everyone is relaxed and not causing undue stress for the bride and groom.
Make them one with nature
The physical splendor of the Catskills is probably the major reason it is such a popular destination. It is a place of peace and quiet for many of those who live in crowded cities, surrounded by man-made environments.
There are a number of facilities in the Catskills that offer wellness retreats, from half-day yoga sessions, to overnight meditations. This can be a great way to connect guests with nature, and help to relieve stress that anyone may have before the big day.
If organized relaxation isn’t in the cards for guests, hiking one of the Catskills many available trails is incredibly peaceful and will have guests appreciating everything from the forests to the cascading waterfalls.
In the summer months, mountains like Hunter Mountain offer zip-lining tours for those who like a bit of adventure and want a birds-eye view of the region’s beauty.
Other guests may want to commune with nature but are looking for less levels of activity, so fishing is also a great pastime in the Catskills. With waterways ranging from the Delaware River to many lakes, anglers of all skill and interest levels can find a fun and easy way to pass the time.
Pick right from the vine
There are a number of vineyards in the Catskill regions, which can be fun day trips for adult guests. Because of the popularity of these activities, there are tour companies that can help organize stops and tastings at different vineyards, or just have a plan to attend a tasting at a single vineyard.
Selecting a wine from a local vineyard and having an organized tasting can sometimes help a budget too; many area vineyards are happy to give discounts for bulk purchases or if guests buy a certain amount to take home.
Get cultured
The Catskills and the nearby Hudson Valley region are both home to a number of world-famous cultural destinations for history buffs or just those who want a new experience.
Depending on the time of year, there are a number of venues such as Bethel Woods that offer live music and performances from some well-known acts, so it is always worth checking the calendar to see who is in town.
For artsy types, a day trip to Storm King Art Center is easily possible for guests of Catskill weddings. This incredible outdoor sculpture park has incredible views of both the Catskills and the Hudson Valley, and has a world-class collection of pieces big and small from some of the world’s most famous artists.
Hit the slopes
Off-season Catskill weddings are a great way to experience nature’s beauty on a special day and stay within a budget. Because the Catskills is a popular summer destination for people from New York City and the surrounding areas, summer months at hotels can easily be booked up, and wedding venues can command higher rates (and require tons of advance notice to book).
Holding a wedding during the winter months may seem less appealing, but the Catskills has a range of activities that make it attractive year-round.
Hunter Mountain and Plattekill Mountain are both great options for skiers of all levels, as well as those looking for snowmobiling or sledding opportunities.
Plus, after a long day on the slopes, guests will love enjoying a hot tub or just some warm hot chocolate around a roaring fire.
A wedding in the Catskills is an excellent choice, both to enjoy the beauty of nature and all the activities that the area has to offer. Whether planning a wedding in the summer or winter, and no matter the size, there are activities to suit guests of every age.