Picture-Perfect Catskills: 5 Venues I’d Happily Return To
Picking a venue is one of the most fun — and sometimes panic-inducing — parts of wedding planning. As a Catskills wedding photographer, I’ve shot everything from tented lakeside receptions to barn-style gatherings, cozy inns, and sprawling country estates. Here are five venues I’ve photographed and can’t wait to go back to — in no particular order. If you’re hunting for wedding venues in the Catskills, this is a solid place to begin.
✨ Mid-October magic at Seven Ponds Farm in the Catskills — golden hour over the main pond with stunning mountain views and peak autumn color.
1. The Stonewall Estate
The Stonewall Estate is a spacious wedding venue located just outside of Delhi, NY. There are so many reasons I enjoy working here as a wedding photographer .
The mountain views are a highlight: the rolling landscape creates a timeless backdrop in every season and adds a natural elegance to ceremonies and portraits.
The getting-ready spaces are another highlight of the venue: bright, airy, and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of room for large wedding parties and family. The natural light pours in beautifully, creating the perfect setting to capture all the excitement and anticipation of the morning — from meaningful details to candid, joy-filled moments.
The main venue space offers the same sense of openness and light. It’s a great blank canvas, giving couples the flexibility to design and personalize the atmosphere to match their vision.
And to end the night, many couples wind down the celebration with a bonfire. It creates a relaxed, welcoming space for guests to unwind together after a full day of joy and festivities.
A wedding at The Stonewall Estate offers everything couples need for a memorable day — stunning scenery, versatile spaces, and a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that makes it a joy for me to photograph.
2. The Rosemary at Spano Lake
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing weddings at Rosemary at Spano Lake twice now, and it has quickly become one of my favorite venues in the region. The setting is gorgeous, offering a wide range of backdrops for every part of the day. From the elegant tent to the beautifully landscaped island, from the quiet lake to the surrounding woods and fields, there’s no shortage of scenic locations for portraits and candid moments. Couples truly have endless opportunities to create meaningful memories here.
The Honeymoon Suite is bright and airy — a photographer’s dream for capturing those intimate getting-ready moments. It’s the perfect space for couples to start their day feeling relaxed and excited.
What makes Rosemary at Spano Lake even more special are the people behind it. Jack and Danny, the owners, are absolutely wonderful to work with — warm, welcoming, and intentional about ensuring that both couples and vendors have the best possible experience. Their dedication shows in how they continually enhance the property and fine-tune the wedding day flow.
Another bonus is the venue’s convenient location near Cooperstown, which not only makes it accessible but also gives couples and guests the chance to explore a beautiful, historic town during their stay.
Rosemary at Spano Lake is a gem, combining natural beauty, thoughtful details, and a team that cares deeply about each couple’s wedding day. I can’t wait for my next opportunity to photograph a celebration here.
3. Seven Ponds Farm
Seven Ponds Farm is one of those venues I never get tired of photographing. I’ve had the joy of capturing weddings here in spring, summer, and fall — and each season brings its own kind of magic. The ceremony site is truly one of the most breathtaking in the Catskills, with wide-open views overlooking the main pond and landscaped grounds that feel both grand and intimate. It’s the kind of setting that makes “I do” look straight out of a storybook.
The property itself is packed with charm and variety. From a pine grove strung with twinkle lights that sparkles at night, to a spacious home where wedding parties can stay and get ready, to a covered patio perfect for cocktail hour, every space feels thoughtfully designed for both beauty and comfort. The reception barn ties it all together — rustic yet polished, making it so much more than your average barn venue.
And then there’s the food. Seven Ponds’ farm-to-table menu is sourced right on the property and prepared by NYC chefs onsite. It’s hands-down some of the best wedding food I’ve ever had as a photographer. Their cuisine makes the celebration feel every bit as special as the setting.
Seven Ponds Farm blends stunning Catskills views, intentional spaces, and an exceptional dining experience. It’s no surprise it’s one of my absolute favorite venues to return to time and again.
4. Blenheim Hill Farm
Blenheim Hill Farm is the sister property of Seven Ponds Farm, and while the two share the same commitment to incredible farm-to-table cuisine, Blenheim has its own personality and charm. Like its counterpart, the food here is unforgettable — everything is grown onsite and prepared by chefs from the owners’ Michelin-rated NYC restaurant.
From a photographer’s perspective, Blenheim Hill is wonderful. The property features two large ponds with docks and a bridge (perfect for portraits), towering maple trees that glow in every season, and a beautifully restored farmhouse that offers plenty of space for getting ready and overnight lodging. There’s also a unique brewery barn that adds so much character, plus a spacious main barn for receptions that can accommodate larger guest lists while still feeling warm and inviting.
What I love most about Blenheim (and Seven Ponds) is the care and vision behind the scenes. Owners Min Ye and Morten Sohlberg are deeply passionate about food, farming, and design, and it shows in every detail of these properties. They’re constantly improving and refining the spaces, making sure each wedding feels timeless, seamless, and personal.
The team at Blenheim Hill runs weddings with true expertise — they know how to keep everything flowing smoothly, adapt to weather shifts, and, of course, serve some of the best meals you’ll ever enjoy at a wedding. It’s a venue that combines natural beauty, thoughtful spaces, and world-class dining, and it’s always a joy to photograph here.
5. The Inn at West Settlement
The Inn at West Settlement is an exceptional Catskills wedding venue tucked just outside the town of Roxbury, and it immediately became one of my new favorites to photograph. The property feels like the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegant detail, offering breathtaking mountain views, beautifully maintained flower gardens, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes every wedding feel special. It’s the kind of venue that gives couples endless ways to make the day their own — and for a photographer, that variety means unlimited creative opportunities.
The grounds are stunning in every direction. Whether it’s a ceremony framed by rolling mountain views, portraits among the flower gardens, or golden-hour shots across the open fields, this property has no shortage of incredible backdrops. The barn and cocktail area add another layer of charm, creating a setting that feels intimate yet spacious, timeless yet relaxed.
One of my favorite features of The Inn at West Settlement is the on-site home. It’s not only convenient but also creates a relaxed start to the wedding day. Having a comfortable, private space for couples and their wedding parties to get ready sets the tone for a smooth, joyful day. It’s a detail that makes a big difference — both in how the timeline flows and in how comfortable everyone feels.
This year was my first time photographing a wedding here, and it was such a wonderful experience that I can’t wait to be back. The combination of stunning views, thoughtful spaces, and warm hospitality makes The Inn at West Settlement a true gem in the Catskills wedding scene. I’m already looking forward to capturing more celebrations here in the future.
Every couple deserves a wedding venue that feels like “the one” — and the Catskills are overflowing with incredible spots to make that happen. These five venues are some of my favorites to photograph, and each time I return, I fall in love with them all over again. And honestly? I’m already excited about the weddings I’ll get to capture there in the future.
If you’re planning your own Catskills wedding and are still looking for a photographer, I’d love to hear your story — how you met, what makes you two click, and what kind of celebration you’re dreaming up. Hit that inquiry button, and let’s chat! Who knows — maybe your wedding will be the next one I can’t stop talking about.