LISA + ANDREW
SPILLIAN: Forest Outdoor Wedding Venue NY
FOREST WEDDING CATSKILLS
Thinking About Spillian for Your Forest Wedding in the Catskills?
A Stunning Forest Wedding Venue in NY
Some venues just have that feeling—the kind that settles in your chest the moment you arrive. Spillian is one of those places. Nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, this historic estate blends old-world charm with the raw beauty of nature, making it one of the most unique forest wedding venues in New York.
From a moss-covered stone ceremony backdrop tucked between towering trees to an outdoor reception under bistro lights and a sky full of stars, Spillian was designed for couples who want more than just a venue. It’s for those looking for a full wedding weekend experience, where family and friends can gather, connect, and celebrate in a way that feels deeply personal.
The first time I photographed a wedding here, I knew this place was special. The more I explored, the more I fell in love. And if you’re looking for a forest wedding venue in NY especially in the Catskills, chances are—you will too.
Getting Ready in the Spillian Main House
Character, Warmth, and the Best Light
Inside Spillian’s richly detailed, historic mansion, Lisa and Andrew spent the morning getting ready. The atmosphere was calm, intimate, and filled with quiet anticipation. Lisa slipped into her Alena Leena gown, her hair and makeup perfected by Eye of Luna, while Andrew adjusted his classic black tux from The Black Tux in the upstairs groom’s suite.
One of my favorite parts about Spillian’s main house is the depth of textures and light—the way the old wood paneling absorbs the morning sun, creating a warm, cinematic mood.
This house begs for black and white imagery, for deep shadows and soft glows. As a photographer, moments like these are pure magic.
Before they saw each other, Lisa and Andrew exchanged handwritten letters—a tradition I always love. There’s something about holding your partner’s words in your hands, reading their emotions before you even lay eyes on them, that makes the moment so much more powerful.
A Father-Daughter First Look on the Porch
Family Matters on your Wedding Day
One of the most emotional moments of the day happened right on Spillian’s front porch. Lisa’s father was waiting there, eyes filled with love, as she stepped down the wooden staircase to see him for the first time. No script. No performance. Just real, raw emotion.
This is why I love venues where everything happens in one place. It allows for these in-between moments, the ones you can’t plan for, the ones that hit you unexpectedly and stay with you forever.
Spillian only hosts one wedding per weekend, which means couples wake up already at their venue, giving them time to breathe, be present, and truly soak in every part of their day.
First Look at Spillian’s Hidden Forest Spot
A Secret Garden of Moss and Light
For their first look, Lisa and Andrew chose one of Spillian’s most beautifully overgrown spots—the old basketball court, now surrounded by stone ruins, moss, and wildflowers.
The way the light filters through the trees here is unreal. It shifts constantly, moving through the leaves, creating soft dapples of warmth. I always tell my couples that a First Look doesn’t have to be staged or forced. It can be as simple as two people, wildly in love, stepping into a quiet moment together before the whirlwind of the day takes over.
Family Photos That Feel Like Home
The start of your Family’s Library
Family photos don’t have to feel like a chore. In fact, they should feel like the opposite. No stiff posing, no forced smiles—just people who love each other, standing together, soaking in the moment.
For Lisa and Andrew, that meant spending extra time with Andrew’s grandmother, whose presence was deeply cherished. It’s moments like these that remind me why photographs matter—because years from now, these images will be part of the family’s story.
A Forest Ceremony Straight Out of a Movie
Ancient Stone, Towering Trees, and the Soft Glow of Twilight
The ceremony space at Spillian feels like something out of a dream. Surrounded by moss-covered stone walls, towering trees, and soft candlelight, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget the rest of the world exists. The Ceremony space was beautifully decorated with whimsical flower arrangements by Flora Good Times.
Lisa and Andrew’s vows echoed through the woods, their words carried on the crisp mountain air. The setting sun filtered through the trees, bathing everything in gold. This moment? Pure magic.
Cocktail Hour on the Porch at magical Spillian Wedding
The front porch and sloping lawn hosts the cocktail hour at Spillian weddings. Guests were treated to individual charcuterie boards on the porch and a selection of cocktails from the full bar. Lisa + Andrew hired the Bernstein Bard Trio to set the mood. It was a time of laughter
and conversation, a perfect time to greet all their guests and say hello. We took the time to create some extended family pictures as well with their favorite Aunts and Uncles, cousins and friend groups.
The Art of Watching Light
I have a deep love for golden light. The way it moves. The way it changes everything it touches. At Spillian, the late afternoon sun dips low over the mountains, casting a warm glow over the fields and meadows. It’s the kind of light that makes you stop and just watch.
For Lisa and Andrew’s sunset portraits, we wandered deeper into the property, finding hidden meadows and quiet forest paths where the light was at its softest. These are the moments where I step back, let couples just be, and document the in-between—the way they look at each other, the way they hold hands, the way they exist in this moment, just the two of them.
Dinner Under the Stars
Farmhouse Tables, Bistro Lights, and a Bonfire at the Center
Dinner at Spillian is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Guests gathered around long farmhouse tables, set up in a warm, candlelit square, with a bonfire flickering in the center.
The food? Incredible. Spillian’s in-house catering team crafted a seasonal menu featuring local fish, roasted chicken, and farm-fresh sides. The tables were dotted with whimsical floral arrangements from Flora Good Times, adding just the right pop of color to the natural setting.
And dessert? A stunning wedding cake from Newburgh Flour, with layers so light and delicate they practically melted in your mouth.
Dancing in the Forest
Music, Moonlight, and an Unforgettable Night
When the stars came out, so did the party. The Atomic Funk Project brought the dance floor to life, playing under the same ancient stone arch where Lisa and Andrew had just said their vows.
The trees surrounding the dance floor were lit with soft, colorful uplights, making the whole forest glow as the music carried through the night. And at some point, I put my camera down and joined them for a song. Because some moments? They’re meant to be lived.
Tips for Booking a Wedding at Spillian
To ensure your Spillian wedding is as enchanting as Lisa and Andrew's, consider these tips:
Seasons and Capacity: Spillian accommodates up to 125 guests, with peak seasons from May through October. Choose a season that aligns with your wedding vision.
On Site Rooms: Decide if having overnight rooms is important to you. Spillian offers several rooms in the main Farmhouse for you and your friends to stay for the weekend.
Menu Options: Spillian offers diverse menu options including options like a cocktail hour charcuterie board and a flexible dinner menu with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Included Services: Take advantage of Spillian's comprehensive services like bar and catering services, weekend event staff, and lighting/sound.
Venue Restrictions: Be mindful of the venue's policies, such as all food and beverage being handled by the venue and their music ending time.
Final Thoughts on Lisa + Andrew’s magical Spillian wedding
Making your Wedding Day as unique as you are
If you’re searching for a forest wedding venue in NY that feels like stepping into a world of its own, Spillian is it. It’s a place where history, nature, and love intertwine effortlessly, where every corner holds a story, and where your wedding day feels less like an event and more like an experience.
Lisa and Andrew’s wedding was proof of that. And if you’re dreaming of something similar—Spillian is waiting for you.
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