
The Garrison: A Hudson Valley Wedding Venue
We're Beacon-based Hudson Valley & Catskills wedding + elopement photographers who love to capture natural, authentic moments for all couples in love.
Address: 2015 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524
Phone: (845) 424-3604
Venue Type: Historic Estate, Golf Club, Hudson River Wedding Venue
Capacity: 50-200 guests, depending on space and season
The Garrison stands as one of the Hudson Valley’s most elegant wedding venues, offering sweeping views of the Hudson River and West Point across the water. This historic estate combines refined sophistication with natural beauty, making it a top choice for couples planning upscale Hudson Valley weddings. With multiple ceremony and reception spaces, world-class dining, and meticulously maintained grounds, Garrison weddings deliver both visual impact and seamless execution.
The venue’s elevated position provides unobstructed river views that serve as a constant backdrop throughout your celebration. Unlike venues where you glimpse water from one angle, The Garrison’s terrace, lawn, and indoor spaces all capitalize on the panoramic Hudson River scenery. This consistency creates cohesive wedding galleries where every location feels connected to the broader landscape.
For wedding photography, The Garrison offers the perfect blend of manicured elegance and natural beauty. The combination of formal gardens, riverside ceremony sites, and sophisticated interior spaces gives photographers varied backdrops without the property ever feeling disjointed. Hudson Valley wedding photographers consistently rank The Garrison among their favorite venues for its reliable lighting, pristine grounds, and cooperation from experienced staff.
The venue’s location in Garrison, directly across from the United States Military Academy at West Point, adds historical significance and visual drama. The river views, combined with the distant silhouette of West Point’s buildings and the Hudson Highlands, create a sense of place that’s quintessentially Hudson Valley.
For couples prioritizing both sophisticated aesthetics and professional service, The Garrison weddings deliver without compromise. The venue attracts couples who appreciate refined details, culinary excellence, and the kind of polished execution that allows you to relax and enjoy your celebration.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
The Valley Restaurant at The Garrison serves as the primary indoor reception space, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that frame uninterrupted Hudson River views. This elegant dining room combines contemporary design with classic sophistication, creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless and fresh.
Why couples choose The Valley Restaurant for Garrison weddings:
The restaurant’s design prioritizes the view. When you have the Hudson River and West Point as your backdrop, the space wisely steps back and lets nature provide the drama. The clean, modern interior means you can personalize with florals, lighting, and decor that reflect your style without needing to transform the entire room.
For Garrison wedding photography: The Valley Restaurant’s abundant natural light makes it a dream for photographers. Large windows provide soft, even illumination that flatters guests and captures details beautifully. During evening receptions, the venue’s lighting design creates warm ambiance while maintaining enough brightness for clear, professional images.
The space transitions seamlessly from dinner to dancing, with room configurations that keep energy flowing throughout the evening. Photographers can capture toasts, cake cutting, and first dances from multiple angles without guests blocking sightlines; a crucial detail that elevates your gallery quality.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
The Terrace at The Garrison might be the most photographed ceremony location in the Hudson Valley, and for good reason. This expansive outdoor space overlooks the Hudson River with West Point visible across the water, creating a ceremony backdrop that needs no enhancement.
What makes Terrace ceremonies at The Garrison special:
For couples planning outdoor Garrison weddings, the Terrace offers reliability alongside beauty. The open layout accommodates various seating configurations, from traditional rows to semi-circle arrangements. The natural slope ensures guests in back rows see clearly without needing risers or special accommodations.
Photography advantages: Hudson Valley wedding photographers love the Terrace for its consistent, beautiful light. The open exposure means even lighting without harsh shadows from nearby buildings. During golden hour ceremonies, the light across the water creates magical backlight conditions that make images glow.
The Terrace also serves as an exceptional cocktail hour location. While you’re off taking portraits, guests enjoy river views with drinks and appetizers in the same scenic setting where they just witnessed your ceremony. This flow keeps the celebration cohesive and eliminates awkward gaps in your timeline.
The Garrison hotel provides luxury accommodations steps from your ceremony and reception venues. With river-view rooms and suites designed for comfort and style, the hotel serves as both guest lodging and preparation headquarters on your wedding day.
Rooms and suites for wedding day preparations:
For Garrison wedding photos, the hotel rooms provide ideal conditions for getting-ready coverage. Large windows deliver the soft, natural light photographers need for flattering portraits. The clean, contemporary interiors create timeless backdrops that won’t look dated years from now when you revisit your gallery.
Logistical advantages: Having your accommodations, preparation spaces, and venue all in one location eliminates transportation stress. No rushing between hotels and venue, no tight timelines coordinating multiple locations, and easy access if anyone needs to return to their room during the event.
The hotel staff understands wedding day logistics and works seamlessly with your vendor team. They know when to deliver breakfast to suites, how to manage multiple getting-ready rooms, and when to give your group privacy versus assistance, the kind of experience that comes from hosting weddings regularly.
Guest experience: For your guests, staying on-site means they can enjoy your celebration fully without worrying about driving. The scenic Hudson River setting turns your wedding weekend into a mini-retreat, with guests enjoying the property’s restaurants, grounds, and amenities before and after your celebration.

The Garrison estate offers numerous portrait locations that showcase both the property’s elegance and the Hudson Valley’s natural beauty. From formal gardens to riverside overlooks, these diverse settings allow your wedding photographer to create a comprehensive gallery without leaving the grounds.
The Garrison’s most iconic portrait location is anywhere that captures the sweeping Hudson River views. The Terrace provides the classic vantage point, but photographers also use:
These river-view portraits become the signature images from Garrison weddings; the photos that immediately identify where your celebration took place and capture the essence of this Hudson Valley location.
The Garrison’s grounds are meticulously maintained, providing pristine backdrops throughout the property:
Hudson Valley wedding photographers appreciate how the grounds photograph beautifully in any season. Spring brings blooming flowers, summer offers lush greenery, fall delivers foliage color, and winter creates elegant, minimalist compositions.
Don’t overlook the property’s architectural elements and refined interiors:
These locations work especially well for formal portraits, detail shots, or weather backup when outdoor conditions aren’t ideal. The sophisticated interiors photograph beautifully and provide variety in your gallery’s overall aesthetic.
Outdoor ceremonies at The Garrison take full advantage of the property’s most dramatic feature: those sweeping Hudson River views with West Point visible across the water. The Terrace and surrounding lawn areas provide flexible options for creating the ceremony of your dreams.
The Garrison’s ceremony spaces accommodate various seating arrangements depending on your guest count and style preferences:
Work with The Garrison’s event team to determine optimal placement. They understand how wind patterns affect the space, where sun will be at your ceremony time, and how to position seating for best views of both you and the river backdrop.
Sightline considerations: The natural slope of the Terrace means guests in back rows see clearly without obstruction. This amphitheater-like quality is rare and valuable: no one misses the moment because someone’s head is blocking their view.
When you have the Hudson River and West Point as your backdrop, the landscape does most of the decorative work. Most couples at The Garrison choose minimal ceremony decor that enhances rather than competes with the views:
Effective ceremony decor choices:
The key is understanding that your guests are looking at two things: you and that spectacular view. Decor should complement both, not compete with either.
Color palette tip: The Hudson River, green lawns, and natural landscape provide blue, green, and earth tones. Consider how your florals and decor will photograph against this backdrop. Soft blush, white, cream, and greenery blend beautifully. Bold jewel tones create intentional contrast. Avoid color choices that clash with the natural blues and greens unless that contrast is your goal.
The Garrison’s Terrace is an open, elevated space with potential wind from the river. Proper audio planning ensures every guest hears your ceremony clearly:
Essential audio elements:
The Garrison works with preferred audio vendors who understand the space’s acoustics. If you’re bringing your own sound provider, make sure they scout the location beforehand and plan for outdoor conditions.
For your wedding video: Clear audio is crucial for videography. Your videographer needs good ceremony sound to capture vows, readings, and reactions. Work with both your DJ/sound provider and videographer to ensure proper mic placement and levels.
While outdoor ceremonies at The Garrison are stunning, Hudson Valley weather requires backup planning. The venue makes contingency plans seamless:
Indoor ceremony backup: The Valley Restaurant transforms quickly into an elegant ceremony space with the same river views you’d have outside. Floor-to-ceiling windows mean guests still see the Hudson River and West Point, you simply move the celebration inside climate-controlled comfort.
Decision timeline: Work with The Garrison’s event team to establish a weather decision deadline (usually 2-4 hours before ceremony time). This gives them time to adjust setup while keeping you from worrying about weather all day.
Photography impact: Professional Hudson Valley wedding photographers adapt quickly to indoor ceremonies. The Valley Restaurant’s excellent natural light means your ceremony photos will be beautiful regardless of location. Many couples actually prefer how indoor ceremony lighting photographs, no squinting guests or harsh shadows.
Photography-conscious couples often time their Garrison ceremony to maximize that famous Hudson Valley light:
Optimal ceremony times:
Talk with your Hudson Valley wedding photographer about ceremony timing. They’ll consider season, sunset time, and your portrait timeline when recommending optimal ceremony start times.
Seasonal considerations:
The Garrison’s flexibility with timing means you can prioritize photography without sacrificing guest comfort or reception flow.
When weather doesn’t cooperate or you simply prefer climate-controlled comfort, indoor ceremonies at The Garrison provide elegant alternatives that don’t sacrifice those signature river views.
The Garrison’s neutral, sophisticated design requires minimal decoration to feel wedding-ready:
Effective indoor ceremony decor:
The room’s clean lines and abundant natural light mean you can create impact with simple, elegant touches. Many couples use the same floral arrangements from the ceremony as centerpieces for reception tables, efficient and beautiful.
Indoor ceremonies at The Garrison benefit from controlled acoustics, but you still need proper audio setup:
Work with The Garrison’s event coordinator to walk through ceremony logistics before your wedding day. They’ll help you plan processional order, positioning, and timing so everything flows smoothly.
Transition to reception: One major advantage of indoor ceremonies is the seamless transition to cocktails and reception. Guests move easily between spaces while staff quickly reset the room from ceremony to dinner configuration. This efficiency means less downtime and more celebration.
Garrison weddings are known for elegant, sophisticated reception photos that capture both carefully curated details and authentic celebration. The venue’s design, lighting, and professionalism create ideal conditions for comprehensive photography coverage.
The Garrison provides exceptional lighting conditions throughout reception coverage:
Daytime and early evening receptions:
Evening receptions:
Many Hudson Valley wedding photographers bring additional lighting equipment for evening receptions, but The Garrison’s existing setup is among the best for natural-looking nighttime coverage.
The Garrison’s refined aesthetic provides the perfect backdrop for capturing your wedding details:
Essential detail shots:
Schedule 15-20 minutes before guests enter the reception space for detail coverage. Your photographer will capture the room exactly as you envisioned it; before napkins get moved, centerpieces get bumped, or cake gets cut.
Styling tip: The Garrison’s neutral color palette means your details shine without competing backgrounds. Clean tablescapes, elegant florals, and thoughtful paper goods photograph beautifully in this sophisticated setting.
The Valley Restaurant’s open floor plan allows photographers to move freely, capturing genuine reactions and interactions:
Key candid moments:
Professional wedding photographers stay alert to emotional moments: a grandfather’s proud expression during speeches, friends laughing during dinner, parents dancing together. These unscripted images often become favorites because they capture the authentic feeling of your celebration.
The Garrison’s experienced event team coordinates formal reception events to flow smoothly, which helps photographers capture each moment from optimal angles:
First dance:
Cake cutting:
Toasts and speeches:
Work with your photographer and The Garrison’s event coordinator to plan timing for these formal moments. Strategic scheduling ensures good light, guest attention, and smooth flow.
Even during indoor receptions, The Garrison’s outdoor spaces remain accessible for portraits and guest enjoyment:
Terrace and grounds during reception:
Talk with your photographer about building in time for sunset portraits if your reception timing allows. These quick 5-10 minute sessions produce some of the most stunning images from Garrison weddings: you in formal attire with the Hudson River bathed in golden light behind you.
Beyond The Garrison’s beautiful grounds, the surrounding area offers additional portrait locations that showcase the Hudson Valley’s character. Most are within a short drive, making them accessible if you want to expand your gallery beyond the venue.
Location: 1601 Route 9D, Garrison, NY 10524
Distance from The Garrison: 1.5 miles (5 minute drive)
Boscobel is a restored Federal-period mansion with formal gardens and sweeping Hudson River views. The neoclassical architecture and manicured landscape provide elegant, historic backdrops.
Why photographers love Boscobel:
Logistics: Boscobel requires advance permission and fees for wedding photography. Plan this with your photographer well before your wedding day. The extra effort is worth it for couples who want truly distinctive Hudson Valley portraits.
Location: Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Distance from The Garrison: 3 miles (7 minute drive)
Cold Spring is a charming riverside village with Victorian-era architecture, antique shops, and small-town character. The walkable Main Street provides colorful, authentic Hudson Valley backdrops.
Portrait opportunities in Cold Spring:
Many Garrison wedding photographers stop in Cold Spring for 10-15 minutes of portraits, especially if you’re already traveling between venue and other locations. The village adds personality and local flavor to your gallery.
Location: Various pullouts along Route 9D
Distance from The Garrison: Views visible from venue; specific overlooks within 2-3 miles
While West Point itself isn’t accessible for wedding photos without military affiliation, several public overlooks provide dramatic views of the academy across the Hudson River.
Why these views matter:
Your photographer will know the best safe pullouts for quick portraits. These spots work especially well during golden hour when light rakes across the river and illuminates West Point’s buildings.
Location: 127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524
Distance from The Garrison: 2.5 miles (6 minute drive)
For nature-loving couples, Constitution Marsh offers wetland boardwalks and wild Hudson River shoreline. This location provides a completely different aesthetic from The Garrison’s manicured elegance.
Portrait character:
This location works best for couples who want adventurous, nature-focused portraits. The marsh is beautiful but requires walking on boardwalks in wedding attire; coordinate with your photographer about feasibility and timing.
Beyond the obvious Terrace and river views, The Garrison estate includes several additional portrait locations that experienced Hudson Valley wedding photographers use to create gallery diversity.
The Garrison is home to a scenic golf course with rolling fairways and mature trees. While active play limits access, your photographer can often use edges of the course for portraits:
Golf course portrait opportunities:
Coordinate with The Garrison’s golf course manager through your event contact. They’ll help identify safe times and locations for quick portraits that don’t interfere with golfers.
Don’t overlook the property’s entrance areas:
Front entrance portraits:
These locations work especially well for “arriving” or “leaving” style portraits. You walking hand-in-hand down the tree-lined drive, for example. The dappled shade creates beautiful light patterns that photograph artistically.
The Garrison property includes wooded areas and walking paths that provide intimate, natural settings:
Forest and pathway portraits:
These locations are particularly beautiful in autumn when leaves turn color. The contrast between formal attire and natural woodland setting creates striking images.
The Garrison and surrounding area offer excellent options for your full wedding weekend, from rehearsal dinners to post-wedding brunches.
At The Garrison: The Garrison’s restaurant provides the most convenient rehearsal dinner option, allowing your group to preview the venue and enjoy the same river views your guests will experience at the wedding.

Nearby Rehearsal Dinner Venues:
The Hudson House River Inn
2 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Historic riverside restaurant with outdoor seating; casual-elegant atmosphere
Riverview Restaurant
45 Fair St, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Hudson River views; New American cuisine; private room available
Jaipore Royal Indian Cuisine
16 Old Main St, Fishkill, NY 12524
For couples wanting something different; accommodates groups; flavorful cuisine
At The Garrison: The restaurant offers brunch service, making it easy for guests to gather one final time before departing.
Cold Spring Brunch Options:
Hudson Hil’s Cafe & Market
129 Main St, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Casual breakfast and lunch; coffee shop atmosphere; walkable village location
Kathleen’s Lakeside
3128 Route 9, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Lake views; hearty breakfast menu; relaxed family-style dining
The Bird & Bottle Inn
1123 Old Albany Post Rd, Garrison, NY 10524
Delicious food options and a cute vintage atmosphere
Hudson House River Inn
2 Main Street, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Boutique inn in Cold Spring village; riverside rooms; walking distance to shops and restaurants
Pig Hill Inn
73 Main St, Cold Spring, NY 10516
Bed and breakfast; Victorian charm; intimate setting; center of Cold Spring
The Inn & Spa at Beacon
291 Wolcott Ave, Beacon, NY 12508
Full-service hotel; spa amenities; approximately 15 minutes from The Garrison
Homewood Suites by Hilton Newburgh-Stewart Airport
762 Route 300, Newburgh, NY 12550
More affordable option; suite-style rooms; about 20 minutes from venue
Hampton Inn & Suites New Windsor
131 Kowawese Unique, New Windsor, NY 12553
Budget-friendly; reliable chain hotel; approximately 25 minutes from The Garrison
Airbnb Options
Garrison, Cold Spring, and Beacon areas offer numerous private home rentals, especially good for families or groups wanting to stay together.
Your wedding weekend offers opportunities for guests to explore the Hudson Valley:
In Cold Spring:
Near The Garrison:
In Beacon (15 minutes):
Providing guests with activity suggestions helps them make the most of traveling to the Hudson Valley for your celebration. Many appreciate having options beyond the wedding itself, especially if they’re staying the full weekend.
The Garrison consistently ranks among the top Hudson Valley wedding venues because it delivers on multiple levels: stunning natural beauty, sophisticated design, professional service, and culinary excellence.
For couples prioritizing views and setting: Few venues match The Garrison’s panoramic Hudson River vistas with West Point across the water. This iconic Hudson Valley scenery provides a backdrop that needs no enhancement, creating wedding photos you’ll treasure for years.
For couples prioritizing service and execution: The Garrison’s experienced team has perfected luxury wedding coordination. From menu planning to day-of logistics, the staff’s professionalism allows you to relax and enjoy your celebration rather than worry about details.
For couples prioritizing photography: The combination of river views, manicured grounds, elegant interiors, and reliable lighting makes The Garrison a favorite among Hudson Valley wedding photographers. The variety of portrait locations on-site means efficient timelines and diverse galleries.
For couples prioritizing guest experience: On-site accommodations, exceptional dining, beautiful surroundings, and proximity to Cold Spring village create a complete wedding weekend experience. Your guests will remember not just your wedding, but the entire Hudson Valley escape.
Whether you’re planning an intimate 50-person celebration or a grand 200-guest affair, The Garrison adapts to your vision while maintaining the sophisticated elegance that defines this historic property. The venue works beautifully across all seasons; spring gardens, summer river views, fall foliage, and winter elegance all photograph distinctively.
For Hudson Valley couples seeking a wedding venue that combines natural beauty, refined service, and proven excellence, The Garrison delivers without compromise.
Ready to book your wedding photography team that captures both digital and film photos? We’re a Hudson Valley duo based in Beacon, NY and would love to make your vision at The Garrison come to life. Reach out below to get more information.
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Hudson Valley wedding photography capturing candid, authentic moments. Documenting elopements and wedding days in Westchester, the Catskills, and beyond. Available in Ulster County, Orange County, Dutchess County, and beyond. Wedding photographers based in Beacon, NY serving all throughout the Greater New York Area including Tarrytown, Hudson, Kingston, and more. Proudly serving LGBTQ+ couples.
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