The Ultimate Summer Camp Wedding Venue in New York

Check out One of the best wedding venues upstate New York has to offer

If you're planning a wedding in New York and looking for a venue that blends scenic beauty, casual elegance and exceptional value, the Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack is absolutely worth considering. Nestled on 150 acres of secluded lawns, hidden in the woods and located conveniently close to the Catskills and the Berkshires, this unique retreat offers everything you need for an unforgettable wedding celebration. Here’s why it stands out:

A wedding in the amphitheater at the Berkshire Retreat Center

enjoy your own private venue for the entire weekend

Located in Nassau, New York, just a few hours from NYC, the Berkshire Retreat Center spans over 150 acres—40 acres of open fields, cabins and activities with over 100 acres of woodlands that surround the property, all criss-crossed with trails and hidden nooks. When couples book the venue, they enjoy exclusive use of the entire property for the weekend—no shared public access and no outside guests. That means privacy, flexibility, and a chance to design your wedding exactly the way you want it to be.

The main lawn at the Berkshire Retreat Center

Built‑in Activities for a Whole Weekend of Fun

Booking our venue isn’t just a one‑day affair. Camp Schodack is built for weekend-long immersive celebrations, giving your guests quality time together. Our couples still reach out to tell us how much their guests enjoyed the go‑karts, zip lining, climbing tower, pool parties, campfires under the stars, and even the Ninja Warrior course! Not to mention, lawn games, karaoke and more!

Wedding guest on water slide at the Berkshire Retreat Center

Stunning Upstate NY Scenery

The natural landscape at Berkshire Retreat Center is breathtaking no matter what time of year. Imagine ceremonies beneath towering trees, receptions framed by rolling emerald lawns, and evening gatherings by firelight surrounded by the forest. It’s rustic yet refined, informal yet scenic—perfect for couples who want a relaxed ceremony with visual impact and to be surrounded by their friends and family. The Fall season especially lights up the landscape with vibrant foliage, making it an ideal season for weddings.

n aerial shot of the Berkshire Retreat Center

Flexible Accommodation & Catering options

Our venue can host up to 500 guests, and we offer lodging for up to 350 on-site, with recently refurbished cabins featuring en‑suite bathrooms and shower facilities. We have a number of larger, open cabins for groups and families as well as a selection of smaller, more intimate accommodations for couples who need a little privacy. All of our cabins have ensuite bathroom and shower facilities

We offer a combination of DIY and fully-catered packages. Couples are welcome to bring in all of their own food and drink suppliers or alternatively, take up one of our catering packages to let us do it for you with buffets, BBQs or even food carts to make it that little bit more unique.

A Fall wedding at the Berkshire Retreat Center

Final Thoughts

We think that the Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack is as unique as it is beautiful (we may be a little biased!) But, if you want your wedding to be less of a snapshot and more a weekend-long celebration, and if you value scenic fall foliage, forested trails, and the glow of a camp fire under the stars, with inclusive lodging so your guests stay connected all bundled up with a flexible package giving you incredible value (aka a wedding experience that feels upscale, but doesn’t break the bank) then we think we are exactly what you are looking for and we would love to talk with you more.

The truth is that seeing is often believing, so we invite you to come and see for yourselves. If everything we have shared above sounds like your vision, get in touch with a member of the team to book your tour.

The main entrance at the Berkshire Retreat Center

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Camp Schodack was founded in 1957 and has been family owned and operated for four generations. It's rich history and beautiful landscape make it the perfect venue for groups who want to spend quality time with their guests. There are 150 acres of privately owned land for you to use, and spacious indoor venue spaces for additional use. No matter what your plans may be, the Berkshire Retreat Center at Camp Schodack will make it spectacular - You don’t have to take our word for it, simply see what our guests have said and better understand how we continue to get 5 star ratings from all who stay with us!

Best Retreat Centers in New York

A Guide to the Best and Most Unique Retreat Centers in New York

Finding a retreat center that is perfectly suited to the needs of you and your group can be a real challenge. There are so many factors to consider when looking for the perfect venue, such as catering, activities, accommodation, location, and so on. For this reason, our team has compiled a list of 7 of the most unique, picturesque, fun-filled, or simply the most relaxing retreat centers they could find in the great state of New York.

Each of the venues in this list is totally unique compared to the others and is certainly not the type of place most people get to take advantage of all the time. So no matter what type of event you are planning for, be it a wedding, a high-school group, family reunion, corporate getaway, birthday party, or just a chance to switch off and relax in nature, we hope that you’ll find ideas and inspiration from the venues we have shared below.

Rent an entire summer camp - Camp Schodack

What the Venue Says…

“Treat your friends, family or colleagues to a weekend of swimming, campfires, and pool parties. With tons of field sports and traditional camp fun like archery and go-carting, it’s sure to be a weekend to remember.

Having your own 100+ acre private resort for the weekend not only makes a great venue but also gives your guests a chance to meet each other and spend some quality time with everyone there.

By holding their event at Camp Schodack, our guests have been able to make their dream events come true. Whether it is a wedding, corporate retreat, or a school group, an event that would normally cost significantly more at a traditional hotel lasts longer and involves so much more.”

Find out more: https://berkshireretreatcenter.com/large-group-events

Kick back and enjoy a spa - Camp Schodack

What the Venue Says…

“The 12,000-square-foot Mirbeau Inn & Spa Rhinebeck facility features 14 treatment rooms with fireplaces and private sound systems, a co-ed resting area complete with meditation rock, an Aqua Terrace, an outdoor oasis with a fireplace, bar, and a hot thermal pool. The European-style menu includes anti-aging facials, soothing massages, restorative body treatments, and hand and foot therapies. 

The 49-room resort has all the modern comforts, including French-style soaking tubs, European-tiled walk-in showers, and fireplaces that inspire you to bask in their glow. Capitalizing on the Hudson Valley’s lauded agricultural heritage, the resort’s restaurant—Willow by Charlie Palmer—provides yet another option to indulge thanks to its progressive American cuisine, which relies on seasonal produce from multi-generational farms. As the third addition to the Mirbeau portfolio, the property helps you leave the world behind.”

Find out more: https://www.rhinebeck.mirbeau.com/

SWITCH OFF AND RECONNECT - SPRINGWATER CENTER

What the Venue Says…

“Located an hour south of Rochester, New York, Springwater Center offers silent meditation retreats and year-round guest visits in a beautiful and spacious facility on 212 acres of country land with streams, meadows, forests, a pond, and miles of walking trails.

There are no rituals, required beliefs, or assigned practices.

The essence of retreat at Springwater is being together in the simplicity and openness of silent awareness. Attending moment-to-moment to what is happening within and without, in a spirit of wonder, curiosity, and discovery.”

Find out more: https://www.springwatercenter.org/

EMBARK ON A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY - SHALOM MOUNTAIN

What the Venue Says…

“For more than 40 years, people from all walks of life have been coming to Shalom Mountain and experiencing transformation and healing in their journey of self-discovery. Many people are searching for a new direction in life or to deepen their spiritual journeys. People in partnered relationship come to find new paths in loving each other, with a desire to be fully alive in their relationships. Some come to heal old wounds that they have carried for too long and now want to lay down. Others arrive here because they need to grieve their losses and know joy once again.

A Shalom Retreat® is a place where you can know yourself as whole, complete and lovable—an embodied, emotional, spiritual being. We celebrate the body’s wisdom and its gifts. You can learn to unblock the stuck places and open your heart once again. The retreat takes place within a circle of people, supported by intentional loving, where you can experience a focused time for your own individual work.”

Find out more: https://www.shalommountain.com/shalom-retreats

Stay at an old lodge & speakeasy - Lake clear lodge

What the Venue Says…

“25-acres of meandering spaces secluded artisan lodgings amid playful "Healing Woods" with serene beach and clear waters. Naturally luxurious with four generations of authenticity. Where simmering stocks with nourishing foods from the heart continue in a family-built 1886 Main Lodge with Stagecoach dining room and 1920s Speakeasy. A destination of magical experiences where traveling is equal parts rejuvenation and discovery for adventurers, romantics, and families.

Our strategic location between Saranac Lake/Lake Placid and Tupper Lake makes it effortless to explore some of the Adirondack's best activities. Within a short drive, you can visit The Wild Center, a historic downtown, the Olympic Village, and so much more. Let us be your Adirondack Guide.”

Find out more: https://www.lakeclearlodge.com/

Visit a classic homestead - The Y at Watson woods

What the Venue Says…

“Located in the rolling hills of Painted Post, New York, The Y at Watson Woods is proud to be serving the community. We are excited to share that we have expanded on our partnership of five decades with the YMCA. Our property is now The Y at Watson Woods.

While our name may have changed, our mission will not. We will continue to serve as the host site of YMCA Camp Corning’s Day Camp, as well as a place for longtime guests of the retreat and conference center to hold events for spiritual reflection. Planning is underway to include family and overnight experiences, along with unique group gatherings, weddings and conferences.”

Find out more: http://www.watsonhomestead.com/

Stay in a Mountain Top Castle - Mohonk Mountain House

What the Venue Says…

‘Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? Do you get overwhelmed from planning and wrangling the details? When you choose Mohonk, we take care of it all. Down to every last detail.

When you’re here, the only thing you need to focus on is relaxing and exploring our mountaintop. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, wellness enthusiast, history buff, or a foodie, there’s something here for everyone.

At Mohonk, everything you need for an unforgettable Hudson Valley getaway is at your fingertips. With so much included in your overnight rate, spend more time making memories than planning for them.”

Find out more: https://www.mohonk.com/

5 Ideas For A Perfect Upstate NY Fall Wedding

5 Ideas & Locations For The Perfect New York Fall Wedding

When it comes to looking for the perfect time and place to get married, you would be hard pushed to pick a better spot than Upstate New York in the Fall. The golds, reds, ambers, and greens come together perfectly to compliment the warm days and evenings.

With so much choice out there though, finding a venue that perfectly suits your needs and vision can be a challenge. So we put our team to the test to find 5 beautiful venues that are all unique and amazing in their own way.

Ranging from Summer Camps to Casinos, we think that you’ll find ideas and inspiration from the list we have compiled here to help you plan your dream Fall wedding.

Spend a weekend at summer camp - Camp Schodack

Have the wedding that your friends and family will be talking about for years to come. Make use of our two heated swimming pools, an extensive adventure course (including a high and low ropes course, 300-yard zip line, and 40' climbing tower), 7 tennis courts, multiple basketball courts, fields for all team sports, a go-kart track, miles of beautiful hiking trails through our private woods, lots of multi-purpose indoor spaces, a large indoor theatre, an outdoor amphitheater seating over 500 people, a golf driving range and more.

Take advantage of all our fun activities, amazing catering, and more…or just relax by the pool! It’s your choice!

Find out more: https://www.schodack.com/facility-rentals/

Win big at the casino - Turning Stone Resort

Whether you’ve dreamed of your wedding your whole life or never saw it coming until “the one” came along, your wedding should be one of the most unforgettable events of your life. As New York State’s most awarded resort and an all-encompassing wedding destination, Turning Stone Resort Casino has the variety of venues and depth of talent to turn your wedding into an extraordinary event.

From the Tudor-style Shenandoah Clubhouse on our championship golf course to an outdoor wedding on the Great Lawn at The Lodge – winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award and AAA Four Diamond Award - or one of a dozen other venues, Turning Stone offers the ideal venue for any size or style of wedding you’ve imagined.

Find out more: https://www.turningstone.com/groups-events/weddings

Get down on the farm - Bloomington Hill Farm

Guy Jones started farming in the Hudson Valley in the early eighties, not long after he gave up his storefront law office in Albany, New York. In the beginning, Blooming Hill sold vegetables at farmers' markets locally and in New York City at the Union Square Greenmarket.

Today we're still known for our unaltered, eclectic and broad produce offerings - we grow and forage over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables on a hundred acres in Orange County, NY, and we are proud to sell to some of the best restaurants in New York City, New Jersey, and the Hudson Valley.

Find out more: https://www.bloominghill.farm/weddings

Celebrate in the Capital - The State Room

Located on historic State Street, The State Room is the perfect illustration of historic beginnings serving a modern purpose. This hall of fame award-winning venue, also Albany’s first skyscraper, was originally constructed in 1901 to serve as Albany’s City & County Savings Bank.

The State Room embodies the architecture and splendor of the early twentieth century. Featuring hand-painted vaulted ceilings, marble walls, grand bay windows, and gold embossed Corinthian Columns. Step back into history here, at The State Room.

Find out more: http://thestateroomalbany.com/

Enjoy time at a country club - Mohawk River CC

We offer breathtaking scenery, ceremony and wedding reception sites, modestly priced wedding packages, and a talented culinary and events team to ensure your day goes off without a hitch. We've got everything handled! From the grand ballroom and food to the catering service and décor, Mohawk River Country Club is the perfect place to choose for your wedding venue.

A successful wedding reception has an entertaining beginning, middle, and end. When you book your wedding with Mohawk River Country Club, our event staff will make sure that every aspect of your wedding is taken care of, with finesse. We can't wait to service you, your guests, and your beloved's family!

Find out more: https://www.mohawkrivercc.com/weddings