"Words can barely describe the experience we had at Adena for our wedding... We have the most amazing memories and wish we could relive the entire experience. We cannot wait to be back for our anniversary for all the years to come!"
- Janet & Nick
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to schedule a tour or can I stop by?
We host many events, guests, retreats, and more throughout the year. For this reason, we can only accommodate scheduled visits.
The good news is its super easy to get in touch! Fill out the form at the bottom of this page, call or text at 518-734-0632, or shoot us an email! We'd be happy to find a time to have you over.
In the meantime, check out our spot and some of our past events right here on our website!
Do you have packages and pricing available?
We believe being as transparent and straightforward as possible is the best way to earn your trust! Our full pricing and packages are always readily available.
If you'd like more info, here's a snazzy brochure with even more color and details,
Or, contact us and we'd be happy to put together a custom proposal for you!
Are there any additional fees associated with the venue rental?
No! There are no hidden fees, upcharges, or 'administration surchages.' We make it our goal to make sure you understand everything that is included in your package, and to have the final invoice match the quoted package price exactly.
We hope that if you feel like you have received excellent service and support, you will consider adding gratuity for our awesome team!
Can you tell us how much other vendors cost and what our overall budget should be for a wedding at Adena Orchard?
We totally get wanting to understand the size of the meal before taking your first bite!
While we are happy to guide you towards vendors that might be in your financial comfort zone -- and have curated a Preferred Vendor List with lots of options across the spectrum for exactly this purpose! -- we can't quote pricing on their behalves.
We always tell couples that you can have an awesome wedding on any budget -- the question is whether you can have everything you want for what you have. We work closely with you to keep you grounded in whats most important to you, and guide you towards plans and partners that can help you align your dreams and reality.
We've hosted weddings with budgets from $25,000 - $125,000! Our mission is to help you create a wedding experience that is unique to you, and grounded in your values.
What is your maximum capacity?
The grounds can host events with up to 300 guests.
The two-story Kirkman Barn has a legal capacity of 125. If you have up to 125 guests, we have all the space and furniture you need to do a seated dinner upstairs and a dance party downstairs!
To accomodate more than 125 guests, you will need to rent a tent.
With a supplemental tent, up to 145 guests can be seated in the Kirkman Barn.
Groups over 145 typically dine al fresco either in the Barnyard or on the Great Lawn (either in a tent rented from a third-party preferred vendor or open-air), and then bring everyone into the Barn to dance the night away!
Check out our spaces here and our grounds map here.
Do you have overnight accommodations?
The Tower Mountain House sleeps 13.
It is a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom arts and crafts farmhouse. The wedding suite is in the only bedroom on the first floor and features a king bed, mountain views, a skylight wall, and its own private exterior entrance, deck, and courtyard. It has an attached bath that can be shared with other guests on the first floor, or exclusive - your choice!
Upstairs there are two bedrooms with king beds, one bedroom with a queen bed, and 1 bedroom with 3 twins -- a twin XL and a built-in bunk bed -- as well as a spa bath with double sinks, soaking tub and mountain views.
The final 2 guests are accomodated in the parlor, which features a fireplace, exterior entrance, and a pull-out chesterfield sofa.
There is a 1000 square foot deck with unmitigated mountain views, a cedar-wrapped hout tub, propane and charcoal grills, and a covered and screened-in oudoor living and dining area.
Where do guests who aren't staying on the grounds stay?
The quaint towns of Hunter, Tannersville, and Windham are just 10 - 20 minutes away, and offer a wide variety of accommodations from glamping & campy motels to five star resorts and luxury B&Bs.
There are even several AirBNBs within walking distance!
We'll work with you to create a short list of recommended lodging for your guests.
What about camping? Can our guests just camp on the grounds?
We’re sorry, but camping is not permitted onsite according to our town regulations.
There is lots of great camping (and glamping!) nearby, and we'd be happy to provide with you recommendations (as with all other needs!) as part of our planning support.
Can you accommodate guests in wheelchairs or with other access needs?
The Kirkman Barn is accessible, but is not fully ADA compliant. Because it is built into a hill, both the upper and lower levels are 'ground level.'
Access to the upper level of the Kirkman Barn is via a ramp. The ramp has a small lip or step that requires assistance for people in wheelchairs, or we have an additional ramp we can move into place to bridge this lip.
The lower level of the Kirkman Barn is ground level.
Most of the outdoor areas are on flat, level ground. To get from parking to the Barn you navigate downhill. Guests who wish to avoid this -- or just have a shorter commute to the barn -- can get dropped off in the driveway, just a few steps from the Kirkman Barn.
The Tower Mountain House has 3 steps up into its front door. Once inside, the first floor is level. To get the second floor, you must navigate a flight of stairs.
You know the needs of your friends and family best, and we'll work closely with you and do our best to make sure everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and like they belong.
Do you have in house catering?
We have a wonderful partner that provides full service catering including full open bar, welcome drinks, speciality cocktails, passed apps, harvest table, and a delicious open-fire meal.
Because it is important to us that you be able to customize your experience, we do not require that you use them and have a (much!) longer list of recommended caterers that offer a wide range of experiences and cuisines (taco trucks! pig roasts! paella! and more!).
If you would like to work with a food or beverage provider that is not on our preferred list, they must be professional, licensed, and insured and we will work to get them approved.
All food and beverage providers require our approval.
Can we have a pot luck or have our family/friends provide the food?
We are foodies, love home-cooked meals and family recipes, but we are required to operate within the guidelines set by state laws and our insurance provider.
All food must be cooked and served by a fully licensed and insured professional with the appropriate permits.
We do not provide use of an on-site kitchen; local caterers will be accustomed to bringing in the equipment they need including warming trays, portable ovens, refrigerated trailers, etc. They may set up a tent onsite to house their equipment and food staging areas.
What about food trucks? I've always dreamed of a taco truck!
We love the vibes of a food truck and several of them are on our Preferred Vendor List!
We do require that any food truck you hire also provides staff assigned to bussing tables and clearing food-related litter throughout the evening. If they don’t have servers available, we can provide you resources to hire the necessary additional staffing.
If you don't work with one of our preferred vendors, we recommend that you work with a food truck that has experience in weddings and private events, and knows how to handle a high volume of service to avoid long lines for your guests.
Do you have a list of preferred vendors?
Yes, when you book your event at Adena Orchard, we will provide you with curated recommendations for every vendor your might need -- from florists and photographers/videographers to local lodging, rentals, entertainment, hair & make-up, bakeries, officiants, insurance, rentals, transportation, bouncy houses, and more.
We provide these recommendations as a helpful service— you are not required to hire them, and this list is not ‘pay to play;' we do not accept any payments or kickbacks from our preferred vendor network.
Does the Kirkman Barn have heating or cooling?
We are a seasonal venue and only host weddings from May - October; the barn does not have heat or air conditioning.
We are located at the highest elevation in New York State -- this means the summers are cooler and less humid (about ten degrees cooler than nearby locations like Woodstock and Saugerties that are directly down the mountain). At our high elevation in the Catskill Mountains, summers are mild, in fact evenings are typically cool! There's a reason the Catskill mountains have been a vacation destination for New York City dwellers for over a hundred years!
In late May, early June, late September, and October we strongly suggest having heaters on reserve.
While the barns do not have A/C, there is a constant breeze through the oversized barn doors and we also have fans available.
What will the weather be like on our wedding day?
If we knew the answer to that we'd be millionaires! 🤪
But here's some historical averages:
- Early May: 67/ 48
- Mid May: 72 / 51
- Early June: 73 / 63
- Mid June: 77 / 67
- Early July: 80 / 71
- Mid July: 82 / 72
- Early Aug: 82 / 72
- Mid Aug: 80 / 68
- Early Sept: 77 / 65
- Mid Sept: 65 / 62
- Early Oct: 65 / 54
- Late Oct: 60 / 50
What happens if it rains?
We have two options for ya!
The first option moves everything into the Kirkman Barn. This option requires your guest count be less than 125 and that you are willing to reduce your tablescape design or seat your ceremony guests at their dinner tables. You'll have your ceremony in the Upper Level, then your guests will move downstairs to the Lower Level for cocktail hour while we change over the Upper Level from ceremony to dinner, when you're ready guests will move back upstairs for dinner, and downstairs again for dancing! The barn features lots of doors and windows to keep you connected to the beautiful outdoor scenery, but once everyone gets in the barn they can stay high and dry!
Your second option requires a tent rental. If you reserve a tent but the weather looks blue sky the week of your wedding, our local tent vendors have flexible cancellation policies if you determine you don't need the tent at all. In this option, you'll have a tent just off the lower level of the Kirkman Barn in the Barnyard, allowing indoor/outdoor access without having to expose yourselves to the elements. You can have your ceremony under the tent, your cocktail hour in the lower level, your dinner in the upper level, and your dancing in the lower level and/or under the tent -- all without ever getting wet!
We are happy to walk you through these options when you visit!
Do you provide parking?
We have field parking for up to 50 cars in two lots. A smaller lot nearer to the Tower Mountain House is typicaly used by overnight guests, vendors, the wedding party, or other folks who arrive prior to your general guest arrival. The larger lot is reserved for your wedding guests.
While you are welcome to offer parking for your guests onsite, we do recommend that a shuttle service be hired to ferry guests for their safety and convenience, so they can relax and enjoy all the festivities without worrying about driving. Uber and Lyft aren’t reliably available in our area!
Field parking is weather dependent.
Do you allow pets?
Short answer: yes!
Longer answer: Yes, and.... we must approve all pets brought onsite in advance of the event.
Approved pets must be leashed, attended to, and cleaned up after at all times throughout the weekend. We can refer you to a pet concierge service to attend to your dog throughout the day.
Can we provide our own alcohol?
Three weddings each season are allowed to apply for their own liquor license through the State of New York's Liquor Authority. These opportunities are first-come, first-served.
You are responsible for following all the rules and regulations in the SLA permit, including purchasing alcohol only from wholesale providers.
Alcoholic beverages must be served by professional and licensed bartenders, who you are required to hire. No self-service of alcoholic beverages of any kind is allowed.
At the end of the day, the cost and labor of providing your own alcohol tends not to be worth it IMHO -- but if you are interested in pursing it, reach out and let us know and we'll let you know if there any permits left available for you to apply for!
Is there a curfew?
Quiet Hours begin at 9PM. At this time, there is no amplified music allowed. Acoustic music and light conversation in the outdoor areas (ie, around the bonfire) are fine!
We ask that events conclude by 11PM. We can recommend some fun options in town (10-15 minutes away) for after-after parties.
After 11PM, any guests not staying overnight in the Tower Mountain House must vacate the property.
Do you require that we work with a wedding coordinator or planner?
We are committed to being flexible and working with you to make sure your values and needs are centered. For this reason, we have very few things that we REQUIRE, including working a planner/coordinator, but we HIGHLY recommend it!
Without one, it is much harder for you to truly be present and enjoy your celebration.
We have Coordinator services available through our venue via a package add-on (pending availability, please inquire). We can also refer you to our preferred list of coordinators.
Do you include tables and chairs?
We have all the furniture you need for up to 125 guests, including vintage farmhouse tables, vintage appalachian-style folding chairs, a sweetheart table and chairs, cocktail tables and chairs, and more!
Full access to our online inventory is available after you book.
Do you have linens and table settings?
Table settings and linens are usually arranged via your caterer — we do not maintain our own collection of tableware. Place settings can also be rented through a third party (we have recommended vendors we can introduce you to!).
Our farmhouse tables are intended to be used without linens. Many couples just bring in their own runners and simple table decor.
We do have a collection of runners, some linens, and table decor in our Prop Closet.
Do you allow candles?
We do not allow live flame inside the barn— we recommend battery-operated candles, lamps, and lanterns for indoor table settings.
We allow candles in the outdoor spaces, however they must be inside a glass container to prevent them from blowing out. For this reason, many of our couples also use LED candles in their tents or outdoor dining so wind won’t be an issue.
Should we rent a bathroom trailer?
We provide 2 luxury portable "wedding white" restrooms (1 for Intimate Weddings) with hand washing stations, foot flushers, and restroom hospitality items.
You can upgrade to full restroom trailers, or add more portable restrooms for additional guests, for an additional fee. Please inquire.
Do you include set up or clean up?
Our team will set up and break down all the furniture for the ceremony and reception. We do not set up personal items and decor, or rental items from a third-party vendor such as floral installs.
After all personal items, rental items, and food waste is removed, we will take care of cleaning.
Should we be concerned about bugs?
We have the grounds and property treated with an organic, non-toxic tick and mosquito spray. However, we are located in a beautiful rural area — bugs, rodents, bears, deer, bunnies, snakes, etc are a part of nature and we share our land with them. Please be aware that if you walk through the forest or wild grasses, you should check for ticks.
How far are you from NYC?
About 125 miles. Estimated travel time is 2.5 - 3 hours.
What is the closest airport?
Albany International Airport is 1 hour and 15 minutes away.
You can also opt to fly into John F Kennedy International Airport, Newark International Airport, or La Guardia Airport (which often have more direct flights from more locations) and drive north.
Will we need a car?
While it’s definitely possible to travel from NYC via train (Amtrak to Hudson Station), or bus (Trailways to Hunter or Windham) and get a car service to Adena, there’s nothing walkable, and Uber etc are not really "a thing" in this area.
Do you require event insurance?
We do! We require general liability and event host insurance and we can recommend several online providers with easy applications and good customer service.
Insurance typically costs couples less than $500, and is absolutely worth it for peace of mind.
We do not require but do recommend cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any payments already made (to us and other vendors) should there be circumstances beyond your control causing you to cancel your wedding. Cancellation insurance usually costs less than 2% of your total wedding budget.
