Onteora Mountain House Wedding- An Ultimate Guide

6/24/2025

A Mountaintop Wedding Venue in the Catskills

So excited to share one of my favorite venues tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, the Onteora Mountain House. If you’re a nature-loving couple ready to plan the best party for your humans, you need to check out this place! From exchanging vows with panoramic views of the Catskill Mountains to celebrating amidst the beauty of a lush wilderness; this guide will walk you through it all.

The Onteora Mountain House Wedding Venue.

The Perfect Mountain Wedding Setting

The Onteora Mountain House is the coziest Catskill venue space tucked away in the mountains. It sits perched at 2,400 feet, offering spectacular views of New York. Just two hours from Manhattan, it really is the perfect escape for couples seeking a mountain wedding experience without sacrificing convenience.

The property seamlessly blends wilderness charm with refined elegance, making it an ideal setting for weddings in any season.

Wedding Spaces: A Journey Through Your Wedding Day

Onteora Mountain House’s Ceremony Sites

One of my favorite spots at The Onteora Mountain House is their ceremony location. It is nothing short of magical. You get to say your vows with a backdrop of the Catskill range stretching endlessly behind you! Underneath towering magical pines, guests are greeted by Onteora’s friendly staff. The enchantment continues as they turn the patio corner to terraced seating with sweeping views of the landscape beyond.

Ceremony location to the Onteora Mountain House in New York.
Ceremony location at the Onteora Mountain House, overlooking the Catskill Mountains.

No need to worry about the weather. Should rain appear, there are several options to ensure your day goes off without a hitch, including a fully-equipped backup plan and an open space with stunning floor-to-ceiling windows.

Experience a Cocktail Hour Surrounded by a Magical Forest

Guests will transition from ceremony to celebration, finding themselves being greeted with cocktails on the  venue’s open patio. This area is surrounded by Onteora’s enchanted forest that creates a cocoon of privacy, with towering trees and native flora. The thoughtfully designed space flows seamlessly from its ceremony location to the wrap around deck attached to the reception location. Guests can mingle, all while soaking in mountain vistas from every cozy corner.

Connected to the patio area is a charming open bar, inviting guests to mingle and enjoy drinks into the evening. Its fun atmosphere and easy access enhances the flow of the celebrations, keeping the guests engaged and joyful. 

The Main Reception Space at Onteora

The main reception hall has soaring ceilings with exposed wooden beams creating an airy, expansive feel. Absoluetly charming is the open doors leading to the expansive deck and views. Imagine dining with your favorite people, as the sun begins to set and the summer breeze tiptoes over your tables. I’m obsessed with how the space comfortably accommodates up to 180 guests, while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere and feel.

Inside tables and chairs in the reception hall at the Onteora Mountain House .

Getting Ready Spaces

Another key point of this venue is the getting-ready location, which is perched just above the ceremony spot, offering stunning views. Couples have the option to book out the suites for their weekend wedding package! A great way to increase the intimacy of the venue and your presence throughout the entire wedding weekend. The outdoor patio is spacious enough to accommodate many friends. It’s an ideal spot for toasts, your first look, or simply taking a moment to soak in the day. The peacefulness of Onteora truly becomes your little haven for the weekend.  

Creating Your Wedding Weekend in the Catskills

Onteora Mountain House is in the perfect location to turn your wedding into a weekend of celebrations, fun and adventure. I’ve broken down a few options below from hiking to local attractions close by in Woodstock, NY. 

Guest Activities for your Weekend

Whether you love nature or prefer vibrant attractions, the area has it all. Enjoy scenic hikes with stunning mountain views, or explore Woodstock’s charming spots to drink, eat, and play. Below are a few of my recommendations:

Hiking Activities

  • Overlook Mountain: A moderate 4.6-mile round trip hike! It starts on a forested gravel road then passes old hotel ruins, with amazing views at the firetower found on top of the summit. Check out the Alltrails link here for more information: Overlook Mountain AllTrails
  • Kaaterskill Falls: Definitely a must see! This easy 1.4-mile trail to New York’s highest cascading waterfall is a favorite! Pack lunches to enjoy the views and head down to Kaaterskill Creek for the swimming hole. There are easy and hard trails for this one – check them out here and here

Local Attractions Near Onteora

  • Phoenicia Diner: This is a MUST! Guests can enjoy classic comfort food with a modern twist in a charming retro setting. The staff is the sweetest and the food top notch. Check them out here!! Possibly even a great spot for a rehearsal dinner, as they do wedding events too!
  • Downtown Woodstock: Just a short drive away, downtown Woodstock adds a vibrant touch to the weekend. With its eclectic mix of dining, boutique shopping, and live music venues, it has it all.
  • Swimming Holes: For summer weddings, check out the swimming holes and tubing on Esopus Creek.
  • Skiing Adventures: For my winter weddings, there is Hunter Mountain that offers skiing fun. 
  • HKTD- Karma Triyana Dharmachakra: A stunning Tibetan Buddhist monastery offering a peaceful retreat. It’s a great chance to experience unique cultural beauty. Check them out here: https://kagyu.org/ 
  • Combine: Overlook Mountain and HKTD can be done on the same day! As you walk the trail you may even pass a monk meditating in the forest.

Whether you’re exploring the local trails or soaking up the creative spirit of Woodstock, the surrounding area undoubtedly ensures an unforgettable weekend for you and your guests. If a wedding weekend sounds like your dream experience, click here to read my complete guide on planning a multi-day wedding with loved ones.

Where to Stay

For accommodations, I recommend:

Consider blocking rooms at multiple properties to give guests options at different price points.

Planning Your Visit 

The best way to experience Onteora Mountain House is through a personal tour. Tours are available year-round by appointment and are essential for visualizing your celebration. If you have the opportunity, recommend visiting during the same season you’re planning to wed! It helps you get an accurate sense of the surroundings and lighting. No stress if you cannot do this! Another visit to the venue as you get closer to your month of celebration is always fun 🙂 

Catskills Wedding Venue at night, The Onteora Mountain House in New York.

Practical Details

Onteora offers flexible package options for your celebration, from a two-day weekend experience to a one-day Sunday wedding. You can also expand your options with additional dinner and brunch packages. For more details, visit their package page here!

For any inquiries or additional information, visit their contact page.

  • Explore Onteora’s beautiful guest rooms and accommodations here.
  • Read reviews from past couples and guests on their testimonials page.

Want to take a peek at some other gorgeous wedding venues in the area? I’ve gathered 9 of my favorite Catskills wedding venues for you to read about here.


A wedding at Onteora Mountain House is more than just an event – it’s an experience that creates lasting memories for you and your guests. The combination of breathtaking views, thoughtful design, and intimate atmosphere makes it one of the Catskills’ most sought-after venues. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this mountain retreat provides the perfect setting for your special day.

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