Nestled among the majestic views of the Catskills and Berkshires mountains in upstate New York, a unique wedding venue offers a natural environment dressed with modern amenities and glamping accommodations. Started by two-women who wanted to celebrate nature, design and inclusion, Gather Greene, located in Greene County, New York, spans a 100 acre-property set in a bucolic landscape with soaring Red Maple, Sycamore and Cottonwood trees, babbling brooks, peaks and valleys and the unmistakable scent of fresh pine. At the center of this property is a striking 4000 sq. ft open air pavilion designed to work as an adaptable event space that captures the natural spirit of the surrounding area.
Co-founders Amna Ali and Jackie Brown created Gather Greene to follow the Dutch word Gezellig – loosely translated to mean, “to gather with friends in a cozy environment.” Gezellig refers not just to that feeling of being around friends, but also the feeling the actual space evokes.
“Working with such a large property,” says Amna, “we began by choosing to develop a portion that would feel manageable. We wanted people to be able to walk to all of the main areas, but still have plenty of non-programmed space left to explore. Our vision was for all of the architectural interventions to feel modern and intentional, yet at the same time be able to blur the boundaries of indoor and outdoor experience within the built environment.”
Amna and Jackie met while attending Pratt Institute in New York City and after graduating, continued to work together on various projects including exhibit installations at the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the American Museum of Natural History. After successfully working together on several commercial projects, Amna and Jackie set out on their biggest project yet: an event venue and nature retreat that would be Gather Greene.
Gather Greene is perfect for outdoorsy couples who wish to be wed at one with nature. Besides the event spaces, Gather Greene also offers 17 wood cabins for the couple and their guests to glamp the weekend away. Each cabin offers luxurious bedding, full bath facilities, AC or heat, decks and a large glass wall that lets its inhabitants dream the night away watching the night sky. There are also many nearby hotels and other accommodations for those less adventurous.
Multiple outdoor fire pits dot the property, while gathering spots include the Shale Quarry Pond, clearings strung with Edison bulbs and many picturesque hiking trails. The property offers many beautiful locations to host various activities during the wedding weekend, many of which can be tented and decorated as required. Local artisans can be called on for group teaching activities such as cheese making, scent blending, weaving and macrame or floral and woodworking classes as a sample. Golf carts can be rented to make it easy for guests to traverse the expansive grounds.
Gather Greene is available for weddings and other special events starting May 2019.
Good To Know
- The Pavilion accommodates up to 250 seated guests and tents can be added.
- Outside catering is allowed and the venue has a full catering kitchen facilities.
- Gather Greene’s preferred vendors list includes local artisans, shops and caterers.
- Food and beverages can be pre-ordered and delivered daily to the cabins.
- Wedding Weekend Packages (3 days) rate starts at $15,000 for 2019 events.
