When Sarah and Eddy began searching for a wedding venue, they weren’t just looking for a place—they were looking for a community.
“You’re looking for a wedding space that’s not just a space to have a wedding, but a community to grow your family with,” Eddy shared.
That intention led them to the Ashokan Center, where they exchanged vows in the fall of 2023 surrounded by 385 acres of forest, streams, meadows, and the warmth of their loved ones.
A Venue with Heart
“We wanted something beautiful of course,” Sarah said, “but also a place where we could bring people together.”
After touring a few summer camps that didn’t quite fit, she discovered Ashokan—and it clicked. The Hudson Valley held personal significance for the couple, and Ashokan felt like a perfect convergence of natural beauty, playful camp vibes, and meaningful values.
“I remember driving up the twisty back roads and thinking, ‘I haven’t even seen the place and this is already incredible,’” Eddy recalled. “When we walked under the first archway, I knew this place was something special.”
Mission-Driven Marriage
For Sarah and Eddy, Ashokan’s nonprofit mission and focus on sustainability were a huge part of the draw.
“When you go to Ashokan’s website, it’s clear what they are dedicated to,” Sarah said. “It’s all about community and trying to be sustainable and ethical.” The fact that their wedding investment would support children’s programs and environmental education gave their celebration even deeper meaning.
A Weekend of Connection
Their wedding weekend was full of joyful, nature-centered experiences that reflected their values and personalities.
Guests went canoeing, practiced yoga, swam in the swimming hole, tried their hand at archery, and even helped plant pollinator seeds in Ashokan’s native gardens. Local flowers—chosen to match the blooms in season—were used in the décor, thanks to guidance from Ashokan naturalist Del Orloske, who also led a hike for the group.
“It was more than just a ceremony,” Eddy said. “We were all part of this shared space, enjoying the Earth together.”
The couple also worked closely with Ashokan staff member Lisa in the planning process, describing it as collaborative, personal, and full of care. “It wasn’t just transactional,” said Sarah. “It was meaningful.”
A Place to Return To
For Sarah and Eddy, their Ashokan wedding is only the beginning of their connection to the land and its people. They envision returning with their son—raising him as a “free range Ashokan kid,” attending festivals and planting deeper roots in the community that welcomed them so warmly.
“Our wedding wouldn’t have been the same without Ashokan,” Sarah reflected. “I don’t know how many people can say they’re proud of where they got married—but I am.”
“We got married on the pedestal of a grinding wheel of a grist mill,” added Eddy. “It felt like a connection with the past, and how we’re bringing our family into the future.”
Thinking about your own Ashokan wedding?
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