How to know if a Hudson Valley brewery wedding is right for you
If you've ever hung out at a brewery with your partner and closest friends and found yourself thinking about how perfect everything felt, that you wish you could just get married there, you're probably on to something! After documenting weddings throughout the Hudson Valley for nearly a decade, I've learned that brewery celebrations offer something truly special, from the great beer and cocktails, good food, chill vibes, and beautiful setting, to the DIY decorations that truly fit your personality.
If this all sounds like what you're looking for as you're planning your Hudson Valley wedding, Drowned Lands Brewery in Warwick, NY, may be your answer. One of my favorite all-time breweries for its incredible beer (I've been to a few breweries in my time) and beautiful repurposed building in the scenic Black Dirt region, Drowned Lands is also an excellent choice for your wedding celebration.
Photo by Matthew Rigby Photography
What makes Drowned Lands Brewery perfect for intentional Hudson Valley weddings
The Hudson Valley is one of the most picturesque regions for weddings (yes, I am slightly biased), but Drowned Lands Brewery is a perfect example of the picturesque, laid-back, intentional and intimate wedding venues you’ll find here. Scenic opportunities abound, from the catwalk under its historic rafters, to the gorgeous trees and lake surrounding its quiet campus, and the rustic but modern reception space upstairs with its industrial chandelier and warm exposed brick. It really is an excellent place to “Slow down and stay awhile,” gather, and celebrate with all of your friends and family.
Photography opportunities throughout the property
- The historic interior: The catwalk under historic rafters creates space for dramatic architectural portraits, while the upstairs reception room with its industrial chandelier and warm exposed brick provides romantic ambient lighting for your celebration, family style dinner around long tables, and epic party.
- Outdoor spaces: The gorgeous trees and lake surrounding the quiet campus are classic Hudson Valley scenery. The Black Dirt region provides that authentic rural backdrop many couples seek, with a long sloping lawn for the wedding party to relax and celebrate. There are various nooks and groves within a short walk.
- Unique brewery elements: The repurposed building's character adds visual interest without overwhelming the natural beauty of your celebration.
Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
Self expression through details and setup
Breweries offer a unique opportunity to document the essence of what you love about those spaces, while also making your wedding day uniquely yours. Often, a brewery will have its own personality and vibe, and when you can make that work with your own look and feel for the day, it can be a beautiful blend of the two.
Keep in mind, this may mean that you will have to purchase, create, and set up more of your own details and space, but many people find this to be a unique opportunity to put a personal touch on their most important day. If all of this is exciting for you, a brewery wedding is perfect for you.
The event planning staff at Drowned Lands is incredibly helpful and will assist with the coordination of your day. For all of the other details like the delivery of your items and assistance with set up and cleanup, a day of coordinator is always a great idea. Most Valuable Bridesmaid (MVB) did an excellent job helping set up this Drowned Lands wedding. Working with vendors who understand and anticipate the unique logistics of brewery weddings and help to efficiently execute your timeline is the most valuable asset that you can have on your wedding day.
Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
Timeline recommendations for brewery wedding photography
Based on my experience documenting brewery celebrations, here are some scheduling tips for a fall wedding:
12:00 Wedding party preparation at nearby accommodations
1:30 Arrive at Drowned Lands for first look on catwalk, if doing one
2:00 Wedding party and family photos
3:00 Couples portraits on grounds
4:30 Ceremony start for optimal outdoor lighting
5:00 Extended family photos
5:00 Cocktail hour begins as guests explore the brewery
5:30 Couple portraits in set up reception area, around the trees, lake, and historic architecture
6:00 Reception starts in the upstairs space
Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
The challenges of hosting a brewery wedding in the Hudson Valley
Breweries like Drowned Lands are an excellent choice for weddings! Like anything, however, there are some special considerations.
Getting ready logistics
First, check what the getting ready situation is like. You will most likely need to figure out alternate arrangements because space is slightly limited in many breweries. Hotels nearby are the easiest, but if you're up for customizing your day even more, looking into Airbnbs or other rental options can be a great option (check out these two beautiful options!).
This Drowned Lands couple rented a large house 15 minutes from the brewery, which was where their wedding party also spent the night before and after their wedding. Besides doing prep at the Airbnb, they even hosted their after party at the house, which was an excellent idea considering it was still warm enough to use the pool!
Ceremony space considerations
Second, take a look at the ceremony space. The brewery may or may not have a dedicated space for the ceremony, and you may need to rent a tent as a backup for inclement weather if you are hosting an outdoor wedding. You should also talk to your DJ to make sure that they are aware of the physical parameters of the ceremony space and that they will be able to use their equipment for music and the microphone. Long extension cords may be necessary!
Reception space planning
Speaking of DJs, the reception space is another consideration. Since many breweries were not built with hosting large parties in mind, the space may be slightly smaller than a traditional venue. Make sure you discuss guest count limitations with the event coordinators and then do your best to stick to those numbers. Work with their event planning staff beforehand so that you can figure out the best way to set up your reception tables and preserve a space large enough for a dance floor if that's important to you.
Photography in brewery venues
Find yourself a photographer who is capable of working under different lighting situations and will be able to work in a tight space with off camera flash for epic photos of your party. The combination of historic architecture, industrial elements, and intimate spaces requires experience with various lighting techniques to document your celebration beautifully.
Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
Why documentary photography is a perfect fit for brewery venues
My documentary approach focuses on capturing authentic moments as they happen naturally. Brewery venues like Drowned Lands support this style because they provide a space for:
- Relaxed atmosphere: The brewery setting naturally encourages genuine interactions and celebrations
- Multiple gathering spaces: Different areas create opportunities for candid moments throughout your day
- Personal expression: The DIY elements couples incorporate tell their unique story
- Community feel: The brewery's local connection and craft culture encourage authentic celebration
Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
Planning logistics for your Hudson Valley brewery wedding
Guest count and space considerations
Drowned Lands works well for intimate celebrations of 60-120 guests. The upstairs reception space is a cozy atmosphere that encourages genuine connection between your guests.
Vendor coordination
Working with vendors who understand brewery logistics is essential. The event planning staff at Drowned Lands collaborates well with photographers, coordinators, and other vendors who appreciate the unique considerations of brewery celebrations.
Seasonal considerations
Spring/summer: The outdoor campus shines with lake views and mature trees
Fall: The Black Dirt region provides stunning foliage backdrop
Winter: The historic interior spaces create a cozy, intimate atmosphere
Questions to ask during your brewery venue visit
Having worked with the Drowned Lands team, I recommend asking about:
- Available getting-ready space or nearby accommodation recommendations
- Ceremony space options and weather backup plans
- Reception capacity and layout flexibility for dance floor
- Vendor load-in procedures and timeline coordination
- Sound system capabilities and power access for ceremony
- Setup and cleanup policies for personal decorations
Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography
Making your brewery wedding uniquely yours
Remember that you chose this brewery for your wedding because it is going to be a perfect blend of your vibe and its own personality. Lean into it, trust your vendors, and enjoy your best day ever!
The beauty of brewery venues like Drowned Lands is that they encourage couples to express their authentic selves rather than conforming to traditional wedding expectations. This creates ideal conditions for documentary photography that captures who you really are as a couple.
If you're considering Drowned Lands Brewery or another brewery for your Hudson Valley celebration, I'd love to discuss how we can document your day in a way that captures both the unique brewery atmosphere and your authentic story. The combination of craft beer culture, historic architecture, and Hudson Valley beauty creates perfect conditions for the genuine, scenic photography that becomes your lasting memory of this celebration.
Ready to see how documentary photography is perfect for your Hudson Valley brewery wedding?
I'd love to hear about your Drowned Lands plans and share more insights about creating timeless photos in this distinctive setting.
