The Perfect DIY outdoor venue in Westchester

Somers, NY

A couple shares a romantic moment crossing a turquoise bridge over a peaceful lake surrounded by lush green forest.

Photo by Matthew Rigby Photography

For the DIY COUPLE in touch with nature


If you're a couple looking for camping, lakeside drinks, mountain top view vibes, and you appreciate a little DIY, Sal J. Prezioso Mountain Lakes Park in Salem, NY (a Westchester County park) is the place for you. This park is a beautiful place to have a celebration centered around family and friends, which also gives you the chance to slow down and appreciate nature on your wedding day.


There are yurts where guests can stay over before or after the wedding, a bonfire pit for that after party where you can all gather post-wedding, a beach where you can enjoy cocktail hour on the serene lakeshore, and a reception hall that can be a blank slate for any vision you have. Oh, and the ledge on the mountain top can be used as a small ceremony space, first look location, or portrait spot, all with the rolling hills and foliage stretching away in the distance. For the mountain lovers, it truly is the best view you can get in Westchester County.


The prep location is typically in the manager's cabin, which can be a bit dark and on the smaller side. Make sure your hair and makeup professionals are aware of that and can bring their own lights, and don't expect to fit big wedding party in there all at once. That said, it's a nice, cozy place to start your day, and prepared professionals will have no problem.

Winding gravel path leads to yurts nestled among green trees at a peaceful camping resort.
Old canoe repurposed as a colorful flower planter in a green yard beside a rustic cabin.
Wedding dress preparation scene in warm-lit room with a person holding up white lace gown while others gather nearby.
An elegant lace wedding dress hangs on a wooden hanger against a warm-toned wood paneled wall with dresser below.
A dressing room scene with ring light illumination and styling preparations.
Elegant white lace wedding dress hanging on wooden wardrobe with matching white heeled sandals below.
Two women in matching pink loungewear sit on a gray couch enjoying a relaxing moment together in a cozy living room.
Woman in pink blazer smiles while looking to the side with green forest background outdoors.
Two people in matching pink outfits sitting on a dark couch while reading documents in a dimly lit room.
Figure framed through wooden railing in dark forest setting with soft focus and moody atmosphere.
A trail map of Mountain Lakes Park lies between a pair of beige high heel shoes.
Two people in an orange-walled room prepare for a special occasion with one wearing a vibrant blue dress.
A tender moment captured in black and white as final dress preparations are made near a window.
A rustic log cabin exterior with warm porch light and Adirondack chair at dusk.
Two people stand on a rocky overlook admiring a sweeping view of green rolling hills and forests below under cloudy skies.

Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography

Outdoor Ceremony and Cocktail hour options


There are a couple of options when it comes to ceremony. Many people use the fire pit area, although smaller ceremonies may fit at the top of mountain. Chairs can be set up facing the amphitheater seating, which will be more comfortable for guests and provide more visibility than sitting on the actual stone steps.


After the ceremony, walking down to the side of the lake is a great choice. Spending time with family and friends on the side of the lake, with shade from the trees, and cocktails from bars set up by your mobile bar vendor, is a perfect way to spend cocktail hour.


Looking for mobile bar vendors? Check out these amazing options!

Events and Libations

Triple Crown


Need a florist who has worked here before and knows the ins and outs of setting up outdoors? Try Arcadia Floral!

Happy couple embraces in romantic outdoor setting with birch trees and soft bokeh lighting in the background.
A wedding celebration group posed together on stone steps surrounded by trees.
A joyful newlywed couple celebrates on stone steps while holding wedding bouquets with white flowers.
Elegant outdoor table setting with champagne glasses and white flowers in a silver urn against a blue tablecloth.
Elegant floral arrangement showcasing pink roses, white hydrangeas, and delicate blue flowers with lush greenery.
A stunning floral arch with white and blue hydrangeas decorates an outdoor wedding ceremony space.
A string quartet performs beneath a white canopy tent on grass during an outdoor event.
A floral wedding arch with white and light blue flowers stands in front of a stone wall on a grassy lawn.
Guests chat and find their seats at an outdoor wedding ceremony with white folding chairs on a grassy lawn.
A white porcelain teapot with gold handle and black silhouette design sits on a gray rock outdoors.
Tea set with delicate white and gold teacups and teapot arranged on white surface with navy blue napkin and black artwork.
Three wedding attendees walk together across a grassy lawn at an outdoor ceremony.
Bridesmaids in navy blue dresses walk down the outdoor aisle lined with white chairs and wedding guests.
A bride walks across a green lawn with two attendants during an outdoor ceremony with white tents in the background.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests gathered on white chairs and scattered flower petals on the green lawn.

Rustic reception hall


The dining hall is a long space that can easily accommodate 100 people or more. Your vision can truly come to life here, with space and options to decorate the hall however you would like. String lights, whimsical cloths, candles, long tables that allow intimate guest conversations while still sectioning off a dance floor...there are so many ways to make this space feel like you.


For inspiration, check out the photos below. The maids of honor were setting up this space while the bride was getting her hair and makeup done. It's definitely helpful to plan ahead for the set up, appoint someone in charge, have multiple people involved, and schedule them enough time to finish the work.


For dinner I highly recommend catering from Purdy's Farmer & the Fish! Local provisions, artfully prepared with amazing flavor!


I had a blast at this intimate, rustic, beautiful DIY mountain venue. If you're looking for a photographer at home in the outdoors, accustomed to documenting DIY weddings authentically, reach out with the button below! I would love to talk about your day.

Elegant table setting with navy blue napkins, wine glasses, and centerpiece of white and blue flowers at wedding reception.
Elegant table setting with wine glasses and floral centerpiece featuring blue and pink blooms next to a table number card.
Elegant wedding reception table setting with blue and white hydrangea centerpiece and ambient lighting in warm tones.
A white tiered wedding cake decorated with cascading pink roses and blue hydrangeas against a wooden backdrop.
Formal dining table decorated with white and blue floral arrangements, glassware, and candlelight in a rustic venue setting.
Three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with cascading blue and pink flowers, illuminated by warm ambient lighting indoors.
A cascading floral decoration of pink and blue flowers adorns a white wedding cake with glowing lights in the background.
Elegant wedding reception table with navy blue runner and white hydrangea centerpiece in rustic venue with warm lighting.
An elegant wedding table setting with white hydrangea centerpiece, navy linens, and glowing candlelight in the background.
Wedding reception place card table with small chalkboard signs and floral decorations displays guest seating arrangements.
Elegant wedding reception table with white hydrangeas and blue accents set in a rustic venue with wood windows.
Wedding reception table decorated with floral arrangements, chalkboard signs, and pink and white accents against window backdrop.
White floral guest book with decorative pattern sits on table next to green Instax film boxes and lit candle.
An elegant wedding reception table setting with blue accents, white linens and floral centerpieces in a windowed venue.
Elegant wedding table setting with champagne glasses and basket centerpiece against green-lit windows at dusk.

Photos by Matthew Rigby Photography