Values We Live By
At The Maples Estate, we believe a wedding should feel like stepping into a world that reflects who you are — not what the industry tells you it should be.
We are not a ballroom.
We are not a banquet hall.
And we are not a venue built on volume.
We are a home.
A retreat.
A place where time slows down, and celebration becomes something deeper.
We believe in honesty over scarcity.
In clear pricing, availability, and communication.
In telling the truth and building trust.
In guiding you with clarity, never pressure.
We believe in authenticity.
In honoring your culture, your traditions, your quirks, and your story.
Beautiful weddings aren’t created by imitation; they’re created by meaning.
We believe in inclusion as a lived practice, not a tagline.
We celebrate love in all its forms and warmly welcome people of every gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.
Our estate is a place where you can express your truest selves — where who you are is honored, protected, and celebrated.
We reject discrimination, and we exclusively partner with couples who do the same.
We believe what makes a wedding unforgettable isn’t perfection — it’s presence. Connection.
That feeling of being surrounded by your favorite people in a place that feels like home.
We design weekends, not just wedding days.
Intentional, deeply personal, elevated yet relaxed.
A celebration that feels curated, but never staged.
Luxurious, but never stiff.
Fun, bold, soulful.
We host only a small number of weddings each year because your story deserves depth, care, and attention — not a template.
Your wedding should feel like the best weekend of your life.
And together, we’ll build an experience that lives not only in your memory, but in your bones.
This is your wedding, your retreat, your story — and we are honored to help you tell it.
Caterers We Love
Elevate Your Wedding with Exceptional Cuisine
One of the most memorable elements of any wedding is the food.
Whether you're dreaming of an elegant plated dinner, a vibrant family-style feast, or globally inspired flavors that wow your guests, finding the perfect caterer is key. At The Maples Estate, we’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly incredible culinary artists who bring passion, creativity, and unforgettable flavors to every wedding they cater. Here are some of our absolute favorites:
Lil Deb's Oasis – Vibrant, Eclectic, and Playful
Lil Deb’s Oasis has earned a cult-like following of food lovers who travel from near and far to experience their bold, flavor-packed dishes and electrifying ambiance. It’s no surprise they were nominated for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality, a testament to their warm, inclusive, and high-energy dining experience. For couples who want their wedding menu to be as vibrant, joyful, and full of personality as their love story, Lil Deb’s Oasis is the perfect fit. Known for their artful, tropical-inspired cuisine, they create dishes bursting with bold flavors and playful presentations—turning every plate into a celebration. But what truly sets them apart is their incredible and diverse staff. The team at Lil Deb’s Oasis is made up of passionate, creative individuals who bring warmth, inclusivity, and a spirit of hospitality that makes every event feel extra special.
Their dedication to fostering a welcoming, love-filled atmosphere ensures that your wedding day is not only delicious but also deeply memorable. If you’re looking for a caterer that brings energy, artistry, and unforgettable flavors to your celebration, Lil Deb’s Oasis is the one.
The Swell Party – Elevated Catering with Open Fire Magic
If you’re looking for a caterer that effortlessly blends sophistication with seasonality, The Swell Party is a dream come true. Their menus showcase fresh, locally sourced ingredients, crafted into dishes that are as stunning as they are delicious. Whether you're envisioning an elegant plated dinner or a relaxed, family-style feast, their team brings an experience that feels both elevated and deeply welcoming.
But what truly sets The Swell Party apart is their open-fire cooking experience—a breathtaking culinary spectacle that turns your wedding meal into an immersive event. Their team expertly grills, smokes, and fire-roasts dishes over an open flame, infusing every bite with rich, wood-kissed flavors and a sense of rustic elegance. This interactive style of cooking adds warmth, excitement, and a touch of drama to your wedding day, making it a one-of-a-kind dining experience your guests won’t stop talking about.
For couples who love beautifully crafted food with an element of live-fire artistry, The Swell Party delivers in every way.
Golden Child – The Little Viking Co. (Private Chef Matt Olley) – Rich Vegan Flavors
Chef Matt Olley of Golden Child creates menus that feel both deeply personal and wildly inventive. With a focus on hyper-local, farm-to-table ingredients, he crafts dishes that not only highlight the season but also tell a story—making every meal an experience. Whether you’re envisioning a vibrant vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free menu, or you need a custom approach to accommodate dietary needs, Chef Matt ensures that every guest feels considered and indulged. Beyond traditional catering, he also offers a private chef experience, perfect for intimate weddings, rehearsal dinners, or a farewell breakfast feast. If you’re dreaming of a menu that feels fresh, seasonal, and completely unique to you, Golden Child will not disappoint.
The Grand Cook NYC – Bringing the Flavors of the City Upstate
For couples who want to wow their guests with bold, creative flavors, The Grand Cook NYC is an outstanding choice. Led by Chef Jake Missen, whose decade of experience includes working in James Beard award-winning kitchens and serving as Executive Sous Chef for Dan Barber at Blue Hill New York, this team brings an exceptional level of culinary artistry and sustainability to every event.
Chef Jake and his team are passionate about cooking locally and sustainably, drawing inspiration from the abundance and quality of the Northeast. Their menus blend classic techniques with inventive pairings, resulting in dishes that are as thoughtfully crafted as they are delicious. Whether you’re envisioning an elevated farm-to-table feast, modern comfort food, or globally inspired flavors, The Grand Cook NYC will design a menu that reflects your tastes and values.
For NYC-based couples, their Manhattan-based culinary team makes wedding planning seamless. With tastings and planning available close to home, you can experience the best of NYC’s dining scene while bringing that same innovative, high-end approach to your upstate wedding. If you're looking for a seasonally inspired, restaurant-quality dining experience in the countryside, The Grand Cook NYC is the perfect fit.
Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen – Heartfelt, Locally Sourced, and Community-Driven
If you’re drawn to fresh, farm-inspired flavors with a cultural twist, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen will bring something truly special to your wedding. Their Korean-inspired menu highlights bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a deep connection to the land, creating dishes that feel both meaningful and satisfying. What makes Sunhee’s truly stand out is their commitment to community and sustainability.
In addition to their beloved restaurant, they operate Sunhee’s Farm, where they grow fresh produce used in their dishes, reinforcing their farm-to-table approach. Beyond incredible food, Sunhee’s is dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees through language programs, job training, and initiatives that create sustainable opportunities. Choosing Sunhee’s Farm & Kitchen for your wedding not only means treating your guests to an unforgettable meal but also supporting a business that gives back in a meaningful way.
For couples who value authenticity, cultural heritage, and social impact, Sunhee’s Farm and Kitchen is the perfect choice to bring both flavor and purpose to your celebration.
Chef Deanna – A Culinary Artist Creating One-of-a-Kind Wedding Menus
For couples who crave a wedding menu as creative and unique as they are, Chef Deanna is the perfect match. With a background in improvisational cooking, she thrives on artistic freedom, crafting dishes inspired by the freshest seasonal ingredients and the individual personalities of her couples. Her approach to catering is deeply collaborative and intuitive. Having worked extensively with artists, creatives, and makers, she understands the importance of storytelling through food. Her partnerships with local farmers often result in “mystery boxes” of ingredients, allowing her to craft spontaneous, inspired menus that are completely unique to each event. Instead of sticking to traditional catering formulas, Chef Deanna creates dishes that feel organic, personal, and full of soul.
If you’re looking for a caterer who can take your vision, personality, and love story and translate it into an unforgettable meal, Chef Deanna will deliver a wedding dining experience that is both deeply personal and wildly inventive.
DeFazio’s Pizza – Old-World Italian with a Local Touch
If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable wedding feast that’s equal parts comfort and culinary excellence, DeFazio’s Pizza is a must-have. A family-run institution in Troy, NY, DeFazio’s is known for its handmade dough, house-made sauces, and locally sourced ingredients—bringing authentic Italian flavors to your wedding table. Whether you opt for their legendary wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta dishes, or their decadent antipasto platters, this team delivers rustic elegance with a warm, communal feel. Perfect for couples who want a laid-back yet elevated dining experience that gets everyone talking (and coming back for seconds!).
No matter your wedding vision, these caterers bring something truly special to the table—literally!
If you’re ready to start planning your perfect menu, we’d love to help connect you with the caterer that best suits your style and taste.
At The Maples Estate, we believe that every wedding should be as unique as the couple it celebrates—especially when it comes to food and drinks. Whether you’re passionate about seasonal farm-to-table dining, crave a vibrant street food-inspired feast, or dream of curated craft cocktails that tell your story, we’ll help you bring that vision to life. We work with vendors that are as unique as our couples, ensuring you have the freedom to craft a menu that truly reflects your personality and tastes.
Unlike many venues, we never lock you into a single caterer—you can work with one culinary team for the entire weekend or mix and match to create a dynamic, multi-faceted experience across your rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, farewell brunch, and more. However you choose to celebrate, we’re here to help make it unforgettable. Let’s make your wedding weekend one to savor!
Sustainable Wedding Ideas for Eco-conscious Couples
In today’s world, more and more couples are becoming aware of their impact on the planet and are choosing to celebrate their wedding day in ways that reflect their commitment to sustainability. If you're an eco-conscious couple looking for ideas to minimize your environmental footprint while still creating a beautiful, memorable day, you're in the right place! Let’s explore some fantastic sustainable wedding ideas that blend style, sentiment, and environmental care.
Start with a Sustainable Wedding Venue
Choosing a wedding venue that prioritizes sustainability is a great way to kick off your eco-conscious celebration. The Maples Estate is a perfect example of how you can merge natural beauty with eco-friendly practices. Our venue boasts antique charm, stunning landscapes, and a commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint. With gardens, grass paths, and wild meadows, our estate provides an authentic, outdoor experience while being home to local wildlife like deer, eagles, and turtles. We even use eco friendly products such as “Who Gives a Crap” for paper products and ‘Dirty Labs’ for dishwasher and laundry detergent.
By hosting your entire event here, you reduce the need for multiple locations and save on transportation emissions. We also encourage our guests to support local businesses and communities, which helps contribute to a more sustainable wedding. We offer a curated list of eco-conscious vendors, from vegan caterers to local flower farmers. Plus, our inventory of rental props, tables, and chairs allows you to use reusable decor, linens, and furniture, cutting down on waste.
As part of our eco-friendly lifestyle, we even live on-site in an off-grid converted school bus (skoolie) powered by solar energy, and our restroom facilities are solar-powered and gravity-fed, reducing our environmental impact.
Eco-Friendly Invitations & Pre-Loved Stationery
Start your sustainable wedding journey with ethical invitations. Opt for invitations made from recycled paper or go paperless with colorful digital invites. You can also consider plantable stationery that guests can later plant to grow flowers or herbs. For printed elements, choose companies like Paper Culture, which offset their carbon footprint. And for a truly unique touch, consider using pre-loved or repurposed stationery.
Sustainable and Rented Attire
Sustainability can also shine through in your wedding attire. Choose eco-conscious fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled materials. If you're not attached to buying something new, renting your wedding gown or suit is a fantastic option, as it reduces the environmental impact of new garment production. Alternatively, shop for pre-loved or vintage wedding attire, extending the lifecycle of these beautiful pieces.
Eco-Conscious Catering
Work with your caterer to craft a menu that celebrates local, organic, and seasonal ingredients. You can also opt for a plant-based menu featuring vegan and vegetarian dishes that your guests will love. Many caterers offer compostable or reusable dinnerware options to minimize waste. If possible, encourage your caterer to set up composting stations or recycling bins at the kitchen and bar for a more sustainable dining experience. After the celebration, ask if they can donate any leftover food to local shelters.
Tablecloths with a Story
Add a sustainable touch to your tablescapes with reused or vintage tablecloths. These charming finds, sourced from antique stores or flea markets, not only tell a colorful and unique story but also add character to your decor. If you want a more consistent look, consider renting linens instead of buying new ones, or opt for wooden tables that don’t require any linens at all.
Sustainable Floral Choices
If you’re dreaming of beautiful floral arrangements, consider sourcing blooms from eco-conscious florists who use local, seasonal flowers. Dried florals, wildflowers, and adaptable arrangements can be repurposed across your ceremony and reception, reducing waste. You can also donate your florals after the event to local restaurants or nursing homes, or even dry them for future use. And if you’re not sure what to do with them, we offer composting services at The Maples Estate to ensure your florals are disposed of responsibly.
Source Pre-Loved Decor
For unique and sustainable wedding decor, look no further than thrift stores, antique shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You can also explore local rental companies offering one-of-a-kind decor items that will elevate your wedding day. By using pre-loved decor, you help reduce demand for new production and give these treasures a second life.
Zero-Waste Gifts & Favors
Send your guests home with eco-friendly favors like potted plants, homemade vegan treats, or reusable items like bamboo cutlery or stainless steel straws. If you're looking to give a gift with a meaningful impact, suggest donations to animal sanctuaries, renewable energy projects, or carbon offset organizations. You can even consider gifting saplings or planting a tree to commemorate your wedding while helping offset your event's carbon footprint.
Sustainable Transportation
Encourage your guests to minimize their environmental impact by staying local, carpooling, or using eco-friendly transportation options. Consider offering shuttle services to reduce the number of vehicles on the road and make getting to and from your venue easier for guests.
A Planet-Friendly Celebration
Your wedding day is an opportunity to not only celebrate your love but also show your commitment to sustainability. By incorporating eco-conscious choices in your venue, attire, catering, decor, and more, you can make a positive impact on the environment while still having an unforgettable celebration. At The Maples Estate, we’re here to support you every step of the way as you plan a wedding that reflects both your love for each other and the planet.
Let’s work together to create an eco-friendly wedding that leaves a lasting impression—on your guests, and on the Earth!
Find more tips on planning your dream wedding below!
Cost of a Destination Wedding
Planning a destination wedding at The Maples Estate?
Let’s talk about what it really costs—without the guesswork.
If you’re searching for an honest, transparent guide to the cost of a destination wedding in Upstate New York, you’re in the right place.
Planning your wedding is incredibly exciting, but we know it can feel overwhelming trying to understand what goes into your investment, especially when you want something unique, intentional, and entirely your own.
At The Maples Estate, we specialize in design-forward, weekend-long wedding celebrations that feel like home. Laid-back, beautiful, and full of meaningful moments. Our package is intentionally transparent, and we provide expert planning support every step of the way. You won’t find cookie-cutter planning or surprise fees here. Instead, we tailor every experience to your vision, guest count, and priorities.
What Does a Destination Wedding at The Maples Estate Cost?
Many of the weddings we host at The Maples Estate range between $150,000 and $300,000+. Smaller weddings or those with more casual vendor selections may fall between $100,000 and $150,000. Remember, every wedding at The Maples Estate is unique. We believe in full transparency and take the stewardship of your wedding investment seriously. As your wedding planner and creative director we will curate a hand-selected vendor team that reflects your style, values, and priorities, ensuring that your wedding weekend feels authentic, elevated, and truly yours.
Here’s a breakdown to help you start budgeting with confidence:
Venue, Planning & Lodging: $53,000
The Maples Estate is the heart of your wedding weekend and includes:
Exclusive Use of the Estate | $24,000 Value
From Thursday to Sunday, the entire 12.5-acre estate is yours. No sharing the space, no interruptions, no rush. Your ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, late-night moments, rehearsal dinner, welcome party and slow mornings all unfold naturally across the grounds. Because everything happens in one place, your weekend feels cohesive, calm, and deeply intentional. Lawn games, campfires, golf cart transportation, venue and planning staff, and all taxes are included, so you’re free to be present while we handle the logistics.
Private Farmhouse Lodging for 17 Guests | $9,000 Value
This isn’t a hotel, it’s your wedding house. For three nights, your closest people live the weekend with you: morning coffee in pajamas, shared meals in the kitchen, laughter on the porch, quiet moments before the ceremony, and late nights unwinding together. By keeping the farmhouse intimate, the space becomes a grounding home base. A place where nerves settle, connections deepen, and memories are made in the in-between moments that guests remember long after the wedding ends.
Full-Service Wedding Planning & Creative Direction | $20,000 Value
You’re not just booking a venue, you’re gaining a collaborator. I’m with you from the very beginning as your wedding planner and creative director, guiding every decision with clarity, care, and intention. From shaping your design vision and building a cohesive vendor team to managing timelines, logistics, and the full weekend flow, everything is handled so you don’t have to. On your wedding weekend, my team and I are onsite ensuring things run smoothly so you can relax, stay present, and actually enjoy the experience you’ve spent so long dreaming about.
Food, Drinks & Service: $10,000 - $80,000+
Food and drink are at the heart of any great celebration. Depending on your guest count and culinary goals, your catering package might include:
Welcome drinks, cocktail apps
Plated dinner, family style, buffet or even food trucks
Full bar or curated beverage menus
Late night snacks, dessert stations
Welcome party or farewell brunch
We’ll help you prioritize where it matters most (a fun taco truck? A seated farm-to-table dinner? Wood fired food? An ice-cream and pizza social?) and connect you with trusted pros who understand the Maples experience.
Caterers will range from $50 - $500 per person with some caterers beyond that price. Keep in mind, this may or may not include the cost for linens, cutlery, table and barware, alcohol or even service staff, so it’s best to review your contract to confirm all that’s included in the price before booking.
Our clients most often spend $250-300 per person for a full service caterer (food, beverages, staffing).
Service charges, taxes and gratuity are often billed separately.
Design, Florals & Décor: $5,000 - $50,000+
Your style sets the tone. Whether you envision a romantic garden aesthetic, eclectic color story, or something minimal and boldly modern, we’ll guide you in curating vendors that align with your vision and budget. You might invest in floral design, custom signage, tabletop rentals, lighting, and furniture—as much or as little as you want to bring your vision to life.
Many of our clients spend between $10,000 and $25,000 on these elements, though a minimal design may be closer to $5,000 and a lux client may spend $100,000+.
Photography, Videography & Social Content: $6,000 - $40,000
Photography and videography are more than just documentation—they’re storytelling. Whether you're drawn to romantic, dark and moody, light and bright or a candid, documentary style photographer, we’ll help you find the perfect fit for limited or full weekend coverage.
Most of our couples spend $6,000–$20,000+ for photography, depending on hours of coverage, days of coverage and style.
Adding videography typically doubles that investment.
Some also opt for a social media content creator to capture behind-the-scenes or real-time moments.
Your visual team should be one that you trust completely—they’ll be with you through the most intimate and celebratory parts of your weekend.
Entertainment: $4,000 - $50,000+
Whether you’re envisioning a DJ, string musicians or a live band, entertainment sets the tone for your entire celebration.
DJ Services: Typically priced between $4,000 and $10,000, a DJ can provide the versatility to curate your favorite songs and keep the energy high throughout your celebration. Many DJs offer add-ons like photo booths, lighting or props, which can increase the total cost.
Live Band: For a more dynamic experience, a live band can bring the energy. Prices for a 10-piece band usually range from $7,500 to $30,000+. Keep in mind that if the band is traveling from outside the area, lodging expenses (starting around $300/night) may be an additional cost.
Extras: $5,000 - $100,000+
Capture the magic and set the tone with the right vendors:
Hair & makeup: $85 - $200 per attendant per service, bride $250-$800 + trial + travel
Transportation: $1,000 - $5,000
Stationery: wide range
Attire: wide range
Specialty rentals: wide range
Welcome Bags: wide range
These costs depend on how you want to celebrate—and we’ll help you find just the right fit.
How to Stay on Budget Without Sacrificing Your Vision
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Start With Your Priorities: What matters most to you? Is it the florals? The guest experience? Incredible food? Let’s focus your investment there.
2. Let Us Help: Your wedding planner and creative director (me, Katie!) is included in every package. I’ll create a custom design board and budget to help guide your decisions. We work with a range of budgets based on our clients expectations and vision.
3. Be Honest With Your Vendors: We work with vendors who value transparency and service over ego. They’ll help you get the most out of your budget, not upsell you on things you don’t need.
The Fun Stuff
We limit our weddings to a select number each year to ensure we provide expert high-touch service and a deeply personal planning experience. Our couples walk away saying it was “the best weekend of our lives,” because it was personal. It was intentional. And it actually felt like them.
When you celebrate with The Maples Estate, you’re not just renting a venue. You’re booking:
Space to slow down and celebrate fully
Freedom to select your own vendors
A true experience over a single event
A private, nature-immersed estate
Three nights in our historic farmhouse
Full Service Wedding Planning & coordination built-in
We’re here to help you plan a wedding that reflects your values and vision, and guide you through it all with ease.
Ready to explore more?
Schedule an IN PERSON tour or book a call with me to chat about your dream Upstate New York wedding weekend. With many of our clients living across the country and even abroad, we also offer VIRTUAL tours. I cannot wait to meet you and chat through your wedding vision!
Check out our packages and pricing or available dates!
Interested in viewing a sample wedding budget? Check out this budget template to help you get started.
Keep in mind that your wedding budget will be unique to your vision, but to help you get started, we’ve included a couple of sample budgets in the document linked below. Simply click File > Make a Copy to personalize it and begin crafting your budget.
More helpful tips and real wedding inspiration for planning your destination wedding with us at The Maples Estate!
