Cedar Lakes Estate

o the stunning property was handled flawlessly, and our guests fell in love with the estate as much as we did. CLE has the unique ability to house closest friends and family onsite, so we felt everyone’s presence and love each moment of our weekend. And we cannot emphasize this enough, THE FOOD — CLE’s culinary experience is beyond — our friends and family were raving for MONTHS about how exceptional the food was at each meal. I truly cannot speak highly enough of CLE, not only did they handle every moment of our wedding with such dedication, but they made our day more special than we could have ever hoped. Hands down the most exceptional and magical place!

d to write. We fell in love with the venue from the moment we saw it. But it was through the pop-up dinners that we really started to feel like we were starting to get to know the place. Couples who are thinking of getting married there, do it. Make a relationship with the team and the property, because they are both so special. By the time it was coming down to that wedding countdown, my husband and I had already stayed overnight a few times, brought our families to pop ups (note: the pro move here is to fast for the whole day before because the food is so delicious), and were only prevented from going to their christmas market (yes, you read correctly. And it looks stunning) by a flat tire. So we felt like we had bonded with the place and the people there. We did not even know. As May got closer and it became apparent that we had to postpone our wedding plans, the team at Cedar Lakes was amazing. They worked with us to find a new date in 2021 that felt safe. They were patient and understanding. They even offered to host us for our would- be wedding weekend as a little honoring of what had been planned. My fiancé and I kept our date in a tiny ceremony with our immediate family back home, but we drove out the next day to have our honeymoon...at our wedding venue. We could not have made a better decision. We feel like our time there was a transformational wedding gift. Opening the doors to the lakeside cabin festooned with flowers from our beloved photographer, Afrik Armando, and florist, Faye and Renee (who had already surprised us by coming up to MA and decorating the house for our covid wedding?!?), dotted with candles, Rolling Stones radio (somehow they knew we met at a Rolling Stones night), set with prosecco, a lovingly stocked fridge (followed by meal after heavenly meal!), and even some cozy sweatshirts from our wedding planner (honestly, don’t know how we got so lucky in our people)...we felt we walked into a dream. And since then, each day brought some new fresh discovery on the property, a new aspect of the place to appreciate. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t gone, but there is so much to discover if you just give yourself the time to explore there. We have even changed around some of our plans that we had for the wedding to just allow our guests to have more free time to wander this beautiful place and appreciate it as we have. My husband and I both can't help feeling that perhaps we have come out all the better for the pandemic-postponement. You really get to see who people are when plans go off the rails. What we saw from Stephanie and Lisa and the rest of the CLE team was pure professionalism with humanity and kindness behind it. You are in the best hands with CLE. There are plenty of pro places with beautiful vistas and good food, but you won’t find a team like this who live and breathe generosity in their hearts. We are even more excited to share this with our family and friends next year, and we can’t wait to celebrate as many anniversaries as possible here ever after.

ting them a check for the deposit. Cedar Lakes has become our happy place. We went back for New Years Eve a few months after our wedding and the staff all hugged us and told us how much they missed us (and our favorite wedding dessert was waiting for us in the fridge in our cabin). I could talk about the amazingness of Cedar Lakes all day everyday. I cannot wait to step foot back on premises. Everyone that works there is beyond amazing and it was by far the best weekend of our lives! If I could give them 100 stars I would!!

after we had experienced CLE's hospitality a few times, our expectations were through the roof. Turns out, not a problem. With the help of the people at Cedar Lakes and our incredible team of vendors, we were absolutely floored. The people at Cedar Lakes - each and every one of them - embody a blend of warmth and professionalism that is truly unparalleled. They make planning simple and enjoyable and ensure you go into the weekend confident it will be perfect. They treated every guest like family and every event went off exactly as planned. At every turn, the CLE team added unique surprises that matched our own and our guests' style perfectly. The food deserves its own paragraph. Not only is the food insanely delicious, but it is plated beautifully in a way that compliments your decor and is always paired with perfect specialty cocktails, wines, and other beverages. This was a huge reason why we chose CLE, and we are still hearing about each and every meal from our guests. All that said, the best part about this venue is the setting - it is surreal to be surrounded by friends and family for an entire weekend. Having accommodations for nearly the entire wedding on site (and being there for the whole weekend) allowed us to be truly present with our guests. We were able to share some meals and downtime with our friends and family in a more causal settings, and we felt like we were able to be a part of the weekend our guests experienced (which, honestly, we are still a bit jealous of -- sports fields, two pools, a beer garden, not to mention the lake and the blob). It warms our hearts to hear over and over from our guests, even to this day, that it was the most fun they've ever had at a wedding. All in all, we looked at a lot of venues, and I cannot imagine having had our wedding anywhere else. This will forever be one of our favorite places on earth. It really doesn't get any better than this!

rom the time we booked CLE 1.5 years prior to our actual wedding date, Steph, Lisa, Jess, Marie, Danny, and the entire team made us feel SO special, welcomed, and celebrated. No question was too small for them to answer, I never felt that I was bothering them, and in fact, I looked forward to every phone call, email, and site visit because I just LOVED working with those ladies. They are so thoughtful with their approach to weddings and they are truly the best in the business. The team at CLE is creative, inspiring, fun, and most importantly - they are 1000% focused on YOU and what you want & need for your wedding. As an example, for my welcome party, I knew I wanted a Nashville themed menu to go with where I went to college. Lisa came up with the most amazing Nashville inspired menu that completely captured exactly what I wanted. If I had even the slightest change or worry - I put it in their hands and I knew that it would come out perfectly. Have the team there was like having 5-6 extra wedding planners who were the best in the game. The venue and the gorgeous surroundings speak for themselves, but to reiterate, it is the most stunning setting for any wedding you could ask for. There are SO many options for how you can lay out your special day (inside, outside, pavilion, poolside, mountaintop, lakeside, to name just a few ...) and if you have new ideas or thoughts the CLE team will make it happen, guaranteed. The food was better than any wedding food I've ever had and on par with what you'd get at an excellent farm to table restaurant in NYC. The accommodations are as gorgeous and comfortable as they look and each and every guest had an amazing time and experience on the grounds. The amount of "best wedding ever - no exaggeration" that we got from friends and family was unreal. That had everything to do with Cedar Lakes. I can truly say I wouldn't change one thing about my experience working with the team and the venue - I wish I could do it over and over again! My husband and I went back for valentine's day this year and I have no doubt we will be back again and again to the most special place where we are always welcomed like old friends. We love you CLE !!!

tations for exceeded at every level. Everything from the preparation many months before the wedding, to the fantastic communication about food,lodging and logistics and then to the execution on the actual wedding day was above and beyond our wildest , highest expectations. Having our family stay "on campus" was very special. The food on Friday, Saturday and Sunday was some of the best food I have ever had. My daughters wish for vegan offerings was embraced by the Cedar Lakes culinary team. To the entire Cedar Lakes team, thank you all for delivering the best possible weekend wedding ever.

is perfect every step of the way. I literally cannot think of one thing that I could complain about. I've been told multiple times that my husband and I have officially ruined weddings for people because of how outstanding ours was. It's not very often that guests rave about food at venues, but our guests couldn't stop. Our guests couldn't stop talking about the scenery, the the activities, the attention to detail and on and on. This made my the happiest, since I couldn't wait to share what I already knew about this special venue with everyone. Thank you for making my fairytale wedding a reality!

is deceptively low; this place should be listed as "expensive" instead of "moderate."

if Cedar Lakes is really as special as it looks online and worth the cost. I can save you some time, and share that CLE is even more exceptional that it seems, and you will never, ever regret choosing to have your wedding there (if it is within your budget). We had loved ones coming from all over the world , and knew we wanted a venue where we could all be together for as much time as possible with seamless logistics, without compromising on exceptional service and food. Cedar Lakes exceeded every single expectation we had and made our wedding the absolute best weekend ever. And best of all, they really made the weekend personalized for us - they were super supportive of our personal touches and came up with great ideas based on what we were hoping to achieve. Absolutely everything the team did ahead of and during the weekend resulted in our wedding weekend being even more perfect than we could ever have imagined. We also received a ton of messages, emails and phone calls from friends and family telling us how blown away they were. The venue, the staff, the food, all the events.. we keep getting nonstop compliments on it all! In short, if having all of your friends and family in one beautiful location for an entire magical weekend is what you're looking for, then this is the place for you - just make sure to book ASAP. I hope this is helpful in your planning process - good luck!!!

, casual outdoor setting, while having their ceremony and reception as an elegant event. Cedar Lakes is the perfect venue for this vision! From the initial e-mails to the final details, Steph and Lisa and their teams were all amazing! Everyone was easy to work with, extremely professional, and the end result was an awesome weekend (despite the rain!). Even when the rain plan was put in place, everyone kept a positive attitude and quickly changed the ceremony location from the amphitheater to the pavilion (which was beautiful!). The venue itself is wonderful! All of the cabins have a beautiful lodge decor, and everything is clean and well maintained. The pavilion is a great place for most of the weekend events. And the barn is the perfect spot for the reception. The space is large enough so there's plenty of room for tables, dancing, and other space to gather. There is a beautiful bar, and all of the tables and chairs are rustic and perfect for the setting. The property is also fabulous... everything is within walking distance, and our guests loved being outside with lake and mountain views. Everyone enjoyed playing kickball and the blob, or just walking around. Even though it was raining all day Saturday, that didn't stop everyone from enjoying the outdoor activities, and hanging out in the pavilion eating and drinking and playing games until the wedding ceremony. If you are looking for a rustic outdoor weekend wedding destination, I cannot say enough great things about Cedar Lakes Estate. Every detail was perfect, and the staff was so friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Cedar Lakes!

we'd found our wedding venue. At Cedar Lakes, you feel like you've found your own paradise. You are surrounded by family, friends, nature, and it's own ecosystem (despite weather apps saying rain, there was no rain in site on our day). Their attention to detail was perfect. The cabins gave everyone a beautiful place to call home for a weekend. We loved that we were able to give our guests a vacation of their own, from kayaking to jumping off the blob everyone was having so much fun. Also, you cannot beat the views. Getting married on the hilltop was so breathtaking; having a backdrop of nothing but nature and having birds chirping during your vows is something we will cherish forever. Lets talk about the reception…the barn came alive at night. All of the vendors that Cedar Lakes works with are all artists of their own and really showcase how much they care and love giving you the best day that you can. (After party in the tree house was the best “middle school” dance party that you never knew you wanted.) What makes it all worth it is having everyone together in one place for the weekend. As life gets crazier, there are fewer and fewer times when this happens, and Cedar Lakes makes this happen. And let's not forget the food. The amount of compliments we received about the food, weeks after the wedding was amazing. The food was phenomenal. We wanted more!!! We were so busy talking to everyone we never even got to have the homemade smores during our rehearsal dinner, but that's how it goes. Cedar Lakes has really established something special in Port Jervis. I grew up renting cabins with my family and going to month long sleep away camp and one thing I always loved was when the camp family was around to see how you were doing. You get that same welcome here at Cedar Lakes. Stephanie and her family are so welcoming and really make you feel at home for the entire weekend. We hope to come back soon whether its for a dinner or maybe even arrange a family reunion. Thank you a million times again. Love, Megan and Sam 5.26.2018

uld want in the person that was entrusted with your wedding. She was sooo responsive to emails, helped manage all the crazy and emotions that a couple goes through and provided great recommendations to enhance our weekend (like the best DJ ever and golf cart rentals for the weekend and more!). We had an amazing summer camp themed weekend (think the movie wet hot American summer; in fact Christopher Meloni even sent in a video clip of wedding wishes for us as Chef thanks to an awesome friend!) complete cheesy camp outfits and kickball (with a keg :-) and of course the awesome blob in the lake (if you don’t know what this is look it up; people will talk about your wedding being the coolest ever for having this!!!); we officially signed our wedding papers in the garden, had rehearsal dinner in the pavilion with the nice s’mores station over the fire pit afterwards; The next day we got married atop of the mountain with the most gorgeous view; We hired an acoustic guitar player for the ceremony. Had the perfect rustic wedding in the barn and after party in the tree house complete with the best comfort food in grilled cheese sandwiches plus karaoke! The venue is gorgeous; nice family run business with all the personal touches. My sister added the perfect decorations to give it that added pop. It was just the perfect weekend and Stephanie and Lisa made it happen.

a unique experience, with the perfect combination of natural settings and luxury accommodations, plus 5 star food, this is the place for you. The biggest takeaway here is- this is understated elegance. Perfect service and beautiful surroundings without pretension. The long version of how we made our decision and why we're so happy with it: Our expectations were blown away by the CLE team. Our wedding was literal magic. Aside from the natural beauty of the place, the team has done such an amazing job modernizing it. The accommodations are so comfortable, luxurious and literally look like they're out of a story book. The service was unbelievable- my husband, myself, our family, our bridal party, and our guests all felt so incredibly taken care of every second of our stay. The service team were like ninjas- you looked around and could barely tell that anyone was there, but the second you needed a thing, they were right by your side with smiles on their faces. Our group required some special attentiveness- lots of eating/health restrictions, some older attendees, and my husband, who had broken his leg in January and was still recovering from the incident (we were unsure until about 3 weeks prior to the wedding if he'd even be able to walk down the aisle!) To say the CLE was accommodating would be an understatement. For example, my stepfather (and also the sweetest man on earth) has some health issues and was only able to eat soft foods. During planning stages, Lisa & Steph sat on the phone with me and went through meal by meal, taking my notes and helping me come up with creative solutions for anything that wouldn't suit him. When delivering his food, they were discreet but prompt with his special meals, so as not to embarrass him. That meant the world to me and my family. We could write a novel about the food on it's own. It was some of the best food we've ever had, and 100% far and away the best wedding food on earth. I can't tell you how many people have called, texted, emailed, and complimented us on how fabulous EVERY meal was. I have to say, our parents reaction to the whole weekend was incredible. My husband and I really planned everything on our own, and I think they didn't know what to expect being at a "camp" all weekend. At brunch on that Sunday morning post-wedding, they were just gushing over how fantastic everything was (and trust us, they're not the type to say things just to make us feel good). They were floored at how amazing the service was; how fabulous every meal was; how accommodating and attentive the staff was; and how laid back, yet professional, the entire weekend was. Weeks after the wedding, they were still getting calls from cousins, aunts, and friends telling them that it was the best wedding they have ever been to. We received calls from our friends telling us that it was the best wedding they have ever been to, including their own. The point is- CLE helped us truly enjoy our wedding weekend. Instead of worrying if everyone else was ok, or if everything was running smoothly, we were able to actually just be in the moment and enjoy every second. In a heartbeat- we would come back to celebrate an anniversary or some other occasion. CLE is THE BEST!

e their business seriously and they know absolutely everything there is to know about weddings. This venue pays for itself in that, as a couple, we had not one iota of stress during our wedding weekend. They think of everything, take care of everything, and it turns out to be even more perfect than we could have ever imagined it to be. The food is unbelievable. It even rained our whole weekend, and yet we wouldn't have changed a thing! The team, the space, the food... everything is exactly what you want (and more!) for your wedding. I cannot say enough good things. Pick your date based on whatever they have available - do whatever you can to have your wedding here!

hold a special place in our hearts.

and our love for the outdoors. Our family and friends are so important to us and our relationship as well, and we wanted to be able to bring them all together in one place. So, from the moment we stepped foot on the gorgeous estate for a tour until the moment we drove away from our unforgettable wedding weekend, we had no doubts in our minds that Cedar Lakes Estate was the most perfect place for our wedding celebration. There truly is something magical about it, from the pristine cedar lakes, the views from the mountain top, the gorgeous "barn" and the cozy cottages. There's really no place like it. Stephanie, Lisa, and the entire CLE team makes you feel like family from the very beginning. They were so accommodating from the start--despite numerous site visits, phone call discussions, and a million emails--they took the time to answer every one of our questions. Stephanie and Lisa were respectful of our budget and helped us navigate the wedding vendor world to pick the ones that would best fit our vision while keeping our wallet in mind. Our wedding weekend itself was absolutely magical and the entire CLE team helped to ensure that the weekend went flawlessly. Our guests were so impressed with the magnificent venue, the delicious food, and the overall impeccable hospitality of CLE. Each meal was better than the next and our guests continue to rave about how delicious and plentiful the food was. And a few months later, many of them continue to say that our wedding was the best wedding they had ever been too. Best of all, the staff really takes care of every last detail, which allowed my husband, me and our families to truly relax, enjoy the property, and make the most of our weekend. Stephanie, Lisa, Jess, Amanda, Ashley, Marie & the rest of the CLE team--we cannot thank you enough for making us feel at home and for helping to make our wedding weekend absolutely spectacular. We had the wedding of our dreams and surpassed every one of our expectations. We are forever grateful and cannot wait to visit for years to come!

g us bring our wedding vision to life. All along, we wanted our wedding to be a celebration and an opportunity to bring our family and friends together. The summer camp layout of CLE provided the ideal backdrop for our family and friends to gather, whether to reunite, get to know one another better, or meet for the first time. Everyone came together over the daytime activities at CLE, including a zipline, lawn games, canoeing, and the infamous blob. A spirit of joy and community surrounded the entire weekend. The staff were all consummate professionals, and the Karvellas sisters were a pleasure to work with throughout the entire process. Stephanie "kept the lights on" for us to tour the venue late one Tuesday evening, and we were instantly hooked. There is truly something magical about Cedar Lakes Estate. You can feel it right away, and it stays with you. Cedar Lakes Estate has a wide selection of options and recommendations for the wedding weekend in terms of format, food, drinks, and basic decor and entertainment options, and they were will to work with us to adapt their menus and itineraries and coordinated with our vendors to give us the custom experience we envisioned. The food was exceptional, and one of the dining highlights of the weekend was a custom cardamom-spiced fried chicken that Lisa created for our fusion menu blending the cuisines of India and the American South. Getting married was the greatest day of our lives!. If we could do it all over again, it would be at Cedar Lakes Estate, and I wouldn't change a thing :-)

the staff, the gorgeous views, the perfectly designed venues onsite and the overall vibe of the experience. The wedding exceeded all expectations. Having all of our guests enjoying themselves and the property all weekend long was a dream come true, and all of our guests cannot stop raving about the weekend. Everyone could not help but notice the impeccable service, the attention to detail and the quality of every meal. The food was amazing. Stephanie, Lisa, and everyone at CLE truly realized our vision and helped us bring our dream wedding to life. Every little thing was executed in the most perfect way and we cannot wait to continue to come back to CLE for many years to relive our special weekend!

oped for in making the entire weekend spectacular! Everything was perfect- and their staff is as professional, and warm and caring, as they both are. And, of course, the setting is incredible! The mountaintop was heavenly; the garden (for the rehearsal dinne)r was like a dream, the Dining Pavilion, the lake (!) and of course the BARN!! All unreal - so gorgeous that words cannot even describe it all. And on top of all of this.......the food was scrumptious! They catered to what we wanted to serve at each meal; presented every dish in the most beautiful way; and every single bite of everything we ate ALL weekend was delicious!! Every single guest -all 240 family members and friends - are still writing and calling to say they had the best weekend ever! Thank you Stephanie, Lisa, the entire CLE staff, and the entire Karvellas family for making our celebration so incredible! You truly made a dream come true for our daughter and new son-in-law!

ost beautiful places I've ever been to, and there is no detail left untouched. From the trees to the food to even the bathrooms in the barn, it is all spectacularly beautiful, elegant, and tasteful. Stephanie, Lisa, Ashley, Jess, Marie, Amanda, and all of the other ladies that I missed, are amazing! They are so kind, and they really go above and beyond for every single guest. We really felt at home every time we visited the property, and especially on our wedding day! All of the staff is extremely professional and personable. I really can't say enough—go visit! You'll fall in love.

sure our wedding weekend was everything we could imagine, everyone was happy and had what they needed. The grounds are beautifully kept and make for a fun weekend for everyone. The food is all incredibly fresh, farm-to-table and absolutely delicious. My husband and I, our families and our guests continue to talk about how the meals were some of the best we have ever had, which is normally not the case at a wedding. We are forever grateful for Cedar Lakes' kind-hearted, hard-working and accommodating team. Best wedding venue out there!!!

phenomenal. The food truly farm to table and spectacular and the staff is professional, warm and friendly. They are extremely hard working and they made sure our guests felt at home. I wish we could do it all over again (and so do our guests!). Thank you everyone- Jill and Mitch

is beautiful, the staff executes to perfection and the food is not only delicious but beautifully presented. Cedar Lakes provides a unique, FUN and authentic experience while maintaining a level of professionalism and luxurious sophistication one would expect to find at The Plaza. From the first time we toured the property, Stephanie and the entire CLE team made us feel like we were longtime friends. They went above and beyond to give us the wedding weekend of our dreams, and they even managed to surpass every single one of our expectations. I know this is seemingly impossible, but the entire weekend went off without a hitch and was better than we ever could have imagined. Throughout the weekend, our friends and family could not stop saying how incredible everything was and how every minute detail was perfectly thought out. I just can't put into words what a great time we and all of our guests had. My husband and I want everyone we know to get married here because we want to keep going back!

ce and presentation. Our cabin was imaculate ! The heated pavilion with the fire burning all weekend added the rustic touch we were looking for. And the barn was gorgeous. The grounds are incomparable to anything we had seen. All in all the weekend was the experience of a life time for us, and the beautiful bride and groom. A huge thanks to Stephanie and Lisa!!!!!

ything that my husband and I wanted for the perfect wedding weekend–excellent home made food, one-of-a-kind venues for different weekend events, activities for everyone, comfortable accommodations that enabled all of our friends and family to be together, and an amazing staff that made us feel that the place was our own. CLE is rustic and unconventional in many ways, but still has all the luxuries and beauty of a more a traditional venue. Guests are still telling us that our wedding was one of the warmest, most exciting and gorgeous weddings that they've been to. If it weren't for CLE's wonderfully kind and accommodating staff, my husband and I might not be married right now. We were supposed to get married in August, but had to cancel our wedding due to an an unexpected family emergency. As soon as I told Stephanie the news, she immediately offered to let us transfer everything to the only remaining date they had for the rest of the year in October. Everything. I truly don't believe that any other venue would have made that offer to us and, for that, I am eternally grateful. The weather during our "second" wedding weekend was less than perfect, but it didn't matter at all because we were just so happy to be there and the CLE team turned a freezing torrential downpour into one of the coziest, most magical and one-of-a-kind weddings. I know we're biased, but we also know it's true :) We feel so very lucky to have been married at CLE.

to book. The minimum cost is therefore a total misrepresentation and will cause brides trying to stick to a moderate budget to get disappointed & waste their time when the true $ amounts come in.

ur first visit, Stephanie, Lisa and Ashley made us feel like family. They helped us create the ultimate camp weekend, customizing every detail of our nearly 300-guest, 4-day wedding. They told us to reach out whenever we had questions, and they really meant it. They were always responsive, attentive and excited to help. They worked so well with every one of our vendors. They really made us feel like we had nothing to worry about, and they were right - it couldn't have been more perfect. Every member of the Karvellas and Cedar Lakes family went above and beyond to make our weekend what it was. With Stephanie and Ashley, planning was genuinely fun. The food by Lisa and her team was fresh, delicious and prepared with love. Gina helped us be in the right place at the right time, and Steve and Lisa made our guests feel at home. Not to mention Brian, Amanda, Charlie and the nearly 100 other members of the team who made sure the weekend went off without a hitch. Our friends and family are still telling us our wedding was the best they've ever been to (not something you hear every day), and we know this wouldn't be the case if it had been anywhere else. Now we're just waiting for one of our friends to get married at CLE so we can see what it's like to be guests!

al.* There are a few key qualities to the venue, and if you want these things, have your wedding at Cedar Lakes: 1. Amazing space to have all to yourself for the weekend. Invite all of your friends and family to spend time together in this gorgeous outdoor environment. 2. Terrific food. You will not get better food anywhere -- all of our guests were blown away. 3. The chance to have dozens (or more) stay onsite with you. This is a unique aspect of Cedar Lakes that you can't get other places. The accommodations are awesome. The chance to have non-wedding-reception other meals throughout the weekend give you the chance to visit with guests more. It's awesome. The owners and staff dealt with us in a highly personal and accommodating way, really trying to bring to fruition what we wanted. We could not have asked for more for our wedding at Cedar Lakes.

e for what to expect - all websites ranged from 10k for venue, some sites even listing average wedding costs between 55-75k total for a wedding at CLE. With that in mind, we emailed the venue and were shocked to see that the wedding feast minimum is listed at 65k despite number of people. The entire camp for the DAY is around $9,500. The entire camp for the WEEKEND is $19,500 + another $25,000 for added weekend meals (required). Ok. Not what I expected. But wait, the POC at the venue says "all prices and packages are negotiable." Sweet! So we scheduled a visit and spent the day visiting the camp. Boy, what a disappointment. At most, this venue is decent for the exorbitant price their asking for, which mind you, at this point you're already up to at least $75,000 ($10k for venue + $65k for food) just for food and wedding space. After touring the unimpressive "estate", we got down to discussing pricing. I consider myself a decent negotiator and having had the POC already mention that every price and package was negotiable, I was expecting SOME give. None. We had around 150 guests...at their food price that comes to over $400 per person...Let me again remind you that this venue is a refurbished summer camp...?? Making sense to any of you? Yeah, me neither. Her explanation was that in order to support the up keep of the estate, costs to bring everything on site and the fact that they're only open 6 months out of the year, they HAD to set the minimum to $75,000. Sounds like someone might HAVE to rethink their business model. In summary, my frustration stems from the misleading communication on pricing and the general lack of high quality amenities for the asking price. I'm writing this review to inform other brides-to-be on the ACTUAL price so they can be more aware of what this venue is asking for.

or us to spend multiple days with friends and family in a beautiful setting. Cedar Lakes definitely provides that plus much much more. The property itself is expansive and stunningly beautiful, but not in an overly manicured way. (Read Luxury Glamping, but not Country Club Stuffy). From the moment I arrived for our first visit I knew CLE was the right place for us to celebrate our marriage. The lake, the pool, the ceremony locations, the barn and the cottages are all equally exquisite - and then the blob, basketball courts and and sports fields added a playful feeling to the weekend that everybody appreciated. In addition to lovely event spaces and accommodations, the service and food provided by CLE cannot be outdone. The week of our wedding I knew that every detail would be taken care of, which allowed me to relax and enjoy time with our guests. Stephanie does an exceptional job of managing all "front-of-house" service (including their exceptional taste in decor and much more) and the food and beverages from Lisa and her team are truly gourmet (and also modern - ie mini chicken and waffles, not just typical boring wedding fare.) I honestly still dream about the food from the rehearsal dinner and wedding - everybody was raving about it all weekend. (Another CLE perk: The option to have your rehearsal dinner at a gorgeous long wooden table in a garden lit by twinkle lights and surrounded by flowers and fresh veggies - very reminiscent of a dinner in the Italian countryside and exactly what we had hoped for.) One of the best things about a wedding here is that it enables you to provide your guests with a whole weekend of beauty and fun, without an asinine amount of effort. I'd say if you're a couple with metropolitan taste and sensibilities but you want a wedding out of the city that feels effortlessly glamorous, without having the time to spend 1,000+ hours wedding planning, this is definitely the place for you. Really no matter who you are, this is the place for you. After it's all said and done I truly cannot imagine us getting married anywhere else, and we're both very happy that we made the decision to spend one of the most special weeks of our lives with Stephanie/Lisa and their team at Cedar Lakes. If you're on the fence about getting married here, don't think - just jump over the fence. It won't be regretted :)

vast grounds, beautiful property, incredible ceremony and reception locations and the genuine, loving family that runs it. Stephanie, Lisa and the entire CLE team made us feel like family from the very beginning. They went above and beyond to give us the wedding weekend of our dreams, and they even managed to surpass every single one of our expectations. I know this is probably rare to hear, but the entire weekend went off without a hitch. From the moment we all arrived, our friends and family could not stop saying how incredible everything was and how no detail was left untouched. The food was AMAZING - Lisa is the most talented chef we have ever met. Her food it not only delicious, but it is presented so beautifully that you really feel like you are in a 5 star restaurant. Stephanie is an incredibly talented logistics coordinator. She made it so that I did not have to worry about a thing for the entire weekend. If you want a unique, glamorous yet rustic wedding, Cedar Lakes Estate is the place for you. We are still over the moon with the entire experience and cannot wait to return!!

vast grounds, beautiful property, incredible ceremony and reception locations and the genuine, loving family that runs it. Stephanie, Lisa and the entire CLE team made us feel like family from the very beginning. They went above and beyond to give us the wedding weekend of our dreams, and they even managed to surpass every single one of our expectations. I know this is probably rare to hear, but the entire weekend went off without a hitch. From the moment we all arrived, our friends and family could not stop saying how incredible everything was and how no detail was left untouched. The food was AMAZING - Lisa is the most talented chef we have ever met. Her food it not only delicious, but it is presented so beautifully that you really feel like you are in a 5 star restaurant. Stephanie is an incredibly talented logistics coordinator. She made it so that I did not have to worry about a thing for the entire weekend. If you want a unique, glamorous yet rustic wedding, Cedar Lakes Estate is the place for you. We are still over the moon with the entire experience and cannot wait to return!!

ur wedding venue. Unfortunately, after getting engaged, we found out that they were booked every weekend we were interested in. Stephanie, however, promised to be in touch if anything changed, and as soon as she heard of a cancellation she made contact. This was just the beginning of the CLE team going above and beyond to accommodate us and our needs. Since we live overseas Stephanie and Lisa met with my parents on site several times and spent many hours figuring out how to help us throw a weekend-long Kosher and observant Jewish event. They made sure to strike the perfect balance between respecting our traditions and all the while making sure everything still felt like CLE. When my fiance and I were finally able to visit the venue for ourselves Stephanie gave us the full tour, despite having already spent so much time showing my parents around. By that point our relationship with Stephanie felt more like friendship than vendor and client. Once the Friday of the wedding weekend arrived, everything from the grounds to the amenities to the cabins to the staff was absolutely lovely and perfect! During the dancing after the wedding ceremony, I suddenly didn't feel very well and Stephanie stayed by my side and gave me food and drink until I was ready to get back up. It's hard to imagine many venues where the owner and event coordinator double as care taker for the bride. Simply put, we couldn't be happier with how everything turned out, and friends and family continually tell us it was one of the best and most beautiful weddings they've ever been to. It's hard to find the words to express just how grateful and appreciative we are for everything the CLE staff did, and we literally feel that our wedding dream came true thanks to CLE. You won't be dissappointed if you choose to marry there.

ilities to the well-trained staff, you can't ask for anything more. Stephanie and Lisa were incredibly accommodating and worked with us to address our unique set of needs for the weekend. If you are considering a country wedding, stop reading right now and contact CLE immediately! If you are lucky, the date you want will still be available. You won't be sorry.

worked with Alimay Events as our wedding planners because we knew that there were a ton of logistics to coordinate, but if you are more of a DIY bride, then having a wedding planner isn't 100% necessary. From the minute Stephanie gave us a tour of the property, we instantly connected and I knew that I had found exactly what I was looking for in not only the property and functionality of the venue, but that I would be working with a family that poured their heart and soul into making couples wedding dreams come true. There are a few locations options to use for your ceremony at CLE - the Mountaintop, Amphitheater, Great Lawn, etc. and it was really awesome to follow along through the summer (on Instagram @thesistersofcedarlakes) to see how each couple made their wedding unique. We had planned to get married on the Mountaintop, but due to rain we held our ceremony in the Pavillon. I was devastated until I saw the stunningly beautiful transformation that took place in the Pavillon. It was dreamy, romantic and cozy and our guests had no idea that it was our plan B!! CLE provides an incredible canvas to build from and create the wedding that dreams are made of! We had ~30 guests stay on the property in the Sleepy Pine Cottages, Bluebird, Poolside Cabana and I used the Lakeside Cottage as my bridal suite for the weekend. The other guests stayed at two hotels nearby (The Hampton Inn and the Marriott) and we had buses shuttling people to/from CLE throughout the weekend. I can't say enough good things about the food! Lisa blew us away with customizable menus and our guests raved that it was the best food they had ever had at a wedding! My husband has a ton of food allergies and Lisa went above and beyond to make sure all of the dishes were made without any cross-contamination. I can't speak highly enough of Stephanie and Lisa and the rest of the staff at CLE, they were thoughtful, accommodating and flexible throughout the entire planning process. I am so grateful to have had our wedding and experience the magic that is CLE, LOVE IT!!

t was served the entire weekend, the INCREDIBLE hospitality/service that was given to me and my guests throughout the entire weekend, I have Cedar Lakes Estate to thank for EVERYTHING. On my first visit at CLE, I fell in love and my imagination went wild with ideas for my wedding- but on that first visit, I never could have imagined how amazing my actual wedding would have been. Some highlights include: a day with my guests floating at the pool and blobbing on the lake, my rehearsal dinner with homemade flavored marshmallows for s'more, golf carting around the beautiful camp grounds, my ceremony with the most spectacular views of the Hudson, the absolutely most incredibly delicious food ( fried chicken and waffles apps, tomato soup with mini grilled cheese, chocolate cookies with a shot of milk, red velvet cake in mason jars), cocktail hour with specialty drinks by the lake, my first dance under 9 spectacularly beautiful chandeliers in the gorgeous rustic barn, after party at the tree house with a bonfire. I mean really- Cedar Lakes Estate gave me the wedding that I could have never imagined. The grounds, the staff, the amenities, the cabins and the food isn't even the best part of CLE--- the Karvellas family is! Stephanie (the Event Coordinator) was a dream to work with from start to finish. She was so responsive, so approachable, so relatable, so helpful and even surprised me and ordered my favorite specialty beers and served them the whole wedding weekend! Lisa (the chef) came up with the most delicious creations the entire weekend and was SO accommodating to my guests who had eating restrictions- she even made me and my husband special root beer floats at the end of the night! When my wedding planner totally messed up a few things at my wedding- these two stepped up and fixed it all. They made me feel so clam, so relaxed and so happy the entire weekend! These two went above and beyond for us and I will forever be grateful for them and the dreamland of Cedar Lakes Estate!

ay to Sunday. Those who wanted more conventional lodgings stayed at the two hotels that are about 15 minutes away. We had approximately 240 people for the wedding itself and 150 on the grounds for most of the weekend. Stephanie made sure that the grounds were perfect and anticipated so many things that our guests enjoyed (games for the younger people, bonfires, smores, etc.). Lisa's food was incredible and our guests are still talking about it. We wanted pies instead of a cake and Lisa arranged for us to have delicious seasonal pies from a local baker. We were married on the hilltop, and our photographer told us that the views were some of the best he'd seen at any wedding. The barn (reception hall) is also fantastic. If you go to visit during the day, you won't be able to appreciate how beautiful the lighting is at night. The barn is lit up with strings of lights and the whole place glows a soft red/orange that's beautiful in photos. If you're looking for a lovely, rustic outdoor location where you can celebrate for days with all of your family and friends, this is the place for you.

the only wedding they'd ever had the pleasure of planning. The venue was exactly what we were looking for; rustic and serene but with the perfect element of fun. We wanted gorgeous mountaintop toasts at sunset and a rousing wedding day kickball game followed by water sports. We wanted a romantic ceremony tucked in the trees near the lake and a big rowdy reception with wild flowers and candle light. We wanted an after-party in a laidback setting with a campfire and s'mores and we wanted a poolside Sunday morning brunch. We got all of this and then some. From the first moment we met Steph and Lisa at CLE, until the moment we drove away the day after our wedding, everything about our weekend was exactly as we'd hoped. Planning was low-stress and so much fun, and the weekend itself was the most wonderful time we have ever had. Sure, we got lucky with the weather, but nothing else was luck or chance. Every single aspect of our weekend came from planning and working with people who are not just professional, but who are friendly and helpful and excited to be a part of your special day. Stephanie thought of everything to make our wedding extraordinary, and Lisa designed a menu with us that had even our most skeptical guests positively raving. From a Friday night BBQ with perfectly fried chicken to the many food stations at our reception, including shrimp fra diavolo, miniature reubens, and homemade burrata, Lisa knocked it out of the park. If you're looking for a wedding mill with set menus and a handful of events each weekend then this is not the place for you. If you really want to plan something magical, something so special that all of your guests will be talking about it for years to come, then check out Cedar Lakes Estate. They made us feel like family, and we had one wild time.

arting the venue hunt, we were looking for something rustic yet classy, raw space that we could make our own, and FOOD was very important to us. I did a bunch of research online, found a handful of places, but CLE stood out to us the most. It was the only place we checked out, booked it that day. First off, we loved the fact that it's Family Run...Stephanie and Lisa were absolutely amazing. Chef Lisa's food was out of this world. My guests are still raving. Farm-to-Table, can't get any better than that. Everything was unbelievable. Pig Roast...Mini Fried Chicken&Waffles, to the Braised Short Ribs, to the little milk shots & cookies. Their menu has it all. They are also willing to add special foods that you love to your Wedding Weekend to make it more personalized. Stephanie is the coordinator/planner. Her attention to detail was impeccable. We knew once we got to CLE that everything from there on out was going to be smooth sailing. We had a couple of rough weeks leading up to the Wedding Weekend, but as soon as we got there, all we did was relax and have an amazing time. These girls know exactly what they are doing. I have had multiple family and friends tell me that our Wedding was the best wedding they have ever been to. Words can not even describe how that makes us feel, but we have the Karvellas Family to thank. The whole family made us feel like we were at home and a part of their family. From the Lake to the Mountaintop View...the cabins...the food...the attentive staff...our Wedding was more than we could ever imagine. I am ready to do it all over again! Some brides say they are relieved it is all over...we had the exact opposite feeling...I never wanted that weekend to end.

the Karvellas family was an absolute dream come true. From the time we stepped on the property, we knew it was exactly what we were looking for. Property: The perfect mix of laid back 'camp' & outdoors feel with upscale touches and amazing amenities. As outdoor-y people, we knew we wanted somewhere to have the majority of our time with our guests spent outside and between the lake, zipline, blob, and grounds, we not only got our wish for the ceremony but for the entire weekend. Our guests just raved about how much there was to do and most chose to spend the entire weekend either on site or nearby at the Hampton Inn. Every site around the entire property was immaculate, from the most rustic camper cabins that friends crashed in to the beautiful garden. Literally every detail was cared for. Food: BEYOND - just honestly, some of the best farm-to-table presentation and taste we've ever seen, let alone seen at a wedding. I think by this point, we have been to thirty+ friends' weddings and everyone agreed this food was unbelievable. We opted for the stations rather than sit down and I was so happy because it let people continue to mingle, enjoy the photo booth, and eat to their hearts content! We also highly recommend the ice cream sundae & milkshakes bar = ) Decor: We used Meg Low at That Time Events and could not have been happier. She executed flawlessly on my vision for the day and brought in so many amazing surprises. We got married on Flag Day and she knew we loved patriotic themes, so for the food pavilion she made us a gorgeous reclaimed wood flag. The flowers and her personal touches made the day feel so intimate and personal. Service: Stephanie was unbelievable - so professional, catered to every ask and item we could have hoped for and happily put up with all my emails and calls for the year leading up to the wedding! She is truly one of a kind and helped to put us completely at ease. Lisa was also amazing - her ability to cater her food to meet your preferences and offer an expansive selection of options was really unparalleled to any other venues we looked at. I think most impressive though was how their staff looked after us the entire weekend. They were so in tune to every guests' need and especially to ours, they waited on us hand and foot throughout the weekend. Some of the most hard working and lovely people who truly made sure that the weekend went on without a hitch! Value: Although the venue was definitely at the top of our budget, it was worth absolutely every penny. The level of professionalism and ownership for each and every part of the weekend was incredible. Stephanie and Lisa hold your hand from beginning to end and ensure that every whim is met and every expectation exceeded. You can tell that their entire family holds Cedar Lakes as a labor of love and pours their hearts into everything they do. As you can tell, we literally can't say enough good things - I just wish we could do it all over again!! Thank you Cedar Lakes for making our special day even more amazing than we could have ever imagined!

e a weekend event and our bridal party and family could stay on site, and we could have an outdoor ceremony. Our wedding vision was of a fun weekend full of activities and a laid back vibe. That is exactly what we got. From the lake activities, the lodging, the food, to the beautiful setting, it was just perfect . Not only is the property absolutely gorgeous, the staff and service were top notch. Stephanie + Lisa really let us control how everything would happen and they were flexible on letting us make decisions. They were so easy to work with and their entire family was so warm and inviting. They really made us feel at home. Chef Lisa went above and beyond to accommodate my families special dietary needs The food was delicious and months later all of our guests are still raving about it. All of our guest were raving about the food and their experience. We are already planning a trip with our friends there next year! Best Place Ever!

ff and they did exactly what they said they would. They are a newer venue so we were expecting a few hiccups and over sights-and there were none. Our guests were floored by the perfectly groomed grounds, the attentive staff, the 5 star restaurant cuisine and the unique weekend that was offered to our guests. Food: When serving at a camp to over 220+ you would expect standard wedding food. No, the entire weekend Chef Lisa Karvellas went above and beyond with her intimate touches and made the food a roaring hit. From the summer salad perfectly blended with dressing and toppings, to the ribs falling off the bone- people were in awe and going up for seconds even thirds. DIY encouraged: This privately owned estate allowed for all my DIY touches, no noise restrictions, beautiful accommodations on site. From our parents questions (and boy did they have questions) to the continuous one on one attention from Stephanie & Lisa, they made planning a wedding from the west coast seamless. I wouldn’t say I am a bridezilla, but I have a vision and a particular style. Accommodations: They have an array of housing options which was great for our friends and our elderly guests. Able to hold over 50+ people, this was a huge perk as we didn't want anyone to feel they couldnt stay on the grounds if they wanted too. The different tiers allowed for true campers all the way to a higher end "glamping" option in brand new bungalows. All the cabins were in great shape and each person who stayed felt apart of the weekend. The camp is not too large so you do not feel you're away from the action. We loved that the recreational side of the camp was away from the beauty in which you were surrounded by for the entire weekend but had the option to use. When you do planning for a living, its challenging to give the reigns to others. After our wedding, my husband and I would have changed NOTHING and we owe it ALL to Cedar Lakes Estate. I am happy to speak to anyone regarding my process, vendors and further experience as this truly was a wedding to remember. Thank you Stephanie & Lisa- you started our marriage out perfect, just like you both know I like it.

on to detail from the planner Stephanie is immaculate and the overall experience for vendors and guests alike were once in a lifetime. I cannot say enough good things about the estate, family and the wedding I attended/shot here in September 2012. I HIGHLY recommend this location for your wedding. It surely will not disappoint. From the moment you pass through the gates you know you are in for a treat. As a photographer I was in paradise. My job was soooo much easier because every angle is picturesque. There is a serene lake at the center of the estate and it is surrounded by cabins ranging rustic to modern chic and can accommodate providing great opportunities for "getting ready" shots. The bride was married on the top of a hill on the backside of the estate which overlooked the entire valley. Reminded me so much of Florence, Italy... unbelievable green rolling hills and endless views. A cocktail party was hosted by the lake where guests crowded around a roaring fire pit and sparkling pool while enjoying delicious appetizers and cocktails. Could not take a bad picture in the soft blue twilight. The centerpiece of the estate, the gorgeous refurbished barn, hosted the reception. Strung with glittering lights and floor to ceiling windows it felt like you were dancing under the stars. From the rehearsal dinner to the goodbye brunch everything was picture perfect. Happy guests = great pictures. My job was a breeze, I enjoyed every minute, and best of all there were all smiles in my photos! Can't wait to shoot there again. 100/100 A++. xo, Tina Tina and Coco Photography http://www.Tinaandcoco.com

detail Cedar Lakes had to offer. This place was soooo unique!!! We immediately saw the potential for a knockout weekend wedding to wow our guests. We're hands-on type of brides, so with some welcomed creativity we were able to really put our personal details throughout. . This is a family owned full service operation and they couldn't be lovelier. They saw to every single detail we requested and made us feel like part of their own family. The grounds are huge and just breathtaking - there's a private lake on site, a huge barn, plus other unique dwellings, 2 pools, and an incredible scenic mountaintop. We were able to use multiple venues on the grounds to showcase different sessions of our event allowing us to really be honored in a way one could only dream of. There are private luxury cottages available for about 30 people or so, with the rest of our guests given the option to stay in camper style cabins. Those unenthused about staying in the camper cabins (older guests really) were given the option to stay in a Holiday Inn only about 20 minutes away. Stephanie prepared all the luxury cottages onsite to be occupied by our bridal party and close family. She saw to it that not only did the event run smoothly but that all needs of our guests were met. Cedar Lakes just built a cluster of new cottages that sleep about 20, which was just perfect for our bridal party. These new cabins are absolutely gorgeous - a perfectly styled mix of rustic luxury. The attention to detail really came through. They were warm and intimate allowing our guests to individually enjoy their stay just as much as being a part of our special day .I travel often for work; these 5 star cabins were much, much cozier than any hotel I've ever stayed in. Our ceremony was held on the mountaintop. It was **breathtaking**. The staff set the stage perfectly; they even had a gorgeous handmade arbor.(incredible) I couldn't have imagined a more perfect setting for the ceremony. The reception was even better in their incredible barn. It's all done in stunning 100 year old reclaimed barn wood with low strung soft lights - really like a page out of magazines and wedding blogs!!!! The food, the food, the food was really something. Chef Lisa executed these culinary delights , a home-style feel; far from typical wedding food. You could tell everything was homemade and made with pride, from homemade pizzas for a casual lunch the day before to bouillabaisse and braised short ribs for the reception. We teamed up with Chef Lisa to fine tune the menu for the entire weekend. She couldn't be more accommodating; her excellence shined through at each gathering. Our guests were just blown away; many of them commented that it was the best wedding they had ever been to. The serenity of Cedar Lakes made the perfect backdrop for our day, allowing our love and energy to shine. The food, the grounds, the kindness of the staff and owners...all of this came together to make a remarkable day and quite an impression. This is something you could never get from your typical venue. When we look back and re-live the best day of our lives we have Cedar Lakes to thank. There is no other place that offers alllllll that our weekend ensued. I had the opportunity to marry the woman of my dream

of them). From barn dimensions to lighting options! I was able to visit the property and event locations multiple times prior to the event which was a big help. Space was provided for my supplies and to put the final touches on my floral arrangements. They let me use their ladders & their staff was so willing to pitch in when I needed help moving from one location to the next. If you’re having your wedding here, don't forget to rent the carts they have available. Also, it's a good idea to have an itinerary & map printed for guest so they know where they can explore. I also have to mention the family and local vibe they have! It’s family run and the farm to table food is unique & delicious. I even got a tour of the kitchen where they just got local herbs delivered - amazing! The staff never stops, if they can accommodate you they will! If they would have let me, I would have moved into one of the new cottages...when you’re there, you just feel at home. A magical place to enjoy your special day. Cheers! Meg ThatTimeEvents.com