West Hills Country Club
121 Golf Links Rd, Middletown, NY 10940
Yes
As a wedding photographer, I am thrilled to share with you my thoughts about the West Hills Country Club in Middletown.
Middletown is a charming town located in the Hudson Valley region of New York. It is known for its natural beauty and historic landmarks. The town offers a mix of rural and suburban living with plenty of outdoor activities. This makes it an ideal location for couples looking for a peaceful and picturesque place to tie the knot.
The West Hills Country Club has a rich history dating back to the 1950s when it was established. Over the years, it has become a premier wedding venue, known for its elegance, charm, and exceptional service. The venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces, each with its unique charm, making it the perfect place to host a wedding.
The venue offers several locations for getting ready, including bridal suites with plenty of natural light. This makes it easy to capture stunning pre-wedding photos. The outdoor ceremony site provides breathtaking views of the rolling hills, while the cocktail hour and reception spaces offer sophistication and rustic charm.
Here are some of the popular locations at the West Hills Country Club that I find perfect for wedding photography:
The outdoor ceremony site: The outdoor ceremony site offers breathtaking views of the hills and ample natural light.
The ballroom: The ballroom features elegant chandeliers, stunning high ceilings, and large windows, allowing natural light to flow in, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The golf course: The golf course provides a beautiful backdrop for photos, with rolling hills and sprawling greenery. I've photographed first looks here, and it's a wonderful spot.
With the gorgeous golf course, there is no reason to want to leave West Hills for additional photos. However, if you do here are some of my favorite spots:
The Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park (15-minute drive) The Walkway over the Hudson State Historic Park is a pedestrian bridge that spans the Hudson River in New York State. It connects Poughkeepsie on the east bank of the Hudson with Highland on the west bank. The bridge opened in 2009, and was the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. The bridge is a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and cyclists. It offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding landscape. The Walkway over the Hudson is also a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset when the bridge is bathed in golden light. The park also features a visitors' center, picnic areas, and access to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail.
The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (20-minute drive) The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a historic landmark located in Hyde Park, New York. It was once Frederick William Vanderbilt's country estate. The mansion was designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style by McKim, Mead & White and completed in 1899. It is situated on a sprawling estate that spans over 200 acres, overlooking the Hudson River.
The mansion has been preserved and restored, and it serves as a museum that showcases wealthy families' lifestyle in the Gilded Age. The interior features opulent furnishings, art, and architecture, as well as a collection of decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can take guided tours of the mansion to learn about its history and see its many elegant rooms. These rooms include a grand staircase, a billiards room, and a library.
The Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is also known for its stunning gardens and grounds. The estate features a formal Italian garden, a rose garden, and a rock garden, among others. The gardens are maintained by the National Park Service and are open to the public for walking, picnicking, and enjoying scenic views of the Hudson River.
Bannerman Castle (40-minute drive) Bannerman Castle is a historic landmark located on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, about 50 miles north of New York City. It was built by Francis Bannerman VI, a Scottish immigrant and military surplus dealer, as a storage facility for his growing collection of surplus military equipment. This was in the early 1900s.
The castle's design is a mix of different styles, including Scottish baronial and Gothic revival, giving it an unusual and striking appearance. Bannerman also built several other structures on the island, including a residence for himself and his family.
After Bannerman's death in 1918, the castle and surrounding property were abandoned for many years, and the structures fell into disrepair. In the 1960s, New York acquired the island and restored the castle and other structures.
Today, visitors can tour the castle and the island, enjoying stunning views of the Hudson River and the surrounding scenery. The castle itself is open for guided tours during the warmer months, and visitors can also explore the island's hiking trails and picnic areas.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve (45-minute drive) Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a 22,275-acre preserve located in Ulster County, New York. The park is situated on Shawangunk Ridge, known for its rugged terrain, picturesque cliffs, and stunning views of the Hudson Valley. The park is popular for hiking, rock climbing, swimming, picnicking, and fishing, among others.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve was established in 1993 after New York State purchased the land from the Smiley family. The Smiley family had owned the property for many years. Within its boundaries is Minnewaska Lake, which is the park's name. The lake is popular for swimming and fishing.
The park features numerous hiking trails that range in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Some of the most popular trails include the Lake Minnewaska Loop, which offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. In addition, the Gertrude's Nose Trail, leads to a scenic overlook with views of the Hudson Valley.
At the West Hills Country Club, I am confident I can capture the beauty of your wedding day. With my experience and expertise in natural light photography, I can help you create timeless and memorable photographs that you will treasure for a lifetime. Whether you are looking for candid shots, portraits, or romantic images, I will work with you to capture the essence of your wedding day.
In closing, I highly recommend the West Hills Country Club as a stunning wedding venue that offers breathtaking views, elegant spaces, and exceptional service. As a photographer, I am confident that I can capture the beauty and magic of your day at this wonderful venue.