VENUE FEE INCLUSIONS

Your venue includes exclusive access to The Kester Homestead and all the spaces needed to host a beautifully curated wedding — from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception — all on nearly 10 acres of forest and farmland in gorgeous Upstate New York. Our historic property is exquisitely furnished and thoughtfully styled, ready to make your day truly magical, with on-site accommodations for you and your bridal party. The charming village of Skaneateles is just 7 miles away, and Syracuse Hancock Airport is only 20 minutes from the estate. The Kester Homestead is a one-of-a-kind property unlike any other. We can’t wait to meet you under the twinkling night sky.

General Property Highlights

  • Historic Victorian Estate, The 1854 House, for you and your bridal party with optional weekend stay

  • Pool, fire pit, flower garden, chickens, and a sleeping treehouse

  • Large Gambrel Barn to host up to 170 guests with tables, chairs, place settings, lounges, rugs, high tops, and curated props included

  • Ceremony space in our Woodlands Cathedral

  • Cocktail Hour in our Wild Garden

  • Parking for ~75 cars on-site, with an attendant for the first hour

  • Complimentary bonfire after dinner

  • Wedding season runs mid-May through October

Ceremony, Cocktail Hour & Reception Spaces

WOODLANDS CATHEDRAL – Wander the path past the barn and down into the forest to discover our Woodlands Cathedral.


What this space includes:

  • Vintage church pews

  • Reclaimed wood arbor (can be decorated with florals or fabric)

  • Small altar for officiant

  • Vintage rug runners

  • Reserved signs

  • Water station (if requested)

  • Pop-up tent for musicians in case of rain

  • Event Coordinator leading your rehearsal and wedding day

  • Rain plan: Fieldstone Barn or Gambrel Barn for extreme weather, depending on guest count

WILD GARDEN – After the “I dos”, we’ll show you a secret path through the forest to our Wild Garden for cocktails. Some couples choose a to host a signature cocktail or champagne toast along the trail.

What this space includes:

  • Cocktail hour bar with vintage metal buckets for drinks

  • Four high-top tables in Wild Garden, two additional high-tops on the deck

  • Six-foot table for appetizers

  • Bonfire area with three benches

  • Option to add two 6-foot tables and twelve chairs for extra seating

  • Event Coordinator leading vendors and timeline

  • Rain plan: Fieldstone Barn or Gambrel Barn, depending on guest count

GAMBREL BARN – A spectacular, 42ft ceiling creates a truly stunning backdrop for dinner and dancing. Host up to 170 guests with antique rugs for dancing, large salvaged bar, farm tables and romantic industrial chandeliers. Large French doors open to the Wild Garden for a seamless cocktail-to-reception transition.


What this space includes:

  • (17) farm tables

  • (170) metal Tolix bistro chairs

  • Place settings for each guest (vintage white plates, sterling flatware, grainsack napkins, copper water cups, sling-top water vessels)

  • Large dance floor rugs

  • Two stationary leather lounges

  • Large bar with bar back

  • Use of curated Prop Closet (brass candlesticks, card box, umbrellas, storage vessels, drink dispensers, vintage dessert trays)

  • Two large fans (no AC or heat inside the barn)

  • Event Coordinator leading vendors and timeline

Amenities & Facilities

  • Five ADA-compliant restrooms – each with private sink and toilet; one includes a shower for overnight or glamping guests

  • Caterer’s prep area – three-bay sinks, refrigerator, and prep counters for service (no cooking allowed)

  • Wedding suite – Charming space for getting ready or staging

  • Tables & chairs – Seating for ~150 guests, including sweetheart table; choose from two layout options

  • Prop Closet – Plates, napkins, copper cups, silverware, two lounge sets, and rotating vintage décor items

  • Bonfire pit & firewood – Staff assist with setup; firewood provided

  • Parking – Up to 75 cars within walking distance to ceremony and reception spaces

  • Couples Portal – Private online planning portal with vendor recommendations, floor plans, and timeline tools

  • Clean space – Venue delivered swept, pews vacuumed, surfaces wiped; personal décor set aside for pick-up, while vendors handle final cleanup

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Food, Bar & Other Vendors – Couples may choose vendors freely, but catering and bartending must be booked through our preferred partners (Root Catering, Scratch Farmhouse Catering, The Sherwood Inn, or FLX Feast & Co.) or approved in advance to ensure a seamless experience.

Event Insurance – Couples are responsible for securing their own event insurance. This is a nominal fee, and details are provided in the Couples Portal. The Kester Homestead is fully insured.

Bar Glassware & Ice – Glassware is not provided and should be arranged with your bartender. Ice is also not provided on-site and must be supplied by your catering or bar team.

Tips & Gratuity – for The Kester Homestead team and your other vendors - distributed by our Event Coordinator at the end of the evening