Jul 18

Jul 18 Paris in New York Wedding: New York: USA

Paris in New York Wedding: New York: USA

Tell us about your venue. How long have you been holding weddings and how many weddings do you hold per year?

The Collins Homestead hosts Paris in New York Weddings. The Homestead was our great great Grandfather’s place of employment as a farmhand when he emigrated from Galway, Ireland in 1846. His son eventually bought the farm and raised our grandfather, Harry Collins, here with his brothers and sister. One can feel Ireland emanating from the rolling fields of green and fences made of stone no matter where you stand. The family lost the farm in 1956 and we got it back in 2006. The 1850s farmhouse has been totally renovated but we kept the vintage charm. The large dairy barn, now affectionately known as “Harrys Barn” has been cleaned out, reconstructed inside adding electricity & plumbing, and improved with an elegant but rustic dining room, an outside courtyard, indoor bathrooms, a full bar, a mezzanine and a cocktail space leading to the courtyard below. We have met New York State building codes so we are not only fireproofed but safe with plenty of exits and plenty of light.

We have been holding weddings outside with tents for 7 years and started offering the barn in 2015 for weddings, graduation parties, dances, proms & conferences. We have approximately 20 weddings under our belts and with each wedding and each party we see how special our venue is to the people who attend. The Collins Homestead grounds are always available for wedding guests to roam and enjoy with horseshoes, garden chess, a playground for children, tree swing, gardens to walk and we are just reviewing plans for our new chapel which should be available in 2019 & will have amphitheater seating outside as well as seating for approximately 30 people inside.

Our wedding season runs from late April to mid-October always hoping we stay ahead of the snow.

Why should a couple consider your venue over other venues?

We have learned that every venue has its own claim to fame and we see ours as special in that while we cannot accommodate weddings with more than 100 guests (for a sit down dinner) nor more than 125 for weddings using the entire barn, we do offer beautiful old world charm - quaint, rustic & romantic - with enough modern touches like plenty of electric power & interior bathrooms to make the day chaos free. Our couples feel embraced by the warmth of their surroundings, instead of being lost in a voluminous hangar style setting where a smaller group can be overwhelmed by the size of the room.

What’s the first thing couples usually ask when they come and see you?

“Where can we have our ceremony?” We have 80 acres with some absolutely gorgeous places for an open air ceremony; couples have used our Angel Stand for the ceremony or our grape arbor (especially in the Fall when the colors explode).

“Can you recommend a caterer?” Yes , we can.

“Can we use the farmhouse to dress and take photographs?” Yes, the house is opened for 3 hours the day of your wedding if you have not rented it for the day or the weekend.

What size functions can you hold/host?

Our dining room seats 100 for a sit down dinner and up to 125 if the entirety of Harry’s Barn is used.

We have hosted weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, proms, barn dances, conferences, corporate events; graduation parties; birthday parties; family reunions; wine tastings in the courtyard,

Mother’s Day Tea…so far.

Can couples bring in their own caterer? What about alcohol?

We highly recommend a local award winning caterer but couples can bring in any caterer and can stock the bar as they wish.

Can the ceremony be held at your venue?

Yes! We have multiple and varied areas for an open air ceremony; our chapel will be available by the Spring of 2019 with amphitheater seating outside; we have an exquisite spot at the very back of our 80 acres (we can provide the transportation, of course) for sunset ceremonies surrounded with the splendor of nature and loved ones. We can even offer the cocktail hour at this spot before transporting everyone back to Harry’s Barn. Inclement weather only requires the use of Harry’s Barn with its ancient wood surrounding everyone in the warmth of hand hewn beams and timbers. The most memorable weddings have occurred in the mezzanine with the guests watching from below.

Are the couple free to decorate as they like?

Of course with a few restrictions but not many (we do not like feathers or confetti). We always have one of the property owners on site for the day before and the day of to make sure everything is approved, working and to assist with set up. We are a DIY venue but we help!.

If your venue is outdoors is there a backup space in case of rain?

Yes! Harrys’s Barn is not going anywhere and is large enough to accommodate a wedding ceremony with up to 125 guests.

Could you give our readers some indication of the range of prices for hiring your venue?

We offer a $12,000.00 package for 50 that includes the venue, catering, pianist during the cocktail & dinner hour, beer & wine, experienced bartender. The rate increases by $2,750.00 for each additional 25 guests up to 125.

To simply rent the Collins Homestead for the day, the base price is $4,500.00. The farmhouse is also available to rent.

How early do couples need to book you?

Ideally, we would like weddings booked at least six months prior to the date chosen. We have some bookings for 2020, so as couples seek to book, we are happy to be chosen.

What time at night can weddings stay at your venue?

10:30 pm is the latest.

Do you offer accommodation options?

Our farmhouse sleeps 8 and has 2 and a half baths and can be rented for $500.00 a night. We can also recommend local hotel partners and shuttle bus transportation to and from our venue.

What other (if any) wedding services do you offer?

Wedding favors, centerpieces, suggestions for signature cocktails, hotel goodie bags, champagne in the bridal room, florists, DJ, photographers; after hours party with sliders and s’mores; breathtaking Fireworks display – expensive but well worth it! Basically, we can help with all wedding coordination or steer you in the right direction!

How can people get in contact with you?

Through our website (www.parisinnewyork.com); email: parisinnewyork1724@gmail.com; or give a call to 315/731-0495. We are always happy to schedule a tour though by appointment only.

Photos of Paris in New York

About Nicholas

"One of the World's Best Wedding Photographers". I've been been a professional wedding photographer for 15 years. My work has appeared in Harpers Bazaar UK, the New York Times, Style Me Pretty and brides.com. In 2015 Style Me Pretty interviewed me, in 2016 Complete Wedding Magazine called me "One of the World's Best Wedding Photographers".