A Fall Private Estate Wedding in Germantown, NY at Southwood Estate | A Hudson Valley Wedding

Elle and Matthew's fall wedding took place at Southwood Estate, a private estate venue that sat high above the Hudson River in Germantown, New York, with sweeping views across the valley into the Catskill Mountains. While the estate still stands, the venue has since closed, but the memory of that day, golden October light, an intimate Hudson riverside ceremony, a reception that felt like a dinner party among the people they love most, is exactly why I do this work.

If you're planning a Hudson Valley wedding at a private estate, check out Olivia & Matt’s Summer Estate wedding here

What other private estate venues in the Hudson Valley are similar to Southwood Estate?

While it’s hard to replicate what Southwood offered, some beautiful alternatives are Glynwood Farm Estate, Arrow Park, and Roxbury Barn & Estate

Venue: A Private Estate, Germantown, New York Photography: Kimberly Coccagnia — Hudson Valley & NYC Documentary Wedding Photographer Season: Autumn | Hudson Valley, NY

A bride in a long, elegant white dress standing near a large window, adjusting her hair.
A woman in a long white dress standing in a room by a window, looking down, with a chair and a small table behind her.
A bride with long wavy hair sitting on a chair in a room with large windows. She is putting on white boots while wearing a white dress, and there is a small table with a candle on it to her side.
A woman in a wedding dress looking out a window in a room with wooden paneling and a chair.
Two women, one holding a bouquet of flowers, are smiling at each other in a room.
A woman with long, wavy hair is holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling, while another woman in satin pajamas is smiling and looking at her. In the background, a third woman is looking at her phone.
A blonde woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of pastel-colored flowers, smiling softly indoors with sheer curtains in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a woman in a long dress holding a bouquet of flowers, interacting with a dog indoors near a large window.
A woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers, seen from the back, with three women in the background in a blurred setting.
A group of five women in matching pajamas gathered in a hallway, smiling and reacting happily to a woman holding a bouquet, likely at a bridal shower or celebration.
A woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers is looking at her reflection in a mirror, surrounded by four women and two young girls.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, walking down the steps of a porch with white columns and black shutters.
A dog standing on grass outside, framed by bushes and a wooden gate, with a house and trees in the background.
A woman in a wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, walking outdoors near a large bush with a building in the background.
A smiling man in a tuxedo with a boutonniere on his lapel, standing outdoors among blooming hydrangea flowers.
A black and white photograph of a woman smiling at a man, with blurred background, outdoors.
Black and white photograph of a couple outdoors, the woman smiling at the man with long hair, both dressed formally, possibly at a wedding or special event.
A black-and-white photo of a couple outdoors, close up, about to kiss, with trees and foliage in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple at their wedding, with the woman smiling and touching the man's chest. The man is seen from the back, wearing a suit, and the woman has long wavy hair and a bracelet on her wrist.
A black and white photo of a couple kissing outdoors, with the woman smiling and the man in a suit, embracing each other.
A couple on their wedding day outdoors, with the bride holding a bouquet and looking happy and emotional, while the groom stands facing her. The scene is set in a garden with trees and a hedge in the background.
A bride and groom standing outdoors on their wedding day, smiling and looking into each other's eyes. The bride is holding a bouquet of flowers, and a large white dog with black spots is sitting in front of them, looking happy.
A bride and groom exchanging wedding vows outdoors, surrounded by blooming trees and greenery.
A woman in a white dress holding a bouquet, a man in a blue suit, and a Dalmatian dog in a garden with green trees and bushes.
Black and white photo of a happy couple, a woman and a man, close to each other with their faces touching, smiling with eyes closed, outdoors with blurred foliage around them.
A black and white photo of a couple kissing, with the man holding the woman's face gently and the woman with long wavy hair, both dressed formally.
A young woman in a white dress standing outdoors near a lake with trees in the background.
A woman with long wavy hair smiling softly, wearing earrings and rings, holding her hair back with one hand, and a bouquet of flowers in front.
A woman in a long, flowing dress holding a bouquet of flowers outdoors, smiling and looking down, with trees in the blurry background.
A woman in a white dress holds a bouquet of various flowers, including a beige rose, white dahlias, and blue and white smaller blossoms, outdoors with a blurred green background.
A black and white photo of a young man in a suit with a boutonniere, outdoors with blurred trees in the background.
A black and white dog sitting on grass, wearing a blue bow tie and a white collar.
Group of people dressed in formal attire, holding bouquets, standing outdoors in front of a large tree during daytime.
A group of men dressed in suits and ties, smiling and laughing together at an outdoor event with blurred trees in the background.
A group of women holding bouquets of flowers at an outdoor event, likely a wedding, with sunlight filtering through trees in the background.
Bridesmaids walking outdoors on grass, holding bouquets of flowers, dressed in colorful dresses, smiling, with trees and sunlight in the background.
Bridesmaids dressed in colorful dresses, holding bouquets of flowers, walking outdoors and smiling.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom outdoors near a lake, standing on grass under a large tree, with the bride holding a bouquet and facing the groom, who is smiling.
Black and white photo of a bride in a wedding gown walking on a grassy field with four women in dresses, holding bouquets of flowers, near a large tree with branches and leaves, and a landscape with hills in the background.
An older woman with long, light-colored hair helping a young woman with long hair, dressed in a white dress, with her hair in a ponytail, on a bridal getting-ready process in a bright room.
A young woman with long wavy blonde hair, wearing a white satin dress, is smiling and looking to her left. The photo is taken through a circular frame with a blue border, against a plain white background.
A black and white photo of a bride and an older man, likely her father, smiling at each other during a wedding. They are outside, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers and wearing a wedding dress. The older man is in a suit with a boutonniere.
Three people standing outdoors in front of pink flowering bushes, two women and one man, dressed formally, with the woman in a white dress holding a bouquet of flowers.
Women getting ready in a luxurious room, with a large ornate mirror, a staircase, and a marble counter with lamps, plants, and other items. Two women are dressed in white gowns, and others are preparing or fixing their dresses.
A person trying on a white wedding dress, viewed through a mirror with another woman in the background
Person in a cream-colored satin dress with a high slit, standing on a staircase with a patterned carpet runner, wearing matching cream boots.
A group of people dressed in formal attire socializing outdoors near a large body of water with trees and mountains in the background. There are potted plants and a patterned chair in the foreground.
Two women descending a staircase, one in a light-colored slip dress looking down and smiling, the other in a patterned dress with a surprised or playful expression, with a third woman crouched at the bottom of the staircase.
A woman in a wedding dress standing indoors near large windows with sunlight, while another woman helping to adjust or prepare her dress. There is a dog on the rug, a sculpture, a lamp, and various decorative items in the room.
People gathered at an outdoor event under a large white tent on a sunny day, with tables, floral centerpieces, and greenery in the background.
A black-and-white photo of three musicians outdoors, two men in suits playing string instruments and a woman holding a violin, with a scenic lakeside background.
A young woman in a wedding dress standing indoors near a large window with sunlight, turned slightly to the side and looking away with a soft expression.
A woman with dark hair wearing glasses and a pale pink dress holding a smartphone and a black clutch bag, standing outdoors at a social event on a grassy area.
Two people, a man in a navy suit and a woman in a dark floral dress, talking outdoors at a social event, with a large white canopy, tables, and other guests in the background.
A bride in a wedding dress holding a bouquet, standing in a well-lit room with large windows, a sculpture, and a dog lying on a patterned rug.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers, looking surprised, while a dog wearing a black bowtie looks up at her inside a well-lit room with large windows and patterned rugs.
A man in a suit and tie smiling, standing near a doorway with another person in the background adjusting a tie.
People gathering outdoors at a social event on a sunny day with green trees and a gazebo in the background.
A black and white photo of people at an outdoor event, with some seated on chairs and others standing on a grassy area, surrounded by trees.
A group of six people sitting on a park bench, all wearing sunglasses. The image is in black and white. In the background, there are trees and a residential house.
A group of people at an outdoor wedding ceremony. The image shows several seated guests wearing sunglasses and formal attire, with a woman standing in the background near a tree, dressed semi-formally with a white scarf.
A bride and groom standing together on an outdoor porch during a wedding ceremony, surrounded by guests seated in front of them.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors by a large body of water, with a bride and groom holding hands and an officiant reading the vows. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand nearby, with guests seated and watching the event, and scenic mountains in the
A couple getting married outdoors by a lake with mountains in the background, surrounded by wedding guests.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers is walking down the aisle with her father, who is dressed in a dark suit, at a wedding ceremony.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors overlooking a body of water and distant mountains, with the bride and groom facing each other.
Black and white photo of a outdoor wedding ceremony with a bride and groom holding hands, exchanging vows, and an officiant reading from a book. Bridesmaid and guests are visible, with a scenic water view in the background.
Black and white photo of people sitting on chairs at an outdoor event, some talking and others listening.
People attending an outdoor event seated on chairs in front of a white house with columns, some engaging with each other and others looking forward, in the late afternoon sunlight.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on wooden chairs on a grassy hillside beside a lake, with mountains and trees in the background during the daytime.
A wedding ceremony taking place outdoors by a body of water, with the bride and groom standing together, surrounded by guests.
A group of people, including women and men, sitting outdoors during daytime, dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, some wearing sunglasses.
A black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors with a bride reading a vow or speech at a microphone, a groom facing her, and three women witnessing, including an older woman with glasses and a white scarf.
A bride reading vows during outdoor wedding ceremony, with groom and officiant present, surrounded by bridesmaids and guests.
Black and white photo of elderly man with bald head sitting among a group of older people, looking down at a piece of paper or photograph, with others around him engaged in the same activity.
A group of people sitting outdoors, watching an event, with trees and a building in the background. The focus is on a woman with blonde hair and a floral dress, alongside others wearing sunglasses and casual attire.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors by a lake, with a couple kissing at the altar, surrounded by guests and bridesmaids.
A bride and groom kissing during an outdoor wedding ceremony by a lake with mountains in the background, surrounded by seated and standing guests.
Black and white photo of a wedding ceremony outdoors by a river, with a bride and groom kissing, surrounded by guests.
A bride holding a bouquet and wearing a veil walking outdoors with a groom dressed in a suit, surrounded by trees, with tables in the background, in black and white.
A black-and-white photo of a wedding scene outdoors with a bride and groom walking arm-in-arm in the foreground, smiling, with guests in the background, some seated and some standing, on a grassy area with trees and hills in the distance.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss on a sofa while sitting indoors, with an older woman leaning over a table nearby.
A bride in a white wedding dress holding a bouquet of flowers sitting on a sofa next to a man in a dark suit and light blue tie. A woman in a yellow dress is sitting on the other side, signing a document.
A long wooden dining table set for a meal with multiple wine glasses, plates, and napkins, decorated with a floral centerpiece featuring various flowers and greenery.
People gathered on the lawn outside a large white historic house for a social event or party during daytime, with some standing and others seated. Several high tables are set up with orange tablecloths, and there are trees and greenery in the backgro
Black and white photo of a wedding reception gathering outdoors with several guests in formal attire, including a woman in a white gown talking to three men in suits, and a woman in a polka dot dress drinking from a glass.
A smiling older man with white hair wearing dark sunglasses, a suit, and a tie, holding a glass of champagne at an outdoor event, with other people and a tree in the background.
Four smiling people, two men and two women, standing outdoors near a body of water, holding drinks, dressed in semi-formal attire.
Musicians performing on a porch, with one playing guitar, another on upright bass, and a third playing violin, surrounded by flower arrangements.
People socializing outdoors near a lake or river with trees and hills in the background. They are wearing formal or semi-formal attire and holding drinks, suggesting a social event or gathering.
People in formal attire at an outdoor event, socializing and holding drinks, under a large tent.
A decorated outdoor dinner table with flowers, glasses of water and champagne, place settings with napkins, and a handwritten menu or place card.
Floral centerpiece with white and peach flowers on a dining table. There are wine glasses and a table runner on a wooden table.
A table decorated for an event with floral arrangements in vases, candles, a framed table number, and drinking glasses. There is a pear and a green apple next to the table number.
A bouquet of pink and peach dahlias in a white vase, placed on a wooden table with apples and a pear, surrounded by other small vases and decorative items, with a blurred background of greenery.
A floral centerpiece with peach roses, yellow and red flowers, and white and blue blooms on a white tablecloth surrounded by candles and tableware.
A group of people at an outdoor event, socializing with drinks, with a backdrop of trees and a large tent.
Table set for a wedding or formal event with a floral centerpiece, candles, glasses, and place settings.
Group of bridesmaids dressed in formal and semi-formal attire standing and chatting outdoors on a grassy area with trees in the background at Southwood Estate in Germantown, NY
Five women standing close together outdoors in front of a large white house with black shutters, smiling and making kissy faces at each other during the daytime at Southwood Estate in Germantown, NY.
A girl in a pink dress holding a white parasol walking on a grassy field with trees in the background at Southwood Estate in Germantown, NY.
A group of people socializing outdoors at a formal event, with a man wearing a colorful bow tie smiling and talking to others.
Two women are outdoors in a grassy area, one is helping the other with a veil or dress, sunlight casting a warm glow, trees and a white structure are in the background.
A couple, dressed in formal wear, walking under trees at night with a Dalmatian dog on a leash.
A man and a woman stand close together outdoors during evening, sharing a joyful moment, with trees in the background. The woman is wearing a satin wedding dress and the man is dressed in a suit, holding a hat with a floral pattern.
A smiling man in a black suit, white shirt, and gray tie standing next to a smiling woman in a white satin wedding dress and veil, outdoors at night with trees in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other in an outdoor setting during their wedding at sunset, with trees in the background.
A newlywed couple running happily on a grassy hill with a dog, surrounded by lush green trees, during sunset.
A bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception with guests seated at tables in the background.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom sharing a kiss during their wedding reception.
A bride and groom dancing at an outdoor wedding reception with seated guests watching.
A black-and-white photo of a bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception, with guests seated at tables in the background under a tent.
A couple dancing at a wedding reception outdoors, with guests seated at tables in the background at Southwood Estate in Germantown, NY.
A wedding reception with a bride and groom dancing; the bride is lifted by the groom and she is smiling with her arms extended. Guests are seated at tables enjoying drinks and conversation under a large outdoor tent.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception under a tent, with guests seated at tables watching and smiling.
A woman in a white dress laughing and holding hands with a man in a suit, while another man in a suit faces them, at a celebration or wedding reception.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman with long dark hair wearing heart-shaped earrings and a necklace, sitting with a man with shoulder-length hair and a beard in a suit, both close together, at a social event or gathering.
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a floral dress, holding a microphone and smiling in a gathering of people at a dinner event.
Two women embracing at a formal event, one holding a microphone and a glass of champagne, with others seated in the background.
A bride and groom at their wedding reception, cutting a tiered wedding cake together, with string lights hanging overhead.
A black-and-white photo of a newlywed couple at their wedding reception. The bride is feeding cake to the groom under string lights. The bride is wearing a sleeveless wedding gown, and the groom is in a tuxedo with a boutonniere. There are tables wit
Black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception, with the bride laughing and covering her mouth while the groom touches her face. A wedding cake is partially visible in the foreground, and fairy lights decorate the backg
A couple sharing a kiss at their wedding reception under string lights. The bride in a sleeveless wedding gown and the groom in a dark suit and tie. Wedding cake is visible in the foreground.
People dancing and having fun at an indoor party with string lights.
Black and white photo of a woman dancing or socializing at a crowded party or event, with blurred people and ceiling lights in the background.
Group of smiling women and men socializing at a party or social event under string lights.
A group of women smiling and chatting at a social gathering or party, with some holding drinks, in a room decorated with string lights.
A woman smiling at a social gathering, holding a glass of iced drink, wearing earrings, a watch, and a patterned dress.
Black and white photo of women at a social gathering, with one woman smiling and holding a drink, engaging with others. Others are in the background, some holding drinks, in an indoor setting.
People dancing and celebrating at a party or wedding reception, with a focus on a woman from behind wearing a pink dress and a large bow in her hair.
Group of people dancing and socializing at a party or celebration indoors, with a woman in a floral dress at the center raising her arm, surrounded by others holding drinks.
A woman with long, wavy hair smiles while holding a wine glass at a social event, with other women and men blurred in the background, indoor setting with string lights overhead.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom dancing at their wedding reception inside a decorated tent. The bride has long, wavy hair and wears a satin gown, holding a glass. The groom is in a suit, holding the bride by the waist. Wedding guests can