The Nicholas J. Juried Meeting House at Landis, affectionately dubbed “The Nick,” is the perfect location to bask in the splendor of fall foliage as a riot of orange, red, and yellow tints the panoramic views of the Schoharie Valley. Or just the place for a quick jaunt to admire a unique specimen tree, a sculpture, or even to meditate by the side of a pond. For Ali and Anton Bogdanov of Amsterdam, the Landis Arboretum was all these things – and the perfect location for their wedding. The couple tied the knot in October of 2023.
“We chose Landis for a few reasons,” Ali said. “I’m a plant and nature lover, so it was important that we got married in a venue that celebrates and protects it. We wanted to have an outdoor fall wedding. We knew the fall foliage there would be spectacular, especially with the views from the deck.”
“We wanted a dynamic setting where we could separate our ceremony from the reception without people needing to travel too far. Along with everything else, it was very affordable, and the staff were so accommodating,” the bride said.
Love truly is growing at Landis. Over the past few years, the number of event bookings has nearly tripled, thanks in part to the many renovations and improvements to the Nicholas J. Juried Park Complex. In addition to enjoying the picturesque setting, renters now have the new Adirondack-style pavilion, fully equipped with electricity, alongside a beautiful pond and natural landscaping. There’s also the newly rehabbed Meeting House, with modern restrooms and fully equipped kitchen facilities, and an expansive deck and patio – from which you can see that “million dollar” view.
“The Juried Park Complex at Landis Arboretum is perfect for any type of event,” Wendy Kass, special events coordinator at the Arboretum said. “Dress up or down. It’s all up to our clients. They can choose the direction their special event takes. They choose their own caterer or potluck meal. Alcohol or not. The entire Arboretum is available for exploring by guests. We have original art sculptures placed around the area for public enjoyment and well-marked trails with maps.”
Ali and Anton were looking for a small, relaxed ceremony in a beautiful location -- and that’s exactly what they got. With the help of family and friends, the couple decorated the day before with pumpkins and mums, and they set up musical equipment in the Meeting House. “My dad’s band played at our reception,” Ali said. “How cool is that?”
The private rooms inside the Meeting House were well-suited for getting ready on the day of event, and the space was accommodating for the catered buffet style dinner. With nearly 300 acres and more than 8 miles of trails, plus the Shanti Vun Mediation garden with its own pond, waterfall, and bridge, there are endless photo opportunities for couples to remember their special day.
Susan Strangia, Office Manager at the Arboretum, said the view, park-like setting and DIY nature of Landis rentals, not only makes it very affordable, but is one of many features that sets Landis apart from other venues.
“Our wedding was our most perfect day, and Landis Arboretum was of course a huge part of that,” Ali said. “We could have spent a multiple of our modest budget elsewhere and would have never received the same level of satisfaction. It is a truly unique place.”
If you are interested in hosting your next special event at the Landis Arboretum, visit landisarboretum.org/rentals and send us a note using the “contact us” feature.
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