We hosted our intimate ceremony (21 people, including us) last week, and while the venue was beautiful, I do want to offer a fair warning to anyone considering booking the planting fields for any event, especially a small ceremony.

The biggest issue you will come across is communication. I wish I could say this was a singular issue with one team member, but unfortunately, that was not the case in our planning process. In the span of 2 years, I was connected to 5 different team members and had to go through all the planning details that were agreed upon each time I was introduced to someone new. While I understand turnover occurs, I had to send multiple emails and call every number that was on the directory online to reach someone. Countless times, there was no response. I ultimately had to message via the Instagram account, not once but twice, to escalate the issue since multiple calls, voicemails, and follow-up emails were never working. As someone who has worked as a wedding planner and an event sales manager for multiple venues, it was shocking to have such a difficult experience reaching someone. Especially when we were paying clients, who were planning from afar.

I also recommend that once booking your date, ensure that the entire team (planting fields and NYS park) has it on their events calendar, since we found out close to our date that they scheduled a fundraiser which involved a large tent in the background of our ceremony pictures, which was not ideal. The team also shared a few weeks before our ceremony that our rain plan location was no longer a viable option due to the fundraiser setup. Ultimately, the team was able to accommodate our rain plan location since I had to remind them it was in our contract, and I had to walk them through a plan on how to best accommodate, given the setup for their event the following day. It truly felt as though I became part of the planting fields planning team when having to troubleshoot many issues that they brought upon themselves.

Again, the planting fields did serve as a beautiful backdrop for our ceremony, but in full transparency, it was a very stressful planning experience. I did meet the new VEM, Tracy, who was lovely. I had shared with her how stressful the whole planning experience had been, and she understood and said she had already heard many couples who reiterated the same feelings. I sincerely hope the events department can change for the better. It has potential; they just need a strong team that is committed to delivering a positive hospitality experience, one that answers emails and calls.

Use caution if you are considering Coe Hall for wedding venue. After 5 months of planning - we cancelled everything due to their inability to provide us with a contract, poor communication, and unilateral changes to our verbal/email agreements, dating back to February, regarding use of Great Hall for reception, specifically being informed that we could not have a dance floor with 80 seated guests. Also, pressure to use & partially pay for a massive tent being erected for June events. Informed of this in July. Stunningly dismissive response from staff & leadership to our concerns & certainly no apology. Appalling way to treat young couple & family.