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Weddings

About

The Wadsworth Homestead, a historic and family-owned estate in Geneseo, New York overlooking the Genesee Valley, is home to casually elegant weddings for couples looking for rustic charm. Sitting on 300 acres of land, the interior is furnished with decor collected over six generations, while the grounds allow couples to basque in the the dramatic landscape of awe-inspiring oak trees, lush fields and forests that surround the property.

Facilities and Capacity
Couples can host up to 300 guests in warm weather (125 in the winter). For reception options, couples can choose between the large dining room on the first floor or, for larger parties, a tent on the grounds is provided. Cocktail hour can be hosted in one of two drawing rooms or the elaborately decorated library.

Services Offered
The Wadsworth Homestead offers all-inclusive wedding packages, including planning and catering, to ensure that couples can make the most of the experienced staff. The venue also offers the following services:

  • Aisle markers
  • Altar/arches
  • Audio equipment
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Dance floor
  • Decor
  • Furniture
  • Tables
  • Tents


Cuisine
Food at the Wadsworth Homestead is prepared by Jeff and Lisa Bleier of the Caledonia Village Inn. Their 40 years of experience drives the excellent food and presentation of Homestead events, and their expertise includes uniquely designed menus and artfully designed ice sculptures.

History
The Wadsworth Homestead was built as the original property of brothers General William Wadsworth and James Wadsworth in 1804 and is one of the few properties in the United States that has never changed hands from family to family. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. In 2011, the family decided to open the property to public weddings and large events.

Location
Situated on the south end of Geneseo’s Main Street, within walking distance to shops and restaurants, the property is 30 minutes from Rochester, New York.

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have a site fee for wedding receptions at your venue?

Yes

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during peak season?

$5,501

What is the starting site fee for wedding receptions during off-peak season?

$2,500

Do you have a site fee for wedding ceremonies at your venue?

No

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during peak season?

$500

What is the starting site fee for wedding ceremonies during off-peak season?

$500

Which of the following are included in the starting site fee?

Bridal Suite
Chairs
China
Clean Up
Event Planning
Flatware
Glassware
Lighting/Sound
Linens
Parking
Set Up
Tables

Which of the following are included in the cost of wedding catering?

Cake Cutting
Server(s)

What is the starting price per person for bar service?

$35

Which of the following are included in the starting price for bar service?

Bartender(s)
House Liquor
House Wine
Open Bar

How many event spaces or rooms does your venue offer?

2

Describe your venue:

Garden
Historic Building
Inn/B&B
Mansion

What kind of settings are available?

Indoor
Covered Outdoor
Uncovered Outdoor

Which of the following wedding events does your venue service?

Ceremony
Reception
Bridal Shower
Engagement Party
Rehearsal Dinner

What event services do you offer?

Accommodations
Bar Services
Catering Services
Clean Up
Event Planner
Event Rentals
Get Ready Rooms
Liability Insurance
Outside Vendors

What catering services do you offer?

Buffet
Cocktail Reception
Hors d'oeuvres
Outside Cake
Plated
Server(s)
Stations
Tastings

What bar services do you provide?

Bartender(s)
Cash Bar
Champagne Toast
House Beer
House Liquor
House Wine
Limited Bar
Liquor License
Open Bar
Outside Alcohol
Premium Liquor
Signature Drink
Specialty Beer
Specialty Wine

What event items are available?

Aisle Markers
Altar/Arch
Audio Equipment
Centerpieces
Chairs
Dance Floor
Decor
Furniture
Lighting
Tables
Tents

What food and beverage items are available?

Barware
China
Flatware
Glassware
Linens

What transportation and access is available?

Parking
Shuttle
Wheelchair Access

What months are included in your peak season?

May
June
July
August
September
October

What months are included in your off-peak season?

January
February
March
April
November
December

Reviews of Wadsworth Homestead

D
Dana Sent on 05/27/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Beautiful Venue and Amazing Host

Do not hesitate to book The Wadsworth Homestead for your next celebration! Will Wadsworth and his staff went above and beyond to give us all that we hoped for when planning our daughter’s wedding on VERY short notice due to time constraints regarding military leave. The Homestead is not only a beautiful venue but also an experience for your guests as they take a step back in time. The Caledonia Inn catered a delicious meal! Our guests could not stop talking about the quality and presentation of the food. Will, thank you again for your attentiveness and willingness to make Chelsea and Joe’s wedding day a beautiful memory! You were a huge help to us from beginning to end!
K
Kelsey Sent on 06/25/2023
5 out of 5 rating

The wadsworth homestead

I fell in love with the Wadsworth homestead at first sight of walking into the venue. It was a dream of mine to be married at the Wadsworth Homestead. My dream came true last year on August 13th. The Wadsworth Homestead is like its own hidden gem excluded from the world. The day felt like we were in our own world celebrating with close friends and family. We arrived Friday and didn’t leave until Saturday night. The ambiance was enveloping. Will and the staff were amazing, catering to our needs and making sure the day flowed. I love that everything is done in one place: the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. The grounds were enchanting, and the perfect summer day allowed for some incredible scenes for wedding photos. It was an amazing feeling not worrying how to get everyone from place to place. I just sat back, and relaxed knowing Will and the staff had it all taken care of. Will answered my millions of questions, with unbelievable patience and care. I felt like I was being heard. Some of the questions I had were about what would happen if it rained. There was a backup plan for this if it happened; the wedding could be held in the house with a carefully, well thought out plan of how everyone could view the ceremony. Another question I asked involved what would happen during the day. The pre-wedding zoom meetings (there were 3 of these with options to have more if I felt it was needed) detailed all the different things that would take place. These allowed me to feel at ease. My overwhelming sense of having to plan a big celebration was quickly replaced with peace and calmness knowing I could be focused on my part of the day – being the bride. As I look back at my wedding day, it was truly one of the best days of my life. I am so grateful to everyone that was a part of the preparation, delivery of the ceremony and the smoothness of the reception. Getting married at the Wadsworth Homestead was one of the best decisions I made. Thank you, Will and staff for making my dream come true!
- Kelsey Ames Shanahan
E
Erin Sent on 07/07/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Book it now!

I truly don’t even know where to begin with this review - my husband and I just had the perfect wedding/one year vow renewal celebration (hello, COVID postponements) at the Wadsworth - best decision we made when wedding planning was booking this venue! Not only can every part of your day be handled right on the property (we did our rehearsal dinner in the house/porch area, an outdoor ceremony, cocktail hour inside the house, and a tented reception on the grounds) but you and your wedding party can also stay in the house for the weekend! There are no hidden fees or up charges that you see with most venues these days and the place is absolutely gorgeous (just look at the many beautiful photos). However, I do think the most invaluable asset you get when booking this venue is having Will Wadsworth as your unofficial wedding planner! Will was truly incredible - he thought of every detail and lent his expertise to our planning while still making the day feel extremely personal and our own - basically, if we asked he made it happen! He also had back up plans ready to go and was ready to jump in personally if he needed to (e.g., he fixed my dads boutonnière before we walked down the aisle, helped my brother sew on his tuxedo button that popped off right before he walked, and even drove my cousin home when he missed the last shuttle!). I also have to rave about the food. When you book the Wadsworth you must use the accompanying caterer but this is really just another convenience for you because the food was incredible and our main contact, Lisa, was incredibly helpful and professional. My husband and I actually ate almost our entire plates (at our own wedding!) because it was just so good we made the time to enjoy!! We also heard excellent things from our guests who were not only impressed by the quality but the quantity as well! The servers were all professional and everything came out hot and plated beautifully. Truly, not a single complaint comes to mind for the entire weekend. I could go on and on but the point is, you found your venue (and caterer) so book it now!
Gregory
Gregory Sent on 09/25/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Weddings by the Wadsworth Family: A Covid Miracle

As New York City residents, my wife Ioanna and I planned our wedding to be in late August on the Brooklyn waterfront, with a guest list exceeding 400, and a myriad of extravagances, each ticking the box of what one would consider a "dream wedding" checklist. Never in our dreams would we have imagined that our special day would be no longer; moreover, it would need to be postponed to next year, or the year following! Little did we know that the impact of COVID-19 on our plans, and their ultimate dissolution, would be a profound blessing, shaped in the form of a picturesque, heartwarming wedding ceremony and dinner, organized and hosted by the Wadsworth family, some of the loveliest people you will ever encounter, at their historic Homestead in Geneseo, New York. In just two weeks, Louise, Will, Piper, Lauren, and Krista, collectively the Wadsworths, put together an event more special than we could have ever hoped for. Louise Wadsworth, the matriarch, was a logistics aficionado, making sure that all arrangements were in place, including flowers, makeup, hair, decor, etc. She even organized a live streaming platform. Almost 150 of our friends and family, including relatives from Greece, Albania, France, and Germany, were able to watch us and comment in real-time! Take that pandemic! Will Wadsworth, patriarch, historian, officiant, and savior (when I realized I could not tie my bow-tie), made us feel comfortable, well cared for, and eventually learned, after he graced us with stories of his family's past, much of which was tied to the charming Wadsworth Homestead, rich with artifacts, the smell of books, mahogany, and the fresh Genesee Valley breeze. Lauren and Krista, daughter and daughter-in-law to the Louise and Will, were highly professional and engaged photographers, providing us with memories that will last a lifetime. They even organized a horse to be brought to the property at my wife's request, so we could have a bride and groom with a horse portrait session! Piper (the youngest daughter) is a trained chef. She put together the most well crafted, pleasing to the eye (and tummy), cheese, and charcuterie boards with actual honeycombs. She made us a superb high-end restaurant-grade dinner, snacks, and breakfast of our choosing after we stayed the night. Words cannot express our gratitude to this family for all they did for us, especially considering the difficult timing. Each moment of that special day on June 11, 2020, is frozen in time as a lasting memory for me and Ioanna, her mother, and my father. We went from 400 to 4 wedding attendees, and it turns out bigger isn't necessarily better when it comes to weddings, and the Wadsworth Homestead made that possible. Thank you to the Wadsworth Family for working a miracle; we will be eternally grateful for what you gave us. Love, Greg & Ioanna O'Connell.
M
Maggie Sent on 09/07/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Impeccable, personal, beautiful experience

When we chose to have our wedding at the Homestead, we could never have known how essential the venue we chose would be to our ability to have the wedding we envisioned. From the very start (months before the pandemic), working with Will and the Homestead team was easy, and a joy. The system is streamlined and they outline all the choices you need to think of. It was easy to make any given aspect of the plan our own, or, if we didn't have a strong opinion, to let the Homestead team work their magic. Will was ready with suggestions of reliable vendors and tips to make everything run smoothly.

The venue itself is far more beautiful than you can imagine before you visit it. The endless photo opportunities are fun and unique, and you'll find that photographers are thrilled to be asked to shoot there because they know how phenomenal the photos will be. The Wadsworth Homestead is rich with history, and throughout the process of planning an event there, learning that history makes your own event all the more meaningful.

When COVID hit, Will's communication was clear and reassuring. He reached out proactively long before we had begun to worry, assuring us that our deposits were safe, offering us the option to book a 2021 backup date, and opening the lines of communication. I've read horror stories from couples working with venues that took advantage of the fine print in contracts and am so grateful that we never had to doubt that we were in good hands.

Once my husband and I had decided that we definitely wanted to get married on our original date, no matter what, the creativity of Will and his team really shone. They were so clear that they would not compromise on the safety or on the quality of our event, and they delivered on that commitment. They were flexible, placing a last-minute order for some two-top tables so that we could have couples seated in "pods" at our request. They were ready with plans B, C, D, and E in the event of regulation shifts, such as preparing boxed picnics that we could pass out to our guests if a seated dinner was no longer an option or even pitching an additional tent on the property at their own expense to ensure that our tables could be distanced. While we didn't have to use any of those backup plans, we got great peace of mind from knowing that even if there were dramatic updates the week of our wedding, the event would still be fantastic.

Our wedding was better than we could have imagined. Will and his team took care of dozens of details before we even thought to ask about them, and from start to finish, their attitude was always that anything was possible. Every time I thought of something we needed, the answer was either "we've already taken care of that," or "we can source that for you, no need to think about it again." No detail fell through the cracks, and everything was beautiful. They were extremely careful about COVID safety protocols, with stocked hand sanitizing stations, masks and gloves on all staff, signage to remind our guests about the masking procedures we had outlined, generous distance between tables, a tent design optimized for safety, and more.

At the end of the night, we found that COVID had not put a damper on our day or on our celebration. Will and his team are creative, hard-working, professional, enthusiastic, and attentive to detail. We are so grateful to have trusted them with this event and cannot recommend The Homestead highly enough.
Ashley
Ashley Sent on 11/26/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Phenomenal

I got married nearly two months ago at Wadsworth, and I still don't think I can grasp how perfectly the day went. I kept putting off this review because I didn't feel quite ready to write it, because I am still trying to come to terms with how lucky I was. I don't know if I ever will! After over a year of planning and dreaming of my wedding, I had this nagging feeling as it approached that it was going to be similar to a birthday... a good time, but sometimes a bit of a let down because of how high your expectations were and how long you spent planning it. I am SOO pleased to say that the EXACT opposite was true!! It was the best day of my whole entire life and I can only attribute that to Will and his crew. Will showed up HARD, from the beginning to the end. He worked tirelessly throughout the entire day to make sure it was perfect for us. He made sure everything ran smoothly and that I wasn't even aware of any snags or problems. He handed everything, and I mean every single thing. He even bustled my dress when my maid of honor was missing, for Pete's sake!! I truly can't express how thankful I am for him. Not to mention the venue was in tip top shape!!! It was absolutely stunning. I was a very particular .... some may even say "hard to please" person when it came to my wedding - so the fact that Will blew my expectations out of the water is truly incredible. Book your wedding here, you will not regret it.
Taylor
Taylor Sent on 06/20/2019
5 out of 5 rating

This place is MAGIC!

As we approach the 1-year anniversary since our wedding, we realized we never wrote a review for this INCREDIBLE place! I get a little emotional thinking about it because, not only was the property absolutely stunning, not only was the house filled with rich history, but Will Wadsworth is the actual man - we owe so much to him for helping us to bring our perfect wedding into reality. It's rare to find a venue where the person you're working with begins to feel like family - and that's Will. On the day of our wedding, I changed the location of the ceremony a couple times to say the least. Will handled the changes with grace and ease, and while I know I can be a handful sometimes, Will never seemed bothered by the changes which is so important on your wedding day. Not only that, but the food was amazing (per Will's recommendation - Dipane Catering). Our wedding guests still tell us how fantastic the food and service was and its been almost a year later. Will orchestrates it all - I'm telling you, he's the man! If we had to do it all over again, will would be sitting at our head table.

We are so grateful that the Wadsworth Homestead popped up on our wedding venue search, we couldn't imagine getting married anywhere else. I'm telling you, you will NEVER regret getting married at the Homestead. We are still in awe of how beautiful and smooth everything was. This place is pure magic, I swear, schedule a meeting and go see for yourself.

Did we mention we love Will?
A
Alice Sent on 01/06/2019
5 out of 5 rating

The elegant but relaxed wedding we dreamed of!

We had a fantastic experience with the Wadsworth Homestead and highly recommend the venue! It was the perfect, relaxed yet elegant summer wedding that we imagined with gorgeous countryside views at a beautiful estate. Will was awesome and dealt with all of our questions and anxieties like a pro. He made sure everything we needed or wanted was in place - from making sure my dad had the craft beers he wanted to lighting the bonfire just when we needed it. On top of that, he is just an awesome guy that our families loved meeting, talking to, and even having a couple drinks with! Also... the food... I have gotten so many compliments that it was the best wedding food our guests have ever had. We had a full service dinner and the plates were restaurant-sized portions with delicious options that the caterer customized for us. The value was also excellent. Thanks Will and everyone else at Wadsworth for a wedding we will always remember in a place we will always treasure!
C
Carlotta Sent on 12/22/2018
5 out of 5 rating

Wonderful wedding day and great experience

We were so happy with our wedding experience at the Wadsworth Homestead! Will and the Wadsworth Homestead staff are wonderful!

My husband and I live in the Boston area so most of our work with Will was done through email and phone calls which worked great! He was very responsive and helpful with all our questions. Will provided us local vendor recommendations which was incredibly helpful and saved me countless hours of research. I took his advice regarding the Photographer, Florist, Hair and Make-up, DJ & donut wall. I am so happy I did; their work quality was wonderful. Also, the homestead’s dedicated caterer was wonderful! Their food was delicious, and they worked with us to create a menu that we were excited about.

We had a couple of wedding day stresses & surprises (as every couple does) that could have been difficult, but Will and the Homestead staff tackled them, so we didn’t have to worry. It was very clear these issues were unanticipated on our part, and equally clear Will has dealt with similar issues dozens of times before. His anticipation and calming manner was greatly appreciated! For example: The Mother-of-the-Bride broke her ankle a few weeks before the wedding and could not put any weight on her foot. The homestead was able to find a golf cart to shuttle her to different parts of the property to enjoy all the celebrations (both indoors and outside).

We decided to go with the 2-day overnight option package. I highly recommend that option! The beds are really comfy, and air conditioned in the summer. Being able to have a bridesmaid’s night the night before was a lot fun and having all the wedding party able to just crash on site after dancing the night away was perfect.
Leah
Leah Sent on 12/13/2018
5 out of 5 rating

The BEST Venue I Found By Far!

I can't say enough about how wonderful this venue and its hosts were! After all the venues I looked at, The Homestead offers the most with the best quality at a very reasonable price.

My (new) husband and I decided to purchase the weekend package, which I highly recommend! It was such an awesome and unexpected present to give our wedding party as they didn't have to pay for their lodging for the weekend. The entire house is SO interesting, impeccably maintained and full of some really amazing history that Will is very knowledgeable about! I can't imagine we could have found a cooler place to stay in for our wedding weekend; the history of the house made it a unique and unforgettable experience that our guests loved too.

Working with Will through the entire process was so easy and stress-free, he has such a calming presence and you can tell he truly cares about every aspect of your day. He had contingency plans for everything and walked us through with ease and patience. Even though I've never planned and completed a wedding myself before, he's done hundreds and it shows!

The Homestead works exclusively with caterer Lisa Bleier from the Caledonia Village Inn and the food was incredible! I have a cousin that has attended and planned tons of weddings and she said it was the best wedding food she's ever tasted. It was an excellent meal and the whole staff did an amazing job getting everyone served at once so that we could all eat together.

I have zero regrets about choosing The Wadsworth Homestead as my wedding venue; we had the most amazing experience!
We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.

Awards

63
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

8 Endorsements
Parkside Drive Parkside Drive Wedding Bands

Wadsworth Homestead is a beautiful wedding and event space in Geneseo NY. We have had the pleasure of performing for some incredible weddings there and everything was perfect. The grounds are historically preserved with the elegance of yesteryear. Beautiful views on all sides. Check out Wadsworth Homestead for your wedding!

PaperRozzi Invitations & Stationery PaperRozzi Invitations & Stationery Wedding Invitations

The Wadsworth Homestead offers a beautiful venue of historic proportions! Their service and quality is exceptional.

Sue Egan Photography Sue Egan Photography Wedding Photographers

When I first met Will, I was immediately drawn to his calming nature, friendly personality, and professionalism. He coordinated my Wedding, and I will never forget how incredible our celebration was because of him, and the pride and care he took for the property. I also have had the honor of photographing Weddings with him as a professional photographer and I can't wait to celebrate with them and with him every time. The attention to detail, the beautiful surroundings, and the helpful staff are always amazing. We keep in touch in social networks, and I am continuously impressed by everything he exceeds in doing. I feel very lucky to know him and I highly recommend him and celebrations at the Wadsworth Homestead...one of the very nicest and caring people I know, in an incredibly beautiful and historic setting.

Map

Wadsworth Homestead frequently asked questions

Wadsworth Homestead includes the following items and services for wedding events in its starting site fee:
  • Bridal Suite
  • Chairs
  • China
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planning
  • Flatware
  • Glassware
  • Lighting/Sound
  • Linens
  • Parking
  • Set Up
  • Tables
Wadsworth Homestead includes the following items and services in its wedding catering costs:
  • Cake Cutting
  • Server(s)
The bar service starting price at Wadsworth Homestead includes:
  • Bartender(s)
  • House Liquor
  • House Wine
  • Open Bar
The space offered by Wadsworth Homestead for wedding events is known for:
  • Garden
  • Historic Building
  • Inn/B&B
  • Mansion
Wadsworth Homestead offers the following indoor/outdoor options for weddings:
  • Indoor
  • Covered Outdoor
  • Uncovered Outdoor
Wadsworth Homestead offers the following types of wedding events:
  • Ceremony
  • Reception
  • Bridal Shower
  • Engagement Party
  • Rehearsal Dinner
Wadsworth Homestead offers the following services for wedding events:
  • Accommodations
  • Bar Services
  • Catering Services
  • Clean Up
  • Event Planner
  • Event Rentals
  • Get Ready Rooms
  • Liability Insurance
  • Outside Vendors
Wadsworth Homestead offers the following furniture and decor items for weddings:
  • Aisle Markers
  • Altar/Arch
  • Audio Equipment
  • Centerpieces
  • Chairs
  • Dance Floor
  • Decor
  • Furniture
  • Lighting
  • Tables
  • Tents
Wadsworth Homestead is recommended by 98% of couples who have used their services. Their overall rating is 4.9 out of 5 with the following breakdown: 4.9 in quality of service, 4.9 in flexibility, 4.9 in professionalism, 4.9 in value and 4.8 in average response time.
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