The Ruins at Sassafras Museum


Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $15,000 for off-peak dates, and $24,000 for peak dates

Guest capacity

Up to 250 seated guests



About this venue

The Ruins at Sassafras Museum is the home of the former Shaker Second Family on Mount Lebanon. (See our reviews on Google.) We call ourselves a boutique museum because unlike other Shaker Museums that replicate the past, we have interpreted the past and creatively restored each location on the property. You can have your ceremony in the ruins of an English garden, the stone foundation of a barn alongside a meandering creek, or under a willow tree overlooking our pond. Enjoy cocktails on the terrace of our Moroccan Bar or Stone House as the sunsets over the Taconic Mountains. Choose from eight unique sites to customize your wedding day. We can host 18 guests in our luxury accommodations and only 15 minutes away are many hotels and inns.


Our event spaces

The Sister's Workshop

A whimsical space

We planted a grass quilt to honor the Shaker women who sewed in the Sister’s Workshop. Host a cigar bar or after party or provide an outdoor lounge area for your guests.

Guest capacity

Up to 100 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

After party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Stone House Terrace

A Touch of Tuscany

Off the Stone House kitchen with awe-inspiring views of the Berkshire and Taconic Mountains and stunning sunsets. It is the perfect place to host a workshop, meeting, cocktail party, rehearsal dinner, or brunch for up to 50 people.

Guest capacity

25-50 Seated

50-80 Standing

Ideal for

Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Farewell brunch

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides electricity, a pergola, a bar, outdoor furniture, and and outdoor grill.

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Deere Pond

A waterfront view

A backdrop of wild flowers surrounds you as your guests watch the ceremony under the shade of a weeping willow. Up to 250 for a ceremony.

Guest capacity

Up to 250 Seated

Up to 250 Standing

Square footage

5,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides electricity, basic lighting, and an arbor for a party of 250. Outdoor ceremony chairs must be rented.

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Tennis Lawn

A View of The Taconic Mountains

The Tennis Lawn provides a spectacular view of both the Stone House and Chair Factory towering overhead with the Taconic Mountains in the distance. The grass lawn can be tented for up to 250 or hold a ceremony.

Guest capacity

Up to 250 Seated

Up to 250 Standing

Square footage

6,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Wedding reception

Guests often feel this space is

“Relaxed”

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides the venue, water, electricity, basic lighting, standard port-o-lets, wooden tables and chairs for a party of 220. Any tenting or additional tables, chairs, linens, lighting, AV and tableware will have to be rented at an additional cost. Sassafras will provide a list of recommended tent and party rental companies to clients once they book their wedding. Sassafras provides basic lighting along the paths and at the venues, as well as Wi-Fi in all of the building venues.

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Chair Factory

Views of the Taconic Mountains

The 250-year-old Shaker chair factory can accommodate up to 220 for dinner and dancing.

Guest capacity

Up to 230 Seated

Up to 230 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides water, electricity, basic lighting, a bar, 5 bathrooms, wooden tables and chairs for a party of 220. Linens, bar- and tableware and AV will have to be rented at an additional cost.

The Rose Dwelling

The Rose Dwelling .

Host your ceremony, brunch, tea or cocktail party in the Rose Dwelling while musicians play from the alcove. Up to 250 for a ceremony and 100 seated at tables.

Guest capacity

Up to 250 Seated

Up to 250 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides electricity, wifi, a space for musicians and up to 250 guests. Ceremony chairs must be rented.

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Moroccan Bar

A Moroccan Speakeasy

This space features a Moroccan and is perfect for cocktail hour or an after party.

Guest capacity

50-100 Seated

Up to 250 Standing

Ideal for

Wedding reception, Engagement party, After party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides furniture, battery-operated candles, electricity, and a bar

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Ruins

The Ruins

Transport yourself to the Shaker’s past while celebrating under the sun or stars. Inside the ruins of a 200-year-old stone barn, you’ll hear the rush of a nearby brook tumbling over Sassafras Falls. 150 votive candles and string lights illuminate the stone walls of this ancient space. Maximum capacity for seated dining is 100. Host a ceremony for up to 200.

Guest capacity

50-200 Seated

Up to 250 Standing

Square footage

2,000

Ideal for

Wedding ceremony, Rehearsal dinner, Engagement party, Welcome party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Included in this room:

Sassafras provides electricity, a white oak bar, string lights. Any tenting or additional tables, chairs, linens, lighting, and tableware will have to be rented at an additional cost. .

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

The Sister's Workshop

A whimsical space

We planted a grass quilt to honor the Shaker women who sewed in the Sister’s Workshop. Host a cigar bar or after party or provide an outdoor lounge area for your guests.

Guest capacity

Up to 100 Seated

Up to 100 Standing

Ideal for

After party, Cocktail hour

Guests often feel this space is

“Surprised and delighted”

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing


Available services that can be provided by The Ruins at Sassafras Museum

Services & amenities

  • Bar services
  • Clean up
  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event coordinator
  • Event staff
  • Lighting/Sound
  • On-site accommodations
  • Service staff
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wifi

Transportation & access

  • Self parking - free

Rentals

  • Barware
  • Standard Chairs

Accommodations

  • Bedroom suites
  • Double bed rooms
  • Honeymoon suite
  • Luxury suites
  • Single king rooms
  • Single queen rooms
  • Twin bed rooms

Reviews

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5.0 out of 5

1 review

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  • A Magical Wedding Weekend

    Verified review
    Marja M.Dec 15, 2023

    The Ruins at Sassafrass Choosing The Ruins at Sassafrass as our wedding venue was a decision that exceeded our wildest dreams. I could write pages about all the amazing things that this venue boasts, but I will highlight the points that future brides should understand when they go to book The Ruins. Being a DIY bride, the Ruins at Sassafrass provided the enchanting backdrop to bring my Pinterest board dreams to life. The rustic charm and natural beauty of the venue complemented my vision perfectly, creating a magical setting for our special day. The flexibility of the space allowed me to add personal touches, turning it into a unique and unforgettable experience. Even in late October the landscape of the mountains in the distance were breathtaking; our guests are still talking about how mesmerizing the views were. What makes our wedding story even more special is that we chose The Ruins before it was even finished. It was a leap of faith based on the vision and promises from Carol, the owner. When we did our initial tour, the venue was still in its beginning stages of completion; even then we were captivated by the potential and the unique charm it promised. What sealed the deal for us, however, was Carol's infectious enthusiasm, passion, and stylistic eye. Her vision and commitment assured us that the venue would be the perfect location for our special day, and it absolutely was! Being part of the journey from the early stages allowed us to witness the Ruins’ transformation, and it added an extra layer of excitement to our wedding planning. Despite the venue's newness and the inevitable growing pains, Carol, Lara (the on site coordinator), Jerome (Carol’s partner in life and business), and the rest of the team made sure our decision to trust them from the beginning was more than worthwhile. Being a newer venue, Carol and the team were still in the process of ironing out a few kinks. Despite some last minute hiccups, what truly stood out was Carol, Jerome, and Lara’s commitment to addressing these challenges in real-time. Their proactive approach and dedication to ensuring our day was perfect more than made up for any set backs in the planning process. This was a HUGE relief when planning such a momentous event. On our actual wedding day, when challenges arose with our day-of coordinator (that we hired separately and was not affiliated with The Ruins), Lara stepped in as our saving grace. Her quick thinking, attention to detail, and unwavering professionalism turned what could have been a stressful situation into a seamless and unforgettable celebration. Her ability to coordinate with our vendors and recalibrate the timeline on the spot showcased her experience and dedication. Without Lara's intervention, the day could have taken a different turn, and we are immensely grateful for her expertise and her willingness to step up and save the day. Her creative touch also helped transform the venue into a dreamlike setting, exceeding our expectations. Lara's dedication and experience truly showcased the exceptional team at The Ruins at Sassafrass, if you get the chance you should ABSOLUTELY hire Lara to help plan your event. The Ruins at Sassafrass, with its evolving charm and an outstanding team led by Carol, Jerome and Lara, made our wedding day an absolute masterpiece. We are forever grateful for their passion, dedication, and the magical memories they helped us create.