The Ruins at Sassafras


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 $9,000 for off-peak dates, and $12,000 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 settlement, one of five Shaker settlements in The Mount Lebanon Shaker Village in New Lebanon, New York. 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 tour the last standing Shaker Chair Factory, explore the ruins of the Sister's Workshop, Cow Barn, and Hay Ramp, hike to the cemetery where 173 Shakers are buried, and enjoy the beauty of our gardens, waterfall, stream and pond.


Our event spaces


Available services that can be provided by The Ruins at Sassafras

Services & amenities

  • Dressing room / Bridal Suite
  • Event rentals
  • Liability insurance
  • On-site accommodations
  • Wifi

Reviews

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5.0 out of 5

1 review

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  • A Magical Wedding Weekend

    Verified review
    Marja M.5 months ago

    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.