Thurman, New York · Minutes from Lake George
A Private Garden Estate
Near Lake George
The Promise Gardens
of the Adirondacks
The Promise Gardens is a private garden estate in Thurman, New York, set against the Three Sisters Mountains and surrounded by acres of curated gardens that owner Terri Larson has tended for over two decades.
When you celebrate here, the estate is yours entirely. One couple, one weekend, and complete privacy across every space — from the garden ceremony grounds and Garden Terrace to White Willow Pavilion and Hudson Hall.
We are open from May through October and welcome couples who are planning multi-day celebrations with care and intention.
Widely considered one of the most distinctive garden wedding venues in Upstate New York, The Promise Gardens attracts couples from Connecticut, New York City, Boston, and the broader Northeast.
Owner & Estate Caretaker
I have spent more than twenty years building this garden, and I built it for moments exactly like yours. The Promise Gardens was never designed to be a volume venue. It was designed to be a place that feels like it was made for your family and your people, because for the weekend you are here, it truly is.
An Estate Wedding Weekend, Not Just a Single Day
Most of our couples celebrate across two days, beginning with a Friday welcome gathering and continuing with a Saturday ceremony and reception.
Greet arriving guests as the Adirondack evening settles in. A relaxed gathering sets the tone for the weekend ahead.
Exchange vows in The Meadows against the Three Sisters Mountains, or within the Secret Garden's intimate enclosure.
Guests gather on the bistro-lit Garden Terrace before moving into White Willow Pavilion for a seated dinner.
The evening continues in Hudson Hall, anchored by a crystal chandelier, a 20-foot bar, and full lounge seating.
Six Distinct Spaces Across the Property
Each space was designed with a specific purpose and a specific atmosphere, giving your celebration a natural flow from beginning to end.
Framed by the Three Sisters Mountains with flowering pear and apple trees. A hand-crafted wooden arbor faces the mountains directly, creating a ceremony backdrop unique to this property.
Blue antique doors surrounded by lush greenery. An intimate ceremony setting unlike anything else in the region, also used for first look portraits before the ceremony.
Our 2024 dinner pavilion with a welcoming front patio for cocktail hour. Hand-crafted farm tables and intentional lighting create the atmosphere of a private dinner gathering.
Our historic 1800s reception hall, anchored by a crystal chandelier and a 20-foot bar. Indoor lounge seating throughout invites guests to settle in and stay.
A covered walkway strung with bistro lights connecting White Willow Pavilion and Hudson Hall. Cocktail hour flows naturally here, allowing guests to move freely between spaces.
A secluded setting reserved exclusively for the couple and their photographer. No guests, no staff. An intimate portrait location that exists for two people and a camera.
Your Guests Have Somewhere Beautiful to Stay & Explore
The Promise Gardens sits minutes from the Village of Lake George, one of the most scenic destinations in Upstate New York. Your guests don't need to fly anywhere — they need to drive a few hours north.
The result is a full weekend destination experience for your guests, not just an afternoon.
The estate provides the privacy and seclusion. Lake George provides the restaurants, accommodations, activities, and nightlife. Your guests leave with a full weekend, not just a single evening.
Best Suited for Couples Who Want More Than a Single Day
The Promise Gardens was designed for couples who celebrate with depth and intention. Our couples tend to have a few things in common.
Exclusive estate use means one celebration at a time. No shared events, no competing timelines, and no one else's guests in the background of your photographs.
Many of our couples host a Friday welcome gathering and Saturday wedding, giving their guests time to settle into the Lake George area.
We work best with experienced planning teams who understand how to use a multi-space property across a full weekend of events.
Connecticut, New York City, Boston, and New England couples find the Adirondacks offer the distance and seclusion they want, without requiring a flight.
What Our Guests Say About The Promise Gardens
The grounds are meticulously maintained, with every flower and path adding to the beauty of the gardens. The new Willow Barn added a special touch for the first dance, speeches, and dinner.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024We loved how there were multiple buildings on site and people could flow in and out and around them. It's a venue that encourages wandering and appreciation of all the little beautiful things.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024Promise Gardens delivered a flawless execution of our wedding. The breezeway really is the perfect spot for cocktail hour. The layout of Hudson Hall sets the stage for up-close dancing.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024After months of searching, we came across The Promise Gardens and fell in love immediately. It was everything we had dreamed of and so much more. I cannot say enough good things about this estate or Terri.
Google Review · Estate Weekend CelebrationOur guests are still talking about the venue. The multiple distinct spaces made everything feel like a journey. Our ceremony in The Meadows was breathtaking against those mountains.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024Terri and the entire Promise Gardens team made us feel like the only wedding that ever mattered. The level of care and attention to detail is something you cannot find anywhere else in the region.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2023The grounds are meticulously maintained, with every flower and path adding to the beauty of the gardens. The new Willow Barn added a special touch for the first dance, speeches, and dinner.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024We loved how there were multiple buildings on site and people could flow in and out and around them. It's a venue that encourages wandering and appreciation of all the little beautiful things.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024Promise Gardens delivered a flawless execution of our wedding. The breezeway really is the perfect spot for cocktail hour. The layout of Hudson Hall sets the stage for up-close dancing.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024After months of searching, we came across The Promise Gardens and fell in love immediately. It was everything we had dreamed of and so much more. I cannot say enough good things about this estate or Terri.
Google Review · Estate Weekend CelebrationOur guests are still talking about the venue. The multiple distinct spaces made everything feel like a journey. Our ceremony in The Meadows was breathtaking against those mountains.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2024Terri and the entire Promise Gardens team made us feel like the only wedding that ever mattered. The level of care and attention to detail is something you cannot find anywhere else in the region.
Google Review · Estate Wedding 2023
We invite you to discover the many magical, joyful, and precious memories captured here on our estate.
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The Adirondacks and Lake George are only minutes away at The Promise Gardens. See why we are the perfect choice for your destination event.
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Our structures are clustered together amidst romantic gardens, terraces, and paths, ready for you to add your own special touches.
Continue"After months of searching around for the perfect wedding venue, we came across The Promise Gardens and fell in love immediately. It was everything we had dreamed of and so much more. I cannot say enough good things about this estate or Terri."
Moments Captured at The Promise Gardens
Download Our Pricing Guide
Our pricing guide covers estate packages, seasonal availability, and everything included in a full weekend celebration at The Promise Gardens.
Download Our Pricing GuideBegin Your Estate Celebration
We host a limited number of full weekend celebrations each season from May through October. Private estate tours are available by appointment.
Dates typically book 12 to 18 months in advance · Friday and Saturday dates available