Love Stories Win a $26,000 Wedding at Historic Hudson Valley Manor

Pine Brook Manor, a stately estate built in 1895 nestled about 90 minutes from New York City, has just reopened its doors as a wedding venue—and the owners are marking the occasion in the most generous way imaginable. Rather than simply hang a shingle and wait for bookings, Indiana and Colin Crilley have launched something they’re calling“We Need More Love,”an initiative that’s essentially inviting couples to submit their stories for the chance to win a completely free wedding worth more than $26,000.

The prize itself is substantial: the exclusive use of Pine Brook Manor’s 110 acres of pine forests, ceremony and reception spaces, tables and chairs, a restored event hall built from reclaimed barn timber, and on-site coordination—valued at around $10,000 to begin with. But local vendors have been so moved by the initiative that they’ve piled on. Kateigh + Ben Photo is offering a premium photography package worth $10,000. An event coordinator is throwing in services worth $3,500. There’s a $1,500 floral credit and complimentary bridal hair and makeup by Meg Brown. That’s the math that gets you to $26,000.

What makes this more than just a savvy marketing play is how the Crilleys are framing it. Colin explained that weddings represent one of those rare moments when people genuinely pause, gather, and celebrate something hopeful. In a time when so much of life can feel heavy and disconnected, that matters. The submissions coming in have reflected the weight of real human stories: high school sweethearts who’ve waited years to have their day, couples who’ve overcome serious illness together, widows and widowers finding love again. These aren’t abstract tales—they’re the kind of stories that remind you why bringing people together still counts.

The property itself is a character. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pine Brook Manor features a historic inn, millpond, waterwheel, wood bridge, mountain views, and even a Forest Chapel nestled beneath the trees. There are eight king and queen rooms across restored buildings, so a wedding party can actually stay on-site. It’s the kind of venue that makes the day feel like stepping into a storybook rather than renting a space.

Couples interested in applying had until June 30 to submit their stories through written and video submissions, though Colin mentioned the deadline has been extended because the response has exceeded their expectations. The selection will come down to authenticity, emotional connection, and the power of the story itself. It’s a refreshing departure from typical wedding contests—not“send us your photo and hope you win,”but“tell us why your love matters and let that be the deciding factor.”