Pine Brook Manor
A historic Hudson Valley estate built in 1895 is reopening as a wedding venue and retreat—and the owners, a husband-and-wife team, are inaugurating the restored property by giving away a free wedding to the couple who tells the best story.
Pine Brook Manor, about 90 minutes from New York City, includes 110 acres of pine forests, a pond with waterways, and charming buildings including a Forest Chapel beneath the trees—everything needed for the perfect wedding.
The new owners, Indiana and Colin Crilley, are marking the property’s next chapter by launching “We Need More Love,” an initiative inviting couples to share their story for the chance to win a free wedding at Pine Brook Manor.
“We know what a wedding represents,” said Colin. “It is one of the few moments in life where people pause, come together, and celebrate something hopeful—especially meaningfully during a time when so much of life feels heavy and disconnected.”
Couples are invited to apply by sharing their story through written and video submissions, with the winning entry chosen for its authenticity, emotional connection, and the couple’s story. Applications are being accepted through June 30.
Pine Brook Manor
“The submissions so far have been incredibly heartwarming,” Colin told GNN. “Entries have ranged from high school sweethearts raising children while still waiting for their chance to celebrate, to couples overcoming major illnesses together, to widows and widowers finding love again.”
The free wedding package will include exclusive use of Pine Brook Manor, with ceremony and reception spaces, tables and chairs, getting-ready spaces, and on-site coordination support, with an approximate value of $10,000 (to be used within one year, subject to venue availability).
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Wedding reception hall at Pine Brook Manor -submitted
Plus, since hearing about the contest, other local companies have stepped up to provide more free services for the couple’s big day, including a premium photography package from Kateigh + Ben Photo (valued at $10,000); an event coordinator (valued at $3,500); a floral credit of $1,500; and onsite bridal makeup and hair styling by Meg Brown—bringing the total value of the prize to over $26,000.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pine Brook Manor—with its historic inn, millpond, waterwheel, wood bridge, and mountain views—also includes eight king and queen rooms in two restored buildings for overnight accommodations which the wedding party can rent.
A new event hall was constructed using lumber reclaimed from the original barn that once stood onsite, combining heritage elements with modern comforts.
Pine Brook Manor, the restored historic building in Hudson Valley
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“We made the move across the country while welcoming our first child, so this whole chapter of life has felt especially centered around home, family, and bringing people together,” says co-owner Indiana Crilley.
“As we prepared to reopen Pine Brook Manor, we kept coming back to the idea that places which bring people together still matter, and even more now than ever before.”
“We need more love, more gathering, and more moments that bring people together,” Colin added. “That’s really what this initiative is all about.”
“We’ve actually extended the deadline because it’s become more than we ever imagined. We’ve been positively blown away!”
Learn more and apply at ThePineBrookManor.com.
