A newly restored historic estate in the Hudson Valley is marking its reopening as a wedding venue with an extraordinary gesture: offering one couple a completely free wedding worth more than $26,000.
Pine Brook Manor, a property built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits approximately 90 minutes from New York City on 110 acres of pine forests. The estate features a pond with waterways, a Forest Chapel nestled beneath the trees, and meticulously restored buildings that create an idyllic setting for celebrations.
The new owners, Indiana and Colin Crilley, have launched an initiative called "We Need More Love," inviting couples to share their stories for a chance to win the comprehensive wedding package. The competition asks applicants to submit both written and video entries, with the winning couple selected based on authenticity, emotional connection, and the strength of their narrative.
"We know what a wedding represents," Colin said, speaking to Good News Network. "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."
Applications are being accepted through June 30, and the response has already exceeded the couple's expectations. "The submissions so far have been incredibly heartwarming," Colin told Good News Network. "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 base wedding package, valued at approximately $10,000, includes exclusive use of Pine Brook Manor with ceremony and reception spaces, tables and chairs, getting-ready areas, and on-site coordination support. The winning couple must use the venue within one year, subject to availability.
What began as a generous offer has grown substantially as local businesses learned of the initiative and volunteered their services. Kateigh + Ben Photo committed a premium photography package valued at $10,000. An event coordinator worth $3,500, a floral credit of $1,500, and on-site bridal makeup and hair styling by Meg Brown have also been added to the prize, bringing the total value to over $26,000.
The property itself tells a story of careful restoration and respect for history. The estate includes a historic inn, millpond, waterwheel, wood bridge, and mountain views. Eight king and queen rooms are available across two restored buildings for overnight accommodations, which the wedding party can rent. A newly constructed event hall incorporates lumber reclaimed from the original barn that once stood on the property, blending historical elements with contemporary amenities.
For Indiana Crilley, the initiative reflects a broader philosophy about community and connection. "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," she explained. "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."
Colin emphasized the deeper purpose behind the contest. "We need more love, more gathering, and more moments that bring people together," he said. "That's really what this initiative is all about."
The overwhelming response has prompted the owners to extend the original deadline. "We've actually extended the deadline because it's become more than we ever imagined," Colin noted. "We've been positively blown away!"
Interested couples can learn more about the competition and submit their applications at ThePineBrookManor.com. The winning couple will be selected for the authenticity and emotional resonance of their story, with the opportunity to celebrate their union at one of the Hudson Valley's most picturesque historic properties.
