Most couples book their wedding venue 12 to 18 months before the wedding — and for a 2027 or 2028 Saturday in peak season, the sooner the better. At Chelsea Sun Inn only one wedding happens on the estate at a time, so there are a limited number of dates each year and the most-wanted ones go first. Here's a plain answer to how far ahead to book, why the 2027–2028 calendar is filling quickly, and how to hold a date like the Garden Atrium, opening spring 2027.
The short answer: 12 to 18 months ahead
For a full Saturday wedding in peak season, plan to book your venue 12 to 18 months out. That is the window most couples work in, and it gives you first pick of dates before they're taken. If your heart is set on a particular month — a fall Saturday especially — aim for the earlier end of that range. Once the venue is booked, your date and guest count are locked, and everything else (caterer, florals, music) follows from there.
Why 2027 and 2028 are booking up fast
Two things are tightening the calendar. First, Chelsea Sun Inn hosts one wedding at a time across 200 private acres — no shared ballrooms, no back-to-back events — so each year holds only so many peak Saturdays. Second, the Garden Atrium, a glass-walled reception space seating up to 300, opens spring 2027, and couples are booking 2027 and 2028 dates around it now. Peak season runs May 1 through November 17, and those Saturdays are the first to fill.
Garden Atrium dates go first
The Garden Atrium is the most-requested part of the 2027–2028 calendar. It's a spring-through-fall space — glass walls and doors, chandeliers and greenery, with views of the mountains and the wishing well, the lake and its fountain, the forest, the 1811 stone mansion, and the pool and hot tub. For now it comes with the venue package at no extra cost, though pricing will go up as demand grows, and the number of dates that include it is limited. If you want the Atrium, ask us early which 2027 and 2028 dates still have it open.
Booking on a shorter timeline
If your date is closer than a year out, you still have good options here. Off-peak season — November 18 through April 30, up to 70 guests — runs at half the peak venue price and has more open dates. Weekday and micro-weddings are easier to book on shorter notice too: a peak Monday-through-Thursday venue package starts at $7,196, and micro-weddings of 50 guests or fewer save another 10% on the venue. Tell us your date and we'll tell you honestly what's still open.
- Book: 12–18 months ahead for a peak-season Saturday; earlier for a fall date.
- Peak season: May 1 – November 17 — the first dates to fill.
- Off-peak: November 18 – April 30, up to 70 guests, half the venue price, more dates open.
- Garden Atrium: opening spring 2027, seats up to 300, included for now — limited dates, ask which ones.
- Shorter timeline: weekday and micro-weddings book on less notice.
The fastest way to know what's open for your date is to ask. Book a tour and we'll walk you through the 2027 and 2028 calendar and which dates still include the Garden Atrium.
What it costs to hold a 2027 date
A 100-guest peak Saturday at Chelsea Sun Inn is $26,862 all-in with The Wedding package and $30,462 with the Wedding + Estate Stay — tax and gratuity included, and the Garden Atrium included at no extra cost for now. Bar service is BYOB at $13.95 a guest with no corkage, and catering runs $58.25 a guest with the preferred caterer. See every 2027 and 2028 date on our pricing page, or get an all-in estimate for your date and guest count with the cost calculator.
Still choosing your season? Read the best time of year to get married in the Poconos, and if the photos are driving your decision, see how to photograph a wedding in a glass venue.
Prices are 2027 rates from chelseasun.com/wedding/ and can change. Your final price is set by your signed event agreement.
