Wedding plans begin with finding the right venue. Too often, you have to compromise — there isn’t one that checks all the important boxes. You want a special environment, fantastic food, attentive service and of course, an affordable price tag. It’s that last box that often puts the others out of reach. Falkirk Estate checks that last box too.
Falkirk Estate, in the midst of a gorgeous golf course, is conveniently located in New York’s Hudson County, under an hour from Bergen County, Manhattan and Westchester. The magnificent grounds provide the backdrop for the most beautiful photos. The hall has room for up to 400 seated guests, but with the expansive grounds, an outdoor event can hold many more.
Falkirk recently completed the installation of a dedicated kosher kitchen. Their in-house chef, a specialist in creating mouth-watering cuisine, can now bring his talent to glatt kosher dining. With such high standards, you might expect a little snobbery. But the only attitude you’ll get from owner Bentzion Goldman is his warmth and desire to infuse every simcha at Falkirk with joy and clockwork efficiency, no matter the client’s number of guests or package options. Falkirk does not have a minimum number of guests so smaller events like bar/bat mitzvah parties, sheva brachot meals and engagement parties are welcome.
Goldman took over Falkirk Estate in 2024. His trademark as a business person is to throw himself wholeheartedly into research when he enters a new industry. The most important idea he learned about event management is that a positive attitude is essential for a venue that hosts simchas. Goldman tells his staff, “I want everyone to have a good time together.” And that’s the feedback he’s getting from happy couples and their families. ‘We have a positive vibe. This is a place where a couple wants to get married.” Ask about Falkirk’s breathtaking fireworks display as the ultimate wedding finale.
Although clients can bring in their own caterer, Goldman is especially proud of their chef, who has extensive experience preparing exquisite high-level cuisine and is now translating his techniques and signature dishes for the kosher market. Prices depend on the shmorg stations and menu items you want. Goldman emphasized that even the most basic package is still fantastic with wonderful food, presented impeccably. “Even our basic package has an amazing presentation and includes the type and amount of food that is more than you will find elsewhere,” he said. Almost all packages include a wedding manager for the day and bathroom attendants.
A basic wedding package at Falkirk includes having access to the entire facility for the day. Goldman takes good care of the couple and their families. He knows they are excited but anxious. He makes them feel at home by having fruits and other amenities laid out for them when they arrive. Falkirk will prepare comfort food for the kids, like chicken fingers and French fries, to keep them calm. There is a piano in the lobby that used to have a sign on it under the previous owners that said “Don’t touch.” Goldman says if anyone wants to play, feel free.
“Never say no” is Goldman’s philosophy of customer service. He negotiates all requests with a pleasant can-do approach. If you require additional options, like tents for an outdoor event, he will arrange it for you with no additional markup.
Most clients come early, even for a nighttime wedding. It’s such a lovely place to get ready, relax and have photos. There’s a bridal suite and a room for the bride’s family. The groom has his own private room and larger one for his family. Of course there are rooms for the tisch, shmorg, bedeken and dinner and dancing.
Out-of-town guests can stay at the Crown Plaza in Suffern and get transportation to the event, or at a nearby motel. A brand-new hotel is expected to open in the coming months. Not using an event planner? Goldman is happy to make recommendations for other vendors with excellent products and services at reasonable prices.
Joining our interview was sales manager Raphael Rothschild and his associate, Benjamin Schwartz of Teaneck. Both enthusiastically described how Falkirk Estate offers more of everything, with fewer rules and better service than other well-known venues where they have been guests or had their own simcha.
As our interview drew to a close, I asked Goldman if there was anything I was forgetting. “This is the question we get asked at every single wedding,” he said. “And the answer is, ‘We’ve done this hundreds of times.’ You’re asking the question because you’re nervous. The answer is, ‘Don’t be nervous. Everything will be taken care of.’”
Visit the Falkirk Estate website at falkirkestate.com for more information and to arrange a tour. For booking inquiries, email [email protected].
Bracha Schwartz is special sections editor at The Jewish Link.
