Top 4 Upstate New York Wedding Venues
I’ve had the privilege of photographing hundreds of weddings with my business, and over time, I’ve discovered my Top 4 Upstate New York Wedding Venues.
Each of these venues are uniquely special and beautiful in their own right, but on top of that, the teams and staff members they have are just incredible!!
There’s truly so many things about your wedding day that you’ll carry with you the rest of your life – the I do’s, the toasts, the crazy party on the dance floor – but the one thing that you AND your guests will always remember is the venue.
The venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. It is the foundation of a picture-perfect day, rooting your core memories in a beautiful setting with a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Through an amazing venue, you’ll be able to look back on your special day and remember not just your vows – but the most electric, unforgettable EXPERIENCE!
Nothing will compare to that beautiful memory.
The Inn at Taughannock Falls
WHERE TO START!
Scenic Wedding Venue at The Inn at Taughannock Falls
Where luxury meets Victorian vibes, The Inn at Taughannock Falls is the most charming venue ever. This beautiful venue opened in 1946 with a lakeview inn that is steps away from a natural waterfall wonder, and it offers four separate buildings, including the largest northeastern outdoor venue that overlooks a lake. The Inn at Taughannock is located in the heart of the finger lakes wine trail with hundreds of wineries to choose from, which makes for the perfect getaway for your out-of-town guests. With this venue, you’ll have so many options to enjoy time with your family, bridal party, and visiting relatives – whether at Taughannock for a scenic hike or at a wine tasting from one of the many wineries located along the lake!
Perfect for micro-weddings, Inn at Taughannock has definitely been one of my favorite destinations to shoot at. It is charming yet exquisite, and from a photographer’s perspective, it has the most gorgeous layout and makes for the most stunning photos. Between the lush scenery, stunning buildings, and elegant, thoughtful touches throughout the Inn, I cannot rave enough about the areas available for getting ready photos, ceremony spots, and reception. Definitely add this beautiful Inn to your list of wedding venue options… it might just become a Top Upstate New York Wedding Venue for you, too. ;)
The Inns of Aurora
My second choice in my Top 4 Upstate New York Wedding venues is The Inns of Aurora. Sooo idyllic and nestled alongside Cayuga lake, the Inns of Aurora was literally designed by the creator of American Girl Doll. Nuff said LOL! It was a retreat founded in 1789 in the Village of Aurora, and the property has since been designated as a National Historic District (how cool!!) It’s just under a square mile, and the feel of the property is peaceful and relaxing – exactly what an Inn is meant for, if ya ask me. ;)
The Inns of Aurora Wedding: Ayla & Cam
The Inns of Aurora has a world class spa, farm-to-table restaurant, causal pub, village market, activities center, and a demonstration kitchen. Let’s be real – what more could you really want in a venue lol. It has 5 different houses all restored from the 18-1900’s, and each of them are available for your stay.
Honestly, the Inns of Aurora feels like a complete vacation retreat for every guest invited to your wedding – even the photographer! Stepping on site at Aurora is like stepping into a storybook, and between the ivy-covered stone ruins, historical buildings, and whimsically decorated mansion, it feels like a true fairytale venue. You can’t go wrong with this Upstate NY Wedding Venue!
Gather Greene
Peaceful, enchanting and tucked away in the Catskill Mountains, Gather Greene is the perfect destination for a “glamping” wedding. I can’t rave about this destination enough. If you’re from the Manhattan/NYC looking for a quiet, remote wedding, then this venue is spot! Just outside of quaint and historical Coxsackie, Gather Greene sits on over 100 acres with its attractions close to the great ridge. It not only offers an outdoor pavilion for your wedding experience, but also luxurious cabins that give off a total treehouse vibe. Give your guests the gift of rest and relaxation after a fun-filled evening of celebrating and treat them to a full outdoor experience… minus the tent. ;)
This property is truly gorgeous for photos with its stretching fields and rolling hills, and it has limitless opportunity for photos. (It was once actually a dairy farm, which tells you how open and beautiful it is!) Besides the lush greenery, you’ll also find a mountain’s view of the Berkshire Mountains, wooded areas, tree-lined paths, a shale quarry, the pond, rock walls and shale, wildflowers, and breathtaking sunsets with starry nights.
Dreamy Cabin at Gather Greene Wedding Venue
Just take it from this photographer, Gather Greene is straight out of a magazine! Not only will you will be in the absolute best hands with their team, but you and your guests will leave your wedding feeling inspired, refreshed, and re-energized at this peaceful destination! Don’t wait to check out this tranquil Upstate NY Wedding Venue!
Homestead Blessings
This venue is the perfect combo of vintage and bohemian! A refurbished barn from the 1860’s, Homestead Blessings is located in Corning, New York and is situated in a lush, countryside landscape surrounded by trees. Their vibe is actual magic. The restored barn is the perfect backdrop for gorgeous, shabby chic photos, and Homestead Blessings even has specialty rentals and vintage furniture that can be added to your day
Fall Foliage Wedding Venue: Brian & Katie
Another incredible feature of Homestead Blessings is The Farmhouse and Ranch House, which is available to the wedding party and family. The Farmhouse is a beautiful home which has 3 bedrooms/2.5 bathrooms and sleeps up to 8 people. The Ranch House has 3 bedrooms/1 bath and can sleep up to 9 people, making it easy for your wedding party and close friends/family to stay within minutes of the venue.
Between the stunning landscapes, whimsical decor, and delicious natural light, I promise you – this venue is any photographer’s dream. Your photos will be nothing short of jaw dropping, and your guests will leave raving about this incredible Upstate NY Wedding Venue.
Obviously, you can’t go wrong with any of these venues! They each have a backdrop to die for, a team that will make you feel like royalty, and an atmosphere that is warm, dreamy, and will give you all the feels. I personally am so incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to shoot at each of these four locations. They have made me appreciate the vibrant wedding community right here in Upstate NY and have re-invigorated my passion for meaningful, luxury, boutique weddings. If you're interested in learning more about these venues or the photographer behind these photos, check out my About Me page or complete the inquiry form on my Contact page! I’d love to chat about your big day!! :)