Favorite Elopement Destinations in Upstate New York.
If you’re a local to upstate New York, you are probably already aware of how geographically amazing this state is. If you’re from out of state, or even from NYC, you may not realize just how big a place NY is or how much variety we have to offer. From quaint, art-community cities to mountain ranges that rival the smokey’s; from waterfalls of all sizes to gigantic fresh water bodies like the finger lakes; from gorges and canyons to the best autumn colors in the world - NY has just about all you can ask for.
Adirondack Mountains
This will be an obvious option for most, but for anyone who doesn’t even realize the ADKs exist, it’s a very accessible, versatile and drop dead gorgeous setting for your dream wedding.
Hike a high peak in your dress (or change at the top), rent an Airbnb with the mountains in the backdrop, or say your vows under one of the many waterfalls… the options are endless.
-
46 refers to the number of mountains over 4k feet in elevation. For those who summit all 46, you become a “46er”. You might think to yourself “4k feet isn’t a big mountain”. Remember that starting elevation in ADKs is generally around 900 feet so many of the mountains require 3-4k feet in elevation gain! Don’t be fooled. Some of these mountains are legit!
-
This largely depends on your weather preferences and tolerance for tourists.
From the months of October to April you can expect most of the park to be inaccessible by vehicle due to snow. Adirondacks are beautiful in the winter but very harsh.
April through some of June is black fly season and it’s honestly best to avoid the park at all costs during this time. Trust me… it’s awful.
Peak foliage is different from year to year, but you can expect last week of September to first week of October to be peak.
If you’re like me and want to avoid other people, then you absolutely should focus on Mondays-Thursdays. Sometimes you can’t even find trailhead parking on weekends in the summer!
I personally think the BEST time to visit is when school is back in session and before winter sets in. This would be the first 3 weeks of September and leaves will also be starting to turn.
-
There are too many to list, and even more than I am aware of, but I will tell you a few of my favorites:
Big Crow Mountain (one of the cooler elopements I’ve ever done was here. Moderately easy and short hike and is lesser known which means fewer tourists to compete with)
Mt Jo (steep but short and extremely rewarding. Due to it’s popularlity expect this location to be high trafficked)
Hurricane Mountain (one of the longer and physically demanding non-46er mountains, but has a fire tower at the top and 360 view)
Whiteface Mountain (driveable most times of year making it the most accessible)
Indian Head Vista (one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen).
2. Taughannock Falls
Chances are if you stumbled onto this guide, you probably googled “Taughannock Falls Elopements”. This hidden gem tucked in the finger lakes, just outside Ithaca, is truly remarkable and puts every other waterfall in NY to SHAME. Standing at 215' feet tall (which is actually taller than Niagara Falls), this impressive feature is an icon of the finger lakes region.
You can say your vows at the base of the falls, up close and personal with the falls. Or you can assemble at the overlook for a more accessible, birds eye view.
If you choose to elope at the base while the falls are roaring (spring time), expect to get blasted with mist, especially if it’s windy!
-
It’s as easy as obtaining a special use permit from the park office at least 14 days prior to the event. There is a small fee (last I checked it was $25). Note that parking is $10/vehicle in addition. The trail is just under 1 mile each way but the entire thing is flat and very accessible by anyone.
-
With most elopement locations, I tend to discourage weekends. Taughannock is no exception. This place gets slammed Friday-Sunday.
Time of day depends on the time of year. The important thing to keep in mind is that the waterfall is within a gorge which means there is no sunset. Expect it to get dark inside the gorge 1-2 hours before sunset times. Generally speaking mid morning and later afternoons are the best times to plan your elopement, but the morning will offer the least amount of hikers/sight seers.
It’s important to note that the water levels change with the seasons. Expect there to be little to no water coming over the cliff in the dry month of August. In May, however, you will experience the falls in their full glory as the snow melt fuels the falls magnificence.
-
The Finger Lakes boasts one of the most robust wine regions in the world with over 130 wineries. You could throw a rock and hit a winery in any direction. Consider renting an airbnb or cabin in the area and do a wine tasting tour before or after the wedding. While not a winery, my personal favorite place is the Finger Lakes Cider House.
There are so many trails and waterfalls in Ithaca and Watkins glen you could fill an entire month hiking and exploring and still not see it all.
3. Finger Lakes
I personally live right smack dab in the middle of the Finger Lakes - on Honeoye Lake, specifically. This region is absolutely one of the most unique areas in the country. There are 11 long and narrow lakes, which originally were carved from glaciers, arranged one after another, each with their own charm and offerings. Seneca Lake is actually the deepest lake east of the Mississippi which is impressive considering it’s only about 3 miles wide.
The finger lakes boasts one of the most robust winery scenes in the country with over 130 wineries in the small region. Everywhere you go you will see beautiful rolling hills carpeted with rows and rows of grape vines. Even if wine tasting isn’t your cup of tea, there are a plethora of other activities and scenes to try like chasing waterfalls, boating or water skiing.
I’ve personally photographed elopements in vineyards, under waterfalls, and even one on the back of a speed boat on which they wakeboarded off of after!
-
Hemlock Lake is a totally undeveloped lake (no houses and no motor boats allowed), making it one of the most peaceful places around.
If you’re looking for an intimate wooded grove (a twilight wedding vibe) look no further than Cummings Nature Center. Rows of towering pine trees creates a one of a kind setting.
Watkins Glen is a bustling little town, home to one of the most renown race tracks in the world. It’s also home to one of the most beautiful gorges with cascading waterfalls that stretch for miles. If you’ve ever fantasized about having a Lord of the Rings Wedding… well… you won’t get much closer than this. *Absolutely not a place you want to visit on a weekend or holiday. Tourism is out of control and it’s shoulder to shoulder room only. Go early AM on a weekday or opt for one of the lesser known waterfalls in the area (ask me for some more recommendations).
-
With most elopement locations, I tend to discourage weekends. Taughannock is no exception. This place gets slammed Friday-Sunday.
Time of day depends on the time of year. The important thing to keep in mind is that the waterfall is within a gorge which means there is no sunset. Expect it to get dark inside the gorge 1-2 hours before sunset times. Generally speaking mid morning and later afternoons are the best times to plan your elopement, but the morning will offer the least amount of hikers/sight seers.
It’s important to note that the water levels change with the seasons. Expect there to be little to no water coming over the cliff in the dry month of August. In May, however, you will experience the falls in their full glory as the snow melt fuels the falls magnificence.
-
The Finger Lakes boasts one of the most robust wine regions in the world with over 130 wineries. You could throw a rock and hit a winery in any direction. Consider renting an airbnb or cabin in the area and do a wine tasting tour before or after the wedding. While not a winery, my personal favorite place is the Finger Lakes Cider House.
There are so many trails and waterfalls in Ithaca and Watkins glen you could fill an entire month hiking and exploring and still not see it all.
