5 of the Best Places to Elope in Upstate New York
The west coast often gets all the hype when it comes to mountains and stunning elopement locations – but here on the east coast we have plenty of incredible gems, from tranquil lakes to mountain peaks to cascading waterfalls. If you want to elope in upstate New York, this guide will tell you everything you need to know, from logistical tips to some of the best elopement locations!
The Best Time to Elope in Upstate New York
Each season in upstate New York brings a different kind of magic to the region, so deciding on the best time to tie the knot can definitely change your experience.
The most popular time to elope in upstate New York is usually summer or early fall. Summers are incredible for warm weather, and great for outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and more.
Early to mid October is the best time to see fall foliage, so if you want to elope surrounded by hues of red and yellow, and enjoy weather that’s warm but a little more comfortable for hikes and spending the day outside, this is a great time to tie the knot. But, keep in mind that at higher elevations, snow can start to accumulate in mid to late fall.
Though winter tends to be less popular, you can definitely still have an incredible elopement in the colder months! If you want to get married in a winter wonderland, there’s no better place than upstate New York, with frozen waterfalls, cute towns, and plenty of cozy cabins to retreat to.
Spring brings lush greenery and bright displays of wildflowers, and as the weather starts to warm up, this can be a great time for an elopement!
Another thing to keep in mind is that much of upstate New York is pretty popular, and summer is peak tourist season – so planning your elopement for late spring and early fall can be a great way to avoid some of those crowds, while still enjoying nice weather.
5 Best Places to Elope in Upstate New York
Choosing the perfect elopement location is one of the most exciting things about ditching the traditional wedding thing – and there are tons of gorgeous spots to choose from. Here are just a few of the best places to elope in upstate New York!
ADIRDONDACK PARK
Adirondack Park, which encompasses the Adirondack mountain range is the biggest park in the contiguous United States, and covers ⅕ of New York State! As you can imagine, with 6 million acres of land, there are plenty of stunning elopement locations to choose from here. You can tie the knot on the shores of Mirror Lake, or at the peak of Whiteface Mountain. The location options are endless!
FINGER LAKES
If you want to get married on the water, the Finger Lakes region is an absolutely idyllic destination. With eleven narrow lakes, there are lots of popular spots as well as more secluded locations – and there’s also Watkins Glen State Park, which is one of the best places to elope in upstate New York if you want a waterfall as your backdrop! The area is also known for its wineries, and is a perfect place for an elopement and honeymoon.
LETCHWORTH STATE PARK
This park has been called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” and when you marvel at the gorge cut by the Genesee River, it’s not hard to see why. There are three big waterfalls surrounded by forests, and lots of hiking trails to choose from. It’s one of the most picturesque places to elope in upstate New York, with tons of outdoor adventures – including everything from forest walks to hot air balloon rides!
CATSKILL MOUNTAINS
The Catskills offer a peaceful retreat perfect for an intimate elopement ceremony, where you can tie the knot in a cozy A frame in the forest or hike to the top of a mountain to exchange vows amongst panoramic views. Kaaterskill Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, and a gorgeous backdrop, or you can get married on Hunter Mountain, at the summit or amongst the meadows.
THOUSAND ISLANDS
For an unforgettable elopement experience, one of the best places to elope in upstate New York is the Thousand Islands region, where nearly 2,000 islands make up the archipelago on the St. Lawrence River. You can tie the knot on your own private island, take a boat ride on the water, or exchange vows on a beach!
How to Get Legally Married in Upstate New York
When you elope in upstate New York, you’ll also need to know about a few legal things to make it official! You need a marriage license, which has to be from the state of New York but can be obtained anywhere in the state – so you’ll need to visit a town or city clerk. Some offices require an appointment, so call ahead to find out if you need one and to schedule. Both of you need to be there in person, with documents to prove your age and identity (like a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate), and you’ll get your marriage license that same day. Marriage licenses in the state cost $40, but it can be more in New York City.
There’s a 24 hour waiting period, which means you need to get your marriage license at least a day before your elopement, and it’s valid for 60 days.
When you tie the knot, you’ll need an officiant to sign the marriage license – you can hire a professional, have a loved one get ordained, or I’m ordained and can sign for you if you want to keep things as intimate as possible! One witness is also required, but if you don’t have guests we can just find someone to sign.
Elopement Packages in Upstate New York
Eloping is all about creating an experience – one personalized just for you. And as an elopement photographer, my job isn’t just to take the photos. I’m there for it all – brainstorming and ideas, giving you a list of elopement locations (the off the beaten path kind) to choose from, creating a timeline, and everything you need to tie the knot!
If you’re ready to get married your way, contact me to learn more about elopement packages in upstate New York!
