Finger Lakes Elopement Guide: How to Elope in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York is a breathtaking place, named for the eleven narrow lakes scattered across it. Each lake has its own unique charm, offering a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle. Set against a backdrop of waterfalls, gorges, rolling hills, and gorgeous shorelines, the area is also full of historic charm, world class wineries, vibrant art scenes, and more! A Finger Lakes elopement is perfect for any couple seeking adventure and jaw dropping scenery, and this guide will tell you how to plan your day.
The Best Time to Elope in the Finger Lakes
The best time for a Finger Lakes elopement will depend on weather, and what you want to do!
Summer is the most popular time to tie the knot here, because the weather is warm and perfect for outdoor ceremonies and for adventures. It’s a great time for hiking and being on the water, but it’s also a busy time in the Finger Lakes! While there are a few things you can do to avoid crowds, you’re likely to have more people around this time of year.
In the fall, the landscape transforms, turning into a sea of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves change color. The weather is crisp, getting cooler as the season goes on, but daytime temperatures are usually still comfortable for exploring outdoors! This is a great time for wine tasting and apple picking, and though the area is still pretty busy, hikes won’t be as crowded as they were in the summer.
Winter elopements in the Finger Lakes can be just as magical, for couples who don’t mind snow and cold weather. If you love winter, this is the perfect place for a day of ice skating or skiing, and for cozying up by the fire afterwards!
Spring is pretty quiet in the Finger Lakes, with fewer crowds and more budget-friendly options for accommodations. The weather warms up as summer approaches, and spring brings blooming flowers that create a perfect backdrop for an elopement!
The Best Finger Lakes Elopement Locations
The Finger Lakes have some pretty incredible elopement locations to choose from, whether you want to tie the knot on the shores of a lake or stand in front of a waterfall. Choosing the right location is a big part of the elopement process, so here are a few spots to consider!
WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK
Watkins Glen is an incredible park in the Finger Lakes, home to a stream that descends over rocky cliffs, creating a cascade of 19 waterfalls! The falls are surrounded by 200 foot cliffs, and a trail winds around the gorge and over the waterfalls to give you some incredible views. This is a great place to elope in the Finger Lakes, with lots of secluded spots to choose from!
TAUGHANNOCK FALLS STATE PARK
Taughannock Falls, which this park is named for, is a stunning waterfall in the Finger Lakes, and exchanging vows with this as your backdrop would be truly magical. The park has several other viewpoints, and cabins that overlook Cayuga Lake!
A WINERY
Along with outdoor locations on public land, the Finger Lakes also have a lot of wineries that would make a perfect elopement location! Many of the wineries, like Heron Hill, sit surrounded by rolling hills and greenery, offering a great backdrop for an intimate ceremony.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH LOCATIONS
As an elopement photographer, part of my job is helping you find the perfect elopement location! Each couple is different, so I’ll get to know you and what you’re dreaming of for your day. Then, I scout locations, and create a personalized list of options that fit what you’re looking for. I’ll recommend places that are lesser known, so that you have more privacy as you exchange vows.
Things to Do When You Elope in the Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a paradise for outdoor adventure, and eloping is all about creating a day that’s right for you! There are so many options for ways to personalize your elopement day, and here are just a few ideas.
HIKING
You definitely don’t have to hike 10 miles or summit a mountain for it to be an adventure (unless you want to!), and the Finger Lakes region has plenty of amazing hikes, whether you want a longer trail or just a short walk. Hiking is a great way to celebrate your wedding day, and there are countless waterfall hikes in the Finger Lakes!
WINE TASTING
The Finger Lakes region is known for having incredible wineries. Celebrating your elopement by doing a wine tasting tour would be a fun, unique way to end the day, and the vineyards are a gorgeous place to watch the sunset! The Canandaigua Wine Trail features a whole 30 miles of wine and food experiences.
KAYAK OR CANOE
The Finger Lakes are, of course, known for the lakes – and getting out on the water is a great way to experience them. You can rent a kayak or canoes and paddle out on the shimmering water! Cayuga Lake is a great place for it, and there are also several rivers in the region that you can paddle on.
SKIING
If you’re planning your Finger Lakes elopement for winter, the area has lots of skiing! You can hit the slopes on Bristol Mountain, then end the day cozying up by the fire.
Finger Lakes Elopement Packages
Your wedding day should be made just for you – and if getting married in nature, surrounded by the waterfalls, mountains, and lakes of the Finger Lakes region, I’m ready to help you tie the knot! As your elopement photographer, I’m also your planning assistant and adventure buddy. I’ll be there every step of the way, with location scouting, vendor recommendations, things to do, places to stay, and more – so all you have to worry about is tying the knot and marrying the person you love! And on the day of, I’ll be there documenting all these memories so that you can look back on them for years to come, and making sure everything is going smoothly.
Ready to elope? Contact me to learn more about Finger Lakes elopement packages!
