Eloping has become an increasingly popular option for couples looking to get married without the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. Upstate New York, with its picturesque landscapes and intimate settings, offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable elopement. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Upstate New York elopement.

Choosing the Location

Upstate New York is home to a variety of stunning locations perfect for an elopement. Some top spots to consider include:

• Niagara Falls: Exchange vows with the roar of the falls as your backdrop. Many Niagara Falls venues like Niagara Falls State Park and Prospect Point offer elopement packages.
• Finger Lakes Region: The rolling hills, vineyards, and serene lakes of the Finger Lakes make for a tranquil, romantic setting. Consider locations like Watkins Glen State Park, Skaneateles Lake, or one of the many wineries in the region like Boundary Breaks or Dr. Konstantin Frank.
• Adirondack Mountains: For a more adventurous elopement, the Adirondacks offer breathtaking mountain views and secluded hideaways. Hike to a scenic overlook like the summit of Cascade Mountain or rent a cozy cabin in Lake Placid or Saranac Lake.
• Hudson Valley: This picturesque region along the Hudson River is dotted with historic estates, charming small towns, and stunning natural beauty perfect for an intimate wedding.
• Locations in the Hudson Valley include , Mohonk Mountain House (New Paltz), Storm King Art Center (Mountainville), Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (Hyde Park), Dia:Beacon (Beacon), West Point Military Academy (West Point), Brotherhood Winery (Washingtonville), Buttermilk Falls Inn & Spa (Milton), The Roundhouse (Beacon), Olana State Historic Site (Hudson), Mills Mansion (Staatsburg).
• Locations in the Catskills include , Emerson Resort & Spa (Mt. Tremper), The Barn at Gilbertsville Farmhouse (Gilbertsville), Full Moon Resort (Big Indian), Kaaterskill Falls (Palenville), The Roxbury Motel (Roxbury), Bethel Woods Center for the Arts (Bethel), Wildacres Retreat Center (Round Top), Spillian (Fleischmanns), The Arnold House (Livingston Manor), North-South Lake Campground (Haines Falls).
• Lake Placid: The charming Olympic village of Lake Placid is surrounded by the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks, providing a scenic backdrop for your elopement. Locations in Lake Placid include , Lake Placid Lodge (Lake Placid), Whiteface Lodge (Lake Placid), Mirror Lake Inn (Lake Placid), Lake Placid Olympic sites (Lake Placid), Saranac Lake, The Wild Center (Tupper Lake), Ausable Chasm (Ausable Chasm), Sagamore Resort (Bolton Landing), Great Camp Sagamore (Raquette Lake), Cascade Mountain (Wilmington).

Obtaining a Marriage License

In New York, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from the town or city clerk’s office in the county where you plan to get married. This process typically takes 24 hours, so be sure to apply for your license well in advance of your elopement date.

The Ceremony

For a simple elopement, you’ll just need an officiant to perform the ceremony. Many Upstate New York venues can coordinate this for you, or you can hire a local officiant. Keep the ceremony short and sweet, focusing on the two of you exchanging vows.

Capturing the Moment

No elopement is complete without beautiful photos to commemorate the occasion. Hire a skilled photographer familiar with elopements in Upstate NY who can capture the emotion and scenery of your day.

Celebrating Afterwards

Just because you eloped doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate! Consider treating yourselves to a romantic dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant like The Lakehouse in Canandaigua, toasting with local wine from a Finger Lakes winery, or spending the night in a cozy bed and breakfast like the Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid

Tying it all together

Eloping in Upstate New York allows you to focus on what truly matters – committing your lives to each other in a stunning, intimate setting. With the right planning, you can create an unforgettable experience that reflects your love story.