Best Places to Elope in Upstate New York

Top 11 Locations for Upstate NY Elopement

SWELL & STONE / New York Outdoor Wedding & Adventure Elopement Photographer

Congrats! You just got engaged and now you’re looking for the best places to elope in New York. While there a variety of elopement packages for upstate NY, sometimes you want to build your own elopement with the help of a trusted photographer who knows exactly where to take you. The diverse and vast landscape of upstate New York happens to be one of the best places in the Northeast region and the country for elopements. From its incredible mountains and lakes to the stunning waterfalls and gorges, New York has so many options for those looking for a more adventurous wedding. Want to spread your search a little broader? Here’s my New England elopement guide. Or check out these if you’re looking for Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

New York is a huge state, so there are tons of options for incredible views. The further north and west you go you’ll find a little more seclusion, but some of the most incredible spots can be found just a few hours from New York City. So decide whether you’d like to get married with a waterfall backdrop, mountain views, or on a boat in the middle of a pristine lake. Regardless of what you choose, New York has something that will make your jaw drop in awe. Most places do require permitting of some sort for your ceremony. If you choose me as your photographer I help you walk through the process step by step and make sure you have the correct info for people to contact to get seamlessly through the process.

So if you’re looking for seclusion and views check out something like renting Whiteface Mountain summit for the occasion, or if you’d like to take advantage of stunning public lands for your elopement check out the Finger Lakes or the Catskills. Either way, get in touch and let’s start planning your dream elopement.

When planning an elopement, especially one in the summer months, it is always best to plan on a weekday. If you plan on having no guests, or just your immediate families, it is ultimately less expensive, plus easier to plan ceremonies with fewer crowds. Here are some of the best spots to elope in NY.

1. The Catskills

   The Catskills are only a few hours outside of New York City, making them a close getaway spot for city dwellers, but it’s easy to get immersed in nature here, with huge cascading waterfalls, great hikes, and crystal clear rivers and streams. One of the most notable places in this area is Kaaterskill Falls, which drops 231 feet into beautiful pools. It’s a free-hanging waterfall, so you can walk underneath it for a super unique vista. There are also great views from a viewing platform and from the top of the falls. Other amazing spots include the crystal clear waters of the Peakamoose area and beautiful hikes like Giant Ledge. Because of its proximity to NYC, it does get crowded on the weekends, and even some weekdays in the summer, but it is spectacular and as long as you plan your ceremony in the morning or on a weekday in the off-season you should be able to find some seclusion.

2. Minnewaska State Park

   This spot is also close to NYC making it crowded on the weekends. But if you can catch this area at the right time it’s one of the most stunning places for photos. The jagged cliff sides surrounding Lake Minnewaska with mountains in the background make for a truly epic photo op. Some of my favorite spots include Sam’s Point and Awosting Falls. This area is also just about an hour from Hawks Nest Highway, which is one of the most epic and scenic drives in America, especially in the fall.

3. The Finger Lakes

   From waterfalls that plunge 215 over rocky cliffs (making it the highest single-drop waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains) to stunning gorges, lakes and mountains, there is something for everyone in the Finger Lakes. There are amazing viewing spots from the top of the falls, and one of them makes the perfect ceremony site. You do have to get a permit from the park system and hold your ceremony outside of peak days and hours, but the scenery hardly gets any better than this. I’m happy to help answer any questions about permitting in these locations because I’ve been through the process with couples before! You can also hike to the base of the falls here and take in all the magnificence from the bottom. It’s a little louder down before, but the images are worth it.

   The entire area is magical, and it looks more like Scotland than New York. Glaciers helped shaped the landscape during the Pleistocene era and created hanging valleys. There are dozens of waterfalls along miles of incredible trails, and some with stone walkways built into the canyon walls. It’s an incredible work of art by Mother Nature. The surrounding area is full of several other hanging valley’s that make up the region known as the “Finger Lakes”. There is a ton of fun outdoor activities to do in a small area, and cute towns dotted mostly at the southern end of the lakes. It’s a truly unique section of the country that deserved a few full days of exploring. Check out this gallery.

4. Whiteface Mountain

   Whiteface Mountain is a private resort that often hosts weddings and events during it’s after hours. The coolest part is that you could have the entire mountain summit to yourselves. The mountain summit is accessible via driving to the top and then taking up the elevator up a bit more. The incredible views looking out over the Lake Placid region with incredible views of the Adirondacks and Lake Placid itself. There is plenty of hiking around the mountaintop, and this is a perfect place to host a small outdoor wedding where you’d love to have some friends and family involved as well. If you’re into waterfalls as well and want both the mountain and waterfall experience, Whiteface mountain is close to High Falls Gorge- a spectacular 22 acre, privately owned nature park on the AuSable River that features several stunning waterfalls.

5. Rocky Mountain

   This short 1-mile round trip hike packs a lot of view for its short hike. It’s near Inlet, NY and the view overlooks the Adirondack Mountains and Fourth Lake. It’s a lovely spot if you’d like to have family and friends join, but don’t want them to have to hike very far. The view of the rolling mountains and the lake is great at any time of year, but especially in the fall. During the winter you and guests will need to use microspikes for hiking safety, but with some snow on the ground, it is a killer view for a short hike. Plus the crowds are likely to be thin.

6. Indian Head

   One of the most iconic views in the Adirondacks, this hike makes you work a bit for the views. It is a 9-mile round trip, but a good portion of it is on a relatively flat dirt road. Still, only take on this hike if you are in relatively good shape, and make sure your photographer can handle it, too. But the beauty of a longer hike is that the crowds are likely to be thinner by the time you arrive. This is a popular spot, but the area has a ton of hikes so the most difficult part is getting a parking spot at the trailhead. This is usually not a problem on a weekday. The reward is vast views of Lower Ausable Lake looking southwest. It’s a great spot to catch the sunset and the stars come out. Just make sure you bring a headlamp for the long hike out in the dark!

7. Adirondack Woodcrafts Camp

   Want the complete summer camp experience for your outdoor wedding? Adirondack Woodcrafts Camp is the spot for that! The 250-acre property which encompasses two pristine lakes and borders the winding Moose river. It is in an area far away from any light pollution, so the starry night skies are incredible. They have a dining hall and a lodge that make for the perfect indoor/outdoor wedding experience. You can canoe on their private lake, hike the trails on the grounds, and even rent bikes if you’d like. This is the spot for you if you’d like all your friends and family to be able to join you in the outdoor adventures over the course of a whole weekend.

8. Garnet Hill Lodge

   Garnet Hill Lodge has a ton of options for scenic ceremony sites. From secluded hikes on the grounds to canoes and kayaks that are free for use when staying with them, this place takes care of a variety of wants and needs for eloping couples. You can rent out the lodge and host your small outdoor wedding on the back lawn with boasts incredible views of the Adirondack Mountains and Thirteenth Lake with easy access and nice accommodations for guests. The reception can be catered by the restaurant and they have incredible homemade pies. Or you can elope by hiking to one of the more scenic spots on the property. One of the hikes becomes shorter by taking a canoe short cut across the lake- talk about a fun, multi-activity shortcut! Check out this gallery.

9. Letchworth State Park

   Letchworth State Park is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and for good reason. The park is 17 miles long, following the Genesee River as it flows north through a deep gorge and over several large waterfalls. If you like waterfalls, especially big ones, this might be your place. There is also a hot air balloon tour company, called Balloons Over Letchworth, so if riding a hot air balloon over an incredibly scenic area sounds like your kind of adventure day, this is the place for you. The best times of year to visit are summer and fall, but the park is open year round and is absolutely astonishing in any season.

10. Heart Lake

    This spot near Lake Placid has gorgeous views, a short hike, and private cabins run by the Adirondack Mountain Club at the base where you can stay. An added bonus is that you can paddle around their canoes and kayaks on the lake for additional fun and photo ops. Find out more info here.

Whether you’re from New York, New England, or somewhere else, NY is an incredible place to elope or have a small outdoor wedding. From epic mountain destinations to lush forests, lakes, and rivers, there are a lot of options to host the perfect outdoor elopement getaway. So if hiking to a stunning free hanging waterfall, summiting mountains, or paddling a lake or river sounds like your idea of a great elopement day, get in touch. I don’t just take a small outdoor wedding and elopement photos. I help you plan your perfect, adventurous day from beginning to end.

The Best Places to Elope in Each Season

Best Adventure Wedding Locations By Season

Swell & Stone / Elopement Photographer / New England, The Southwest, California & Beyond

You know what they say- LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! And it rings especially true for adventure weddings and elopements. Picking the right location at the right time is one of the most important parts of creating a wildly unforgettable and different adventure wedding experience. So if you’ve never been to the location you’ve been dreaming of for your wedding, it’s best to find a photographer who has, and who can help steer you in the right direction when it comes to what time of year to plan your event. With that said, depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, the off-season might be the on-season for you if you’re in search of fewer crowds and a sometimes more adventurous experience. Another plus is that many of these locations are free or inexpensive to use as a wedding venue.

During “high season” you are likely to find the nicest weather, but don’t rule out low season. I like booking elopements in a location’s “low season” because it means fewer crowds, easier transportation, and seeing a different side of a place. However, it also means potential road closures, restricted access, and bad weather. Contact a local, ranger, or guide service to find out what is possible in your location during the time frame you are considering for your elopement.

You can only do so much to avoid bad weather. Start by researching beforehand to determine seasonal average temps, rain/snowfall and wind.

If you want to go in the low season to avoid crowds make sure to research seasonal road and transportation closures that may impact your day. Also, think about extreme weather like wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

There is always the chance of bad weather during an outdoor elopement. It’s best to be prepared with the right gear and mindset. Remember, sometimes bad weather makes for the best story and photos.

Each season has its pluses and minuses. The best thing to do is to keep in mind what is most important to you and also what works best with your schedule. Summer tends to be the time most people want to get married, but depending on your comfort level in the outdoors, the dead of winter could be the perfect time for you.

Here are some helpful links to the Best Places to Elope in New England:

Top Elopement Locations in New England

Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island

Top Elopement Locations in Massachusetts

Best Elopement Spots in Upstate New York

Best Spots to Elope in Vermont

Best Elopement Locations in New Hampshire

Winter

New England

Ok, a snowy winter elopement on a mountain top isn’t for everyone, but it is for the adventurous, and it can be so unbelievably beautiful. New England has a ton of amazing icy landscape views, so if you are willing to bundle up and brave the weather, this might be a great option for you. The image about was taken on Mt. Mansfield in Vermont right at the beginning of winter, so the icy conditions were mostly on top of the mountain. These two braved freezing temps while changing on the summit crest, but they wouldn’t have had it any other way. They were engaged on this mountain too! There are a ton of icy gorgeous options with less intense hike, and a great option is taking a gondola most of the way up and then just finishing the final part of the hike. Micro spikes or crampons may be necessary.

North Cascades National Park

Winter has so many amazing things to offer. If you’re a skier or mountaineer, or if you like snowshoeing or hiking in the snow, this season might be for you. There is nothing quite like getting your wedding portraits taken in front of an ice waterfall, just ask Hannah and Collins in the photo above!

Here’s the thing about winter- there are so many fewer people out and about. A winter hike can be calm, serene, and silent, and if you plan it right you might not be all that cold either. Alternatively, there are a ton of locations you can drive to, stay warm in the car, and pop out for a few minutes at a time to take photos. But there are some locations that even in winter are perfect for spending the whole day outside. Want to know more about how to comfortably get married outside in the winter? Check out this post!

Vermillion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona

The Desert Southwest

Winter is the perfect time to explore the desert southwest, which includes southern Utah, Arizona, and parts of Nevada and California. These places remain mostly temperate in the winter, so planning your adventure wedding can be a breeze. Also, these places are mostly dry during this time, although there are always exceptions. The desert is ideal for eloping in winter because even though the weather can be nice there are still fewer people out and about. This is partly because winter nights can easily drop well below freezing, making camping still a bit dicey for some.

The day before I photographed Cam & Rick’s adventure wedding pictured above, it rained the entire day. We were nervous that the 4x4 roads out to this spot would be impassable, but they weren’t and this spot was enhanced by the myriad of pools dotting the desert floor- a rare sight indeed! It made for the most memorable adventure wedding experience. And that is an important tidbit about planning an adventure wedding- YOU NEED TO BE READY FOR ADVENTURE. Just as when you’re adventuring any other time, inclement weather and adapting to things as they come is part of the fun.

Spring

Castle Hill Lighthouse, Rhode Island

Spring can be wet season just about anywhere, but if you plan it right it’s also beautiful in a number of locations. It’s best to stay at lower elevations in the spring because high in the mountains will still be snowy and sometime wet and muddy.

Coastal Regions- Southern Rhode Island & Southern California & Florida

These spots are often nice on the coast, but can still be really nice inland during this time of year as well. When considering weather as a factor, places like Florida become too hot in the summer months, so it’s best to take advantage of the nice spring weather and plan your elopement for then. Also, as long as you avoid spring break, you can still take advantage of some of the relative peace of fewer crowds before summer comes.

Check out Kavita & Brice’s spring adventure wedding that took place in a tree grove in Florida! Or Makeda & Tej’s adventure anniversary session that I shot on the coast of southern Rhode Island at Castle Hill Lighthouse and Fort Adams State Park. Logistics become very difficult at these locations in the summer because of huge tourism crowds. It’s best to plan sessions in these places for either spring or fall.

Florida

Summer

Ahhh summer, when it’s finally in the air and everyone you know plans to get married. It can often seem like your summer is lost to attending weddings. Well if you’re going to plan your wedding in the summer it may as well be somewhere awesome!

High Altitude Alpine Locations

Unless you’re an extreme adventurer, this is really the only time of year you can plan an adventure elopement or wedding high in the mountains, so take advantage! Include a small hike to the ceremony location to break away from the crowds. There are so many beautiful options, but here are some of my favorites. Check out this gorgeous elopement complete with Airstreams and El Capitan in Yosemite National Park.

From mountain meadows to alpine lakes, this is the best time of year to get away from it all.

Yosemite National Park & The Sierra Nevada

Alaska

North Cascades National Park

Southwest Colorado, San Juan Mountains

Alta, Utah- Wasatch Range

But the waterfalls and picturesque pools of New England and the Pacific Northwest are calling as well. It’s up to you, but no matter what you choose in the summer months make sure you’re either prepared to work around the crowds, or work with your photographer to find a location that is a little more secluded. Sometimes this can be as easy as going early in the morning at what will be a very crowded location later in the day.

Deception Pass State Park, Washington

Peakamoose Blue Hole- The Catskills

Fall

And finally, fall. It’s my favorite season to photograph elopements, with the gorgeous changing colors and the crisp weather. Fall mornings often bring moody fog, and there is nothing more stunning than fog mingling in the treetops or over a lake. Honestly, rain or shine you’re going to have an absolutely stunning elopement day if you book a fall wedding in the Northeast.

New England & the northeast

My absolute favorite place spend the fall is in the Northeast of the United States. From the mountains of the Adirondacks to the waterfalls of Vermont. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, and Massachusetts have unbelievable views during this time, too, and the coastal landscapes in these states are also breathtaking. Enjoy the crisp air, fog covering the valleys in the morning, and an absolute feast of color for the eyes.

Mt. Mansfield, Vermont

Warren Falls, VT

Catskills, NY

The truth is that the best location and season to elope in is really your preference. Some of the most fun elopements I’ve photographed were in the dead of winter in cold places. I loved the adventure and the couples who chose to plan them that way did too! Keep in mind the comfort of your guests if you’re bringing some along, but otherwise the sky is the limit. Pick a place that means something to you and your partner or a place neither of you have ever been before, but would love to visit. Either way, if you plan the day that you’ll love and come prepared to roll with whatever weather comes your way, you’ll have a truly memorable and wildly different wedding experience that you’ll be able to live over and over again through your photos.