Why The Finger Lakes Is The Perfect Place For An Intimate Elopement
I’m seeing more and more couples choose intimate elopements for their celebrations! By keeping things tight with just closest friends and family, you can have more quality time with your guests — or, elope just the two of you in a romantic setting. And let me tell you, there’s nowhere better for an intimate wedding than the Finger Lakes of New York! A Finger Lakes elopement offers so much natural beauty and is known for its beautiful landscapes, seclusion, and incredible wineries and cuisine, so it’s honestly such a perfect destination and massively underrated.
This area is beautiful year-round (and absolutely magical when covered in snow!), but it’s most popular in the warmer months. Plus, it’s easy to access the Finger Lakes from Rochester airport, or also by train or car.
If you’re all about a gorgeous wedding, immersed in lush nature, here’s why the Finger Lakes is ideal for a private elopement that’s stress-free and so romantic.
1. You’ll Find So Many Romantic Elopement Locations In Upstate New York
One of the best reasons to choose the Finger Lakes for your elopement is that you can enjoy such stunning locations in the region! Peaceful, serene places like Taughannock Falls, Seneca Lake Pier, or Buttermilk Falls State Park are not only perfect for your ceremony but are also gorgeous for your wedding photography.
However, there are also such cute towns in the Finger Lakes as well, such as Skaneateles, Ithaca, and Seneca Falls. They offer so much charm and plenty of fun restaurants and breweries where you can plan a casual reception for your friends and family.
2. Think World-Class Wine And Wineries, For A Fraction Of The Price Of Napa
Winery elopements are so fun, but here’s an insider secret–the gorgeous wineries of the Finger Lakes are far more affordable than some of the country’s more well-known regions like Napa or Sonoma.
You’ll still enjoy those beautiful rolling hills of vineyards and stunning views but with fewer crowds and better pricing. This means you can afford to include more fun splurges in your wedding experience, like farm-to-table dining and spa treatments!
If you have guests coming from out of town, consider arranging a private wine tasting tour a few days before the elopement, as it’s such a unique way to spend quality time together and allow your guests to mingle and meet before the wedding.
3. You’ll Love All Of The Boutique Venues You Can Enjoy During An Intimate Wedding In The Finger Lakes, Ny
No matter what kind of elopement you’re planning, you can find many secluded wedding venues in the Finger Lakes region! The type of venues here are so well suited to privacy and serenity too — think spacious estates, boutique inns, and picturesque lakefront cabins.
For your destination elopement, you could elope at your venue but also use it as your base to explore the area after your wedding — hello, instant honeymoon! I love the idea of a cute log cabin for a sunrise wedding ceremony next to a lake, with the romance of your big day illuminated by the soft early light.
4. Foodies Will LOVE The Finger Lakes
Fine dining is huge in the Finger Lakes, thanks to lush growing conditions and the popularity of local produce and paddock-to-plate style restaurants. You’ll find award-winning restaurants here, with menus designed around seasonal produce and wine pairings.
However, you don’t need to be fancy to enjoy the cuisine here, as there are also cute cafes, bakeries, and farmers markets, ideal for creating your own picnic and escaping for a quiet afternoon alone together.
5. The Scenic Natural Beauty Of The Finger Lakes Region Is Unparalleled
Last but certainly not least — you will instantly fall in love with the beauty of the Finger Lakes! First-time visitors are often surprised at just how gorgeous it is here and it’s also the ideal choice for couples who want to hike, swim, or just completely relax, free from crowds or big cities.
Imagine lush forests, waterfalls, gorges, and lots of stunning parkland (and lakes, of course!), all such perfect places to elope, immersed in nature. The Finger Lakes are also an amazing choice if you’re all about taking your wedding photos in a natural setting, as I’d love to suggest some lesser-known waterfalls or viewpoints where we can photograph, away from tourists.
If you’re searching for a Finger Lakes elopement photographer, I can’t wait to connect! I love getting to know the couples I work with and can’t wait to hear more about your unique love story.
