As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing some of the most beautiful love stories across the Finger Lakes region. With its stunning lake views, rolling hills, and charming historic estates, this area offers some of the best venues for a dream wedding. Whether you’re envisioning a modern barn wedding, a lakeside celebration, or an elegant estate affair, these venues provide the perfect backdrop for your big day. Here are some of my absolute favorite Finger Lakes wedding venues and what makes each one so special!
Crispin Hill
Crispin Hill is a charming wedding venue nestled in a picturesque hill in Penn Yan, New York, overlooking the stunning Keuka Lake. This cozy and inviting property perfectly blends rustic elegance with a warm, intimate atmosphere. One of its standout features is the breathtaking outdoor ceremony space (pictured above!) where couples exchange vows with the lake as their backdrop, creating an unforgettable setting. The cocktail hour here is equally magical, offering guests a chance to mingle while taking in panoramic views of the water and rolling hills. Crispin Hill truly feels like a hidden gem, combining natural beauty with a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes every wedding feel special and personal.
Windridge Estate
The Windridge Estate, located in the rolling hills of Cazenovia, New York, is a breathtaking wedding venue that blends historic elegance with the beauty of the countryside. This private estate offers a timeless and romantic atmosphere, with sweeping views and a beautifully manicured grounds that create a stunning backdrop for weddings. This venue is truly for couples looking for a destination-style indoor / outdoor wedding weekend. Whether celebrating beneath the open sky or dancing the night away in a warm, inviting setting, weddings at The Windridge Estate feel effortlessly elegant, intimate, and truly unforgettable.
The Inns of Aurora
The Inns of Aurora, nestled in the picturesque village of Aurora, New York, is an exceptional wedding destination set along the serene shores of Cayuga Lake. This collection of historic, beautifully restored inns offers an intimate and elegant atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking a timeless and romantic setting. With stunning lake views, lush gardens, and charming indoor and outdoor spaces, the Inns provide a breathtaking backdrop for ceremonies and receptions alike. Couples and their guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations, award-winning dining, and personalized service, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable wedding experience. Whether exchanging vows by the water, celebrating in a grand lakeside sailcloth tent, or enjoying a cozy, candlelit reception, the Inns of Aurora offer a perfect blend of refined beauty and warm hospitality for a truly magical wedding day.
The Lake House on Canandaigua
A lakeside wedding at The Lake House on Canandaigua is nothing short of stunning. This venue boasts a modern yet classic design with beautiful waterfront views, lush gardens, and elegant indoor spaces. Whether you choose a ceremony overlooking the lake or an intimate reception in their exquisite ballroom, every corner of this venue is picture-perfect. This also offers a getaway for all of your guests to stay the night or weekend!
Wrens Roost Barn
For couples who love a rustic-chic aesthetic, Wrens Roost Barn located in Naples, New York is a fantastic choice. This secluded barn venue provides a peaceful countryside setting with rolling hills and plenty of open space. The wooden barn is both cozy and elegant, making it a wonderful place to celebrate with family and friends while enjoying the beauty of nature.
The Seneca Ridge
Tucked away in the heart of the Finger Lakes, The Seneca Ridge is an intimate and scenic venue with stunning views of the countryside and Seneca Lake. This venue is ideal for couples looking for a private setting with a mix of natural beauty and rustic charm. Enjoy your ceremony overlooking the countryside, cocktail hour in a renovated horse barn ,and reception in an elegant sailcloth tent. These outdoor spaces make this venue an incredible spot to say “I do.” A bonus? The gorgeous house on the property can be yours to get ready in, stay the night, and/or take it over for the whole weekend!
The Wadsworth Homestead
History lovers will adore The Wadsworth Homestead, a stunning estate with rich character and timeless elegance. This venue features a stately mansion, lush gardens, and breathtaking scenery that transports you back in time. The charm and sophistication of this venue make it a truly unforgettable location for a wedding.
The Inn at Taughannock Falls
The Inn at Taughannock Falls, located just outside Ithaca, New York, is a stunning wedding venue perched above Cayuga Lake and adjacent to the breathtaking Taughannock Falls State Park. This elegant and historic inn offers a romantic and timeless setting, where couples can exchange vows with panoramic lake views or amidst the natural beauty of the park’s towering waterfalls. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, weddings at The Inn at Taughannock Falls are effortlessly elegant, with the perfect blend of natural beauty and classic sophistication for an unforgettable day.
The Wells Estate
A hidden gem in the Finger Lakes, The Wells Estate is a charming and romantic venue that feels like a secret garden. With a beautifully restored barn, lush greenery, and a cozy yet elegant atmosphere, this venue is perfect for intimate weddings. The surrounding countryside provides a stunning backdrop for a wedding celebration.
The Fallbrook House
The Fallbrook House, located at the Canandaigua Country Club, is a perfect venue for a relaxed but sophisticated celebration. With a charming reception barn on the water, it feels just like hanging at the lake house with your friends and family.
Pomona at Blue Barn
Nestled in the countryside, Pomona at Blue Barn is a breathtaking venue that combines rustic charm with modern elegance. With panoramic views of the vineyards and a gorgeous barn setting, this venue is perfect for couples who want a picturesque and romantic wedding day.
Lincoln Hill Farms
For a unique wedding experience, Lincoln Hill Farms offers an extraordinary setting that blends rustic elegance with a festival-like atmosphere. With sprawling fields, a stunning open-air silo, and twinkling string lights, this venue creates a relaxed and joyful vibe. It’s perfect for couples who want a fun and laid-back wedding day filled with character. Did someone say glamping? Close out your big day by gathering with friends and family, enjoying a fire under the stars and retiring to glamping tent accommodations right on the farm.
There are so many incredible wedding venues in the Finger Lake region of New York. Each of these locations has it’s own unique charm and character, ensuring that your wedding will be as memorable and beautiful as the love story it celebrates. If you’re planning your wedding in the Finger Lakes and need a photographer to capture every moment, I’d love to be a part of your special day! Inquire here and let’s make some magic!
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