Discover 10 of the best Upstate New York wedding venues, from lakeside Finger Lakes retreats to historic estates and garden-inspired wedding destinations.

It was like stepping into a slow globe when I arrived on-scene at Olivia and Myles’ wedding, which was every bit a nature-inspired, winter wedding at Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden, VT. Selecting a February wedding date with the hope of scoring snow, they landed not only that—but also a winter weather advisory.

When Brooke, Joe, and I began planning their earthy engagement photos at Rainbow Falls in Watkins Glen State Park, I knew the gorge’s mossy cliffs, dripping stone pathways, and sun-drenched forests would be the perfect setting. Aspiring for imagery that felt equal parts enchanted and wild, playful and candid, intimate and romantic— our vision for their nature-inspired session instantly came into focus against the scenic backdrop of the gorge, leaning into my love for landscape-forward photography.

Gavriela and William planned a cozy, fall, Jewish wedding at Homestead Blessings in Upstate NY, and between the mosaic of autumn colors, the cultural traditions, and the rustic barn charm of their venue, their day felt equal parts sentimental and elegant. From chuppah to fireworks, ketubah signing to spirited dancing, every aspect of their wedding reflected a beautiful blend of heritage, close-knit community, and an appreciation of the finer things in life.

When I think back to Sam and Dryden’s whimsical and woodsy backyard wedding in Northern Pennsylvania, I immediately think of sun-filtered trees, periwinkle blues, lush rolling hills, and deep emerald woods. Their nontraditional microwedding was anchored around the things that mattered most to them— their home, their loved ones, and their vision to curate a day that was laidback, enjoyable, and true to who they are as a couple— so they opted to host their nature-inspired wedding on Sam’s childhood property.

Mackenna and Dean’s special day was one of complete and total joy, and holiness felt like the emergent theme for their breathtaking Christ-centered Jersey City wedding at Liberty House. Situated against skyline views of Lower Manhattan, their day was bound to be beautiful– but considering Mackenna and Dean’s anchor of faith, family, and church community, the emotion ran deeper, the love more palpable.

Devin and Brady’s lakeside garden wedding at the Inn at Taughannock Falls was nothing short of dreamy. They pulled out all the stops — from impeccable design, to meaningful touches, to a thoughtful flow of events (honestly, Devin has a second calling as a wedding planner!) — and their day couldn’t have run any more smoothly or beautifully!

Leigha and Logan struck the perfect balance of meaningful intention and elevated design at their modern rustic wedding at The Pines in Upstate NY. Surrounded by their not-so-quiet, vibrant community, they said their I Do’s under a canopy of wild greenery and savored a personal, deeply peaceful start to their marriage amidst the natural beauty of Upstate NY.

Where to even start with Madi and Eric’s earthy and romantic Catskills wedding at Full Moon Resort. Their day was one of intentionality, community, and rustic charm, and I won’t ever get over their gorgeous wedding aesthetic, their down-to-earth demeanor, or the way their group so solidly turned out to celebrate them.

Last fall, Kate and Brian planned a small, intimate wedding at the Inn at Taughannock Falls in the Finger Lakes, NY, and the elegant minimalism that they pulled off was simply a chef’s kiss. Their indoor/outdoor wedding focused on the beauty of simplicity, which organically spotlighted the real priority of their celebration: their marriage.

Rachelle and Josh came all the way from Honolulu, Hawaii for their dark romance destination wedding at Taughannock Falls, and with Halloween set as their wedding date, the natural outcome was a dark, drool-worthy color palette, a quirky twist on whimsical-elegance meets nerdy-creativity, and a gorgeous wedding set against the backdrop of fall foliage in New York’s finger lakes region.

Britt and Will planned the most lovely, rustic, family-oriented wedding at The Pines in Corning, NY for the last weekend in October, and their love story, family, and steadfast faith left a forever imprint on my heart.

Chelsie and Chandler landed a striking October afternoon for their timeless Rochester NY wedding with George Eastman Museum photos to follow, and let me put it this way — it. did. not. disappoint. 🙌🏼😭

Sam and Len’s wedding — a romantic estate wedding complete with a double rainbow at the Inn at Taughannock Falls — was one for the books in every conceivable way. Truly one of the most wonderful, fun, and down-to-earth couples I’ve ever worked with, their day was a conglomeration of timeless elegance, contagious energy, and electric chemistry.

It was the most seamless choice for Mike and Zoe, who were putting down roots in New York’s Finger Lakes region, to plan a classic lakeside wedding at Wagner Vineyards on Seneca Lake. This area, a naturally scenic and idyllic setting, set the tone for a timeless and minimalistic wedding.

Marissa and Zack’s vision for a dark, goth-inspired romance at their Upstate New York Wedding was dreamy and nothing short of magical. They envisioned a juxtaposition of moody and ethereal, dark and colorful, fashion-forward and whimsical, and let me tell you, the result was something out of a fairytale.

Beth and David curated the most heartfelt, emotional, and truly beautiful wedding at their unique wedding venue, The Cracker Factory in New York’s Finger Lakes region. But what held the most meaning for me? Beth is my sister!

Giiiiiiiirl, if you’re dreaming of a gospel-centered wedding and are in the thick of building your dream team of luxury wedding vendors, you are in luuuuck with my roundup of 6 Christian Wedding Vendors for your Destination Wedding!

Photographing Gigi and Alex’s wedding was like walking into my own personal daydream where formal wedding meets biblical marriage, all at the boutique Highgrove Estate in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina.

It was a sparkling February afternoon for Kaylee and Matt’s magical day, and their timeless New York wedding at historic Ill Eagle Taphouse was filled with much warmth and all the Downtown Abbey vibes.