Finger Lakes Wedding Venues

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues by Hayley Anne Photography – Ithaca Wedding Venues NY

The Finger Lakes, NY, it’s a sought after destination in all four seasons. Made up of 11 lakes in the center of New York, it’s an ideal getaway location with people flocking from all over the eastern seaboard and beyond. And that’s not surprising, we’ve got endless waterfalls, wine trails, breweries, museums, markets, farms, lakes, forests, and of course gorgeous gorges. What’s not to love? It’s for that reason that it’s quite popular as a wedding destination too.

I figured I’d put together a list of all my favorite venues in the hopes of making someone’s life a little easier when planning. None of these are sponsored, but I have photographed at each of these. This list will continue to be updated as my wedding photography journey takes me farther around the Finger Lakes region. If you’re a venue and want to be added to the list, reach out! There’s also a handy map at the end of the post to mark all the venues.

List Arrangement

I’ve put together a list of a bunch of Finger Lakes wedding venues. We start with venues within Ithaca itself, and then range out to the greater surrounding area. All are an easy drive from any regional or international airport nearby.

What is there to do in the Finger Lakes?

“The Finger Lakes are known for producing excellent wine, particularly for world-renowned Rieslings. With dedicated wine trails on Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca and Cayuga Lakes and many more off the beaten path, a taste of  the best sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, Ice Wine, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and other varieties are always within reach. Additionally, The region boasts a number of breweries, distilleries and hard-cider producers.

Travelers of all ages can enjoy The Finger Lakes region’s many Museums, including the Finger Lakes Museum, Strong National Museum of Play, Corning Museum of Glass, New York State Equal Rights Heritage Center and Women’s Right’s National Historical Park and more, Add thrills to your trip at major attractions like Seabreeze Amusement Park or outdoor adventure centers at Bristol Mountain and Greek Peak Mountain Resort.

If you are looking to get outdoors, the Finger Lakes are a must-see destination. From hiking and biking, to boating and fishing or even, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There are also a number of state parks with scenic beauty to behold including a number of waterfalls; visit Watkins Glen State Park to see the gorge trail complete with 19 waterfalls, take in the view from Letchworth State Park‘s Inspiration Point or the majestic 215 foot cascade of Taughannock Falls.” – fingerlakes.org

What are the 11 Finger Lakes?

There are 11 Finger Lakes total named so because, surprise surprise, the geographical similarity to a bunch of human fingers. Each vary in length and depth, and as a result also temperature, types of boating availability, swimming, and fishing. Good to keep in mind in case you’re planning on jumping off the dock at your wedding! From east to west all 11 Finger Lakes are:
1) Conesus Lake – 1 mile long / max depth 66 ft
2) Hemlock Lake – 7 miles long / max depth 91 ft
3) Canadice Lake – 3 miles long / max depth of 95 ft
4) Honeoye Lake – 4.5 miles long / max depth of 30 ft
5) Canandaigua Lake – 15.5 miles long / max depth of 276 ft
6) Keuka Lake – 19.6 miles long / max depth of 183 ft
7) Seneca Lake – 38 miles long / max depth of 618 ft
8) Cayuga Lake – 38 miles long / max depth of 435 ft
9) Owasco Lake – 11.1 miles long / max depth of 177 ft
10) Skaneateles Lake – 16 miles long / max depth of 300 ft
11) Otisco Lake – 5.4 miles long / max depth of 76 ft

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues NY

Dutch Harvest Farm – Lansing, NY

This is an awesome Finger Lakes wedding venue, it sits on 50 acres and the vibe is very modern farm luxury. There’s ample updated space for all your guests, a covered outdoor ceremony area, a sprawling patio off the back barn doors, and amazing views. Inside the 7000sqft barn you’ll find space for 280+ guests, a bar, bathrooms, a getting ready room, and a ton of space for any variety of table and chairs orientation. Looking up, you’ll see wooden beam rafters and the most awesome farm style rustic chandeliers. Upstairs there’s a small loft with modern luxe seating for more intimate conversation as well. It’s such a cool Ithaca wedding venue. Being here just makes you feel good, can’t wait to go back! Check out my most recent wedding at Dutch Harvest Farm here: https://hayleyannephotography.com/dutch-harvest-farm-wedding-lansing-ny/ – https://www.dutchharvestfarm.com

Ithaca Farmer’s Market – Ithaca, NY

This iconic Finger Lakes wedding venue sits on the south banks of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, NY. On Saturdays and Sundays hundreds of vendors come from farms and local small businesses all around to sell their wares. Farm fresh produce, gorgeous florals, artisan cheeses and meats, original artwork by local artists, hot food, there’s always something for everyone. After the market packs up at 3pm on Saturday, the location often turns into a wedding venue in the spring. summer, and fall. The open air pavilion looks out onto the lake, which is also the perfect spot for the ceremony. Tables and chairs are set up under the café lights, and people can meander around the grounds and check out the docks for sunset. I love this place and can’t wait to do more weddings here, it’s really and awesome Ithaca wedding venue! https://ithacamarket.com/

Cornell Botanic Gardens and Stewart Park – Ithaca, NY

The Cornell Botanic Gardens are a thing of beauty. Sprawling over the grounds near Bebe Lake, the gardens cover 25 acres of land and include all kinds of trees, flowers, and herbs. Even on a hot day you’re sure to find some shade downwind of the fragrant herb garden. At Stewart Park, at the south end of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, you’ll find a clubhouse for rent that’s able to easily fit 100+ people. Inside there’s ample room for seated guests, as well as a space to set up catered food, and bathrooms right there for convenience. With beautiful arched windows surrounding, your guests can have a great view of the lake. Both of these locations are great and I can’t wait to do more weddings at these Ithaca wedding venues! https://cornellbotanicgardens.org & https://www.cityofithaca.org/516/Stewart-Park

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues

New Park Event Venue & Suites – Ithaca, NY

Just south of Taughannock Falls, New Park Event Venue is tucked away on the hillside right along Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, NY. With sprawling acreage, ample forests, and custom architecture throughout, the whole property is quite magical. With no roadside sign, the entrance to the property isn’t obvious unless you’re specifically looking for it. Behind the fence sits the massive grounds.

There are multiple getting ready areas each in separate buildings. Most often the Wish Room is used as it provides enough space for all your closest friends and family to get ready for the day. The ceremony spot sits nestled away in the forest, right alongside a babbling brook. Diffused light makes the whole scene very dreamy. The reception area includes space for everything you’d need, a large dance floor, a bar, a lounge area, and dinner is generally held in the tent in the warmer months. For up to 215 guests, New Park Event Venue is one of a kind for the area and is an absolute favorite, be sure to check them out! https://www.newparkeventvenue.com

Taughannock Falls State Park – Trumansburg, NY

Taughannock Falls State Park’s namesake waterfall is one of the outstanding natural attractions of the Northeast. The falls plunge 215 feet past rocky cliffs that tower nearly 400 feet above the gorge. Gorge and rim trails offer spectacular views from above the falls and from below at the end of the gorge trail. Wedding ceremonies can take place either at the base of the falls or up on the overlook. There are time restrictions for each location with permits required, so be sure to check in with the park.

Keep in mind this is a public location, so it’s highly likely there will be regular visitors looking on as well. The walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls takes about 20-30 minutes depending on how fast you walk, and is accessible. The gorge trail winds through trees, follows the river and ends at the bottom of Taughannock Falls. An iconic favorite of all, Taughannock Falls is a place I’m always excited to return. It makes for an adventurous Ithaca wedding venue. https://parks.ny.gov/parks/taughannockfalls

Fontainebleau Inn – Alpine, NY

The Inn is rustic and romantic, combining modern tastes with the spirit of a farmhouse, and has space for 150 guests. The exposed wooden beams, oversized fireplaces, and classically furnished banquet room create a charming venue for weddings. With many choices for getting ready areas, you’ll be sure to have ample space to spread out. Ceremonies can take place outside on the stone patio or on the sprawling lawn overlooking Cayuta Lake. For a more traditional ceremony, the adjacent Lawrence Memorial Chapel is just a short walk away through the woods.

Dinner takes place inside the vintage old world lodge feel banquet room. There’s also a bar and bathrooms nearby for convenience. Dancing happens outside on the patio under a tent, meaning the entire property can be utilized no matter what the weather decides to do. Fontainebleau Inn exudes tons of old world charm, vintage touches abound and there’s amazing views looking out to the east. I loved photographing here and can’t wait to do so again! https://fontainebleauinn.com

Lawrence Memorial Chapel – Alpine, NY

“The Chapel is located on State Route 228, about 3.5 miles northeast of Odessa. The Chapel is available for use from May 1 through Oct. 15. Occupancy 120 people. A small parking area allows for level access to the Chapel’s door. Event attendees may also park along the roadway. The Chapel has electricity, but very minimal heating and no air conditioning. Many events continue the celebrations at the Fontainebleau Inn, a short walk or drive from the Chapel. Built of local stone and slate, with suggestions of Gothic architecture, the Chapel and the surrounding majestic trees are hemmed in by a low wall. Wooden pews line the interior, and leaded glass windows with small flowerette designs adorn the walls. A marble plaque, consisting of three tablets, hangs at the front of the space, telling some of the Chapel’s history.” – https://schuylerhistory.org

Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel – Watkins Glen, NY

The Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is right on the south end of Seneca Lake. A stone’s throw from both Watkins Glen State Park and the Seneca Lake Harbor Pier, there are plenty of things to do in the immediate area. The hotel rooms offer getting ready areas. The ceremonies take place on the back patio, overlooking the water. Cocktail hour happens right inside the patio in an intimate lounge area, and the reception is inside a grand ballroom. With plenty of spots for great photos and super nice staff, the Watkins Glen Harbor Hotel is always a great option and I can’t wait to go back!

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues

Belhurst Castle – Geneva, NY

Belhurst Castle sits on the north end of Seneca Lake in Geneva, NY. “On the shores of Seneca Lake in the heart of the Finger Lakes region sits beautiful and historic, Belhurst Castle. Picture your wedding ceremony on flourishing green lawns with Seneca Lake glistening right in front of your eyes. Enjoy your cocktail hour at our outdoor bars after strolling sweeping lawns, tree-shaded vistas and our waterside dock for the perfect photographs and memorable moments. Imagine a reception set in a cozy, romantic atmosphere surrounded by your family and friends under the warm embrace of a century-old castle.” – Can’t wait to go back! https://www.belhurst.com/weddings

Traditions at the Glen – Johnson City, NY

“Traditions at the Glen is the Southern Tier’s premier wedding destination. We are a one-stop shop for your once in a lifetime event, ensuring everything is planned and personalized to your needs and expectations. Our 41 well appointed guest rooms can accommodate your closest family and friends. The on-site catering and indoor and outdoor facilities can accommodate up to 300 guests. The resort amenities certainly enhance the experience, offering spa services including the Salt Sanctuary or last-minute hair and makeup touch-ups. Groomsmen can also schedule a pre-wedding golf outing.” – I was so excited to do a wedding here and can’t wait to go back! https://traditionshotelandspa.com/weddings.php

Finger Lakes Elopement Photography

There are of course many ways to have a wedding. Eloping is always a great option for those who don’t want the big party, for those who want to have their ceremony be more intimate, or for those who want a bit more adventure. Elopements are always a favorite because we get to spend extended time out in the wild taking tons of gorgeous photos, and likely straying farther away from the regular wedding spots. There’s tons of options – wineries, forests, waterfalls, fields, and more, these make for awesome Ithaca wedding venues. I’m always excited for elopements, if you’re eloping reach out now to make some epic adventure plans in the beautiful Finger Lakes.

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues NY

Ithaca Wedding Venues

This list will continue to be updated as more venues are photographed. If you are a venue and want to be added to the list, just reach out! Bookmark this page as an easy reference for later.

If you’re looking for your wedding or elopement photographer and have made it this far then…

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues Map

Finger Lakes Wedding Venues – More – NY

There are of course a ton of other Finger Lakes wedding venues in the NY area that are also very awesome. Here is a giant list as well as their locations and a google map for easy reference. Locations denoted with an asterisk (*) publicly offer micro weddings or intimate elopement/wedding packages, more locations are likely to offer this if you just ask. You’ll have more flexibility if your date / day of the week for your event is also more open. For example choosing a Friday, Sunday, or weekday wedding date vs a Saturday date will get you more options for location as well as different packages and rates.