New York Elopement Guide

Escape the hustle and bustle of city (New York isn't all NYC!) and say "I do" in the picturesque beauty of Upstate New York! Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an intimate ceremony with your closest family and friends, eloping in Upstate New York can be an absolute dream! From breathtaking waterfalls to rolling hills and charming historical towns, you can find so many hidden gems! But with so many stunning locations to choose from, where should you start? Fear not, because we've got you covered! In this complete guide to eloping in Upstate New York, we'll share everything you need to know to plan your perfect elopement day. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the best places to tie the knot in this magical region!

How to Elope in Upstate New York

So you're ready to start planning your NY elopement and you're wondering where to begin? Let's start with the logistics of getting legally married in the state of New York!

Marriage license: Getting the paperwork is pretty straightforward but can vary from county to county so be sure and check in with the county clerk in the location you want. For the town of Catskill here's what you'll need to do:

• You must make an appointment, and both appear with all the required documentation
• A $40 fee is to be paid (Cash/check)
• You must wait 24 hours before holding your ceremony
• Get married by a certified officiant within 60 days
• Send in the signed license and you're done!

Officiant: As long as they are properly certified, anyone can be your officiant! It can be a friend, family member, or trusted vendor (like my amazing husband who can officiate your elopement if available!) You only need to have 1 witness (which can be your photograph aka ME) but you can have more there if you'd like!

Vendors: Having an elopement means you have more freedom to decide which vendors are important to your day. That can mean booking as many or as few as you'd like to make your day the most perfect for your vision! The most common vendors to book for an elopement are:

• Photographer
• Videographer
• Officiant
• Hairstylist
• Makeup Artist
• Florist
• Cake/Caterer

Permits: Depending on the location you choose for your elopement, there may be some additional paperwork needed to secure we are following the rules of the area! Don't fret though, as your experienced NY elopement photographer, I'm here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process of acquiring the necessary permits!

When to Elope in Upstate New York

There are a few things to consider when deciding the best time to elope. Upstate New York is beautiful in all seasons, but spring and fall offer the most temperate weather if you want an outdoor elopement Spring can bring lush green colors and an array of wildflowers - a stunning background for your adventure. Winter can also be an incredible time to elope! If you love the colder temperature and enjoy the snowy wonderland

The second thing to consider is the crowds. While Upstate New York is relatively quiet compared to other parts of the state, summertime brings more tourists to the area. If you want an intimate elopement without any distractions, consider tying the knot in late spring or early fall in the off-peak or shoulder seasons. I do not recommend choosing a holiday weekend, and am particularly fond of a weekday for the most privacy at an elopement!

The third thing to consider is your budget. Eloping can be cheaper than a traditional wedding, although that's not always the case. Elopements are no longer just a quick, cheap way to get it done. Rather, they are experiences customized to each couple. Could be a few hours, a whole day, heck even a whole week! There are no rules around planning an elopement. But if you are on a tight budget, there are certain times of year when traveling may be less expensive around Upstate NY. For example, many venues and accommodations offer discounts for weddings booked during off-peak times like mid-week or during the winter months.

So when should you elope in Upstate New York? You can honestly elope any time of the year and have the best time!

Where to Elope in Upstate New York

Upstate New York has so many hidden gems for adventure elopements - from the incredible mountain landscapes to the serene valleys and lakes outside of the crowded city! There are endless possibilities for an intimate and romantic ceremony. I've got a covered when it comes to the BEST elopement locations in the state of New York! Here are a few of my faves:

1. The Catskills
2. Hudson Valley
3. The Adirondacks
4. The Finger Lakes

The Catskills

There are few places as romantic as the Catskills, and what better way to celebrate your love than by getting married in this stunning region? Whether you’re looking for a rustic setting or a more modern venue, the Catskills has something for everyone. Explore the mountain trails, or go for a wine tasting tour - the possibilities are endless for planning an amazing elopement in the Catskills

Hudson Valley

This region of New York State is absolutely gorgeous, with rolling hills, pristine lakes, and picturesque towns dotting the landscape. It's the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and focus on what really matters: your relationship. And since there are so many amazing places to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot to exchange your vows.

The Adirondacks

The Adirondacks offer a truly unique and breathtaking setting for your elopement. With towering mountains and pristine lakes, it's easy to see why this is such a popular spot for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There are plenty of secluded spots where you can exchange your vows, or you can even get married on top of one of the region's many peaks.

The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region is well-known for its gorgeous scenery, and it's also a great place to elope. With countless vineyards, waterfalls, and gorges, there's no shortage of romantic places to tie the knot. And if you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Watkins Glen International Raceway for a truly unique wedding experience.

Where to Stay in Upstate New York

There are a variety of great places to stay when planning an elopement in Upstate New York. Here are a few of ideas of where to book your accommodation:

This is just a short list, I have more ideas for the Best Places to Stay Catskills + Hudson Valley! In addition to a list of amazing Airbnbs around Upstate New York!

What to do at an Upstate New York Elopement

Once you've chosen the perfect spot for your adventure elopement, it's time to start planning the exciting little details to fill your day! No longer are elopements just a quick, rushed event where you say I do and are done! NOPE! Elopements can be soo much more than that. You can take your time doing whatever you want - and take as much time as you'd like doing it! Whatever type of elopement you choose, Upstate New York is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some ideas for what to do at your elopement in Upstate New York:

• Soak in a tub and enjoy your morning cup of coffee
• Start your day with meditation and yoga
• Go on a hike with incredible NY mountain views and hang out by a waterfall
• Book a tour; on a boat, on a plane, in a balloon, you name it!
• Enjoy the lake life! Swim, kayak, fish, or lay out and relax!
• Take an afternoon siesta after you've had a delicious brunch
• Book a campervan and go on a road trip!
• Go horse back riding
• Play some records and invite your closest loved ones for a special dinner

Elopement or Intimate Wedding Venues in Upstate New York

Upstate New York has no shortage of beautiful elopement and intimate wedding venues. From rustic barns to stunning mountain vistas, there's something for everyone. If having an elopement sounds like the DREAM - but you need to book a venue because of your guest count - no worries! Having an intimate wedding at a small wedding venue can be the perfect compromise. You can still find little ways to make your wedding day less-stress and incorporate personal and intentional ways that give it an elopement day feel!

Here are just a few of my favorite Upstate NY elopement and intimate wedding venues:

1. Gather Greene
2. Windrift Hall
3. Hudson Valley B&B
4. Mohonk Mountain House
5. Cedar Lakes Estate

Upstate New York Elopement Photographer