Choosing the perfect wedding venue is the first exciting step in your wedding planning journey. With so many incredible options to consider—vineyards, charming historic estates, elegant hotels, and beautiful country clubs—it can feel a bit overwhelming at first!
The first step is to determine your top priorities for your wedding day. Is stunning scenery a must-have for you?
I highly suggest looking at pictures. Start with the venue’s website, but also check photographers’ blogs for a full view of real weddings there. Pinterest and Google business profiles are great for more photos, including those from couples and guests. Read reviews. Look on Google, WeddingWire, The Knot, and Facebook for feedback from past couples—more 5-star reviews are always a good sign!
Here are a few of my favorite to shoot at in New York
Best View Barn – Munnsville, NY
“The barn sits on over 30 picturesque acres overlooking the hills and windmills of Madison County, right in the heart of Central New York. Originally built in the 1940s, the Kiehn family has transformed it into a spectacular event venue, restored to its former glory with all the contemporary amenities for every function. With breathtaking views, expansive grounds, soaring ceilings, and a 1,280-square foot deck, it’s the perfect location for any event.”
Colloca Estate Winery – Sterling, NY
“This one-of-a-kind property boasts 900 feet of unobstructed pristine waterfront ensconced on Little Sodus Bay, a secluded inlet from the Lake. Just one glimpse of the million-dollar views that you and your guests will enjoy will help you understand why Colloca Estate Winery has become one of the most sought-after wedding event venues in New York State.”
Emerson Park Pavillion – Auburn, NY
“The pavilion sits on the shores of Owasco Lake and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue offers all-inclusive wedding packages as well as bar and catering services for all your events, run by A&M Catering.”
The Lookout at Hope Lake – Cortland, NY
“Nestled in breathtaking natural beauty at Greek Peak Mountain Resort , The Lookout offers an unparalleled setting for your special day. Our exclusive venue provides stunning panoramic views, creating a magical backdrop for your wedding ceremony and reception. With versatile spaces designed to accommodate intimate gatherings and grand celebrations alike, The Lookout ensures every detail is perfect.”
Marriot Syracuse Downtown – Syracuse, NY
“With accommodations for up to 600 guests, we have the space you are dreaming of for the big day! The Grand Ballroom’s impressive balconies, awe inspiring floor to ceiling windows, hand painted day sky inspired ceiling, and original hand-laid wood flooring are the perfect compliment to this beautiful space. For couples who are looking for a ballroom with a historical feel but more intimate, the option of the Persian Terrace is right for you. The Persian Terrace is adorned with columns, arched windows and doorways, complete with magnificent decor that is original from 1924.”
The Lincoln Loft – Watertown, NY
“The Lincoln Loft provides a blank canvas that allows for beautifully styled weddings & events. With all of the rentals & décor included – our couples get to turn our classic, timeless, blank canvas space into the wedding venue of their dreams. It’s a space where we can get creative and bring your wedding vision to life. A space that can easy adapt to your style, colors and vibe.”
The Sinclair of Skaneateles – Skaneateles, NY
“We are hoping to create a memorable experience in our extraordinary setting. We are located at the beautiful historic old Sinclair Chair Factory built in 1871 on Skaneateles Creek. With gorgeous views and attention to historic detail, our goal is to produce a unique setting to create memories of a lifetime. Guests have all day access, will be the only event occurring in our facility that day, and have 100% of our attention! We are only 1.9 miles from the center of Skaneateles village.”
“Because we’re planners first, our concept for a unique venue is very different from the traditional banquet facility. We are still client centric and customize the event experience. As Nicole likes to say, ‘we fixed all of our pet peeves with the other venues’ – When you come to SKY Armory you have an event planner as your partner with the details.We’re focused on exceptional service, made from scratch food, great wines (served in the appropriate wine glass),craft beers, decor, and anything else a client would need for their event.”
“Tailwater Lodge offers an all-inclusive experience where your loved ones can gather in celebration of your special day. Host your rehearsal dinner in a private room then toast to the couple-to-be at the Tailwater Bar. Ready yourself for the day’s festivities in a well-appointed suite before saying your vows in a picturesque spot overlooking the Salmon River. Join together with family and friends for an event filled with style and comfort, culinary excellence with top-notch service, and no shortage of memorable moments. As the night winds down, guests will be delighted to retreat to upscale on-property accommodations just steps away.”
The Lodge in Skaneateles – Skaneateles, NY
“Your wedding should be unforgettable. The Lodge is the perfect location for the idyllic wedding of your dreams. Our secluded location and rustic feel provides the perfect backdrop while our coordinator guides you in planning the perfect day!”
Timberbanks – Baldwinsville, NY
“Our full ballroom holds up to 330 guests, has 22-foot-high ceilings framed in timber beams, fireplaces on each end of the ballroom and a private deck off the space overlooking the 18th hole! From our beautiful chandeliers to our wooden dance floor, our Grand Ballroom is an elegant and romantic backdrop for the wedding of your dreams.”
Traditions at the Links – East Syracuse, NY
“At Traditions, you’ll work with our talented and passionate team to create the event of your dreams. Our facility has beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces to serve as the perfect backdrop for life’s big moments – or let us come to you! Call or email today to set up a time to meet and discuss options to craft the perfect party.”
Turning Stone Casino – Verona, NY
“From The Shenandoah Clubhouse on our championship golf course to an outdoor wedding on The Great Lawn at The Lodge – winner of the Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Award and AAA Four Diamond Award – or one of a dozen other venues, Turning Stone offers the ideal venue and wedding packages for any size or style of wedding you’ve imagined.”
Windridge Estate – Cazenovia, NY
“Balancing traditional New England architecture with the understated elegance of a countryside estate, our 80 acre property is perfect for making beautiful memories together.”
Hartlot Happening – Elbridge, NY
“Hartlot Happening is a historic industrial property turned wedding and events venue in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York. On a quiet rural road, just five minutes from Skaneateles, Hartlot Happening is built on the former site of a 19th Century commercial beanery. The property boasts stunning original architectural features, including magnificent rare concrete board-formed buildings, enhanced and expanded by modern steel and glass additions that celebrate the site’s rich past. Indoor and outdoor spaces offer versatile settings for celebrations and gatherings of all kinds.”
Let’s create magic together! Whether it’s the iconic skyline, a hidden gem in the city, or a stunning rooftop at sunset, shooting with you at an amazing venue in NY will be nothing short of unforgettable. I can’t wait to bring your vision to life!
I noticed a trend where couples were captured in beautifully staged, yet somewhat impersonal, poses. It struck me that amidst the carefully choreographed scenes, the genuine, authentic moments—the laughter, the quiet exchanges, the unscripted emotions—were often lost. This realization served as a turning point for me. I made a conscious decision to step away from the conventional, cookie-cutter approach and embark on a mission to redefine wedding photography.