The 5 Best Upstate New York Destinations to Tie The Knot
Captivated by the idea of saying “I Do” in an enchanted Parisian castle or spending your wedding weekend extravaganza on the Mexican coast? Don’t get us wrong, destination weddings are extraordinary occasions but when it comes down to it, are you and your budget willing to go the extra mile when it comes to planning your celebration? Before jetting off to another country, take a look at some local “destinations” only a few minutes or hours from your own backyard. Here are five of our favorite places to tie the knot that will make you feel like you are anywhere but home.
1. Lake George, NY
Located just south of the Adirondacks, Lake George is a small scenic town with its picturesque mountain landscape and vibrant lakeside views.
The Sagamore Resort
This luxury resort was built in the late 1800s and has become one of the premier wedding destinations in the area. Located on a private island on Lake George, The Sagamore Resort is simply breathtaking and showcases the Adirondack Mountains surrounding the lake. The views alone make the Sagamore a perfect location for outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions. The ceremony space overlooks Lake George; you would be hard-pressed to find a more magnificent view.
For your wedding reception, the Shelving Rock Terrace is another absolutely beautiful space on the Sagamore property that has a spectacular view of the lake. A versatile space, the Shelving Rock Terrace can accommodate up to 175 of your guests and can easily be customized to reflect the theme of your event.
Check out our full venue guide here!
2. Saratoga Springs, NY
Known for horse racing and mineral springs, Saratoga has not only a long list of leisure activities but also one-of-a-kind wedding venues!
Hall of Springs
Built in the early 1930s as part of the Saratoga Spa, the Hall of Springs was intended to be a drinking hall that would benefit the mind and body. Fast forward eighty years later and the Hall of Springs is one of the premier wedding and event venues serving the Capital Region. Today, the building is located on the Saratoga Performing Arts Center grounds.
The Hall of Springs ballroom features beautiful crystal chandeliers, marble floors, and marble columns. Its location in the Saratoga Spa State Park which opens up outdoor options for your event. The Hall itself is a beautiful backdrop for your wedding ceremony and photos! If an outdoor wedding ceremony isn’t an option due to another event (you don’t want to be drowned out by a show at SPAC!) or the weather is a barrier, a beautiful ceremony space can be created between the ballroom’s floor to ceiling columns.
Check out our full venue guide here!
Canfield Casino
Established in the late 1800’s, the Canfield Casino is the only building left from the resort era and was originally called the Saratoga Clubhouse. The casino, located on the edge of Congress Park, was an exclusive destination for wealthy tourists and famous gamblers until all gambling was banned in Saratoga Springs in 1907. Presently the Canfield Casino is owned and operated by the City of Saratoga Springs and houses the Saratoga Springs History museum in addition to being one of the premier wedding and event venues in the area.
One of the most memorable architectural features of the Canfield Casino is the unique stained glass on the ballroom’s ceiling. This beautiful and dramatic feature intensifies the beauty of whatever decor you choose. And by whatever decor you choose we mean it really does compliment every style! The neutral color scheme inside the Canfield allows for the ballroom to be transformed to reflect the theme and color scheme of your choosing.
Check out our full venue guide here!
3. Troy, NY
This suburb often gets overlooked by it’s neighboring cities but Troy’s rich industrial history has paved the way for this city to make its mark, influencing the area’s architecture and culture today.
Brown’s Revolution Hall
Once a concert venue on River Street in downtown Troy, Brown’s Revolution Hall is now a unique space that hosts events ranging from corporate mixers to stunning weddings. Run by Brown’s Brewing Company which is located right next door, the venue has become a staple to the event scene in Downtown Troy.
Most commonly referred to as Rev Hall, the two-storied space captures the warehouse feel of the area, with rustic touches for a style all its own. The entryway features lounge seating, an old bank vault, and bar. The second floor features a balcony overlooking the main space, making it a great space to set-up additional lounge furniture or have additional cocktail seating.
Check out our full venue guide here!
Takk House
In the heart of Downtown Troy you’ll find the Takk House, a unique venue with a lot of character. This historic building on 3rd Street is the former headquarters of the Troy Knights of Columbus and was originally a Victorian home.
The Takk House boasts two ballrooms to host your event, each acting as a blank slate that can be transformed to reflect any creative design. With white walls, the Takk House can easily host a unique and colorful wedding or event. For a cocktail hour or smaller event, the bar and parlor area is the space for you! Complete with a fireplace and chandelier, the room is a reflection of the historic charm of the building.
Check out our full venue guide here!
4. Albany NY
At the heart of New York state and the Capital Region, Albany is a bustling city known for its rich state museums, historical buildings, and attractions.
90 State
90 State Events, which is located at- you guessed it, 90 State Street in Downtown Albany. Built in the early 1900s as the National Savings Bank, the space still features much of the original marble and the original bank vault.
90 State Events can hold up to 400 guests, an ideal venue for larger weddings, galas, and corporate events. The venue features an open floor plan and mezzanine space which not only allows for unique seating options, but also creates different lounge spaces for your guests. 90 State Events differs from other venues with its unique interior architecture highlighted by columns, an intricate ceiling, and beautiful chandeliers.
Check out our full venue guide here!
The New York State Museum
The New York State Museum is a Capital Region landmark. Those who are familiar with the region have become accustomed to seeing the unique building as part of the Albany skyline. However, what many don’t realize is that the NYS Museum is also one of the premier event spaces in downtown Albany.
Events take place on the fourth-floor terrace with spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views of Empire State Plaza and the Capitol Building. The indoor space is unique and contemporary, while the terrace serves as a beautiful outdoor ceremony space or cocktail hour location during the summer months.
The terrace is also home to a turn-of-the-century carousel that was built and operated in New York State and fully restored by the museum in 2011. It is one of our favorite features at the museum, rich in history, and makes for a unique location for your wedding photos.
Check out our full venue guide here!
5. Lake Placid NY
The classic mountain town, Lake Placid is nestled within the Adirondack Park. Perfect for those couples who want to truly immerse themselves and their guests into mother nature.
Whiteface Club and Resort
“Whatever the season, the Whiteface Lodge offers a stunning setting for your wedding. From a summer event amid lovely gardens to a winter ceremony staged before a grand fieldstone fireplace, Whiteface Lodge, with its remarkable Adirondack-themed architecture provides a lovely and memorable experience.”
The Lodge offers two stunning outdoor ceremony locations available during the warmer months, each with its own breathtaking mountain view. An indoor ceremony option is also available year-round featuring soaring ceilings and exposed log beams. Couples can then choose from two separate reception spaces on the property, each with its own Adirondack character and charm
The Whiteface Lodge truly has it all in one location! Not only does the resort offer accommodations for your guests, but they also feature numerous amenities you can’t find anywhere else, from an on-site movie theater and ice cream parlor to bowling lanes and an ice skating rink.
Check out their website here!
