The Best Places to Elope in New York State

From cascading waterfalls to mountaintop vistas, the state of New York has endless places where you can have your elopement adventure. The best thing about eloping is choosing your dream spot to say your vows, but the options can be overwhelming! To make it a little easier, this guide has some of the best places to elope in New York.

Best Places to Elope in New York

The state of New York is more than just a big city with bright lights and Broadway shows! Not too far from the hustle and bustle of the big apple, you’ll discover dense forests and serene lakeside retreats that’ll have you feeling refreshed and relaxed when you say “I do.” From the peaks of the Adirondacks to the shores of the Finger Lakes, I’ll tell you about some of my favorite places for a New York elopement!

Adirondacks

Imagine getting married on the peak of one of New York’s tallest mountains in the vast wilderness of the Adirondacks. You can take the 1.3-mile round trip hike up Big Crow trail at sunset for incredible views of the Adirondacks on the horizon, or say “I do” on one of the secluded islands of Lake George!

Catskills

Seeing New York from the peaks of the Appalachian Mountains is something from your wildest dreams! Not too far from New York City, the Catskills are the perfect getaway for eloping in New York. Hike the 2.7-mile round trip trail along Giant Ledge for tons of stunning vistas along the way, or say your vows along the mist of the Kaaterskill Falls!

Ithaca

The lakeside city of Ithaca is located on the southern shores of Cayuga Lake. In the dense forests surrounding the city, you’ll come across tons of towering waterfalls and gorgeous rivers, and some of the best places to elope in New York. Head out to Taughannock Falls for a dreamy ceremony on the river rocks or hike along the scenic creek of the Buttermilk Falls Gorge trail!

Finger Lakes

Eleven long, narrow glacial lakes make up the Finger Lakes region of New York. Surrounded by vineyards, forests, farms, and acres of forests, the Finger Lakes is home to so many great elopement locations! Say your vows among the vineyards on the shores of Kekua Lake or see if you can find all the 19 waterfalls on the Glen Creek Gorge trail – you can even walk behind some of them!

The Best Time to Elope in New York

Because of the different regions and the size of the state, the weather can be different depending on where you are in New York. A general rule of thumb is that New York City is always a few degrees warmer than the rest of the state, and Western New York is typically warmer than Eastern New York. The state, as a whole, experiences all four seasons, which means that when you decide to elope can make a big difference in how your day looks! So, let’s make small talk and talk about the weather!

Winter

Many of the best places to elope in New York turn into a gorgeous winter wonderland! turns into a winter wonderland during the cold months! Freezing temperatures mean snow all over, especially in the mountains – January is the coldest month. Watch out for regular snowstorms in late winter, though! With the holiday season, December gets extremely busy in New York, but the rest of the winter is considered a low period as far as crowds go.

Spring

One of the best times to elope in New York is in spring. Flowers blossom, trees become full again, and crowds haven’t piled in for summer yet. There may still be snow in the mountains until April or May, but once it begins melting, the waterfalls start to rush again after the long winter! May is a great time for your elopement if you want warm weather and fewer crowds.

Summer

Heat and humidity arrive in New York during the summer months. Between the many sunny days of blue skies, you’ll probably come across a few heavy – but short – rain showers through the eastern part of the state and thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in the west. Head up to the mountains for some relief from the heat and humidity, but watch out for crowds! If you plan your elopement for mid-week or at sunrise or sunset, you’ll likely find that the popular spots are less crowded.

Fall

One of the best times to elope in New York is in the fall! The clouds roll in and crowds begin to dwindle after the hustle and bustle of the summer months. The changing colors make the already gorgeous views even more stunning and the weather is perfect for exploring the great outdoors, and by mid-October, the fall colors are at their peak, covering the whole state with shades of reds and orange!

Getting Legally Married When You Elope in New York

Making your marriage official requires a little more than saying your vows and taking some pictures – you’ll need to apply for a marriage license, too! Let’s break down how to get your marriage license in the state of New York.

First, you’ll have to make an appointment to apply for your license – you can do this at any town or city clerk in the state, so choose whichever one is most convenient for you. At your appointment, you’ll pay the license fee – it’ll cost between $30 to $40, depending on which office you go to – and both of you will fill out your application. Once your application is filled out and signed, there’s a 24-hour waiting period before you can have your ceremony. 

At your elopement, you’ll need to have an officiant and two witnesses sign your marriage license. You can hire a professional officiant, or if you’d like to include a friend or family member, they can get ordained with the Universal Life Church. After your wedding, return your application within 5 days to make it official!

New York Elopement Packages – Ready to Elope in New York?

Your elopement is going to be one of the best days of your life, so you should live in the moment and enjoy every incredible memory. That’s why, from finding the perfect location to fluffing your dress, my New York elopement packages are curated just for you to help you turn your vision into a reality!

Wherever you’re at in your planning process, if you’re ready to take the next steps in planning your elopement or want to know more about my New York elopement packages, let’s chat!