Letchworth State Park Elopement With Family and Two Adorable Pups

Letchworth State Park, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” is a stunning location in New York that offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and forests.

Maria and Ryan planned their elopement in Letchworth State Park in upstate New York. These two show us how all New York elopements don’t necessarily have to be courthouse weddings, and how you can include your family, best friends, and adorable pups.

Check out all the details from this Letchworth State Park elopement. Get some awesome tips from the photographer and from the couple on what you need to know when planning your wedding day at Letchworth.

Are you ready to start planning your elopement? Explore our elopement vendors to get started.

Planning Your Elopement at Letchworth State Park

Photography by Karen Castor Photography

This upstate New York wedding day shared a lot of similar traditions you would see in a traditional wedding. Maria and Ryan got ready in separate rooms, had a first look with each other and then their pups, and incorporated Jewish traditions into their elopement ceremony.

This couple planned their elopement but incorporated the traditions and details that were important to them from the bride’s brother officiating their ceremony to their fun mini wedding cake cutting overlooking the gorge.

A permit is required for weddings and elopements in the park with park shelters or if you want to rent a tent. Contact the park office well in advance to secure your spot.

• Permit Fee: The fee ranges from $50–$200, depending on the location and group size.
• Restrictions: Maximum group sizes may apply for certain locations. Decorations, chairs, and amplified sound are typically not allowed.

Check out more fun elopement ceremony ideas.

Where to Elope in Letchworth

Inspiration Point Overlook

A stunning spot overlooking the gorge and waterfalls, perfect for exchanging vows with a dramatic backdrop.

Best Time: Early morning for soft light or sunset for a golden-hour glow.

Middle Falls Area

The park’s most iconic waterfall offers a breathtaking view and a roaring cascade. Ideal for couples who want a powerful natural backdrop.

Best Time: Late morning to mid-afternoon for even lighting.

Great Bend Overlook

A quiet overlook with panoramic views of the Genesee River winding through the gorge. A peaceful option for an intimate ceremony.

Best Time: Afternoon for warm, even lighting.

South End Pines

A secluded area surrounded by towering pine trees, offering a more private and magical setting.

Best Time: Late morning for soft, diffused light.

Best Time to Elope in Letchworth

• Spring: Mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and roaring waterfalls from snowmelt.
• Summer: Warm weather with lush greenery, but expect more crowds.
• Fall: Stunning foliage with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. A favorite season for weddings.
• Winter: Snowy landscapes create a magical, serene atmosphere for adventurous couples.

Tips For Planning Your Letchworth Elopement

Eloping at Letchworth State Park can be an exciting and gorgeous place to elope for couples who are looking for somewhere beautiful near New York.

“Once we decided to elope it was like a weight off our shoulders. It was so smooth, easy and enjoyable! I am the worst decision decider! Once Karen helped us pick a location everything just fell into place. My hair and makeup artist was also incredible and went with my ‘just wing it’ attitude on everything. They even created a bouquet for me, and it was beautiful!” [Maria]

Check out Karen’s top tips when planning your wedding day here:

• My first tip is to arrive early and if you can, plan for a weekday. Weekends at this location are super popular, so if you are looking for more privacy consider a weekday instead.
• The best entry point is the South Entrance near Portageville. This entrance is closest to the Three Falls and Glen Iris Inn.
• Make sure you get a map of the park, so you can make sure you don’t miss all the amazing views throughout the park.
• If you have guests, consider renting the Glen Iris Inn or one of the pavilions.

Check out more places to elope in New York.

Planning Your Elopement With Pets

Maria and Ryan love their dogs, so it was important to include them during their elopement planning. A lot of couples actually include their pets during their special day, but it’s important to always double-check with your elopement vendors and location to make sure your elopement destination is pet-friendly.

“The first look they did with their pups was also super sweet. Maria and Ryan love their dogs more than anything and treat them like their babies, so having them there was super important when we were planning.” [Karen]

Luckily, Letchworth allows dogs, so these two had the perfect day.

Memorable Moments During This Elopement

Maria and Ryan started dating in middle school, and we can tell how much love they have between them just by looking at this gorgeous elopement. Karen tells us it was raining all day until they arrived for the ceremony. Once the couple was ready to start, the sun started to poke through the clouds. Other than their emotional ceremony together, Karen tells us she loves how they had a mini cake-cutting moment, and Maria also agrees this was one of her favorite moments.

“When Ryan and I got a to sit with each other and did our little cake cutting. It was so heartwarming to just see how much joy was in his eyes. Oohhhh but also our first look, when we had our dogs come running down to us at the bottom of the steps…” [Maria]

Advice From The Couple and Photographer

So should you elope? We love to ask the couple and photographer for advice for couples who aren’t sure if they should or not.

The bride’s advice:

“Your wedding day is about you and your partner becoming a family. Everyone will scream ‘do what’s best for you two!’ while still trying to get you to agree with them. You shouldn’t have to worry about the length of your guest list or whether or not to have an open bar. You’re making a commitment to be your husband or wife’s person. For the good and the bad. You should have a day that reminds you how much you could never imagine being in such a beautiful moment with anyone else.” [Maria]

The photographer’s advice:

“I believe that just because you don’t resonate with a traditional wedding whether it be because you’re not the ‘center of attention’ type, you have troubles with your family, or you can’t bring yourself to see the value in spending over $10k on a party over spending it on a week long epic getaway doesn’t mean you should settle on a courthouse wedding. Even if eloping at sunrise on top of a mountain doesn’t appeal to you, there are so many other ways to elope and have it be uniquely you. I’m so passionate about making sure every couple knows this and helping them have the wedding of their dreams that I decided to put my entire focus for my business on just that.” [Karen]

Vendors

Photography | Karen Castor Photography
Alycia Smith Traveling hair/make-up artist for adventure elopements

Letchworth State Park Elopement Photos