Elopement Packages

New York Elopement Packages

When people think of New York elopements, they may immediately think of NYC, but there are so many adventurous places to plan your elopement in New York. Whether you want to elope in upstate NY, plan a sunrise elopement in the city, or explore the Adirondacks together, New York has so many possibilities. Our comprehensive New York elopement package covers everything from locations, vendors, and tips for your New York elopement.

* While we don’t offer bundled elopement packages in New York, we do provide you with all of the information and resources you will need to create your perfect elopement package. Our Wandering Weddings members are also amazing vendors to ask questions. These members have plenty of experience curating awesome elopement experiences for couples.

How to Elope in New York

This is a long resource packed with awesome tips and inspiration. Use the links below to jump right to the section you’d like to check out.

Vendors to Build your Perfect New York Elopement Package

When putting together your New York elopement package, you want to consider your overall elopement budget. Whether you’re planning an NYC elopement package or a package in upstate NY, your budget is everything! Elopements have a pretty big range when it comes to an average price because it all depends on what vendors you decide to include on your wedding day. Please note that you are not required to include every vendor type in your package.

Are you ready to start planning your New York elopement?

Check out our vendor categories to consider when thinking about your elopement package:

Photographers

These vendors are where most of your elopement budget will be going towards, but for good reason. On average, our photographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. This depends on how many hours of coverage (half-day versus full-day) a couple is looking for their New York elopement package.

Featured New York Elopement Photographers

Videographers

Like elopement photographers, videographers are going to be a great investment for your elopement day to document your adventures together. On average, our videographers will charge $2,500-$6,000 per elopement. Keep in mind, this depends on how long you want your elopement footage to be. For example, a full-day video coverage would cost more versus covering just your elopement ceremony.

Officiants

On average, our officiant members will charge $500-$800 per elopement. Officiants are great to orchestrate your favorite traditions and wedding vows. It’s also important to note that some other vendors are also officiants, so we recommend always asking.

Elopement Planners

You don’t necessarily always need a wedding planner for your elopement adventure, but having a planner does help if couples have a very clear elopement vision. The average price for our planner members is $1,000-$3,000. Planners are also great for couples who don’t want to DIY or worry about anything, or couples who live far from their elopement destination.

Florists

Since you’re planning an elopement, you’ll need less floral arrangement than your average traditional wedding in New York. If you aren’t down to DIY your own bridal bouquet, then a florist in New York can average to $300 to $600.

Venues

Are you looking to elope in NYC, Albany, Buffalo, or Rochester? Even though there are plenty of public land options to consider eloping to in New York, there are also some pretty neat private venues in New York too to include in your elopement package. Our team loves private venues because they do offer you more privacy and flexibility when you two are going to elope. Private venues, on average, will charge $300 to $4,000, depending on the location.

Places to Elope in New York

So you’re ready to start planning your elopement package in New York, but you aren’t sure where you should exchange your vows with your partner. From intimate city venues with skyscraper views in NYC to mountains views and cascading waterfalls in upstate NY, New York has it all!

New York has some of the most gorgeous outdoor areas to explore not many people would immediately think about when planning a New York elopement. Some of these parks, however, do require some type of permit, fee, and application. So we recommend double-checking the location’s rules and regulations prior to your big day.

Check out some of our favorite New York elopement locations:

Adirondacks

Adventurous Elopement on Indian Head Mountain in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York for new york elopement packages

Photo by Kortni Maria

The most popular area to plan a New York adventure elopement has to be at the Adirondacks. This park is huge! With 6 million acres to explore, there’s plenty of opportunity for your adventure here. You can go canoeing and kayaking on lakes, take a hot-air balloon ride over Lake George, a hiking adventure near Lake Placid, or plan a picnic at Lake Champlain.

We also love the Adirondacks because your dog can join you on most of the trails for your elopement. You’ll even find dog clean up bag located at posts along most of the trails. We do, however, encourage you to keep your dog on a leash since many areas do have this rule in place for everyone’s safety.

Central Park

In the middle of grand NYC, you’ll find gorgeous Central Park. Although this park is in the middle of a city, this may be a gorgeous spot to plan a sunrise elopement with your partner if you’re looking for a pretty destination without the grand adventure. There are no special events permit required if your ceremony is less than 20 people, so this is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a permit-free elopement location in New York.

Minnewaska State Park Preserve

Minnewaska State Park is the perfect whimsical location for your elopement. The preserve is actually sitting on Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which is more than 2,000 feet above sea level. You’ll be able to appreciate rugged, rocky terrain paired with multiple waterfalls, sparkling lakes, dense forests, and dramatic cliffsides. Dogs are welcome to join you on your elopement adventure, but please keep them on the lease and contact the park for the latest on which trails they are allowed to join.

Letchworth State Park

If you’re looking for a state park with multiple large waterfall locations for your elopement ceremony, then Letchworth State Park is a great place to elope to. This park is in the northwestern part of New York state, and is 17 miles long! Letchworth has over 66 miles of trails to explore, and you can ever drive through the entire park scouting for some amazing spots to take your portraits. We love this elopement location year-round for elopements. Another great thing about eloping here is aside from following park regulations, you can get married at this park for free if you’re outside of the Glen Iris Inn location.

Taughannock Falls State Park

Taughannock Falls State Park is known for its gorgeous waterfall which plunges 215 feet! Towering nearly 400 feet above the gorge, this fall is definitely a worthy spot for your elopement portraits. This area also has multi-use trails throughout the year for hiking to cross-country skiing. If you’re thinking of planning your elopement ceremony at the falls, then you need to fill out the permit information and put in a written request to get approval from the park’s manager. This location does have limitations, including no weddings at the base of the falls on weekends or holidays.

Winona State Forest

Maybe you two are feeling extra adventurous and want to plan skiing, snowshoeing, or an ATV elopement experience during your elopement. Winona State Forest is a great spot to plan your winter elopement, or if you just want to elope in the middle of a quiet forest at sunrise.

 

When to Elope in New York

When you’re thinking about when to elope in New York, you’ll want to first think about what activity you both want to do during your elopement. If you find yourself wanting to do winter activities, then planning a winter elopement is the obvious season of choice. If you prefer unique colors and cooler weather, then the changing leaves during Fall is your ideal bet. All seasons are beautiful in New York, but it’s important to plan ahead with your elopement vendors to decide when is the ideal time to say, “I do”. For a lot of couples, this time usually consists of weekdays, sunsets, and sunrises. Making sure to plan outside major holidays and weekends will keep your elopement adventure more intimate and special.

lake placid area during fall elopement adventure in New York

Photo by Sam Starns

Permits and Marriage License in New York

Permits

While a lot of parks and areas in New York State don’t require a permit for elopement ceremonies, it’s still important to triple-check the requirements with the park and your photographer. A lot of times, your elopement vendors will be your perfect resource when making sure you’re eloping legally at your specified location. Since these vendors are local to the area, they are up to date on the latest rules and regulations.

Leave No Trace

While we are on the subject… please follow the rules during your elopement. If you’re deciding to elope, then you should also be aware of the importance of leaving no trace (LNT) during your adventure. LNT can include staying on the trail, avoiding wedding decor that will harm and pollute the environment, and being mindful to pick up after yourselves.

Marriage License

Applying for a marriage license is pretty straightforward in New York. First, you want to decide if you want to plan an elopement ceremony with an officiant to make things legal, or if you want to plan a commitment ceremony and make it official before or after the ceremony. Once you decide that, you’ll want to apply for a marriage license with the required paperwork, pay your fee (about $35), and wait 24 hours to have a ceremony!

Places to Stay in New York

Check out the best places to stay in New York during your elopement.

Are you still looking not sure you want to elope in New York?

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