where to begin
Wedding planning is a daunting task. Whether a huge spectacle or a small, intimate gathering, the details inevitably begin to add up despite how few were initially anticipated. The location/venue will likely be the most important factor in your logistical adventure. As couples begin their search, often first considering or searching online for “wedding venues”, our magnificent state park system here in New York State is waiting right there for them offering a mix of beauty, affordability, flexibility, uniqueness, and more. Planning your special day at a state park or historic site will offer a lighter lift compared to some of the more traditional wedding venues and banquet halls.
I recently had the unforgettable experience of tying the knot (literally)–we held a traditional handfasting ceremony during which we tied a cord into a knot together as a symbol of our union–at John Boyd Thacher State Park just outside of Albany. Yes, the wedding celebration was a magical experience, for the location as well as the planning process was fantastic. The state park setting as a host offered us a range of options. Options included simply holding a brief ceremony in natural, picturesque surroundings, reserving a pavilion for a more informal summer picnic experience, or (our choice), renting out the modern visitors center and surrounding patio and grounds for a larger, more formal event. Many locations throughout the New York State Park system offer multi-tiered options from which you can build your own personalized experience.
Just wanted to say that your wedding at Thacher State Park was a literal breath of fresh air! The most peaceful and relaxing wedding I have ever attended. Perfectly unconventional, unique, relaxing, authentic, and filled with so much love! We left for Virginia excited to celebrate our friends’ love but turned into a healing retreat. Such a special day.
–Friend of the couple
Planning for Nature’s Surprises
One of the most important factors to initially consider is weather. As with an outdoor wedding at any venue, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature so we must work with Her to establish a flexible setup to accommodate a worst case scenario. Devise a plan for that ideal “sunny day”, but have on-hand a Plan B including how to transform the space (even possibly last minute) into the most festive “Rainy Day” option imaginable! Many parks have indoor venues, but the more indoor space reserved, the higher the cost and more limited its availability due to other guests using the space. If a pavilion is not adequate (or a bit too informal for your desires), consider renting a tent to place within proximity of the pavilion, thus creating a larger space not only for the reception but as a backup for the ceremony as well. Remember: There is always the option to host just the ceremony at the park location and hosting the reception at a nearby location should weather be a concern (or if the time of year simply won’t lend itself to an outdoor or partially outdoor event).
Begin your search for a state park venue by browsing through the 250 potential locations on the official website for New York State Parks here. Contacting the Park Manager of the site through the listed number is the best first step. Most locations have a decent protocol already in place involving acquiring the proper Special Event Permit. Additional vendor permits will be required if you intend to have the event catered or provide bar service. (We hired a food truck along with a portable bar that served from a retro camp trailer (we provided the alcohol for them to serve but still needed a permit). Keep in mind that professional photographers, videographers, even makeup artists, are considered vendors, thus requiring the proper permits and paperwork. These require minor fees, but still add to what will be a growing list of tasks which is typical for any event. If you wish to conduct just a brief ceremony in a natural setting or with, say, a waterfall in the background, you may be able to reserve specific locations for a certain timeframe during the day–check with the Park Manager to see what options are available.
So many options!
There are 180 state parks throughout the New York State system (and 40 state historic sites) so we simply could not provide a detailed list of options in its entirety. So to give you a little taste of the diversity of locations here’s a quick snapshot of some offerings that will hopefully inspire you:
A beach theme at Lake Taghanic State Park
In addition to its idyllic lake setting in Columbia County where you could plan for a fun beach-themed event, you could turn it into a full weekend celebration by reserving the onsite cottages, cabins, or campsites that can accommodate up to 150 guests. More info.
James Baird State Park and Minnewaska State park
Just south of Lake Taghanic along the Taconic Parkway you’ll find James Baird State Park which offers a wedding pergola and two picnic pavilions which can accommodate up to 250 people More info. And just west of there is, what I feel, one of the most stunning backdrops for any ceremony in our state park system with its white quartz rock outcroppings complimenting a bride’s attire: Minnewaska State Park.
Keuka Lake State park
Most state parks have one or multiple picnic pavilions, but with a larger event, you may wish for some insurance against potential foul weather. Keuka Lake State Park in the Finger Lakes Region offers an enclosed two-story building built into a hillside that you can reserve. It is located next to the park picnic area near the Keuka Lake shoreline so should the weather be favorable, you can still conduct most of the party in the intended outdoor areas while keeping the inside venue as a backup. More info
Going formal?
Fillmore Glen State Park
If you’re looking for fancy, state parks offer MUCH more than pavilions and pergolas as your options (although a small ceremony like this one at Fillmore Glen State Park can also provide a lifetime’s worth of memories and photos to cherish with less stress on the planning end), there are stunning options in just about every region.
Letchworth State Park
The 100+ year old Glen Iris Mansion in Letchworth would be ideal for a more formal occasion with its established wedding packages for ease of planning, and an unforgettable setting with the calming natural audio track of Middle Falls in the background.
Sunken Meadow State Park and bear mountain
If the rhythm of waves is your preferred soundtrack, The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow State Park on the north shore of Long Island will undoubtedly fulfill that more traditional venue desire. And of course the famous, historic Bear Mountain Inn and its surrounding Hudson Valley landscapes is one of the top coveted venues in our park system.
Don’t Forget About our State Historic Sites!
Schuyler Mansion State Historic
One of the most famous weddings held at a location that is now a New York State Historic Site would be Alexander Hamilton’s marriage to Elizabeth Schuyler in what is now the Schuyler Mansion State Historic Site in Albany. The interiors of most historic sites are not an option for events hosted by the general public (although exchanging vows in the same room as a founding father did would be quite the ceremony to share throughout life), many of our nearly 40 sites have additional structures to rent out while the surrounding grounds are plentiful with well-kept gardens and spectacular views.
Clermont State Historic Site
Most notably that fits that latter description is Clermont State Historic Site halfway between Hudson and Poughkeepsie. Situated atop a hill sloping down to the Hudson, its west-facing view is absolutely stunning, not only of New York’s most majestic river, but also the rolling Catskills in the distance. Its popular lilac-lined pathways and historic gardens with recently restored stone walls will keep a bride, groom, and photographer occupied for hours! The Friends group has a webpage dedicated to hosting weddings at the site.
Mansion State Historic Park
And if “gardens” strikes your fancy for your setting, weddings are simply routine at Sonnenberg Gardens and Mansion State Historic Park in Central New York. Its dedicated wedding webpage provides all of the needed information to plan your special day at this remarkable venue.
glimmerglass lake state park
Hyde Hall State Historic Site sits atop a hill with a fabulous view of Otsego Lake. The historic site’s wedding webpage details the various options. To create a very unique experience, you could combine Hyde Hall with a lakeside ceremony just down the hill at Glimmerglass Lake State Park then venture up to the historic site for the reception.
Our wedding day was made even more surreal with the backdrop of the white sandy beaches, the shimmering waters, & the incredible mountain views Glimmerglass has to offer.
-Leslie and Jeff
Knox Farm State Park
Although not labeled a state historic site, Knox Farm State Park, its 600+ acres just outside of Buffalo, has an undoubtedly historic feel. According to its website, The Mansion, The Stables, and The Guest House provide “timeless backdrops for unforgettable moments.” There are multiple options for indoor and outdoor settings as well as overnight accommodations for a limited number of guests.
Planning should not have to be a stressful endeavor that could take away from the magic of your special day. Our state parks staff as well as the partnering Friends groups at many sites, have the experience and process well-streamlined to make your special day memorable and joyful for all of your guests. Although they’re “parks” and “historic sites”, they’re not necessarily secrets as wedding options, therefore it is best practice to reach out to these sites as soon as possible to gauge availability.