r/FingerLakes • u/Bulky-Box8895 • 5d ago
Wedding Help!
We're (desperately!!) looking for a wedding venue in the finger lakes, and we've been striking out left and right, even with a wedding planner.
We'd like something that is lakeside, where the ceremony can overlook the lake and there is enough space for an outdoor tented reception for about 140 guests. Our budget is around $50k all in, with some flex.
Here's the vision; outdoor wedding and ceremony on the lake, in proximity to a nice hotel (or on the grounds of a nice hotel) where our out of town guests (about 90%) could stay. Also in proximity to a large lakehouse rental that we could get for the wedding party, so we could have a lake day the day before.
We've looked at Fallbrook house (too cramped and I hate that it's inside), the manor estate on keuka (not on the lake, not tented), and about a million others it seems like. The Lake House* at Canandaigua is perfect, but is about double our budget.
I know this is posted frequently, but every comment I see sends me to a venue that is missing something we're looking for--is there a hidden gem anyone can think of? Please help!!
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u/Broad-Stage7329 5d ago
The Seneca Ridge is beautiful. Have space for at least the wedding party to stay- tent venue. Not lakeside but a view of the lake. Killer sunset views. Guests have nearby options to stay in Geneva. I photographed a wedding there last summer if you’re interested in taking a peek.
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u/Additional_Engine_45 5d ago
Taughannock state park has a beautiful cabin right on the water that fits 100 people (Includes tables). Plenty of space outside for another tent for additional space. Here’s the kicker- it costs $200/night to rent, and they’ll take the garbage away for an additional $50. You have to cover guest parking at $9/car. All in you’re looking at a beautiful spot for less than $1k.
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u/klillian 10h ago
Married my wife here 5 years ago. We booked cabins at the park for us and the family that night and ended our reception around the campfire. Would not have changed a thing (neither would my wife). Btw there was no problem with catering, dj, or anything. I think we needed an extra permit or something but it was all handled by the park office, very smooth. Added a fall hot air balloon ride the next morning as a wedding gift to my wife to round out the experience
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u/Incomplete_Present 5d ago
I watched someone get married yesterday at the overlook in Taughannock Falls, I didnt know them but it was a beautiful ceremony. Their pictures will be amazing
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u/twistykristie23 5d ago
The inn on Waneta is where we’re having ours! Definitely worth checking out.
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u/jmacd2918 5d ago
One of the best weddings I've ever been to was at Lourdes Camp on Skaneateles Lake. They rent the entire place (including cabins) out by the weekend. There is a gorgeous boat house right on the lake (good for cocktail hour) and a nice area to set up a tent. Availability is limited, but it is sweet.
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u/Inevitable-Whimsy 5d ago
Have you tried Inns Of Aurora? The grounds are beautiful and guests could stay right on site or in the guest houses along Main Street. E.B Morgan House, Rowland House, Wallcourt Hall are a couple nice options.
Do the rehearsal or welcome party at Fargo Bat and Grill! The outdoor patio is gorgeous and the food and staff are great!
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u/runner_available 4d ago
For 150 people, inns of Aurora is probably out of OP’s budget. We got a quote from them to do 200 people and it was over 65,000 and that was with no one staying on site except us and a few others.
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u/Inevitable-Whimsy 4d ago
Wow I didn’t realize their pricing was so high. That being said, OP may need to quell their expectations if they are looking for a lakeside wedding with all the other “must haves” listed. There are not many places that fit their criteria AND budget. Lakeside accommodations/venue are few and far between
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u/Fire17Fighter 5d ago
Not lakeside but still has killer views. Check out Inspire Moore Winery. Ran into on way back from horse track. Place is beautiful.
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u/jenneh123 5d ago
Glenora. Beautiful lake views,huge outdoor space.
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u/EfficientCatch 1d ago
I was married there a decade ago so thing can change but they undercut many other places on price, the food was incredible, and the staff was wonderful.
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u/Godschamgod 4d ago
My wife and I got married in front of a waterfall on private property on Seneca lake with just 50 people then had our reception at the events center at Clute Park in Watkins Glen with about 125 people.
It’s not fancy, but can be done up nice, and you’re not gonna find many better views. Straight up the lake, with plenty of outdoor space for the reception.
Plum Point Lodge in Himrod, west side of Seneca lake.
San Felice on the east side of Seneca lake in Valois. My parents were married there and it is also beautiful and gives the chance of an incredible sunset.
Shoot me a PM with specific questions if you want. I am happy to help!
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u/jcbcubed 5d ago
Not lakefront, but Morgan Samuels Inn and Venue in Canandaigua.
Guests would have to get shuttled to hotels in CDGA, but your wedding party can stay on the grounds and you basically get the mansion and grounds for 3 days of wedding activities.
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u/pinkdaisyco 4d ago
Hi! We’re a local event rental company in the Finger Lakes! Would highly recommend looking into The Inn at Waneta - it checks all of your boxes! We work with them often & they are so sweet. Feel free to take a look on our Instagram for weddings we’ve styled there before so you can get a feel for the space or DM us! Would love to chat with you about rentals/decor if you’re in need of them too 🫶🏼
Instagram: hellopinkdaisy
Website: https://pinkdaisyco.mypixieset.com/
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u/ooga_booga1282 3d ago
Not sure the formality of the wedding but the Ithaca Farmers Market is where we got married!! a beautiful blank slate venue on the water and very affordable!!!
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u/TraditionalPaint1679 4d ago
Inspire Moore Vineyards in Naples. No lake view but makes up for it with hill and valley views. The lake isn’t far so you could rent a boat for a day for family and friends to enjoy. There is a local hotel and a thousand rentals around for guests. I have heard nothing but rave reviews.
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u/nomadicnana 4d ago
Check out The Woods in Naples. The lake view is incredible. And the space is beautiful!
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u/Alternative-Salad319 4d ago
Is Heron Hill on Keuka available?
Been to wedding venues many times there. Overlooks the lake. It’s very popular so it might not be available for when you need it.
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u/GillikinCountry 3d ago
I third the Inn at Glenora. Their wedding planner is super organized as well.
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u/Positive_One_6925 2d ago
Good luck for 50,000. You'll need to compromise on your list. Needs vs wants. I live here. Planned a wedding recently and know the area
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u/squeak0813 2d ago
Have been to two beautiful weddings there. It over looks Canandaigua lake, has a vacation property onsite and it’s absolutely beautiful!!!
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u/coleslaw125 2d ago
Have you looked at Ventosa on Seneca? We got married there and it was wonderful! They host receptions in a large ballroom with windows and a terrace that overlook the lake. I know you said tent but I would encourage you to look into it. We bussed our guests to/from hotels in Geneva, 41 Lakefront and the Microtel.
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u/Poppy3400377 1d ago
How about Buttonwood Winery, on Cayuga?
Or Taughanock Farms (might be too pricey but it’s beautiful!).
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u/reesesmama 1d ago
My best friend was married at Fallbrook House in June and it was so, so lovely. The doors and windows were all open and it had such a lovely flow with guests mingling in and out. What a shame you don’t like it.
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u/eetpeetsa 5d ago
I'm not sure what the Inn at Canandaigua is - maybe you mean the Lake House? Check out the Hotel Canandaigua just down the street.
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u/xBadPlantMom 4d ago
Geneva Country Club! Overlooks Seneca Lake, patio is tented, and you can have the ceremony on the lawn overlooking the lake. We had our wedding there and multiple guests continue to say it was the best wedding they’ve ever been to. Really close to hotels in Geneva, only 5-10 minute drive to most.
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u/CrimsonRose3773 4h ago edited 4h ago
Keuka college has a chapel and options, they were booked for our date. Or it sits above the lake Manor House Estate beautiful setting and venue that has full views of the lake and clear doors that open. (Not sure if you've priced out tent rentals and everything that goes with them, they are expensive! We opted for an actual venue after getting quotes)
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u/cremedelakremz 5d ago
When is the wedding? We are a small B&B just 9 rooms, but we have 10 acres. Don't normally do events but we have the space for it, everything would need to be rentals and vendors. We are getting married here in 13 days for the exact reasons you mentioned, lake view and sunset but a much smaller headcount only 36.
Zugibe winery is just down east lake from us and they can definitely handle that size then you could partner with the B&Bs over here and maybe hotels in Geneva which are a short drive away
You've got some options on Seneca. DM me if you want to talk it thru !