The Best Venues for a Small Wedding in Syracuse

Nestled in Upstate New York, Syracuse and the Finger Lakes region offer a wide variety of venues for your dream wedding. Whether you want unforgettable views or unforgettable food, there’s no shortage of gems to host your intimate upstate wedding. Here are just some of my very favorites. 

Best for an Urban Chic Wedding: Sky Armory

Sky Armory is a gorgeous, modern industrial venue in the heart of downtown Syracuse, and can accommodate both large and small weddings! Sky Armory features three distinct ballrooms on three different floors, all with large windows overlooking the city. My favorite ballroom is the ground floor Betts ballroom, which is perfect for a small reception! Sky Armory offers couples a wedding planner and catering packages for a seamless experience.

Best for a Fairytale Forest Wedding: Aster Weddings and Events

Nestled in the forest of Skaneateles, Aster Weddings and Events features a high peak marquee, large custom deck, and an intimate ceremony space in the romantically-lit forest. There’s even a fire pit for a s’mores station! Aster is a DIY venue, which lets you select all your own vendors. 

Best for an Elevated Farm Wedding: Hayloft on the Arch

Hayloft on the Arch offers couples 30 acres of space for their dream farm wedding near Syracuse, New York. There’s a classic red barn, a white wedding chapel, and endless outdoor spaces for your ceremony and reception. Hayloft on the Arch allows you to use all your own vendors. 

Best for the Foodie Couple: John Joseph Inn

Located in the Finger Lakes region, John Joseph Inn is run by an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, ensuring you and your guests are in for an unforgettable (and delicious!) night. The Inn provides luxury accommodations in a restored carriage house dating to the 1850s. The 110-acre property features English gardens, a large ballroom tent, and more. The Inn provides catering, day-of coordination, and decor. 

Most Unique Wedding Venue: Museum of the Earth

Treats your guests to a night they’ll never forget at the 3,000 square foot Museum of the Earth, where you can enjoy your reception next to a real mastodon! You can rent out the entire museum, giving your guests the opportunity to explore natural history displays, interactive science features, and art exhibitions – all while celebrating your love. 

Best All-Inclusive Venue: Hill Top Inn

If you want to take the stress out of planning your wedding, Hill Top Inn is a perfect choice. Just outside Elmira, New York, the Inn and its panoramic terrace sit on top of Jerusalem Hill, overlooking the Chemung Valley. Choose from one of many all-inclusive wedding packages.

Best for a Wedding Weekend: Stonewall Estate

Why limit your wedding to a day? At Stonewall Estate, you can enjoy your rehearsal dinner on Friday, your wedding on Saturday, and even your honeymoon at the cozy honeymoon cottage. The estate sits on 30 private acres with an estate home, reception barn, heart-shaped pond, and hilltop ceremony site. 

Best for a Vineyard Wedding: Glenora Wine Cellars

Overlooking Seneca Lake, Glenora Wine Cellars serves up delicious wines, farm-to-table delicacies, and stunning views. Weddings at Glenora are all-inclusive and you’ll enjoy unlimited access to your on-site wedding planner. If you want a truly intimate experience, they offer an elopement package. 

No matter where you choose to have your wedding, one of the most important parts of your day is capturing the memories. I specialize in capturing the honest, unscripted parts of your wedding – no matter where it takes place! If you’d like, I’d love for you to take a look at my portfolio or send me an email. From choosing the perfect venue to picking out the smallest details, I promise to be your wedding day BFF and #1 hype girl! I hope to hear from you soon!

 

With love,

Lauren