Many couples who live in New York City dream of planning a Hudson Valley elopement. There are so many great reasons to tie the knot in such an intimate fashion. As Beacon-based wedding photographers, we love to help couples plan their special day. There are so many incredible reasons to elope in Upstate New York.

Firstly, What is a Hudson Valley Elopement?

An elopement is different from a micro-wedding in a number of ways. Eloping means that just the two of you are there to tie the knot. Micro-weddings involve a number of guests (usually 30-50 maximum) and typically take place at a dedicated venue. Eloping, however, means you make the rules on how you want your marriage to begin.

Why is the Hudson Valley Such a Sought-After Destination?

This beautiful region lends itself to some of the most beautiful spots to tie the knot. When you elope in the Hudson Valley, you’re opening up your day to mountain views, gorgeous lakes, and moody woods. Your intimate wedding has limitless options on the gorgeous spots you can choose for your nuptials.

What Vendors Do You Need for an Elopement?

As Hudson Valley elopement photographers, we work with a ton of great individuals on intimate weddings. The officiant is the most important part, given the need to make your marriage official. Some couples opt for a florist to get personal florals like bouquets and boutonnieres. A beauty artist can come in handy if you’d like a little extra primping prior to your vows. Suits and dresses can also make you feel super special when you say ‘I Do’.

How a Hudson Valley Elopement is Better Than a Traditional Wedding

Many couples want to celebrate their love story with tons of family and friends – and that’s just fine! Having that grand celebration is an awesome way to start off your married life together. For some couples, however, that’s just not the way that they want to tie the knot. An intimate elopement on the Hudson River gives you some great options to celebrate the day your way.

Have a Fun, Intimate Moment with Just the Two of You

We highly recommend a Hudson Valley elopement for couples who want that core memory of tying the knot. There is a lot of pressure associated with a full-on wedding day. When you have a small wedding ceremony in this area, or even the Catskill Mountains, you can relax a little more. Take in the views of the Hudson or your perfect elopement location and just focus on each other.

Save Money When You Plan an Elopement Over a Traditional Wedding

Many couples like to elope, because they are saving up money. Whether it’s to start a family or buy a house, there are tons of reasons to keep your nuptials small. If your focus is more on your love and story and less on the party itself, this is a perfect option. It’s a great way to save costs, and also spend on what matters to you most. As Hudson Valley NY elopement photographers, we find that couples focus their budget on reliving the wedding memories, rather than paying for a full-on dance party.

Turn Your Elopement in the Hudson Valley Into a Weekend Getaway

There’s nothing more romantic in upstate New York than a weekend getaway. There are so many beautiful places locally to spend your weekend. You can focus on the time spent together by planning a full couples getaway around your elopement. If you choose to elope on a weekday, even better! You can turn it into a full mini-moon for the week. Try out the Roundhouse, Mohonk Mountain House, Inness, or Wildflower Farms.

Surprise Your Loved Ones with Hudson Valley Elopement Photography

One thing, couples love to do when they elope is to surprise their loved ones. Share your wedding photography sneak peeks with your family and friends. You can drop the news of your surprise marriage through photography and videography. Couples love to use their sneak peeks that come in open packages to announce the news on social media or just send it to their favorite people.

Avoid Family Drama By Focusing Your Marriage on You Two

Tons of couples want to avoid family drama altogether. Focusing your marriage on just you two will allow you to skip the big get-together and create some magical memories. Instead of having to deal with navigating others, make this time about your love story specifically.

Capture Stunning Elopement Pictures in the Mountains

From the Catskills to Westchester, we love to create elopement packages as Hudson Valley wedding photographers. Every couple’s needs are different, and we want to make sure that you have pictures that will last a lifetime. We will help you decide on the best location to recite your vows and take some incredible portraits together afterward.

How to Plan Your Upstate New York Elopement Weekend

Choose accommodations that are close to the location you want to tie the knot. We love Tarrytown House Estate, The Maker Hotel, Troutbeck, and the Mirbeau Inn & Spa. The Mohonk Mountain House also has beautiful private hiking trails, while Bear Mountain State Park has an adorable inn as well.

Where to Elope in the Hudson Valley for Great Photo Opportunities

While we’ve written a ton about where to elope in the Hudson Valley, we’ll name a few of our favorite spots. These should get the gears turning when it comes to planning your special moments. Our favorites are Little Stony Point Park, Minnewaska State Park, Ashokan Reservoir, Storm King, and Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Just be sure to check if permits are required for your desired location.

Reserve a Celebratory Meal at a Renowned Restaurant

With so much culinary expertise in one region, there is so much to offer for your Hudson Valley elopement dinner. Look into Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the Kitchen Sink Supper Club, Goosefeather, or Butterfield. Celebrate in style with just you two at one of the finest establishments in New York state.

Relax and Enjoy with this Region’s Awesome Offerings

Between the hiking trails, hotels, and restaurants, there are a ton of other great activities. Buttermilk Inn & Spa has treatment options for every couple, or head to the Conscious Habitat Day Spa. Plus, there are great museums like Dia:Beacon, Art Omi, or Manitoga: The Russel Wright Design Center.

Book Top Hudson Valley Elopement Photographers to Capture Candid Moments

As fun, documentary wedding photographers based in Beacon, we love to capture intimate celebrations. We’ll help you plan out your intimate occasion, and even capture it through film photography if you want! We have tons of options, from photography to videography, to make your Hudson Valley elopement special. Reach out today and let’s get the party started.