New York State Parks feel like the hidden secret for beautiful and accessible locations for your elopement or micro-wedding. From lake front views to stunning waterfalls and the seemingly endless Adirondacks, there’s a perfect location for your wedding. If you’ve made it to Ithaca, New York, you’ve likely wandered just north to Taughannock Falls. Gorge and rim trails lead you to sweeping views of the falls and if you have ever thought, “wow I would so get married here, ” I’m happy to tell you, YOU CAN and it’s not that hard. So here we go, how to Elope in Taughannock Falls State Park…

1. Choose your ceremony location: The Base of the Falls or the Overlook.
   The beauty of this park is that you can actually just stop anywhere and exchange your vows. Love the look of the dry rocks along the water? Perfect. Let’s go there. Dreaming of the moss covered walls by the base of the falls? me too, it is one of my favorite corners of the park. Is the overlook of the falls the place you feel most at peace? Book it.
   But you didn’t just come here ambiguity so let’s talk about what you need to do. The park’s website is your number one resource for wedding information but here is some current information shared (as of March 2026).
   • Weddings at the Overlook require a pemit and must take place before 10am or after 3pm.
   • Weddings at the base of the falls can only take place on weekdays
   • It’s important to note that the area will not be closed off to the public, so the briefer the ceremony, the better.
   • A completed Permit Application must be submitted to the park office at least two weeks in advance. You will pay a fee as well as need to pay for parking the day of your elopement.
     Follow this link to learn the most up to date information and fill out the permit application.
     
     

2. Decide what you would like the day to look like. The whole day should feel like your dream date. A few things to consider while making your plans:

• Would you prefer to get married in the morning or evening (sunrise or sunset vibes?)
• Where will you get ready and how? An airbnb? A Hotel? Together or Separate?
• Do you want to hike or walk right up to your ceremony location?
• What else would you like to work into your day? A stroll down Ithaca Commons, coffee while writing your vows, paddling Cayuga lake, a picnic at the base of the falls?
• Who do you want there? You need a total of 3 people present for the exchanging of your vows (we’ll talk about that next), but besides that, does this day include anyone else? Do you want to have dinner with close friends or family, will your grandma be your witness? Are you planning on just the two of you?
  Not a single answer to these questions is wrong. There is only right or right because you are planning a day that is meant to be ENJOYED. What and who do you need there in order to feel your calmest and most peaceful self while celebrating the love of your life.

During your timeline planning calls, I’ll review all of the questions above with you and help plan out the day’s timeline. We’ll decide together what you would like documented and how.

3. Find your officiant, witnesses, and photographer & Get your Marriage License
In the state of New York, your marriage license must be signed by a legal officiant and two witnesses. As your photographer, I can sign as a witness or even before the person to legally marry you, but you’ll want to consider your options for these roles. There are plenty of officiants in the area who can walk you through your vows and commitments or you can have a friend become ordained and marry the two of you. For your witnesses, you can invite friends or family into this portion of your day, or you can ask a few park goers to hang tight and be your witnesses! I know I would say yes if someone asked me. Just like all of the other pieces coming together for your day, there is no wrong choice to how you choose your witnesses and officiant, just make sure it feels like YOU.

4. Show up as yourselves the rest will be magic.
Your wedding day, however you design it to look, is supposed to be Fun and Joy-Filled. So keep that in mind and enjoy the journey.