The Luxurious Geneva on the Lake Wedding Venue
When it comes to New York, the Finger Lakes are one of my absolute favorite places for weddings. There are so many incredible places to get married in this area and there is a little bit of everything when it comes to venues. But, one of my favorite options has to be the Geneva on the Lake Wedding Venue.
As a New York wedding photographer, I have had couples tie the knot all around this area and there is just something so special about this venue. Not only is the surrounding area so beautiful, but the venue itself is so thoughtfully put together.
So, if you are looking for the perfect place for you and your partner to say I do, let’s take a look at what a Geneva on the Lake Wedding can look like!
About the Venue
Geneva on the Lake actually dates back to the early 1900s when it was originally built as a private estate. Its design was heavily influenced by Italian architecture and today, it still feels like you have been transported to Europe as soon as you step foot onto the property.
Now, the venue hasn’t always been the grand estate that it currently is. Back in the late 1970s, the whole property went under renovation to restore it back to its original glory. Today, you’ll find the beautiful home itself with Italian touches throughout the interior, plus the perfectly manicured gardens throughout.
We can’t forget about the fact that it is also right on Seneca Lake. You really get the best of both worlds with access to amazing lake views (that make for the perfect place to take some portraits) and the luxurious feel of the gardens and main estate at the property!
For your wedding itself, they can accommodate everything from an elopement or a small wedding to up to 150 guests. So, whether you want something super intimate and just for you and your partner or if you want to celebrate the day with all of your family, they have you covered.
Spaces Around the Venue
Getting Ready Suites
One of the best parts about this venue is that the property is a functioning hotel. This means that it takes away all of the stress of finding places to stay and get ready the morning of your wedding.
You and your partner will both have plenty of room to get ready with your wedding parties and you can even make an entire weekend out of it if you want. I mean, your wedding day can be stressful enough. How nice would it be if you and your wedding parties could all stay together the night before your wedding to make the morning feel much more relaxed?
The Gardens
The gardens are definitely one of the highlights of this venue and is one of the top choices (in my opinion) for ceremony locations throughout the property. The gardens are beautifully maintained and really make you feel like you’re in the Italian countryside.
When it comes to your couple’s portraits, this is definitely a must have spot. You even have the view of the grand estate as a backdrop behind the gardens to really make you feel like you are royalty.
For your ceremony itself, you can have it right in the center of the gardens. This is what Rachel and Derek chose to do and it was so beautiful. There is plenty of room surrounding the area for all of your guests and you get incredible views all around.
Plus, a bit further back behind the gardens is the lake so you are able to get some beautiful colors popping in the background while still taking full advantage of everything the gardens have to offer!
The Dock and Water
While the estate and the gardens are stunning, we can’t forget that this venue is actually called Geneva on the Lake. The venue backs up onto Seneca Lake and there is a great dock that is perfect for some of your photos.
One thing to note is that it isn’t a massive dock so it may not be the best place to do bigger group photos with all of your family. But, I love using this as a place to take some couple’s portraits or even photos with your wedding parties.
If the garden doesn’t feel like your vibe for the wedding ceremony, you can also get married right next to the water. With the lake and some greenery as your backdrop, your guests can watch you tie the knot with picture perfect views.
Wooded Areas
Around the property and the gardens, there are also some wooded areas that are a great place to escape to for some more private and intimate moments during your wedding day. Once everything starts, it can sometimes be hard to remember that this day is about you and you should be able to spend some actual time with your new spouse.
There’s a small staircase that I love that wraps around part of this area and is a great place for some of your couple’s portraits.
If you want to add in some more of your guests or your wedding parties, there are a few tree lined areas that are a bit more open and perfect for group photos. With all the variety here, it really feels like you have multiple venues all in one!
Reception Tent
Finally, we can’t forget about the reception. I mean, who doesn’t love a good party? Let me tell you, they definitely do it right here. They have an amazing wedding reception tent that creates the perfect place for you and your guests to dance the night away.
Now, I know what you are thinking. “I don’t know if I want to have my reception in a tent.” But, I can tell you that this isn’t just your average tent. They have string lights lining the main poles holding up the tents, ceiling fans, chandeliers, and an entire dance floor inside of the tent.
Plus, the tent itself is set up on brick so you don’t have to worry about uneven surfaces or standing in grass all night. The venue itself definitely feels luxurious and they don’t let anything slip when it comes to your reception.
Rachel and Derek’s Geneva on the Lake Wedding
Rachel and Derek tied the not at Geneva on the Lake back in June of 2024. This was such a great wedding and the venue was the perfect option for them. They both love taking wine tours throughout the Finger Lakes so this venue felt like it was made for them.
They had a big group of friends and family at their wedding and everyone had an incredible time. From their wedding in the gardens to dancing the night away together under the tent, there was not a dull moment throughout the night.
One of the highlights of the day, though, was definitely their corgi, Chamberlain. They were able to have him as part of the wedding and he even walked down the aisle. So, if you are looking for a place where you can incorporate your furry friend, this might be a great place. We even got some great pictures of all three of them together after the ceremony!
Overall their wedding was very timeless and classic and Geneva on the Lake matched this vibe perfectly. They really could not have asked for a better venue or a better day to kick off the rest of their lives together.
Check out everyone who came together to make this day amazing:
- Venue – Geneva on the Lake
- Photographer – Calypso Rae Photography
- DJ: FLX Entertainment, Nathan Baker
- Makeup: Holly Piselli at A-List Artistry
- Hair –Kala Grillo
- Suit – Ted Baker
- Dress – Rita Vinieris from Lovely
- Flowers – Don’s Own Flower Shop
- Cake/Desserts – Donna Marie’s GF Bakery
Final Thoughts on Geneva on the Lake
So, if you are looking for a wedding venue in the Finger Lakes that is timeless, luxurious, and beautifully unique, a Geneva on the Lake wedding may be just what you are looking for. With the mansion, the gardens, the lake, and more, you really can’t ask for much better for such a special day.
Now all you need is the perfect photographer to capture your special day here. If you are still looking for that person, I’d love to chat. You can click here to check out my wedding photography experience or you can head over here to get in touch!
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