If you’re dreaming of a cozy, yet elevated wedding weekend with lake views and gorgeous historic buildings, you’re going to want to check out the wedding venues in and around Aurora, NY. This little lakeside town in the heart of the Finger Lakes is the perfect place for a romantic, relaxed, and stunning wedding celebration.
As a wedding photographer in upstate New York, I’ve gotten to explore so many beautiful corners of the region, but Aurora is hard to beat. Whether you’re planning a full wedding weekend at the Inns of Aurora or hosting a vineyard celebration nearby, this area has so much to offer couples who love good food, beautiful views, and elegant small-town charm.
Inns of Aurora Wedding
The Inns of Aurora is one of those venues that feels almost like a hidden retreat. It's not just one inn - it’s a collection of beautifully restored historic buildings, all walkable and thoughtfully designed, sitting right on the edge of Cayuga Lake. It’s perfect for couples looking for a destination-style wedding experience without asking their guests to hop on a plane.
I was lucky enough to photograph a styled shoot at the Inns of Aurora, and it gave me such a good sense of how incredible this space is for portraits. Between the elegant architecture, colorful gardens, and those lakefront views, it’s basically a photographer’s dream.
You can feel how much care went into every detail of the space - and for couples, that means a wedding weekend that feels both elevated and effortless.
Vineyard Wedding at Treleaven Winery
If you’re looking for a nearby wedding venue with a little more of that relaxed vineyard vibe, Treleaven Winery is just a quick drive from Aurora - and it’s such a good one. It’s got this wide-open feel, with a mix of outdoor and covered spaces that’s perfect for celebrating no matter what the weather decides to do. There’s a big covered reception space, a gorgeous vineyard backdrop with lake views for your ceremony, and plenty of spots for sunset portraits with your favorite people (maybe with a glass of wine in hand).
Treleaven has such a warm, easy energy - perfect for couples who want something elegant but not overly formal.
Choosing an Aurora NY Wedding Photographer
There’s so much beauty in Aurora and across the Finger Lakes, so it’s important to choose a photographer who knows how to showcase that. My editing style leans into true-to-life color—those soft blues from the lake, the lush green hillsides, the warm glow of a candlelit dinner. I want your photos to look and feel like your actual wedding day—not a heavily filtered version of it.
That said, not every moment needs to be bold and colorful. Some of my favorite images from this area are in classic black and white. Aurora has this quiet elegance that lends itself beautifully to both styles, depending on the mood and the moment.
Whether you’re drawn to the color of the vibrant landscapes or the timeless feel of black and white, my goal is always to capture your day in a way that feels as genuine as the love you’re celebrating. You can check out my portfolio for more examples, and if you’d like to see some full galleries, just let me know, I’m always happy to share.
Why Get Married in Aurora, NY?
Even though it’s small, Aurora has so much going for it. It’s the kind of town where everything is walkable, and the whole place has this cozy, timeless feel. You’ve got Cayuga Lake right there, beautiful gardens and architecture around every corner, and a bunch of sweet little shops and cafes that make it feel like a true getaway.
Aurora is also super close to Ithaca, so it’s easy for guests to get to - while still feeling like a destination. And if you’re planning a weekend-long celebration, you’ll have plenty of options for welcome dinners, spa days, brunches, and all the other moments that make a wedding weekend feel really special.
Planning Your Wedding Weekend in Aurora
One of the best things about a wedding in Aurora is how easy it is to turn your celebration into a full weekend experience. You can have your ceremony and reception all in one place, stay on-site with your closest people, and never feel rushed moving from one location to the next.
Some ideas to make the most of it:
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Welcome drinks or a bonfire on your first night in town
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A spa day at the Inns of Aurora before the wedding
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A trip to the MacKenzie-Childs campus for a little shopping or a walk through their whimsical, checkerboard-filled grounds - it's such a fun and unexpected local spot that guests will remember
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Rehearsal dinner at the Fargo Bar & Grill
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Portraits by the lake or in the gardens
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Brunch with everyone the morning after
Aurora NY Wedding Venues
Whether you’re planning something intimate or a larger celebration, here are a few venues in and around Aurora that are definitely worth checking out:
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The Inns of Aurora |
Long Point Winery Aurora, NY |
| Treleaven Winery King Ferry, NY |
John Joseph Inn Groton, NY |
Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Aurora, NY?
If you're planning a wedding at the Inns of Aurora or another venue nearby, I’d love to chat with you. I’m based in upstate New York and photograph weddings all over the state, including the Finger Lakes, Catskills, and Hudson Valley.