If you’re dreaming of a wedding in the Finger Lakes of Upstate NY, you’re going to want to check out this gorgeous Inn at Taughannock wedding. Maddie and Brandon’s summer wedding was a perfect showcase of what makes this venue so special. From breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake to the thoughtfully designed guest rooms, The Inn at Taughannock is a dream venue for couples looking for a stunning backdrop and exceptional amenities.
Nestled right on the edge of Taughannock Falls State Park, The Inn at Taughannock has three distinct venue options: Enchantment, The Victorian Inn, and The Jones Room. Maddie and Brandon chose the Enchantment venue for their wedding, and it was a perfect fit for their colorful wildflower-inspired day.
Getting Ready at The Inn at Taughannock
Maddie and Brandon made the most of the Inn’s incredible accommodations for their wedding day preparations. Maddie got ready with her bridesmaids at the Hillside Lakehouse, a beautiful space with plenty of room for her group to relax and enjoy the morning in their vintage pj's with glasses of champagne. The nice thing is that Hillside sleeps 12, so even bigger wedding parties would be comfortable here. We captured some sweet moments, including a first look between Maddie and her dad and another between Maddie and her dog Sawyer.
Brandon and his groomsmen got ready for the day at the Lakeview Building, a short walk from the Hillside Lakehouse. The proximity of these two spaces made it easy to capture both sides of the getting-ready process while keeping Maddie and Brandon from seeing each other before the ceremony. It’s worth noting that The Inn at Taughannock also has their Victorian Inn as another option for couples getting ready, and it's just as beautiful. You really can't go wrong with the getting ready spaces at the Inn.
Cayuga Lake Wedding Ceremony
Maddie and Brandon exchanged vows in the Enchantment Garden, with Cayuga Lake as their stunning backdrop. The outdoor ceremony space features a grand staircase and sprawling views, and I would say that it's definitely one of the most picturesque locations for a wedding in the Finger Lakes. One of my favorite moments was seeing Sawyer walk down the aisle with Maddie’s sister, who was also her maid of honor. From a photographer's perspective, one thing to note is that if you're having your ceremony in the Enchantment Garden on a sunny day, your ceremony will be in full sun like it was for Maddie and Brandon. If you'd rather it wasn't, turning your ceremony to say your vows in front of the Inn's elegant staircase is a great option!
Inn at Taughannock Wedding Photos
After the ceremony, we took advantage of the Inn’s incredible property for portraits. From the winding stone pathways to the Victorian Inn’s elegant façade, every corner of this venue offers a stunning backdrop. During golden hour, we ventured a little ways down the stone path that leads to Taughannock Falls State Park, capturing some of my favorite portraits of the day. The warm summer light paired with Maddie’s bright wildflower bouquet was a dream.
Enchantment Tent Wedding Reception
Maddie and Brandon’s reception was held under the Enchantment venue’s sailcloth tent. The space is designed to host up to 300 guests and it’s absolutely stunning. I love the enormous alabaster bar and outdoor kitchen, and having multiple fireplaces for your guests to gather around during cocktail hour is a huge bonus. I was so excited that Maddie chose to continue the colorful wildflower theme into the reception, with floral table runners and napkins adding cheerful bursts of color to the elegant setting.
Delicious Catering at The Inn at Taughannock: A Finger Lakes Wedding Experience
One of the things I love most about weddings at The Inn at Taughannock is how they go above and beyond with their catering. From flavorful hors d'oeuvres to late-night bites, their culinary team creates a menu that’s both customizable and unforgettable. They highlight local Finger Lakes wines and pull from diverse culinary traditions to craft dishes your guests will love. And as a photographer who spends the whole day capturing your celebration, I always appreciate when a venue takes care of not just your guests but your vendors too. Their commitment to exceptional food truly makes everyone feel appreciated!
After a receiving line to greet all their guests on the way into their reception (such a cute idea!), Maddie and Brandon shared their first dance under the tent, followed by dinner, heartfelt speeches, and the sweetest dances with their parents. As the sun set, the dance floor came alive, and guests enjoyed the ambiance of the garden’s customizable lighting system (look at how the tent glows!) and nearby firepits.
Finger Lakes Wedding Venue
The Inn at Taughannock is easily one of my favorite Finger Lakes wedding venues. While the Inn is technically in Trumansburg, NY, it's just a 15-minute drive from downtown Ithaca, which offers guests the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant local area before or after the wedding. Ithaca is full of unique experiences, from the bustling Ithaca Farmers Market and the charming shops and eateries at Ithaca Commons to live performances at the Hangar Theatre. Your guests can also enjoy nearby wineries, stunning hiking trails, and waterfalls like Buttermilk Falls and Cascadilla Gorge, making a destination wedding here an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Why I Love The Inn at Taughannock
For me, The Inn at Taughannock’s versatility, thoughtful design, and breathtaking views make it one of the best Finger Lakes Wedding Venues. Whether you’re hosting an intimate celebration in The Jones Room, a mid-sized event at The Victorian Inn, or a grand affair in the Enchantment Garden (like Maddie and Brandon did), this venue has something for everyone.
Maddie and Brandon’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their love and the beauty of The Inn at Taughannock Falls. If you’re dreaming of a Finger Lakes wedding, this venue should be at the top of your list.
A special thanks to all the wonderful vendors who made this day possible:
Venue: The Inn at Taughannock Falls
Photographer: Kelsey Travis Photography
Dress: Gilded Bridal
Flowers: Plenty of Posies
Hair Stylist: Love, Johnny and June
Makeup Artist: Jessie Rivera Beauty
DJ: Tori Vee from Washburn Entertainment