Less than 20 minutes from Cooperstown, NY, The Rosemary at Spano Lake is the perfect venue for couples seeking a private, nature-filled wedding in Central New York. This lakeside venue offers everything you need for a picturesque, laid-back celebration, surrounded by natural beauty and thoughtful amenities. Ellen and Justin’s wedding day was the perfect example of how this venue provides an unforgettable experience for couples and their guests - rain or shine.
A Thoughtfully Designed Venue
I’ve photographed a lot of outdoor wedding venues, but I’ve never seen one with a setup quite as perfect as The Rosemary at Spano Lake. The ceremony takes place on a stunning peninsula surrounded by the private lake, creating a breathtaking backdrop for exchanging vows. After the ceremony, guests can make their way up a charming stone path to a soaring sailcloth tent nestled in the trees. Everything is conveniently close, making it easy for guests to enjoy the day without feeling crowded, while still maintaining an atmosphere of privacy and serenity.
Getting Ready Spaces
Ellen started the day with her bridesmaids in the Bridal Suite attached to the Honeymoon Suite. The suite was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with six hair and makeup stations, a cozy couch, a kitchenette, a full bathroom, and a full-length mirror. As a photographer, I also love that the getting ready space has a covered porch so that even on rainy days like ours we had a beautiful option for covered outdoor wedding photos of Ellen and her side of the wedding party.
Justin and his side of the wedding party got ready at a nearby hotel, but put on the finishing touches down by the venue’s boathouse. The covered porch gave us a great spot to gather everyone for photos despite the rain. It’s also such a fun area for guests, complete with fishing rods and a vintage Coke cooler—Ellen and Justin’s younger guests even spent some time fishing later in the day.
Ellen and Justin’s first look took place on the covered porch of the Bridal Suite, with lake views and rain softly falling in the background. It felt like a fairytale moment and was such a special way to start their day together.
Lakeside Wedding Ceremony
The Rosemary at Spano Lake’s ceremony space is truly one of a kind. The peninsula is surrounded by water on all sides, offering unobstructed views of the lake and trees. There’s even a beautiful white gazebo to house the sound equipment—a thoughtful touch that, as a photographer, I love so much because it keeps your ceremony photos free from distractions.
Because of the rain, Ellen and Justin chose to use the sailcloth tent for their ceremony, and it worked beautifully. The clear sides of the tent allowed natural light to pour in, while still providing the outdoor feel that makes this venue so special. Later in the day, we made our way down to the peninsula for portraits, capturing the space’s full beauty.
The Rosemary at Spano Lake Wedding Photos
As a Cooperstown wedding photographer, one of the things I love most about The Rosemary at Spano Lake is the incredible variety of photo locations, all just steps away from one another. The front porch of the Honeymoon Suite is perfect for intimate moments like your first look, while the Boathouse is charming and rustic. The stone “dock” extends into the water, creating a striking backdrop for dramatic portraits, and the lawn next to the sailcloth tent is so beautiful with the lake and woods in the background. Every corner of the property has a unique and beautiful view.
Unique Features of The Rosemary at Spano Lake
The venue goes above and beyond to make your wedding day unforgettable. From Adirondack chairs and lawn games to a firepit with complimentary s’mores kits, there are so many ways for guests to relax and have fun. I love that the property includes a Honeymoon Suite so couples can stay the night after their wedding and enjoy the venue a little longer. Jackie and Danny Spano, the owners, have thought of everything to make sure your wedding is as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.
The Perfect Reception Setting
The sailcloth tent at The Rosemary at Spano Lake is a dream for outdoor receptions. It’s equipped with handcrafted wood farmhouse tables, wood reception chairs, string lighting, and dance floor.
Also, did I mention how beautifully The Rosemary at Spano Lake’s tent photographs? I love these photos of Ellen and Justin’s first dance and speeches.
Explore Nearby Cooperstown
One of the best things about The Rosemary at Spano Lake is its proximity to Cooperstown, NY (probably one of the most picturesque and charming towns in Upstate NY). Whether it’s visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame, exploring the scenic hills with Cooperstown Rail Explorers, or enjoying a beer at Brewery Ommegang, or my personal favorite, a round of mini golf and an ice cream cone at Barnyard Swing, there’s no shortage of things to do. Being this close to Cooperstown makes it easy to turn your wedding into a full weekend getaway for your friends and family.
One of my favorite moments from Ellen and Justin’s day was when they snuck away from their guests to have a moment down by the lake before the night ended and it was such a beautiful way to cap off their celebration.
A Venue Like No Other
The Rosemary at Spano Lake is truly a hidden gem for couples looking for a private outdoor wedding venue in Central New York. Its natural beauty, thoughtful design, and proximity to Cooperstown make it the perfect choice for a memorable celebration. Whether you’re envisioning a sunny lakeside ceremony or a cozy tented reception, this venue has everything you need to bring your dream wedding to life.
Looking for a photographer for your wedding at The Rosemary at Spano Lake? I’d love to chat with you.
A special thanks to all the vendors who made this day possible:
Venue: The Rosemary at Spano Lake
Photographer: Kelsey Travis Photography
Dress: Ever After Bridal Boutique
Suit: Men's Wearhouse
Hair and Makeup: Timeless Salon & Bridal Studio
Florist: Art Farm Flowers
DJ: DJ Dale
Caterer: Terra Cotta Catering