The Sinclair of Skaneateles in Skaneateles, NY is gorgeous historic, yet modern wedding venue located less than 10 minutes from the heart of Skaneateles, making it easy for your guests to enjoy the picturesque town during your wedding wedding. The venue was once the home of the old Sinclair Chair Factory that was built in 1871, but today it is a stunning wedding venue. Even better, The Sinclair has another property, The Hive Inn, just a minute down the road that can be rented for your wedding party accommodations the night before and after your wedding.
One of the things I love the most about The Sinclair of Skaneateles is the bridal suite/getting ready space for your wedding party. On the top floor of the building, there’s a large room with mirrors, vanities and plenty of natural light (a makeup artist and photographer’s dream). It makes getting ready before your wedding day a breeze and the room photographs beautifully. There’s also some really adorable swings for any children (or wedding party members who feel so inclined), beautiful lounge furniture, and a separate little room off the main room for getting dressed.
The Hive Inn is an Airbnb less than half a mile from The Sinclair, it sleeps 14 people, and it’s the perfect space for your wedding party to stay during your wedding weekend and get ready the morning before your wedding.
Historic Wedding Venue in Skaneateles NY
While today it’s a stunning modern wedding venue, the Sinclair of Skaneateles boasts a rich history. Under the ownership of Bob and Pat Carberry, their four sons, and Kelly Engle, this structure has seen quite a journey. In 1871, Francis Sinclair laid the foundation for what would become a historical landmark in Skaneateles, New York. Initially known as the Sinclair Chair Factory, the establishment thrived under Sinclair's ownership until 1901. The reins were then passed to John Allen, who, with dedication, steered the enterprise into a new era as the Sinclair-Allen Chair Works. A subsequent generation of Allens amalgamated the Sinclair-Allen Chair Works with the Mottville Chair Works, forming the renowned Mottville Chair Works. As time unfolded, the buildings exchanged hands, finding a devoted steward in Dave Mazzeo, who lovingly maintained them for two decades. Today, the Sinclair of Skaneateles remains a testament to its vibrant history, with its current owners dedicated to preserving the charm and legacy of this iconic venue.
Emilie and Joe had their ceremony at a local church, but ceremonies at The Sinclair of Skaneateles can be held inside on the first floor, or during the summer months, outside in their beautiful outdoor ceremony space next to Skaneateles Creek. I love the outdoor fire pit and patio for summer weddings.
Love locks at The Sinclair of Skaneateles
At the Sinclair of Skaneateles, there is a fence outside where all the couples who get married are invited to attach a lock with their names on it. Love locks, a romantic tradition that involves affixing padlocks to bridges, fences, or other public structures and then throwing away the key, have a history rooted in symbolism and passion. The practice gained prominence in the early 2000s, with the Pont des Arts in Paris often cited as one of the iconic locations where couples began attaching locks to express their enduring love. The trend quickly spread to other cities worldwide, becoming a global symbol of commitment.
The Sinclair of Skaneateles (For Upstate NY Wedding Photographers)
If you're an Upstate NY Wedding Photographer, you know that reception venues with a lot of natural light can be hard to come by, but that’s not the case at The Sinclair of Skaneateles. I loved the floor-to-ceiling windows in the reception space, almost like a greenhouse. As the day grew darker, the fireplace and overhead string lights made the reception feel cozy and romantic. You really couldn’t ask for a more beautiful historic, yet modern wedding venue.
Are you looking for a photographer for your wedding at The Sinclair of Skaneateles?
A special thank you to all the wonderful vendors who made this day possible:
Venue: The Sinclair of Skaneateles
Planner: K.M. Lyons Events
Photographer: Kelsey Travis Photography
Dress: Lovely Bride Rochester
Suit: Executive Clothing Service
Flowers: Waddington Blooms
Catering: Rosalie's Cucina
Hair and Makeup: Georgie Smith
Desserts: The Cake Shop CNY