Planning a wedding in Upstate New York? As an Upstate NY wedding photographer, I document vibrant, true-to-life celebrations across the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Catskills, Adirondacks, Capital Region, and Central New York. Whether you're exchanging vows overlooking Seneca Lake, hosting a mountain weekend in the Catskills, celebrating at a Hudson Valley vineyard, or gathering family at a historic Adirondack estate, I approach each wedding with a deep understanding of this region’s light, landscapes, and logistics.
I’m Kelsey - known for candid storytelling, vibrant color, and creating an experience that feels organized, calm, and effortless. My approach blends documentary moments with gentle direction, so your images feel natural, refined, and genuinely you.
From waterfront ceremonies and sailcloth tent receptions to crisp fall foliage and quiet winter celebrations, I photograph each wedding with careful intention - capturing not just how your day looked, but how it felt.
What Is Considered Upstate New York?
“Upstate New York” generally refers to everything north of New York City, including the Hudson Valley, Catskills, Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Adirondacks, and Thousand Islands. While it’s often grouped together as one region, each area has its own landscape, pace, and personality - which means wedding experiences can look completely different depending on where you choose to celebrate.
Photographing Weddings Across Upstate New York
Upstate New York offers an incredible range of landscapes and venues - and each region has its own rhythm, light, and character. Having photographed weddings throughout the area, I know how different each setting can feel and how to adapt naturally as the day unfolds.
Finger Lakes Weddings
Lake views, vineyards, and rolling hills - the Finger Lakes are one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in New York State. From waterfront ceremonies along Cayuga and Seneca Lake to vineyard weddings near Skaneateles and the lakeside communities surrounding Aurora, this region blends relaxed atmosphere with refined scenery.
As a Finger Lakes wedding photographer, I photograph celebrations throughout Ithaca, Skaneateles, Seneca Lake, and beyond - helping couples build timelines that make the most of sunset over the water and the soft, reflective light the lakes are known for.
I’ve photographed many weddings in the Finger Lakes, and one of my favorites is this bright and colorful summer wedding at The Fontainebleau Inn on Cayuga Lake, where the waterfront setting and historic inn created the perfect backdrop for a warm, vibrant celebration.
Hudson Valley Weddings
Hudson Valley weddings feel layered and intentional - historic estates, restored barns, riverside venues, and thoughtfully designed receptions that blend timeless architecture with modern celebration. From venues overlooking the Hudson River to countryside properties in Garrison and Highland, this region offers a mix of refined elegance and relaxed charm.
I’ve photographed celebrations at venues like Handsome Hollow, Bad Seed Cider, and Bird and Bottle Inn - each with its own character, from modern orchard settings to historic inns tucked along the river. If you're planning a wedding in this area, you can learn more about working with a Hudson Valley wedding photographer and how I approach celebrations throughout the region.
One standout celebration was this Bird and Bottle Inn wedding in Garrison, NY - an intimate garden party beneath a sailcloth tent, set against the charm of the historic inn and surrounding greenery.
Catskills Weddings
Set against mountain backdrops and tucked-away venues, Catskills celebrations often unfold across full weekends. The energy here is creative, intentional, and deeply connected to place.
I’ve photographed weddings in Woodstock and Windham, where mountain light, changing elevation, and seasonal shifts shape the flow of the day. From warm fall celebrations to winter weddings surrounded by snow-covered peaks, planning in the Catskills often means building timelines that adapt to earlier sunsets and quickly shifting weather.
The region is home to distinctive venues like Colony in Woodstock and Union + Post in Windham - each offering a completely different atmosphere, from music-forward celebrations to intimate mountain gatherings.
If you're planning a wedding in the Catskills, you can learn more about working with a Catskills wedding photographer and how I approach celebrations throughout the region.
For something completely unique, you can explore this music-centric wedding at Colony in Woodstock - a celebration that embraced live music, glowy candlelight, and vibrant florals that match the fall colors the Catskills are known for.
Adirondack Weddings
From lakeside ceremonies in Saranac Lake to mountaintop celebrations at Whiteface Mountain, Adirondack weddings are shaped by expansive scenery and a quieter pace. The setting naturally invites a more intimate, nature-forward celebration that feels removed from the rush of everyday life.
I’ve photographed weddings at venues like VOCO Saranac Lake and at scenic locations near Whiteface, where couples often choose meaningful backdrops that feel expansive yet personal. Many Adirondack celebrations bring guests together for a full weekend - hiking, gathering around fire pits, or settling into historic lodges before the wedding day even begins.
Photographing in the Adirondacks means being comfortable with travel between scenic locations and embracing the natural pace of mountain celebrations - all while keeping the day organized and seamless so you can stay fully present.
Thousand Islands Weddings
Weddings in the Thousand Islands feel distinct from anywhere else in Upstate New York. Set along the St. Lawrence River, this region offers expansive waterfront views, passing sailboats, and venues that feel almost coastal - all without leaving New York State.
I’ve photographed celebrations at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton, where couples can host ceremonies overlooking the river and gather guests for a full weekend in a walkable waterfront town. The setting feels open and airy, with the river creating a natural backdrop that never competes with the celebration itself.
If you're planning a wedding in Clayton, Alexandria Bay, or anywhere along the St. Lawrence River, this area offers a blend of relaxed waterfront atmosphere and polished venue spaces.
Capital Region & Central New York Weddings
From Saratoga Springs and Albany to Syracuse and Cooperstown, weddings throughout the Capital Region and Central New York range from historic landmarks to countryside venues and lakeside estates. The variety within this region makes it possible to host everything from elegant ballroom receptions to relaxed outdoor tent celebrations - often within a short drive of one another.
I’ve photographed celebrations at venues like Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs, Knotting Hill Farm in Jordanville, and The Rosemary at Spano Lake in Schenevus - each offering a distinct setting, from ornate architecture to wide-open farmland and secluded, tented lake views.
If you're planning a wedding in Cooperstown or anywhere in Central New York, you can learn more about working with a Cooperstown wedding photographer and how I approach celebrations throughout the region.
One especially memorable celebration was this wedding at The Rosemary at Spano Lake - a woodsy, tucked-away venue known for its scenic lake views and elevated sailcloth tent that feels both refined and relaxed.
What Makes Upstate New York Weddings Unique
Many Upstate New York weddings unfold as full gatherings rather than single-day events. With venues tucked into lakeside towns, mountain communities, and countryside properties, celebrations often stretch into entire weekends where guests travel in, settle into cabins or historic inns, and spend meaningful time together beyond the wedding day itself.
Upstate weddings also blend elegance with ease. You might have a black-tie reception inside a historic ballroom in Saratoga Springs, a sailcloth tent overlooking Cayuga Lake, or a mountaintop ceremony in the Catskills - all within the same state. The variety of landscapes means no two celebrations ever feel the same.
There’s often a strong sense of place here. Many couples grew up in Upstate New York or have family ties to the region, which makes their wedding feel deeply personal. Others choose it intentionally - drawn to the natural beauty and the opportunity to create a celebration that feels relaxed, immersive, and rooted in community.
Photographing weddings across Upstate means understanding that each region carries its own energy - and helping couples embrace that fully, without overcomplicating the experience.
My Approach
Beautiful photos matter. But how you feel while they’re being taken matters just as much.
My couples often tell me they feel comfortable quickly - like they’re being photographed by someone they already trust. I offer gentle direction when needed and know when to step back and let the moment unfold naturally, so nothing ever feels forced or overdone.
You can expect:
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True-to-life, vibrant color that reflects the setting honestly
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A thoughtful blend of candid moments and guided portraits
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Clear communication and timeline support
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Backup equipment and full professional preparedness
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A calm, steady presence throughout the day
I believe wedding photography should feel seamless - organized behind the scenes, natural in front of the camera, and centered around what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you travel throughout Upstate New York?
Yes. I photograph weddings across the Finger Lakes, Hudson Valley, Catskills, Adirondacks, Capital Region, Central New York, and the Thousand Islands.
Are travel fees included?
Living in Central New York means I’m within a three-hour drive of most Upstate NY venues, so travel within that range is included. For locations farther than three hours from 13838, a custom travel fee may apply - and we’ll discuss those details upfront so there are no surprises.
Have you photographed at my venue?
There’s a good chance I have - and if not, I always arrive early to scout the property and prepare carefully. Photographing weddings full-time means I’m regularly working at new venues, and I’m comfortable adapting quickly while keeping the experience seamless for you.
How many hours of coverage do most couples choose?
Most Upstate NY couples choose 8 hours of coverage, which typically allows time for getting ready, portraits, ceremony, and reception coverage. I’m always happy to help you - and your planner, if you have one - build a timeline that fits your day naturally.
Do you photograph LGBTQ weddings?
Yes - 1000%. I proudly celebrate couples of all identities, and I believe your photographer’s support should feel obvious and joyful - not only for you, but for your LGBTQ family and friends as well. My goal is always to create an environment where everyone feels safe, seen, and genuinely celebrated.
Planning a Wedding Anywhere in Upstate NY?
If you're planning a wedding anywhere in Upstate New York - from the Finger Lakes to the Catskills, Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks - and want photography that feels vibrant, natural, and genuinely you, I’d love to hear more about what you're envisioning.