Eloping in Hudson Valley is a wonderful way to celebrate your love without the stress of a traditional wedding. Many couples today feel overwhelmed by the planning, costs, and expectations of a big wedding. The pressure to please family and friends can take away from what should be a joyful experience. Instead, eloping allows you to focus on what truly matters—each other.
However, finding the perfect spot to say “I do” can be challenging. You want a location that reflects your personality and makes your special day feel unique and memorable. The good news is that Hudson Valley offers a stunning array of beautiful backdrops, from scenic mountains to charming vineyards, ideal for adventurous couples.
As an elopement photographer who has captured countless love stories throughout this breathtaking region, I understand the importance of choosing the right setting. To help you navigate the options, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 epic elopement locations in the Hudson Valley, each offering its charm and beauty. Let’s explore how these spots can turn your dream elopement into a reality, giving you the intimate and unforgettable experience you deserve.
List of 10 Elopement Locations in the Hudson Valley, NY
- Minnewaska State Park Preserve
- Bear Mountain State Park
- Kaaterskill Falls
- Storm King Art Center
- Black Rock Forest
- Bash Bish Falls
- Ashokan Reservoir
- Little Stony Point Park
- Olana State Historic Site
- Hunter Mountain
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a beautiful area on the Shawangunk Ridge in Ulster County, New York, covering over 22,275 acres. The park features stunning cliffs, three clear lakes, numerous waterfalls, and lush hardwood forests. With more than 50 miles of hiking trails and 35 miles of carriage roads, it’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and swimming. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the Catskill Mountains and experience diverse plant and animal life.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Minnewaska State Park Preserve is a fantastic choice for elopements for several reasons:
- Scenic Backdrops: The park offers breathtaking settings, from cliffs to serene lakes, ideal for saying your vows.
- Intimacy with Nature: Its vast wilderness provides secluded spots for a private ceremony, surrounded by natural beauty.
- Year-Round Appeal: Each season showcases unique beauty—spring flowers, summer greenery, vibrant fall colors, and serene winter landscapes—perfect for photos.
- Adventure Opportunities: Couples can enjoy exciting activities like hiking and rock climbing to enhance their elopement experience.
Bear Mountain State Park
Bear Mountain State Park spans 5,205 acres along the west bank of the Hudson River in New York. Established in 1910, this park features rugged mountains, scenic views, and numerous recreational opportunities. With over 50 hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail, it also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and a zoo. The Perkins Memorial Tower at the top provides stunning panoramic views, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Bear Mountain State Park is a fantastic option for adventurous couples looking to elope for several reasons:
- Beautiful Backdrops: The park’s varied landscapes, from lush forests to mountain views, create gorgeous settings for wedding photos and ceremonies.
- Quiet Locations: Its vast size allows couples to find intimate spots away from the crowds to exchange vows.
- Fun Activities: After the ceremony, couples can enjoy hiking, picnicking, or exploring the park together, making for a full-day adventure.
- Year-Round Beauty: Each season offers unique scenery, from vibrant fall leaves to serene winter snow, ensuring a memorable experience no matter when you elope.
Kaaterskill Falls
Kaaterskill Falls, located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York, is the tallest waterfall in the state, cascading down 260 feet in two tiers. This beautiful site has inspired artists and writers for years, attracting visitors with its stunning scenery and rich history. The falls are nestled in Kaaterskill Clove, a picturesque valley known for its lush landscapes. The hike to the falls is short but can be steep, so be careful of slippery rocks and uneven ground.
Why It’s Great for Elopements
Kaaterskill Falls offers a breathtaking backdrop for couples looking to elope:
Stunning Views: The majestic waterfall and cliffs create a perfect setting for wedding photos, with rushing water adding to the romantic atmosphere.
- Multiple Options: There are various viewpoints along the trail. Couples can have a serene ceremony at the base of the falls or a higher spot with sweeping views of the Catskills.
- Natural Beauty: The area is full of picturesque landscapes, providing gorgeous photo opportunities throughout the year, from colorful autumn leaves to vibrant summer greenery.
- Adventure: The hike to the falls adds an element of adventure, allowing couples to enjoy nature together before and after their ceremony.
Storm King Art Center
Storm King Art Center is a famous outdoor sculpture park located in New Windsor, NY, spanning about 500 acres of beautiful hills, meadows, and woodlands. Since its opening in 1960, it has showcased a wide range of large-scale sculptures by well-known artists, all harmoniously placed within the natural landscape. With over 100 sculptures set against the stunning Hudson Valley backdrop, it offers a unique blend of art and nature.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Storm King Art Center is a fantastic choice for adventurous couples looking to elope for several reasons:
- Beautiful Artful Backdrops: The mix of contemporary sculptures and natural beauty creates a striking setting for ceremonies and photos.
- Varied Settings: Couples can pick from different scenic spots, like quiet wooded areas, open meadows with sculptures, or elevated places with amazing mountain views.
- Intimate Atmosphere: The park's size allows couples to find private areas for their ceremony, providing a sense of seclusion in a beautiful setting.
- Year-Round Appeal: Each season adds its charm, from vibrant spring flowers to colorful fall leaves, making it a great location any time of year.
Black Rock Forest
Black Rock Forest spans 3,920 acres in the western Hudson Highlands of New York, mostly in Orange County. It features stunning landscapes with over 1,000 feet of elevation changes, various lakes, streams, and rich wildlife. Established in 1928 for research and education, it serves as a living lab for ecological studies. The forest has miles of hiking trails, offering a peaceful and beautiful setting for outdoor lovers.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Black Rock Forest is a fantastic choice for elopements because:
- Secluded Natural Beauty: Its vastness allows couples to find quiet spots for an intimate ceremony away from crowds.
- Diverse Settings: Choose from picturesque locations, like beneath tall trees, next to serene streams, or on ridges with sweeping views.
- Rich Wildlife: The forest is home to diverse flora and fauna, enhancing the beauty of your experience throughout the seasons.
- Adventure: Couples can hike the trails together, adding a sense of adventure before or after saying their vows.
Bash Bish Falls
Bash Bish Falls is the tallest waterfall in Massachusetts, located in Bash Bish Falls State Park within the Taconic Mountains. The falls drop about 60 feet and feature a series of cascades that flow into a calm pool below. Surrounded by lush forests and dramatic gorges, this picturesque location is accessible from both Massachusetts and New York, with well-kept trails leading to various viewpoints.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Bash Bish Falls is a magical spot for elopements for several reasons:
- Stunning Scenery: The beautiful waterfall and surrounding nature create a breathtaking backdrop for your vows and memorable wedding photos.
- Intimate Spaces: The park has many secluded areas where couples can find privacy while enjoying the beauty of the falls.
- Adventure: The short hike to the waterfall adds an element of adventure to your elopement, allowing you to bond as you explore the scenic trails.
- Year-Round Beauty: Each season offers unique views, from vibrant flowers in spring to colorful leaves in autumn, making it a lovely spot no matter when you visit.
Ashokan Reservoir
The Ashokan Reservoir, located in Ulster County, New York, is an important water source for New York City, supplying about 40% of its daily drinking water. Built between 1907 and 1915, it covers around 8,300 acres and features two basins separated by a concrete wall. The reservoir is nestled among the beautiful Catskill Mountains, making it a popular spot for recreation, including hiking and fishing.
Why It’s Great for Elopements
The Ashokan Reservoir offers a stunning and peaceful environment for elopements for several reasons:
- Breathtaking Views: Surrounded by mountains and lush forests, the reservoir provides a gorgeous backdrop for ceremonies and photos.
- Secluded Spots: Its vast area allows couples to find quiet locations along the shore or on trails, ensuring privacy on their special day.
- Outdoor Activities: Couples can enjoy hiking, fishing, or relaxing by the water, making their day adventurous and memorable.
- Year-Round Beauty: Each season showcases different natural beauty, from spring flowers to autumn leaves, giving couples a choice of stunning aesthetics.
Little Stony Point Park
Little Stony Point Park is a lovely natural area in Cold Spring, New York, part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve. This small peninsula extends into the Hudson River, offering breathtaking views of the river and nearby mountains. The park features easy hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along rocky shores. With its scenic beach and beautiful overlooks, it’s a favorite spot for nature lovers looking for a peaceful getaway.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Little Stony Point Park is a fantastic choice for elopements for several reasons:
- Stunning Views: The park provides gorgeous vistas of the Hudson River, Storm King Mountain, and Bannerman Castle, perfect for your ceremony and photos.
- Secluded Spots: Its compact size and varied landscape allow couples to find quiet, intimate locations away from crowds, ensuring privacy.
- Easy Accessibility: The short, gentle hiking trails make it easy for all guests to enjoy the beautiful surroundings without too much effort.
- Year-Round Beauty: Each season brings its charm—spring wildflowers, summer greenery, vibrant fall colors, and serene winter scenes—making it a versatile spot for elopements at any time.
Olana State Historic Site
Olana State Historic Site is a beautiful 250-acre estate located in Greenport, New York, near Hudson. This historic house museum was the home of Frederic Edwin Church, a key figure in the Hudson River School of Painting. Built between 1870 and 1872, the main house features a mix of Victorian, Persian, and Moorish architectural styles. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Hudson River Valley and the Catskill Mountains, along with beautifully landscaped gardens and carriage drives that reflect Church’s artistic vision.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements:
Olana offers several appealing features for elopements:
- Stunning Views: Breathtaking panoramas of the river and mountains create a romantic backdrop for ceremonies and photos.
- Unique Architecture: The eclectic design of the main house adds a striking visual element to your celebration.
- Intimate Atmosphere: With spacious grounds, you can find secluded spots for a private ceremony amidst gorgeous landscapes.
Cultural Significance: The site's rich history and artistic legacy enhance the meaning of your elopement.
Hunter Mountain
Hunter Mountain, standing at 4,040 feet, is the tallest peak in the Catskill Mountains, New York. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities like hiking, skiing, and mountain biking throughout the year. With several trails leading to breathtaking views, including a scenic overlook at the summit, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
Why It’s Perfect for Elopements
Hunter Mountain is a fantastic choice for elopements for several reasons:
- Breathtaking Views: The summit provides stunning panoramic vistas, making it a beautiful backdrop for your ceremony and photos.
- Secluded Locations: The mountain’s many trails and overlooks allow couples to find quiet spots away from crowds for a peaceful vow exchange.
- Adventure Together: The hike to the top adds an exciting element to your elopement, allowing couples to bond over the journey through gorgeous landscapes.
Year-Round Beauty: Each season brings its own charm, from blooming flowers in spring to colorful leaves in autumn and winter’s snowy scenery, making it an appealing destination all year long.
Conclusion
Eloping in the Hudson Valley provides a unique opportunity to celebrate your love in breathtaking surroundings, free from the pressures of a traditional wedding. With its stunning landscapes, diverse outdoor activities, and intimate settings, the region is perfect for adventurous couples seeking a memorable experience. From majestic waterfalls and serene parks to artful sculptures and mountain peaks, each location offers its charm and beauty, ensuring your special day feels personal and unforgettable.
As an experienced elopement photographer in this beautiful region, I understand the significance of choosing the right backdrop to reflect your love story. Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil beauty of Minnewaska State Park or the artistic allure of Storm King Art Center, Hudson Valley has something for every couple. Embrace the adventure and intimacy of eloping, and let these epic locations serve as the perfect canvas for your love. Your dream elopement awaits!
