Top 12 Favorite Wedding Venues in Rochester, NY

Ever since I posted my Top 12 Favorite Wedding Venues in Upstate New York blog post, I have been wanting to create this!!! A whole year has gone by since then so I experienced more wedding venues throughout all of Upstate New York with a majority of those venues being right in Rochester, NY!!! Rochester is my home and I love so much about this city!!! I serve all of Upstate New York and beyond, but shooting weddings where I grew up and only having to drive a small distance is always a plus for me!!!

One amazing thing about Rochester is its variety of different types of wedding venues from small, intimate venues to massive banquet halls… we pretty much have it all!!! There are venues that are rustic and trendy, modern and classic, industrial and chic… basically everything a couple who’s recently engaged can dream of!! Some of these venues come with a certain look where you barely need extra decor and then there are venues that are a blank slate to create whatever vision you are picturing for your wedding day!!! With nearly 100 weddings under my belt, I’ve seen just about everything. I have not been to every venue in the area since some of my weddings are outside the area so I’ll be sure to include a list of similar venues that I may have never been too!!

Again, my perspective is from a photographer’s point of view since I haven’t had the experience of being a bride, BUT this should help you get great wedding venue ideas of different options within the Rochester area. I’ll share a little bit of everything I love about each venue - the staff, food, lighting, space, tips/tricks etc. This blog post will ONLY include wedding venues within a 30 mile radius of Rochester, NY so anything outside that bubble will not be mentioned at this time!!! I specifically created this for couples only considering this area for their wedding day, so if you are looking for other recommendations in different areas, please feel free to reach out to me.

So let’s begin the countdown!!!

#12 — Woodcliff Hotel & Spa

First on my list is Woodcliff Hotel & Spa. What I love about this venue is the view and the fact it is attached to a hotel!!! That might not be what every couple is looking for, but if you have a ton of out of town guests needing a place to stay the night, this venue is very convenient. It sits way up on a hill overlooking parts of Rochester. It’s probably one of the best views in the area in my opinion… not to mention the killer sunsets they get during golden hour. In case of poor weather, there is a space indoors to hold your ceremony, otherwise get married at the overlook!! This venue also offers an indoor banquet hall and outdoor tent reception spaces.

Another great thing about Woodcliff is it’s a hotel AND spa!!! That means your wedding guests from out of town can stay right at your venue and the suites make a great space for getting ready photos. There are even on site bridal services for hair + makeup, but that doesn’t mean you have to use them. You can always bring in your own hair/makeup artists to your room if you prefer someone else’s style. If you need help with finding some, I have a list of my favorites in the area.

Besides the beautiful outlook by the outdoor ceremony space, Woodcliff also has other great photo ops closer to the building. This includes multiple arches, a gazebo, pond and water fountain. Be sure to set a side at least 15 minutes during sunset to get amazing photos together. This is something you will not want to miss out on if you have a beautiful golden hour on your wedding day!!! If you ask any of my couples, golden hour portraits are one of their favorite parts of their wedding day!!! It’s a little alone time we have together during the prettiest time of the day.

TIP: If you are looking for a nearby location to take photos off-site, consider Powder Mills Park!!! It’s only 2 miles away (aka. right around the corner) if you wanted a change of scenery. Here’s an engagement session where I went to both locations!!

If you like the idea of choosing a venue with a hotel attached, be sure to check out: The Lake House on Canandaigua (Canandaigua/29 miles away) — The Finger Lakes Hotel (Farmington/20 miles away) as well! Other hotel venues located right in Rochester include the Rochester Airport Marriott (Greece) — DoubleTree by Hilton (Henrietta) — The Strathallan (Downtown) — Inn on Broadway (Downtown) — Hyatt Regency (Downtown)

#11 — max of eastman place

Sometimes my couples end up finding some amazing gems that I’ve never heard of which isn’t something I come across very often since I’ve been to sooooo many wedding venues. One of these gems is located in the heart of Downtown Rochester… the Max of Eastman Place!!! If you know where Java’s Cafe is located, you probably walked by this spot without knowing it existed. I still remember walking around at Jazz fest and sitting in their courtyard, not even knowing it was a wedding venue.

Their main atrium (a beautiful 5 story open space) has so much natural light with floor to ceiling windows and opens up to an outdoor courtyard. The only downside is it can only hold up to 150 people comfortably so if you are planning a larger sized wedding, this venue may not be for you. Since it’s located in the middle of Downtown Rochester, it is also very close by to several amazing spots for photos!!! If you choose to have your ceremony not in their courtyard, the Max of Eastman Place is nearby Chapel Hill, St. Joseph’s Park, George Eastman House, Highland Park, etc.

Another local venue to consider with a similar look is La Luna (High Falls area). I haven’t had a wedding at this location yet, but I’m super excited to have one at their venue later this year!!!!

#10 — Jerris Wadsworth

Another favorite of mine is Jerris Wadsworth. It’s considered a wedding “barn”, but it has a variety of spaces making it really one of a kind! They also have a new rustic barn space opening this Spring for indoor ceremonies or your reception!!! This is a huge plus because many locations in the area don’t offer an outdoor and indoor ceremony option. Weather in Upstate NY is very unpredictable, so this will allow you to never be worried if it were to rain on your wedding day!!!

Unlike some of the barn venues around, this one has air conditioning!!! I can’t tell you enough how important this is for your sanity and to make sure everyone else is comfortable if you are planning a wedding in June-September. Another wonderful thing about this location is it has a groom’s suite and bride’s room. The bride’s room is very dark so you may want to consider a nearby Airbnb or hotel with better natural lighting. It being such a large space, there are many options for a ceremony location… my favorite being by the huge willow trees!

If you are looking for more of a wedding barn vibe, the owner of Jerris Wadsworth also runs Cobblestone Wedding Barn in Scottsville (15 miles away). Here’s a few other favorites with a rustic look: Avon Century Barn (Avon/18 miles away) — Twin Silos (Livonia/30 miles away) — Wingate Barn (Livonia/30 miles away)

#9 — studio 180

Next up is Studio 180!!!! It’s centrally located in the historic Saint Paul Quarter and walking distance to some of Rochester’s best hotels/restaurants. Out of all of the venues I have been to in Rochester, this venue definitely sticks out of the crowd!! Its unique decor and lofty, industrial vibe has so much character and charm. It is the perfect spot for a more intimate wedding or cocktail style reception for smaller sized weddings.

This venue was another amazing discovery by one of my couples. Although it is on the smaller side, the venue is broken up into multiple sections and cozy spots for guest to discover. The lofty overlook allows everyone to feel connected at all times and who doesn’t like people watching. I know I sure do!!! This venue can comfortably host around 75-100 guests, but I’d recommend keeping it on the smaller side so you don’t feel too crowded. If you only need this as a standing cocktail space it can host around 150 people. This venue is also the perfect spot for bridal showers and other gatherings if your wedding guest list is on the larger size, but you want to use this space for something wedding related.

For other unique venues for intimate weddings, be sure to check out the Rochester Brainery!!! It’s located in the Village Gate area and has a super clean and modern look. Definitely different from Studio 180, but is the perfect size for a smaller sized wedding. Another spot located in the Rochester Public Market District is the MRKT LOFT!!! It’s runned by two awesome photographers in the area and would be a great location for an intimate wedding. If you are looking for a larger venue with a super unique look, check out ARTISANworks!!!

#8 — Cobblestone creek

Rochester has sooooo many great country clubs and golf clubs in the area and when it came down to narrowing down my favorite, I had to go with Cobblestone Creek Country Club. It was a VERY tough decision because I have a ton of favorites, but being located in Victor, NY and having some incredible views made this venue just a step ahead of my other favorites. My first time going to this venue was an amazing experience and from a photographer’s point of view I loved their outdoor and indoor space. The wedding I shot was during the late Fall/early Winter so they weren’t able to utilize their outdoor patio overlooking their scenic views, but if you plan on getting married earlier in the year… this would be available to you for your cocktail hour/reception or even your outdoor ceremony!!!

Cobblestone Creek also has an amazing staff and the food was equally as great!!! I remember coming in after taking photographs with the bridal party and eating some of the best appetizers. Their wedding coordinator was always on top of everything and checked on me multiple times that evening to see if I needed anything. I know that might be a strange thing to point out, but hospitality is a HUGE reason why certain venues stick out to me. If they are checking on your wedding photographer that means they will 100% be taking care of you and all your guests.

Here are some other venues to consider if you are leaning towards a country club/golf club/local park: Ravenwood Golf Club (Victor/20 miles away) — Shadow Lake (Penfield/10 miles away) — Irondequoit Country Club (Irondequoit/8 miles away) — Deerfield Golf & Country Club (Brockport/20 miles away) — The Clubhouse at Durand Eastman Park (Irondequoit/7 miles away) — Waterfront Lodge at Abraham Lincoln Park (Webster/9 miles away) — Webster Arboretum (Webster/18 miles away) — The Lodge at Shadow Hill (Ontario/24 miles away)

#7 — Jack rabbit club

Some of you may be aware that I’m a massive foodie, so when the owners of Good Luck opened a new wedding venue in 2019, I was so excited to check it out!!!! The Jack Rabbit Club is right next to their restaurant and can accommodate up to 350 guests. It’s located over by Village Gate and the Memorial Art Gallery so you don’t have to travel very far to get amazing photos on your special day!!

Their industrial vibe is super warm and inviting with exposed brick, shiplap and tons of natural light. I absolute love their wedding coordinator and staff… plus the food is some of the best!!!! Their venue doesn’t have any outdoor space, but this isn’t always a must for couples. It does have TWO bars…. definitely a positive for everyone at your wedding!!! It’s a very open space so you always feel connected with all your guests, but if you want a little separation they have white curtains to divide the reception space.

TIP: If you are looking for nearby hotels for the night of your wedding, be sure to check out the School 31 Lofts!!! They are right across the street from the Jack Rabbit Club so it’s a great location to get ready the morning of your wedding and to stay the night after the wedding is over.

If you love the warmer industrial look of this venue, Blades Bar & Grill is a great option if you are planning a smaller sized wedding!!!

#6 — Casa Larga

Next on the list is Casa Larga!!! It’s located in Fairport, right around the corner from Woodcliff. Being one of the only wineries in the Rochester area, Casa Larga is the perfect spot if you don’t want to travel out of the area. Obviously the Finger Lakes are very close by, but location is key for several of my couples and Casa Larga’s sunsets never disappoint!!!

Casa Larga had to make my list because it’s one of the most popular choices made by my couples. Within the next couple of years, I have six weddings at their location which is pretty incredible!!! The downside to this venue is there’s no additional space for anyone to get ready the morning of, but there are nearby hotels (like Woodcliff Hotel & Spa). Besides that one negative, the venue speaks on its own!! The patio makes for a great outdoor ceremony spot, just be mindful of where the sun will be during your ceremony time. Obviously we all hope to get an overcast with some clouds in the sky, but that doesn’t always happen when we want it too. The reception space is elegant and beautiful and can seat up to 250 people.

TIP: Be sure you leave enough time during golden hour to get some stunning photos. Plan your time around the opportunity to get gorgeous sunset pictures and if you need help with this… please please please ask me!!! Last thing you want is to be doing your speeches when this magic is happening.

The only other winery venue I’m aware of in the Rochester area is Lake Ontario Winery (located in Hilton). There are a ton of other great options in the Finger Lakes as well, so if you don’t mind traveling outside of Rochester and want more winery wedding venue ideas, just shoot me a message!!!

#5 — Arbor Venues

Number five on my list is Arbor Venues! This includes The Arbor Loft, Arbor at the Port, and the Historic German House. So far I’ve only had weddings at the Arbor Loft so this will focus on their Downtown location that I’m OBSESSED with!!! The Arbor at the Port is located by Ontario Beach Park/Charlotte Pier and the Historic German House is in the South Wedge District if you wanted to check out these two locations not pictured below.

The amazing thing about the Arbor Loft is the SPACE. If you have a vision and want a beautiful blank canvas to create your magic… this is definitely a venue you want to consider. It has white curtains that can easily divide certain sections of the venue to keep out wondering guests until the big reveal! The wall of windows brings in so much natural light, but if you are having your ceremony at this venue, make sure your guests are facing the wall with less windows behind you like the image above! Nothing is worse than being backlit inside a venue. You’ll literally be a black blob and no one will be able to see you unless you have artificial lights lighting you up (not the most ideal). Another benefit of selecting the Arbor Loft or any of their venues are the wedding coordinators! They are super passionate in what they do and help everything run smoothly the day of.

Since the Arbor Loft is located in the heart of Rochester, there are several photo opportunities surrounding the building. Just walk around the streets and explore! There is also a parking garage nearby if you want to take a little stroll and nothing is better than getting all the cheers and car honks by strangers celebrating your wedding day! Although I have yet to have a wedding at the Arbor at the Port (2021 can’t come soon enough) and the German House, I highly recommend checking them out as well.

Another Rochester venue with a similar vibe is Kin Event Space!!! It also has a blank canvas look if you love the clean, modern vibe for your wedding venue.

#4 — The Strathallan & The Century Club

I’m not entirely sure it’s cheating to consider both of these venues as one, but I’m going to do it anyways. Both venues are very different from one another, but both come with the best staff/wedding coordinators and delicious food!!! The Strathallan has floor to ceiling windows with a rooftop patio connected to its space. The views are absolutely breathtaking and will make a major statement to all your wedding guests (not to mention a great sunset view). Since it’s connected to the actual hotel, it’s super convenient for everyone to make it easily back to their rooms. I haven’t had an official wedding at the Strath so if you want to see more images of their reception space, be sure to check out their website!!!

The other wedding venue runned by the Strathallan is the Century Club. It sits right across the street from the Stath so it’s just a hop skip and jump away. Nothing like the modern and clean look of the Strathallan, the Century Club has more charm and character to its venue. The covered porch and multiple rooms dividing the different spaces allows your guests to feel like they are in a huge homey space, but the elegance makes it a perfect location for a wedding!!!

This venue does offer an indoor and outdoor location, but it is also very close by to other great ceremony locations if you wanted to have photos elsewhere. It’s walking distance to Chapel Hill and the Memorial Art Gallery. Also, the George Eastman House is right around the corner!!! Every couple wants something different, but if the easy of doing everything all in one place is ideal for you… this can be done for this venue!!!

TIP: If you decide to book the Century Club for your wedding, be sure your DJ knows the reception space is seperate from the dance floor. The dance floor is on the top floor and the bar is downstairs so giving them the heads up will allow them to be more prepared for your wedding day!!

Another venue similar to the Strathallan is the Penthouse at One East Avenue. It has amazing city views and floor to ceiling windows. The Wilder Room also can be compared to the Century Club, I just have never experienced a wedding at either locations to give my personal experience of each venue.

#3 — Sonnenberg Gardens

Next on the list is one of my favorite venues….. Sonnenberg Gardens!!! Yes it’s located a little outside of Rochester, but Canandaigua isn’t far at all AND it’s only 28 miles away from Downtown Rochester (reason why it made my list)!!! There aren’t many venues I’d consider for my own wedding day, but this location is definitely one I’d personally be thinking of getting married at. Just take a scroll at all the amazing photos below to see what I mean!!

My reason behind why I’m so obsessed with Sonnenberg Garden is the vast amount of photo opportunities this venue has to offer. You better be planning a first look if you are getting married at Sonnenberg because you’ll seriously miss out on so much if you don’t. Don’t know what a first look is? CLICK HERE to learn more about them! Without doing a first look you’ll have to cram in all your family, bridal party and your photos in an hour. That makes it super hard to get to all of the different gardens and locations.

Staying close to the mansion for group photos is probably more ideal, but we can go wherever once it comes to bridal portraits. The staff has golf carts to take us around the property and who doesn’t love exploring around on a golf cart?!!! I’m all about getting my steps in, but this venue is pretty ginormous!!!

I can’t even choose a favorite area because they are all so different from one another, but equally as amazing!! If I had to choose, I’d probably pick the Italian Gardens or Japanese Gardens. The greenhouse is amazing too… so many options. There is a bride’s room and separate space called the Carriage House for the guys to get ready. On the downside, the bride’s room is a little tight. If you have a larger bridal party, I’d consider a nearby hotel or Airbnb if you think you’ll be uncomfortable. Speaking of tight spaces, the indoor reception space doesn’t fit a lot of people. Larger weddings will need to be outside in the tent so you’ll have to cross fingers for comfortable temperatures.

There aren’t many wedding venues in the area that really compare to Sonnenberg Gardens in my opinion, but the George Eastman House is also pretty amazing!!! I’m unaware how many guests they can hold for an indoor reception, but the photo ops for an outdoor ceremony and wedding photos around their gardens is a wonderful location for a Rochester wedding!!!

#2 — The Wintergarden by Monroe’s

Next up is a venue I absolutely LOVE!!!!!! I went back and forth trying to decide if I wanted this venue to be #1 or #2 on my list, but I ended up deciding second place was still very high!!! The Wintergarden by Monroe’s is located in Downtown Rochester and is literally a photographer’s dream come true. The stunning all-glass atrium brings in all the natural light (a huge plus in my book). It’s the feeling of being in a greenhouse, but a damn fancy/high-end greenhouse where you get all dressed up and party hard!!!! There’s even trees growing inside the space giving you a great indoor/outdoor feel.

Can you tell I’m a huge fan of the Wintergarden?! Not to mention how amazing it looks with uplighting after the sunsets. I highly recommend upgrading with your DJ to include uplighting for this venue. I don’t say this for every venue, but it will be well worth the extra cash and completely transform the space at night time. One of my favorite vendors was the man behind the magic for this wedding — Marquee Events and did an incredible job transforming this space once the sun went down.

Even though I’m super Team Wintergarden, I’m honestly not a huge fan of their “Foyer” space because it’s a completely different vibe from the Wintergarden space. If you can accommodate the ceremony and reception in the atrium… DO IT!!! There is more than enough space and cocktail hour is upstairs anyways. I love that I’m also a preferred vendor for this venue and I’m super excited to have more weddings here this year and in 2021!!! There really isn’t anything comparable to the Wintergarden in the surrounding areas so if you love the feel of this venue, this is really the only place you need to check out!!!

#1 — Pomona at blue barn

And last, but not least…. my top venue that is only a little outside of Rochester is Pomona!!! It’s owned by Blue Barn Cidery (which is right next to Pomona) and has everything a couple needs for their wedding day. This gorgeous venue is located in Hilton and only about 15-20 minutes from Downtown Rochester. When I say this venue does it all…. I seriously mean it!! It has indoor, outdoor (covered and not covered) spaces for your ceremony, getting ready spaces for BOTH sides of your bridal party, a massive indoor reception space with high ceilings, a fireplace and so many different backdrops for your photography needs.

Some venues don’t even offer a space for anyone to get ready, but this location offers a space for everyone!! The bride’s suite for all the ladies is on the top floor overlooking the reception space. It has tons of natural light and has its own bathroom and changing room. The groom’s suite is located at the front of the building and is attached to the covered patio. This means you’ll have a ton of separation between the ladies and the guys in the beginning of the day!!!

When it comes to the indoor space for Pomona…. It’s an HGTV lover’s dream. The white shiplap, high ceilings, modern rustic touches is bright, clean, and airy. It will allow any couple to transform the space into their perfect wedding because it will act as a blank canvas to add whatever you dream to make your wedding day. One indoor feature I love is their beautiful fireplace which can act as the perfect backdrop for a winter wedding or a sweetheart table!!!

If you are curious to see more images from a winter stylized shoot I photographed, CLICK HERE!!! I promise it is worth checking out if you are considering having a winter wedding at this location!!! As much as I love weddings here during the regular wedding season, winter weddings are becoming more and more popular!! There is plenty of space to divide the indoor space into a ceremony and reception, plus you can always go outside to take some beautiful pictures in the snow!!!

Another reason I love Pomona is the staff who runs this wedding venue!!! I’m one of their preferred vendors so it feels great when I book a wedding because they recommended me to their couples!!! I’m so sad that I don’t have any weddings at Pomona in 2020, but for 2021 I already have three weddings booked!!! This venue books up fast so if you are considering it as one of the top places you’d like to have your wedding, be sure to contact them ASAP or consider having it during the off season aka. winter time!!!

There are so many wedding venues in Rochester, NY and these are only my absolute top favorites I have been to within the past few years. I’m excited to be visiting a ton more Rochester venues this year and in 2021/2022!! Some of these venues include the following: La Luna — The Ballroom at Carey Lake — Irondequoit Country Club — Oak Knolls Manor — Arbor at the Port

Remember to check out my preferred vendors & wedding tips!!! Don’t hesitate to ask me any questions. I’m so much more than just your photographer. I’m practically a part-time wedding planner when it comes to it. I love helping all my couples plan their perfect day so pick my brain and ask away!!! Thank you so much for following along and don’t be discouraged if you don’t see your wedding venue on my list. I’m not aware of every venue out there and this is strictly just my opinion/venues I have been to before in the Rochester, NY area. If you are looking for venues in other parts of Upstate NY, just let me know the area you are searching in and I can see if I have anymore recommendations!!!