Dreaming of a romantic lakeside wedding? Lake Chautauqua in Celoron, New York, paints a stunning backdrop that belongs in your wedding day. Carrie and Charlie loved the idea of a waterfront ceremony followed by sunset couples portraits on the shores of New York’s Lake Chautauqua, and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel made their vision possible.
From lakeside elopements to full-scale black-tie affairs, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel will check all your boxes. From the elegant ballroom to the terrace overlooking the water, their versatile spaces can be tailored to your preferences, vision, and guest count.
Chautauqua Harbor Hotel Wedding Packages
The hotel offers a range of wedding packages and services for your unique wedding day. Whether planning a destination wedding or a grand celebration with all your family and friends, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel can help you craft your vision.
Their wedding packages are designed to provide a seamless experience, taking care of all the essential details so you can focus on enjoying your special day. From the ceremony setup to the reception decor, their dedicated team will work closely with you to nail down every aspect. With options for customizable menus, specialty linens, and even a honeymoon suite for the newlyweds, the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel goes above and beyond to make your wedding day unforgettable. (You might even consider one of their events, like their Murder Mystery Weekend or the 2024 Solar Eclipse packages, for your honeymoon.)
From recommendations for local vendors to assistance with transportation and accommodations for your guests, the hotel’s experienced event team will guide you every step of the way.
Planning your Lake Chautauqua wedding: tips and considerations
Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind as you plan your Lake Chautauqua wedding:
1. Choose the perfect date
Lake Chautauqua offers breathtaking views all year round, but each season brings its own charm. Consider the weather, availability of your preferred vendors, and the ambiance you envision for your wedding when choosing the date. The Finger Lakes get pretty cold and stay below freezing for most of the winter, so keep that in mind when planning your wedding. Late spring, summer, and early fall weddings are gorgeous!
2. Select a suitable space
The Chautauqua Harbor Hotel offers a variety of indoor and outdoor areas to accommodate your wedding ceremony and reception, including their formal ballroom and outdoor waterfront patio. They are fantastic at scaling the venue to size as needed.
3. Incorporate lake-inspired elements
Take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding Lake Chautauqua by incorporating lake-inspired elements into your wedding decor. Think: shells, sea glass, driftwood to nautical shades, and loose floral arrangements. Rope, teakwood, lanterns, or a s’mores bar are great touches to enhance the waterfront vibes.
4. Consider local vendors
Lake Chautauqua is home to a vibrant community of talented vendors, from florists to pastry chefs and musicians. Supporting local businesses not only adds a unique touch to your wedding but also helps to create a sense of community.
Activities for Wedding Guests at Lake Chautauqua
Lake Chautauqua is not only a beautiful Finger Lakes wedding location, but it also offers a wide range of activities and attractions for your wedding guests to enjoy:
1. Water activities
Lake Chautauqua is perfect for traditional lake recreation. Guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, or a relaxing boat cruise on the lake.
2. Lake Chautauqua Nature trails and parks
Up for a little adventure? Lake Chautauqua is surrounded by scenic nature trails and parks for hiking, bird-watching, or picnicking.
3. Lake Chautauqua Golf & recreational sports
Lake Chautauqua is home to several public golf courses, like Bemus Point Golf Club & Tap House—the oldest course in the area! It’s a fun opportunity to tee off with stunning lake views. The area also offers recreational sports such as tennis, pickleball, and horseback riding.
4. Wine tasting and breweries
The Lake Chautauqua region is known for its wineries and breweries—over 20 of them along the Lake Erie shoreline. From award-winning wines to craft beers, there is something to please every palate. View the list: https://www.lakeeriewinecountry.org.
5. Seasonal experiences
Apple picking at local orchards is a favorite tradition around here. During apple-picking season, the hotel usually has cider samples and an orchard guide for guests.
Lake Chautauqua and the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel offer the perfect combination for your lakeside wedding. With their wedding packages and services, you can create a personalized and unforgettable experience for you and your guests. From planning tips to activities for your guests, Lake Chautauqua provides a picturesque backdrop and a range of attractions to make your wedding day truly special. Say “I do” surrounded by the beauty of Lake Chautauqua and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Looking for a Finger Lakes or Lake Erie Wedding Photographer?
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