Planning a wedding in Rochester, NY, offers a diverse array of venues to suit various styles, budgets, and guest capacities. Here’s a guide to help you navigate some of the top wedding venues in the area, categorized by style, along with their locations, seating capacities, and estimated costs.
Downtown Wedding Venues
- Location: Downtown Rochester
- Seating Capacity: Up to 200 guests
- Venue Cost: $3,000
- Amenities: Bridal Suite, China, Set up& Clean up services, glassware, tables, Flatware, Bar service& Parking
- Description: A modern indoor, industrial space featuring exposed brick walls and large windows, perfect for a chic urban wedding.
- Location: Downtown Rochester
- Seating Capacity: Up to 200 guests
- Cost: Varies; contact venue for details
- Description: An elegant venue combining historic charm with contemporary design, ideal for sophisticated celebrations.
- Location: Legacy Tower, Downtown Rochester
- Seating Capacity: Up to 450 guests
- Cost: $4,000
- Cost per Plate; $120-$220 per plate
- Amenities; Bridal& Groom Suite, Bar service, Tables, Chargers, Glassware, China, Linens
- Description: A stunning glass-enclosed venue offering a unique indoor garden experience in the heart of the city.
3. Strathallan by Double Tree Hilton
- Location: Downtown Rochester
- Seating Capacity: Up to 240 guests
- Cost: Contact venue directly
- Amenities; Bar service, Tables, Glassware, China, Linens
- Description: Modern elegance and cityscape charm, with breathtaking rooftop views and a sophisticated atmosphere. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this luxury venue provides exceptional service, stylish indoor and outdoor spaces, and a stunning backdrop for your special day.
Barn and Rustic Venues
1. Wadsworth Homestead
- Location: Geneseo, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 300 guests
- Cost: $5,200 – $8,600
- Description: A historic estate offering expansive grounds and a charming barn, perfect for a rustic countryside wedding.
2. The Hillcrest Estate
- Location: Shelby, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 230 guests
- Cost: Starting at $2,000
- Description: A picturesque venue featuring rolling hills and classic barn architecture, ideal for a rustic celebration.
3. Cobblestone Wedding Barn
- Location: Scottsville, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 230 guests
- Cost: $3,500 – $4,500
- Description: A historic barn venue offering a charming rustic setting with modern amenities.
Intimate and Unique Venues
1. Rochester Brainery
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 60 guests
- Cost: $45 per hour
- Description: A versatile space perfect for intimate weddings, offering a blank canvas to bring your vision to life.
2. Lamberton Conservatory
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 40 guests
- Cost: $100 per hour
- Description: A botanical conservatory providing a lush, tropical backdrop for small ceremonies.
3. The Ellwanger Estate
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Varies; contact venue for details
- Cost: $300 – $1,100
- Description: A historic bed and breakfast offering elegant gardens and intimate indoor spaces for a romantic wedding.
Outdoor and Park Venues
1. St. Joseph’s Park
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 125 guests
- Cost: $800
- Description: A historic urban park featuring the remains of a 19th-century church, offering a unique backdrop for ceremonies.
2. Olmsted Lodge
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 99 guests
- Cost: $500 – $750
- Description: A rustic lodge nestled within scenic parkland, perfect for nature-loving couples seeking a serene setting.
3. Lilac Arches
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 200 guests
- Cost: $50 per hour
- Description: An outdoor venue surrounded by beautiful lilac bushes, ideal for a springtime wedding.
Ballroom and Banquet Venues
1. Harro East Ballroom
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Seating Capacity: Up to 100 guests
- Cost: $35 – $46 per guest
- Description:
How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Venue
Choosing the right wedding venue is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your wedding planning journey. Your venue sets the tone for your entire day, influences your budget, and dictates many of your design choices. With so many incredible options available—especially in a beautiful area like Rochester, NY—it can feel overwhelming to narrow it down. But don’t worry! This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing your dream wedding venue.
1. Determine Your Budget
Before you fall in love with a venue, set a realistic budget. Consider:
- The rental fee and what it includes (tables, chairs, linens, etc.)
- Additional costs like catering, decor, or required vendors
- Any extra fees, such as service charges, gratuities, or cleaning fees
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re on a tighter budget, consider booking an off-peak date or a weekday wedding for a lower rate.
2. Consider Your Guest Count
Your venue should comfortably fit the number of guests you’re expecting. Too big, and it might feel empty; too small, and it will feel cramped. Always ask about:
- Maximum seating capacity for ceremonies and receptions
- Whether the venue offers flexible space for different guest counts
- Any restrictions on guest numbers for indoor vs. outdoor settings
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re still finalizing your guest list, choose a venue with some flexibility in guest count.
3. Choose a Style That Matches Your Vision
Every couple has a unique style, and your venue should reflect that. Think about the kind of atmosphere you want:
- Rustic & Barn Weddings – Perfect for countryside charm with exposed beams and natural surroundings.
- Elegant & Classic Ballrooms – Ideal for a timeless, formal wedding with grand chandeliers and luxurious decor.
- Outdoor & Garden Weddings – Beautiful for couples who love nature, with scenic backdrops and natural lighting.
- Industrial & Modern Spaces – Great for those who want an urban, edgy feel with exposed brick and open layouts.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider the existing decor—a venue that aligns with your style naturally will save you money on decorations.
4. Check the Venue’s Services & Amenities
Some venues offer full-service packages, while others are more DIY. Be sure to ask:
- Is catering included? If not, are outside caterers allowed?
- Are tables, chairs, linens, and decor provided?
- Is there a bridal suite or getting-ready space?
- What are the parking and transportation options?
💡 Pro Tip: Venues with in-house catering and rentals can save time and effort compared to sourcing everything separately.
5. Consider the Season & Weather
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in case of bad weather. Ask the venue about:
- Indoor alternatives for rain or extreme weather
- Temperature control (AC for summer, heating for winter)
- Best seasonal dates for peak venue beauty and availability
💡 Pro Tip: Spring and fall are gorgeous in Rochester, NY, but venues book up quickly—reserve your date early!
6. Read Reviews & Visit in Person
Always check online reviews and schedule a tour before booking. Seeing a venue in person gives you a feel for:
- The overall ambiance and cleanliness
- How staff interact and handle customer service
- Whether it feels authentic to your vision
💡 Pro Tip: Attend an open house or a wedding showcase event if the venue offers one!
7. Ask About Vendor Restrictions
Some venues require you to use their preferred vendors, while others let you bring your own. Ask about:
- Catering and bar policies (some require in-house services)
- Photography and entertainment restrictions
- Any decor limitations, like candles or hanging installations
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a dream vendor in mind (like your favorite photographer or florist), make sure they’re allowed to work at your venue before booking.
8. Compare Multiple Venues Before Deciding
Tour at least 3-5 venues before making your final choice. Take notes, photos, and ask detailed questions. After visiting, compare based on:
✅ Budget
✅ Guest Capacity
✅ Style
✅ Amenities
✅ Flexibility
💡 Pro Tip: If a venue checks all your boxes but is slightly out of budget, ask if they offer discounts for off-season dates or smaller guest counts.
Tips on Touring wedding venues
When touring wedding venues, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure the location fits your vision, budget, and logistical needs. Here’s a comprehensive list of questions to ask a wedding venue before making your decision!
1. Availability & Booking
- Is my desired wedding date available?
- Do you have different pricing for peak vs. off-peak seasons?
- How far in advance should we book?
- What is the deposit amount, and when is the final payment due?
- What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
2. Venue Capacity & Layout
- What is the maximum capacity for the ceremony and reception?
- Do you have separate spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception?
- Is there a backup option for outdoor weddings in case of bad weather?
- Are there noise restrictions or curfews we should be aware of?
3. Cost & Inclusions
- What is the total cost to rent the venue?
- What is included in the rental fee? (e.g., tables, chairs, linens, décor)
- Are there any additional fees (e.g., security, service charges, gratuity, cleanup)?
- Do you offer wedding packages, and what do they include?
- Are there different pricing options for small weddings or micro-weddings?
4. Catering & Bar Services
- Do you have in-house catering, or can we bring in an outside caterer?
- If in-house, can we do a tasting before finalizing the menu?
- Do you accommodate dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, allergies)?
- Can we bring our own alcohol, or do we need to purchase through you?
- Are there bar service fees or corkage fees?
5. Vendor Policies
- Do you have a list of required or preferred vendors?
- Can we bring in outside vendors (photographers, florists, DJs, etc.)?
- Are there any vendor restrictions we should know about?
- What time can vendors arrive for setup?
6. Setup & Logistics
- What time can we start setting up on the wedding day?
- Is there a bridal suite or groom’s lounge for getting ready?
- Who is responsible for setting up and breaking down decor?
- Is there a coordinator on-site to help with logistics?
- How is parking handled for guests? Is it free or valet-only?
7. Entertainment & Sound
- Do you have a dance floor?
- Are there any restrictions on live bands or DJs?
- What time does music need to stop?
- Do you have a sound system, or do we need to rent one?
8. Accommodations & Guest Experience
- Do you have on-site lodging for guests?
- Are there nearby hotels for guest accommodations?
- Do you provide shuttle services or transportation recommendations?
- Is the venue handicap accessible?
9. Photography & Decor Restrictions
- Are there any photography or videography restrictions?
- Can we bring in our own decor?
- Are candles, confetti, or sparklers allowed?
- Do you allow hanging decor (lights, drapery, floral installations)?
10. Wrap-Up & Next Steps
- When do we need to provide a final guest count?
- Are there any discounts for weekday or off-season weddings?
- How long do we have the venue on the wedding day?
- Do you require wedding insurance?
- How do we officially book the venue?
