On a peaceful June morning, Claire and Zach woke up in their cozy Airbnb on the southern shore of Cayuga Lake. They exchanged sentimental details—Zach wore a meaningful necklace gifted by his mother, and Claire carried a small music box close to her heart. Their first look on a dock by the lake was bathed in the soft glow of sunrise, a truly romantic way to begin their elopement day.

*Gallery below*

A sunrise ceremony at Robert Treman State Park

Their intimate elopement ceremony at Robert Treman State Park was nothing short of magical. As the early morning light streamed through the trees, they exchanged handwritten vows surrounded by the sounds of a quiet breeze and birdsong. With the honor of both officiating and photographing their vows, I witnessed the pure love between them as they embraced the peacefulness of the moment.

Afterward, we explored the stunning waterfalls of Robert Treman State Park, one of Ithaca’s most iconic natural wonders. The couple hiked through winding gorge trails, with Zach picking wildflowers for Claire along the way—a simple yet beautiful moment that reflected their deep connection to nature.

Their first dance as newlyweds under the Taughannock Falls

Picture this: your first dance as newlyweds beneath one of the tallest waterfalls in the Eastern U.S. Claire and Zach danced at the base of Taughannock Falls, a breathtaking 215-foot waterfall that towers over the rocky cliffs of Taughannock Falls State Park. The setting was nothing short of cinematic—a dream location for an adventurous couple looking for a unique elopement experience in the Finger Lakes.

A Cozy Picnic Lunch in Ithaca

After a morning of hiking and waterfall chasing, Claire and Zach took a well-deserved break with a picnic lunch in Ithaca. With a thrifted blanket and a wooden basket in hand, they enjoyed homemade sandwiches, gourmet cheese, and refreshing sodas under the shade of a giant tree. They wrapped up their meal with a sweet treat—a cake from the beloved Rashida Sawyer Bakery, a must-visit for couples eloping in Ithaca.

A romantic afternoon private sailboat ride on the waters of Cayuga Lake

As the afternoon unfolded, the couple set sail on Cayuga Lake with Spindrift Sailing Charters. After capturing a few stunning photos at the beginning of the trip, they set their cameras aside and simply soaked in the beauty of the lake, embracing a moment of stillness and bliss on the water.

Ending Their Elopement with a Sunset Lake Jump

What better way to end an adventurous elopement than with a spontaneous jump into one of the Finger Lakes? After a private dinner back at their Airbnb, Claire and Zach closed out their unforgettable day by diving into the lake at sunset—a picture-perfect ending to their intentional and stress-free wedding celebration.

Why Ithaca is the Perfect Destination for an Adventurous Elopement

Ithaca, NY, offers a picturesque and intimate setting for couples looking to elope. With its stunning waterfalls, lush state parks, and serene lake views, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure-seekers alike. Whether you envision a sunrise ceremony by a cascading waterfall or a sunset sail on Cayuga Lake, Ithaca provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wedding day.

If you’re considering eloping in the Finger Lakes, let Claire and Zach’s story inspire you. Reach out today to start planning your elopement and let’s talk about your elopement photography!