In our pursuit of supporting local and absolutely falling in love with our little slice of Eastern New York heaven, we have decided to share some of the delights and highlights of Saratoga Springs and why it is an AWESOME place to walk down the aisle and exchange wedding vows. We’re giving you seven reasons (although there are FAR more) on why you should get married in Saratoga Springs.

“We all know the reasons couples love Saratoga; they’re from here, they met here, they vacation here… But, as Editor-in-Chief of Saratoga BRIDE, the area’s only dedicated bridal magazine, I find people choose to have their weddings in Saratoga because it’s also – a destination for their guests!- they want to share their love of Saratoga with their friends and family. I hear that sentiment over and over again from the hundreds of REAL BRIDES we’ve featured over the years.”

1. Awesome Selection of Wedding Venues

Ranging from The Gideon Putnam to Longfellows, or from The Hall of Springs to Saratoga National, there are so many beautiful wedding venues to choose from! If you’re looking for something slightly more affordable that offers up a scenic boho setting, Longfellows (Hotel, Restaurant and Conference Center) is an excellent option!

The Gideon Putnam would be a wise option if you want to shop around the ballroom scene and have an extensive guest list of up to 500 people… that’s a heck of a lot of people! Just south of the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, the Gideon Putnam offers up two different ballrooms depending on the number of attendees at your reception. And, for the most part, your guests can all stay in one place with numerous guest rooms to choose from. Saratoga.com describes The Gideon Putnam as, “The only hotel located in Saratoga Spa State Park, where more than 2,000 acres of verdant natural beauty envelop our guests and in quality experiences that offer the power to restore mind, body and spirit.”

2. Each Season Is Beautiful Here

“Saratoga Springs is the city of health, history and horses but it is also a city of hospitality. The destination’s charm sells itself. Saratoga is a city that boasts many unique venues and high-end vendors offering a small-town feel, making it welcoming to everyone. At Discover Saratoga, my services are complimentary and are here to facilitate the planning process for couples by recommending and reaching out to venues, vendors and setting up hotel room blocks based on the couple’s vision. Saratoga is a year-round destination, offering something in every season.”

– Kayla Kreis, Wedding Market Manager & Sales Coordinator at Discover Saratoga

Uhhhhhhh… hello! Have you seen this place?!? We’re QUITE fond of it. In fact, we love it so much we put our studio right in the heart of it – on the corner of Broadway and Caroline.

But seriously, rain or shine, sun or snow, green leaves or orange, each season is different, while all still beautiful. If you’re thinking there’s no way you could have a proper romantic photoshoot during the winter season… Think again!

 – Above images taken at Saratoga Spa State Park – Above images taken at Congress Park

3. Plenty of Upscale and Gorgeous Lodging

If you’re even considering getting married in Saratoga Springs, you can be at ease knowing your family and friends will have their fair share of lodging to choose from. There may even be too many to choose from. Having made Conde Naste’s 2018 Traveler Hot List, the Adelphi Hotel is a staple to downtown Saratoga Springs. It is considered one of the best small luxury hotels in the world – and that’s right here in our fair city.

Not to mention there are numerous Hiltons, Marriotts and Inns (we love B&B’s #relaxation) to stay at while in town. All ranging from your preference of upscale and luxurious to cozy and comfortable. Trip Advisor points you in the right direction if you’re looking for luxurious accommodations.

4. The Absolute Best Wedding Vendors

As wedding photographers and cinematographers here at The Harris Company, we love what we do and absolutely adore making a profound impact for our couples through photographic and cinematic storytelling. With a personalized approach to fine art photography and cinema, we believe in providing unique and mesmerizing imagery to best preserve each of our couples’ most cherished memories – naturally and beautifully.

We reached out to other vendors in the area to get their thoughts on working in this industry here in Saratoga Springs – not only were they incredibly eager to share, but they had nothing but amazing things to say!

“We love providing music for Saratoga Springs weddings because no two weddings are ever the same. From historic barns to grand ballrooms, there is a venue that fits every couple’s personality and vision. Saratoga has become a highly sought after destination wedding choice with couples traveling in from all over the country. Saratoga has it all!”

– Karen and Paul, Saratoga Sound DJ

“Nestled in the foothills of the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs has a uniquely European feel created by its Victorian architecture, the quaint yet vibrant Main Street and its blend of culture and history.  Relocating from New York City, my family and I instantly fell in love with Saratoga and decided to call it home and set up our floral and event design studio. Whether based locally or from out of town, our clients choose Saratoga for their weddings because of the selection of unique venues, vendors, accommodations and, of course, its nightlife.”

– Samantha Nass, Samantha Nass Floral Design

“Saratoga is amazing in the sense that you have a small-town feel but a huge network of talented wedding vendors. Because it has a small-town vibe, we’ve gotten to know so many of the vendors on a personal and professional level, making it easy to refer clients as you can personally vouch for their work. So many of us truly love what we do and are really committed to providing one-on-one service and that special experience to our clients.”

– Laura Mullen, Lily Saratoga

Lily Saratoga, located right on the first floor of a historic yellow Victorian home in Franklin Square has long served brides in the area. In its own words, the shop is, “dedicated to the belief that shopping for wedding dresses should be a truly special experience. Our charming and elegant boutique sets the tone, while our devoted and knowledgeable consultants work to deliver that special experience to each bride.”

Perhaps you recognize the space?!

5. The Name Speaks for Itself

We all know that people love to come into town for the race track and SPAC. Those are an obvious two. But once these travelers wander in and explore the town, the people, and the vibe, they are already planning their next trip back. A place that’s warm and welcoming and if you’re not from around here – you still might have heard of it. We see it every year, Dave Matthews Band at SPAC alone brings in people young and old, corporate and hip, from all over the country.

The Saratoga Springs Visitor Center provides its own reasons for why people come to our area:

• Four-season destination with popular annual events and entertainment
• World-class horse racing, polo & equine
• Renowned mineral springs, amazing golf, spas & restaurants
• Award-winning, vibrant walkable Downtown
• National museums, charming arts district and performing arts venues

“The destination has long been synonymous with the arts, culture, world-class equine sports, safe and walkable downtown and healing mineral springs.”

– Saratoga Springs Visitor Center

6. The People Who Call it Home Love It

The townies, the locals, Saratogians or however they choose to define themselves love the area and everything it has to offer! We certainly don’t fall short on restaurants and entertainment – there is constantly something to participate in. Getting married in the area means your family and guests will NOT be bored if they choose to explore the town in their downtime (if they have any, of course).

“Having recently moved to the area was an absolute blessing. I am so fortunate to have found a job in downtown Saratoga because now having been here, I never want to be anywhere else. There is still so much to explore! I’ve found that this place gives me life AND opportunity. I never want to move away – it’s my home now and will forever be one of my favorite places on earth. I hope when the time comes that I will be walking down the aisle here!”

– Local Saratoga Resident

7. Lots of Cultural and Social Diversity in this City

With an inclusive atmosphere, everyone is absolutely welcome when coming to Saratoga Springs! (Hopefully, you’ve seen the signs around town.)

Will Leveth of Saratoga Living, writes, “Saratogians have long been blessed with innumerable choices when it comes to enjoying their culture…””

Maureen Werther, a contributing writer for Discover Saratoga, writes, “The cultural and social diversity of Saratoga Springs is one of the major reasons why it has become a wedding magnet for people from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, even as far as California. If Victoriana or contemporary hotels and restaurants are not what soon-to-be newlyweds are looking for, it’s only a short drive to discover rustic barn venues, historic battlefield sites, and gracious country mansions and inns.”

Thank you to everyone who contributed and helped us put this article together! Our contributors, just like us, feel a sense of love and compassion surrounding this area, our neighbors and everything this great town has to offer! xoxo