Favorite Elopement Venues in Rochester
As officiants, we’ve had the pleasure of working with many different venues within the Rochester area, so today, I’m sharing one of my favorites for elopement venues in Rochester: Lamberton Conservatory. I have officiated weddings here year-round, but I am biased; I did my own wedding photos here in 2012. If this sounds like the right fit for click here to start Flower City Ceremonies working with you on yours.
My wedding photo inside Lamberton Conservatory by Ross Weddings, 2012
What makes it special
Located in Highland Park and originally constructed in 1911, the Lamberton Conservatory was named in honor of Alexander B. Lamberton, the President of the Parks Board from 1902 to 1915 with the arboretum designed by renowned architect Frederic Law Olmsted.
In 2006, the building was beyond repair. In 2007 Monroe County Parks Department did a complete tear down and historic reconstruction. While newer construction, the building is reminiscent of a time gone by. If you are looking for an elopement venue in Rochester with historic ties, this is the place for you.
Exterior Lamberton Conservatory by Ross Weddings, 2012
the Aesthetic
A lot of couples are looking for elopement venues in Rochester that have both indoor and outdoor spaces to use for ceremonies and pictures. You have this at Lamberton Conservatory. Nestled in Highland Park there are trees and gardens on the outside of the glass and metal structure. Nearby there is a wooden bench swing built for two. Walk a little further and you can see historic buildings that dot the perimeter of the reservoir. Inside, regardless of the weather or season, there are plants and flowers in bloom. Lamberton Conservatory is broken up into different climates - from seasonal plants to tropical rainforest flora to cacti from desert locales. Additionally, you can see some adorable wildlife. Turtles, tortoises, and quail seem completely unbothered as you walk along.
Staci & Clay
One of my favorite places to officiate inside of Lamberton Conservatory is in the tropical rainforest area. There is a waterfall and small wooden plank bridge that straddles the pool of water where the quail grab a drink and the turtles sunbathe. I love the sound of running water, and it soothes a nervous couple as they wait to make their marriage official. There is enough room for everyone to gather to hear the couple exchange vows and the backdrop of large, leafy trees bend their branches overhead. Even in the coldest of winter days, this is a tropical paradise to tie the knot.
This isn’t the only location that makes for a dream elopement venue in Rochester. I have had couples join hands in front of the gigantic cacti with a string quartet playing in the background. There is an arch inside made of reeds with a turtle pond right in front where couples have set up chairs for an intimate ceremony.
I have had several couples in the past use the lobby as a reception venue, covering the display cases with colorful tablecloths and setting up grazing stations on top, or I have had couples do a champagne toast and leave to enjoy a dinner with their loved ones in the many restaurants that are conveniently located nearby.
Lanni & Mark
With so many beautiful backdrops you can’t go wrong with any of the settings inside Lamberton Conservatory. It is one of the reasons it makes my list of favorite elopement venues in Rochester.
The Logistics
Lamberton Conservatory is a cost-effective venue for elopements and micro weddings at $100/hour and a maximum capacity of forty people. You can book Friday-Sunday online, but if you are interested in a weekday ceremony you can call to book with them at 585 753-PARK (7275).
If you are looking for an elopement venue in Rochester or just want to appreciate some beauty in the heart of downtown Rochester, head to Lamberton Conservatory. I would love to join you at one of my favorite venues for elopements and be a part of your wedding day.
