After my husband and I got engaged, I can remember all too well how the stress of venue shopping almost stopped us in our tracks. We realized quickly how big an expense it could potentially be. As cited in “Money Saving Wedding Venue Tips for the Budget-Conscious Couple,” the national average for venue rental fees, alone, is $6,000 according to Wedding Wire. The average cost of a wedding venue in Rochester, NY is even higher – closer to $10,000! (excuse me, what?!) Though we ended up going the backyard wedding route, in our search of affordable wedding venues in Rochester, we found plenty of options.
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Afterall, Rochester, New York is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes and historic architecture. Not to mention, the food scene is incredible. It just takes a bit of thinking outside of the box to find the diamonds in the rough. There are hidden gems that offer beauty and a low cost venue option for the budget conscious couple. So, if you’re not in the market for a $6-$10K wedding venue, don’t be discouraged. In Rochester, NY, you can have your cake and eat it too.
So, without further ado, here is my list of the Top Affordable Wedding Venues in Rochester, NY to consider.
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#1 | THE GREENHOUSE AT THE PORT OF ROCHESTER
The Greenhouse at the Port of Rochester is a unique and modern space that gives you and your guests incredible 360 degree views of the Genesee River, Lake Ontario and the Port of Rochester Marina. This affordable Rochester wedding venue is perfect for a small to mid-size wedding reception. There is also plenty of space for guest parking and beautiful photo opportunities all around.
Website: Greenhouse at the Port of Rochester
Capacity: 128 – 175
Rental Fee: $125 – $200/hour
Venue Type: Indoor
#2 | HIGHLAND PARK
PLAN AN INTIMATE CEREMONY AT LAMBERTON CONSERVATORY
Lamberton Conservatory is perfect for a more intimate Rochester wedding ceremony. This is also ideal for a couple on a budget. There is literally no décor needed in this unique and beautiful space. Bonus: there are a variety of options just nearby to incorporate into your wedding day plans. Just nearby is the Sunken Garden for gorgeous photo opps and the Olmsted Lodge for larger reception needs.
Photography: Along Photography
View more from this beautifully intimate wedding ceremony and reception at the Lamberton Conservatory photographed by the talented Rochester-based husband and wife photography duo, Along Photography.
Website: Lamberton Conservatory at Highland Park
Capacity: 40
Rental Fee: $100/hour
Venue Type: Indoor
TAKE WEDDING PORTRAITS IN THE SUNKEN GARDEN AT WARNER CASTLE ESTATE
Does it even seem real that this beautiful architectural and historic garden exists right here in Rochester, NY? Well, it does, and lucky for you and many Rochester-based couples, the Sunken Garden at Warner Castle Estate is open to the public and available by the hour for stunning photo sessions.
Along Photography
PLAN A WEDDING RECEPTION AT THE OLMSTED LODGE
There are several beautiful Rochester park lodges and community centers that can be rented through the Monroe Country Parks Department’s reservation site. Each one is unique and perfect for the nature loving couple looking for a beautiful indoor/outdoor space to host their wedding reception or ceremony. The Olmsted Lodge in Highland Park is one such venue. With it’s close proximity to stunning ceremony and park photo opportunities, the vaulted arched ceiling, stone fireplace and attached deck make this an ideal setting for a small-to-mid-size wedding reception space. And, for the couple planning a wedding on a budget, this one is a steal at just $500 on weekdays, $750 on weekends.
Website: Olmsted Lodge at Highland Park
Capacity: 99
Rental Fee: $500 – $750
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#3 | LAKEFRONT LODGE AT WEBSTER PARK
The Lakefront Lodge at Webster Park is one of Monroe County’s newest editions to their park lodge rentals and it is simply stunning! Not only do you benefit from the water views of Lake Ontario from the wall-to-wall windows and covered patio, but with this rental you also get access to the covered pavilion and fire pit. So, rain or shine you can have a beautiful outdoor ceremony right on premise and take the party indoors into the beautiful air conditioned and heated lodge.
Website: Lakefront Lodge at Webster Park
Capacity: 99
Rental Fee: $1,000
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#4 | WATERFRONT LODGE AT ABRAHAM LINCOLN PARK
The Waterfront Lodge at Abraham Lincoln Park is a little treasure situated on the bank of Irondequoit Bay. Nestled in the woods at the base of Abraham Lincoln Park, this two story lodge is set in such a beautiful serene setting to host your closest family and friends. Have a lakefront backdrop for your intimate wedding ceremony and then head indoors for the reception. After dinner, cozy up around the fire pit for some smores roasting. Does it get any more perfect?
Event concept, planning and design by Simple Celebrations
Website: Waterfront Lodge at Abraham Lincoln Park
Capacity: 99
Rental Fee: $500 – $1,000
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#5 | ROGER ROBACH COMMUNITY CENTER
The Roger Robach Community Center in Ontario Beach Park is situated right on the shore of Lake Ontario and is a highly underrated wedding venue option. Not only is it a low budget DIY wedding venue that can accommodate a large wedding reception, a huge bonus is the beachfront real-estate you can take advantage of for a stunning waterfront wedding ceremony and sunset photo opps. It’s a steal in my opinion, and is ideal for any couple who wants that beach wedding without the resort price tag.
Website: Roger Robach Community Center at Ontario Beach Park
Capacity: 200
Rental Fee: $2,000
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#6 | GRAND VIEW LODGE AT POWDER MILLS PARK
The Grand View Lodge at Powder Mills Park is one of the larger options that’s available for rent through the Monroe County Parks Department. This spacious lodge is perfect if you have a guest list over 100 but still want an indoor/outdoor venue option that is also budget-friendly. This video tour gives you a great sense of the available space and the lodge’s light and bright interior.
Website: Grand View Lodge at Powder Mills Park
Capacity: 158
Rental Fee: $1,500
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#7 | THE ARBOR AT ELLISON PARK
Sometimes less is more. Ellison Park in Rochester, NY has ample spaces around the park that are picturesque back-drops for an intimate wedding ceremony or elopement. Like all of Monroe County’s Parks, there are lodges and park shelters for rent, the largest of which can accommodate up to 170 people, if you’re up for a DIY park wedding reception. Or, take the celebration elsewhere, like your favorite dinner s
Along Photography
Website: Ellison Park
Capacity: 99
Rental Fee: $500 – $1,000
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#8 THE WEBSTER ARBORETUM
The grounds of the The Webster Arboretum are a must see and you’re able to book the lodge with access to the gazebo for events. Here is another location that requires little to no additional decorating with its picturesque setting, making it a great affordable wedding venue option in Rochester.
Photography by Along Photography
Website: The Webster Arboretum
Capacity: 95
Rental Fee: $275 – $700
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
#9 THE CLUBHOUSE AT DURAND EASTMAN PARK
The ClubHouse at Durand Eastman Park is a budget-friendly Rochester wedding venue is such a steal for what you get. This affordable Rochester wedding venue boats stunning views from the spacious outdoor patio that overlooks the golf course, a tented patio that’s perfect for a Plan B ceremony location or outdoor dance floor, and a beautiful and spacious indoor reception space. This hidden gem gives traditional wedding vvibes in a more idyllic and low-key setting. Plus, it’s just down the street from gorgeous beach views to take those sunset wedding photos.
Megan Antalek Photography
Website: The Clubhouse at Durand Eastman Park
Capacity: 184
Rental Fee: $1,500
Venue Type: Indoor/Outdoor
More Tips for Planning an Affordable Wedding in Rochester
These are just a few examples of unique and affordable wedding venues in Rochester, NY that may be available for rent at a lower cost than your traditional wedding venue. That said, there are so many more to consider. And of course, there’s always your own backyard that you can use FOR FREE. Check out my tips for planning a DIY backyard wedding for more on that topic.
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Happy Planning, Friends!
xo,
Kelsey
