The Best Wedding Venues in the Capital District
Here at Media Hammock, we thought it may be helpful to list some of the best wedding venues that we had the privilege of shooting videos for in the Albany, NY area. Of course this is from the perspective of a wedding videographer, so the venues that have made this list is because of their staff, ease of access, convenience, amenities, and of course good looks. I will share some images taken from the videos as well as provide links to the videos that were created at these lovely establishments below. Let’s get started.
1) Saratoga National Golf Course
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY the home of the Saratoga Race Way and the Saratoga Casino. If you have guests coming from out of town, these two attractions are close by to enjoy, and of course if you are golfer maybe you can take in a game at Saratoga Grand National.
For weddings this is an amazing venue, the beautifully manicured grass, the ponds, the beautiful wooden bridge, and the elegant club house that looks like something out of a fairy-tale. There is no shortage of pretty locations to take pictures and capture stunning wedding video.
Even the Cocktail hour was amazing. Guests had fun taking their own Polaroid pictures and listened to a live band play as they sat on the terrace and watched the water flow beyond the beautiful infinity pool. I really love the dance floor, so much space, you could even fit a full band in there. Good thing because AJ & Lindsay obviously like to party and so do all of their guests. All in all this is still one of the most exciting and picturesque videos that I’ve had the pleasure of creating!
AJ & Lindsay’s Highlight Video
2) Mansion Inn
Another location in Saratoga Springs? Is that what you’re thinking? Listen I said Albany area. Not Albany, NY specifically, so here we go 🙂 Once again this location is close to horse racing, a casino, restaurants, and stores of all types, so out of towners will certainly not be bored if they are here for a couple of days. The venue itself is a historical inn that was created back in the 1800s. It’s hard to tell, by how well the establishment has been maintained. I love places like this because they give the videos so much character.
I’m not sure what I like best as a videographer, the vintage classy look inside the mansion, the tented reception area, the beautiful landscaping, or the millpond and waterfall located directly across the street. Chelsea and Lewis decided to use this as a backdrop for their wedding video and the results were amazing. And I have to say the staff is extremely friendly and accommodating. It’s most definitely a beautiful place and a joy for creating wedding videos.
Chelsea and Lewis’ Wedding Highlight Video
3) The Century House
The Century House is located in Latham, NY. One of my most favorite things about this place is the layout. You can do it all in one place. The Bride and Groom to be can get ready in separate rooms, you can find any number of places to have a First Look, you can have either an outdoor or indoor wedding ceremony, you can obviously have your reception at the Century House, and as an added bonus it is also a Hotel, so you can book a room for the evening along with your guests that are coming in from out of town. I mean really…do you really need anything else? Add to that it is pretty much right off of the Northway with easy parking for your guests and literally less than 10 minutes away from Albany Airport.
4) Normanside Country Club
Normanside Country Club is located in Altamont, NY. Where should I start with this venue, perhaps we can start with the basics – plenty of parking, easy to find, lush green grass, plush bridal suite, friendly staff, the list goes on.
Ryan and Camryn’s First look was held in the bridal suite which was comfortable and large enough to accommodate their larger bridal party.
Here’s one thing that bugs me as a wedding videographer: a very short ceremony aisle. Sounds strange, I know but when the aisle is long it gives me plenty of time to capture everyone walking down. And having more video footage is always better when it comes to editing a wedding video. Because lets face it, some bridesmaids will practically run down the aisle. I’m sure it’s nerves and I am ok with it.
When it comes to filming introductions and the first dance it is easy due to the size of the dance floor. It makes it easy to setup an extra camera and get separate angles. The food is delicious and the tables are always perfectly adorned with beautiful plates and silverware. It’s really a beautiful place, and I can’t wait to go back!
Check out the videos below:
Evan and Maureen’s Wedding Teaser
Camryn and Ryan’s Wedding Highlight Film
5) Mass Moca
Mass Moca is located in North Adams, Massachusetts and is very close to the Capital District. It’s only 45 minutes away from Downtown Albany and is such a beautiful location. There are so many galleries and exhibits that can serve as a back drop for a first look or pictures with a bridal party or any number of things.
As a videographer, it was really difficult to find a bad angle. I really like the incandescent bulbs on the ceiling during the ceremony. It’s really a beautiful touch. By the way there’s even elevators for your guest that may have trouble getting up the stairs, and as a videographer loading in a tremendous amount of equipment, I was very thankful. I also love the boiler room exhibit. You would think a bunch of rusty pipes wouldn’t work in a wedding video, but as you can see, the contrast between the room and Meghan and Pete worked very well. It was such an artsy contrast of colors.
If you have a larger wedding with many guests there is ample space for dining. And for those wanting to party hard, there’s a very large dance floor. And as an added bonus your guests will love having the ability to check out all of the very interesting art exhibits. This place is absolutely spectacular. Enjoy the wedding video below.
Meghan & Peter’s Wedding Highlight Film
Wedding Videography
And of course if you are looking for a videographer to capture all of the special moments at your wedding, please contact us to check for availability. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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Written by,
Michael Turner
(Owner and Wedding Videographer)
