A Destination Elopement at America’s Favorite State Park
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” among the clouds, drifting above one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the East — this is your sign.Check out this unforgettable destination elopement experience that combines adventure, romance, and the serene comforts of our boutique stays in Western New York.
Imagine exchanging vows as the morning sun rises over the Genesee River Gorge, surrounded by endless sky and white clouds— a moment that feels both wildly adventurous and deeply intimate.
Balloon flights depend on weather conditions, and Western New York’s ever-changing skies can keep you on your toes. That’s why we recommend a 5–7 day stay — giving you the best chance to catch that perfect flight window while allowing plenty of time to explore the region’s hidden gems.
The Stay: Dell Collective’s 19A Cabin in Portageville, NY
Your home base for this once-in-a-lifetime experience is the 19A Cabin, a cozy yet modern retreat just minutes from Letchworth and the official Balloons Over Letchworth launch site. Balloons Over Letchworth is the premier hot air balloon company flying over Letchworth State Park — known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” and recently voted “America’s #1 State Park”.
The cabin is designed for privacy and connection. Wake up surrounded by trees, sip your morning coffee on the deck overlooking the Greenway Trail, soak in the hot tub under a canopy of stars, and unwind by the fire after your adventure-filled days.
The Experience: Eloping Above Letchworth
Your elopement begins before sunrise (Or sunset if you prefer!) — as you meet your pilot and prepare for lift-off. The moment the balloon rises, the world below quiets, leaving just the sound of the flame and the soft drift of your flight. Below you, waterfalls and cliffs catch the morning light.
Bring along Sarah McGinnis Photography, one of our favorite local photographers who captures elopements with authenticity, warmth, and a touch of magic. She knows how to document every fleeting, awe-filled moment of your day — from takeoff to landing.
We can also help you connect with a variety of local vendors to help make your elopement experience one to remember. Round out your celebration with:
- Locally grown flowers sourced from one of our favorite nearby farms.
- An officiant that can help take care of the ceremony mid-air or on the ground post flight.
- A private chef meal prepared at your cabin — a cozy, candlelit dinner to celebrate your new adventure together.
- A celebration wedding cake made by our favorite local bakery! Petite & customized to fit the vibe of your elopement
Soaring in Style: About Balloons Over Letchworth
Balloons Over Letchworth is more than just a balloon ride — it’s a signature experience that pairs perfectly with a destination elopement in Western New York. Here’s what makes it uniquely special:
This is the only hot-air balloon company that launches from inside Letchworth State Park, offering unbeatable aerial views of the gorge, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs.
The business is family-owned and operated and has been flying over the region for decades. All of their pilots are FAA-certified commercial hot air balloon pilots, ensuring a professional and safe experience.
Flights operate morning and evening, weather permitting, from May through October.
They offer shared basket flights (perfect for couples or small groups) as well as private flights, which are ideal for a romantic elopement moment. Launching near Middle Falls means you’re surrounded by some of Letchworth’s most iconic and picturesque views — the kind of backdrop that makes your “I do” feel epic and intimate.
Flexible Booking + Weather Sensitivity: Because balloon rides depend on weather, fitting your elopement into a multi-day stay gives you the flexibility to seize a flight when conditions are just right.
Photographer Spotlight: Sarah McGinnis — Your Letchworth Elopement Storyteller
When it comes to documenting a balloon-borne elopement above Letchworth, there’s no one more fitting than Sarah McGinnis of Sarah McGinnis Photography. Based in Perry, New York, Sarah brings together a rare and beautiful combination of local roots, adventurous spirit, and deep storytelling vision.
A Passion for Adventure & Nature
What truly makes Sarah ideal for your Letchworth elopement is her genuine love for nature and travel. That love translates into her photography: she doesn’t just take portraits; she captures soulful connection within the wild. One of the most compelling reasons to choose Sarah for a hot-air-balloon elopement? Her familiarity with this very kind of magic – check out the images she captured from Pam and Gary’s elopement in October 2025 (above).
At the heart of it, Sarah’s photography is about more than pretty pictures — she’s telling your story. Her work bridges the quiet magic of elopements, the raw beauty of nature, and the emotion of real connection. She doesn’t just see light — she feels it, frames it, and uses it to reflect your love in its truest form.
Suggested Itinerary for Your Destination Elopement Week
Day 1 – Arrival + Relaxation
Settle into the 19A Cabin. Light the fire, unpack, and enjoy a slow evening soaking in the hot tub or sipping wine under the stars. Enjoy the day finalizing the details for your elopement.
Day 2 – Explore Letchworth State Park
Wake early for sunrise views, then spend the day hiking the Gorge Trail or Middle Falls area — two of the most breathtaking spots in the park. After your hike at Letchworth, head to Valley Bread and Bounty to get a delicious from-scratch lunch and stock up on bread and pastries for the week. On your way back to the cabin, swing through the tiny town of Wiscoy to see the local favorite- Wiscoy falls!
Grab dinner at the Glen Iris Inn, overlooking the falls – We recommend you make a reservation for outside on the patio around 6pm (check flight times) so that you can try to catch the evening balloon flight! After dinner walk down to the middle and upper falls areas to check out the balloon launch sight in preparation for the big day!
Day 3 – Elopement + Hot Air Balloon Ride
Your big day! Meet at the launch site in Letchworth for an early morning flight and your elopement among the clouds.
After your landing, enjoy breakfast at a local café and spend the rest of the day celebrating quietly at the cabin. End the evening with your private chef dinner and custom elopement cake— crafted just for you.
Day 4 – Local Town Adventures
Visit the charming nearby towns of Perry & Mount Morris for local shops, art galleries, and small town dining. Stop by Silver Lake Brewing Project for a laid-back drink. Use local resource Explore Letchworth and Beyond! to help plan your adventures!
Day 5 – Nature & Relaxation
Take a scenic drive to Stony Brook State Park for waterfall hikes and swimming holes. While in the area, check out Dansville’s main street & cute coffee shops. Return to the cabin for a slow evening in — maybe a sunset soak in the hot tub, a swing in the hammocks or S’mores by the fire!
Day 6 – Finger Lakes Day Trip
Take a longer drive to explore the Finger Lakes region. Stroll through Watkins Glen State Park, famous for its 19 waterfalls, or visit Skaneateles, a storybook lakeside town with beautiful boutiques, cafés, and lake views.
Day 7 – Optional Niagara Falls Day Trip & Departure
If you’re up for one last adventure, head to Niagara Falls (about 2 hours away) for a dramatic finale to your romantic week. If you have time for one more overnight, we highly recommend visiting Niagara on the Lake for your final night – before or after visiting Niagara Falls.
Inspiration for your Letchworth elopement:
The 19A Cabin isn’t just a place to stay — it becomes a meaningful part of your elopement story. Just minutes from the balloon launch site + Letchworth State Park, it offers calm and convenience during what is often a beautifully emotional week. With its cozy interior, natural light, scenic outdoor spaces, and private hot tub, it’s a wonderful setting for getting ready, capturing photos, and celebrating the beginning of your marriage in a relaxed and intimate way.
Many couples fall so in love with the space and the memories they create here that they make it a return destination year after year — for anniversaries, future getaways, or simply to relive the magic of where it all began.
We look forward to becoming YOUR special place!
Elopement photography by: @Sarahmcginnisphotography, emilybraunphotography, oliviaperryphotoco, hayleydeliaphotography
Cheers,
Amanda