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A Wedding at Letchworth State Park

  • Jul 16, 2025
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 24, 2025

A Pride & Prejudice Morning at Letchworth

When Love Meets Natural Splendor


Steeped in early morning light like a scene straight out of Pride & Prejudice, Ashley and Justin exchanged vows at the historic Glen Iris Inn overlooking Middle Falls. The Genesee River’s gentle roar echoed their promises, each line delivered with the quiet strength and devotion reminiscent of Elizabeth Bennet’s and Mr. Darcy’s heartfelt declarations.


Why Letchworth Is the Ideal Outdoor Wedding Venue

Nature’s Cathedral: The “Grand Canyon of the East”


  • Middle Falls & Genesee River Gorge: The iconic waterfall provided a breathtaking natural backdrop, its beauty enhancing every frame of the ceremony.


  • Picnic Shelters & Visitor Center Access: The park’s reservable picnic shelters with comfort stations ensured guests could mingle comfortably before the ceremony.


  • Permits and Park Coordination: A well-organized permit system—for catering, amplified music, tenting, and alcohol—means weddings can be as polished or intimate as the couple desires.


  • Vehicle Use Fees & Parking: Convenient parking and clearly communicated vehicle fees ensured a smooth, stress-free arrival for all attendees.


Bride and groom embrace in forest setting, groom in beige suit kisses bride’s forehead, holding bouquet, with stone wall in the background at Letchworth State Park in Geneseo, NY

Glen Iris Inn: The Heart of the Celebration


Rustic Twist Meets Timeless Elegance


Originally William Pryor Letchworth’s country estate, the Inn offers ceremony spaces overlooking waterfalls and versatile options for the reception. Early morning light through the trees created the perfect ambiance for Ashley’s bridal entrance—an intimate moment where vintage romance felt profoundly real.


Ceremony Highlights: A Story Told Through Friendship


Ashley’s bridesmaid's heartfelt speech, referencing ten years of friendship and shared growth, captivated everyone—even wiping tears from stoic guests. Her words about “growing old together” with Justin and how she “wouldn’t give her up so easy” mirrored the slow-burn, deep devotion of Jane Austen’s beloved couple.

Smiling bride with curly hair and veil, holding a bouquet of white and yellow flowers. Stone steps and greenery in the background. Bright, joyful mood at Glen Iris Inn in Geneseo, NY.

Brunch at Dawn: A Feast in the Glen Iris Gardens


Family and friends gathered under the lush lawn tents adjacent to the Glen Iris Inn. Awarding transport, permits, and music had been seamlessly arranged, allowing guests to savor the moment.


  • Catering Excellence: The Glen Iris team flowed between dishes, blending fresh, local flavors with warm hospitality.


  • Natural Centerpieces: Seasonal wildflowers mirrored the park’s foliage, gently reflecting Ashley’s graceful aesthetic—a nod to her favorite film.


  • Amplified Music & Soundscapes: Light jazz and acoustic guitar set a soft tone, permitted by the park’s sound policy. Not intrusive, but evocative, much like the heartfelt declarations in Austen’s best scenes.


Exploring Letchworth in Love


More Than Just a Venue


Guests had more than photos to treasure. A few wandered the 15 miles of hiking trails, soaking in scenes of unspoiled wilderness . Others ventured to the Humphrey Nature Center, enriching their minds with the park’s flora, fauna, and rich history. Evening wanderers found romance strolling alongside the hidden bridges and stone archways that dot this historic State Park.

Couple embracing on a wooden bridge over a stream in a lush forest, surrounded by greenery. Wedding attire and romantic mood at Letchworth State Park in Rochester, NY.

Photography & Film: Capturing Timeless Moments


Here are a few points of inspiration for capturing photo and video at Letchworth State Park:


  • Golden-hour portraits beside flowing waterfall ribbons.


  • Reflections in glistening river pools, hinting at Elizabeth Bennet’s quiet contemplations.


  • Candid joy during brunch—guests laughing, clinking glasses, savoring early light and lasting delight.These visual stories echoed Lim’s aesthetic while adding the personalized intimacy of Ashley & Justin’s journey.


A Cinematic Love Story, with a Touch of Austen


The day unfolded like a curated film—rolling hills and waterfalls stood in for grand estates, and sunlight filtered through trees like a ballroom’s crystal chandelier. Ashley, in her elegant gown, embodied a modern Elizabeth Bennet: spirited, loving, thoughtful. Justin, steady and gentle, was her Darcy—beard replaced by suit, quiet strength by true devotion.


Practical Tips for Your Letchworth Wedding


  1. Choose Your Ceremony Site Wisely: Whether atop the gorge or near Middle Falls, know your permit needs and parking logistics.

  2. Reserve Picnic Shelters Early: Adds comfort and backup options for your guests.

  3. Plan Permits Strategically: Amplified music, alcohol, tents, catering—all require timely applications.

  4. Consider Vehicle Fees: Coordinate limo or guest cars to align with park rules.

  5. Have a Rain Plan: Glen Iris Inn’s parlor or lawn tent ensures elegance, rain or shine.


Bride and groom in a forest setting by a stream. Bride in lace dress, groom in tan suit. They smile warmly, surrounded by greenery at Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park.

Final Thoughts: Poetry in the Park


Ashley and Justin’s wedding evoked Pride & Prejudice in nature’s grandeur: the velvet softness of morning light, the whispered leaves around them, the unwavering devotion in each vow. They reminded us that true love is simple, profound, and poised to stand the test of time—much like Elizabeth’s certainty in Darcy.


As guests strolled beneath canopies, sharing stories and smiles, it felt as if time had paused. The waterfalls sang their blessing, the river glimmered with promise, and two hearts—of friends, lovers, and life partners—became one.


Bride and groom stand on stone path near waterfall with lush greenery. A bridge arches in the background under a partly cloudy sky at Letchworth State Park in Geneseo, NY.

In Celebration of Love & Landscape


Candidly Kierra Productions is honored to have captured a day where grandeur met intimacy. A day shaped by waterfalls and vows, tradition and authenticity, Spielberg’s eye and Austen’s heart.


If you’re dreaming of your outdoor wedding, let Letchworth be your canvas, your chapel, and your witness. And when you say “I do,” know we’ll be there—turning light and love into timeless art.


Vendors that Made the Magic

Venue: Letchworth State Park, Glen Iris Inn


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If you enjoyed the highlight reel above, make sure to check out more of my work in my blog or wedding portfolio. Check out feature films too! If you are interested in having me film your wedding, head over to my wedding package pricing page or feel free to contact me!

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