Elopement in the Hudson Valley, New York

Katelyn and Nick reached out to me after they decided they wanted to have a last minute elopement in the Hudson Valley.  They originally had planned a larger out-of-state wedding, but due to COVID, decided to postpone to a micro wedding with just immediate family and their bridal party till later this year. For now, they just wanted to go ahead with their plans to marry in a simple ceremony with just two of their local friends and the rest of their friends and family tuning in via Zoom. 

When Katelyn and Nick first contacted me, all they had was a marriage license and a general location in mind, they knew they wanted to have an elopement in the Hudson Valley.  They were not sure exactly where in the Hudson Valley and they did not have an officiant. I quickly recommended my favorite Hudson Valley officiant Rev. Jim Rooney.  The Rev. Jim Rooney is as warm as his Scottish accent and a gem.  Luckily, he was also available.  

A COVID Elopement in the Hudson Valley

We then had to determine the exact location and time. The timing was easy – as close to sunset as possible. The location was a little trickier.  My first recommendation was a gorgeous cliff in Cold Spring, NY for their elopement in the Hudson Valley.  However, the park soon closed indefinitely on weekends due to COVID.  So, we shifted to another spot just down the road and along the Hudson River.  

I have always loved the quote, “True adventure begins when things go wrong”.  I find this quote reassuring.  Life can shift in unexpected ways but the outcome can be even more spectacular than originally intended. Such was the case with Katelyn and Nick’s elopement.  Although they had to ride the waves of emotions as their original wedding plans shifted, they embraced the change and it worked out how exactly as it should – beautifully.

The world seemed to align for them that night. Even the sun shined bright that evening and if on cue, crested the Hudson Highlands in perfect timing. Although, their intimate wedding consisted of just two guests it did not lack warmth. Rev. Jim was meant to be their officiant, I was meant to be their elopement photographer and well, the obvious, Katelyn and Nick were meant for each other. Congratulation to these two kind folks!

Officiant: Rev. Jim Rooney 

For more information on eloping or having a micro wedding in the Hudson Valley, visit these blog posts:

Where to have an Adventure Elopement in the Hudson Valley

Where to have an intimate or micro wedding in the Hudson Valley