A Garden Wedding At The Morgan Samuels
Weddings are celebrations of love, commitment, and new beginnings — and when you choose the right venue, the setting becomes as meaningful as the vows themselves. For couples who imagine their big day in the Finger Lakes surrounded by lush greenery, blooming flowers, and timeless charm, The Morgan Samuels Inn & Venue in Canandaigua, New York, delivers an unforgettable garden wedding experience that feels both intimate and grand.
A Natural Backdrop That Tells a Story
Nestled on a sprawling 45-acre estate just a short drive from Canandaigua Lake, this historic property balances heritage and natural beauty in a way few wedding venues can. As soon as your guests enter through the long, tree-lined driveway and over the stone bridge, they’re greeted by manicured lawns, pastoral fields, and European-style gardens.
Whether your wedding is set among vibrant summer blooms, the crisp elegance of early spring or the rich hues of fall, the gardens here offer a storybook backdrop for your ceremony. From The Rockery to The Walnut Grove to the Hay Fields to the Old Barn Foundation each area of the property — from shade-draped groves of mature trees to colorful perennial beds — creates the perfect photo opportunity and helps shape the emotional landscape of your wedding day.
The Charm of an Old-World Garden Setting
Old World Garden Setting, Canandaigua, NY
Unlike venues that rely solely on decor to create ambiance, every garden space at the Morgan Samuels naturally evokes a sense of romance and serenity. Inspired by Old English garden design, the grounds with its 1800’s Mansion blend structured elegance with natural beauty. Take a stroll on the path through Hosta Hill, enjoy the lush floral displays, and shaded resting spots on the property. This type of setting doesn’t just serve as a backdrop — it enhances the feeling of the day itself, turning simple moments into treasured memories.
Imagine your ceremony under century-old trees as butterflies drift in the breeze, your vows said in a quiet garden alcove, with your family and friends gathered around. There is little need for elaborate decor with such natural elegance all around, the property makes its own statement.
Rockery Garden Wedding Site
Flexibility to Create Your Unique Celebration
One of the most compelling aspects of a garden wedding at the Morgan Samuels is the flexibility it offers. Couples aren’t limited to a single ceremony spot; instead, they can choose any location that speaks to their vision — whether a secret grove tucked beneath towering trees or an open lawn framed by floral borders. The venue’s expansive lawn and garden space can accommodate weddings small and intimate or large and celebratory, with room for over 225 guests.
Majestic Tree as your Arbor
Fall Rockery Wedding
September Wedding
Old Barn Wall Garden Wedding
Unlike many traditional wedding venues that require you to use house vendors or stick to a strict schedule, this venue’s approach allows personalization at every level. You can bring in your choice of caterer, photographer, entertainment, and florals — making each event as unique as the couple at the center of it.
A Weekend Celebration, Not Just a Day
The idea of a wedding has evolved: many couples now seek multi-day experiences that allow them to savor every moment, from rehearsal dinners to farewell brunches. At the Morgan Samuels, the celebration extends beyond a single evening. Couples enjoy exclusive access to the mansion and grounds for a full three-day weekend, allowing guests to truly relax and partake in the joy of the occasion.
This time-rich approach means your event doesn’t have to be hurried. You can decorate early, rehearse in peace, gather around the fire pit with loved ones, and truly embrace the experience of being surrounded by nature, family. And friends. Instead of rushing from ceremony to reception to departure, you get to relax and enjoy your wedding weekend.
Relax by the Fire Pit
Complementary Spaces for Reception and Relaxation
While the gardens are the heart of your wedding celebration, there’s plenty of space to enjoy indoor and transitional areas as well. The sunroom and patio — overlooking a decorative fountain, the garden rockery and the rose garden — provide charming spots for cocktail hours, intimate receptions, or small gathering areas throughout the event.
For larger gatherings, the estate’s tented reception area opens directly to grapevine greenery, the Rock Garden and the Old Barn Wall garden, allowing guests to dine and dance with the serenity of nature enveloping the celebration.
Sunroom Reception
Tent Reception
A Venue That Belongs to You
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of a garden wedding at the Morgan Samuels is the sense of ownership you gain during your stay. This is not a space shared with hotel guests, golfers, or passersby; it’s your own private estate for the weekend. Whether your vision is elegant and refined, whimsical and casual, or rich with tradition and personal touches, the venue offers both the canvas and the freedom to create it.
Your Place for the Weekend in the Finger Lakes
From outdoor ceremonies beneath a natural canopy to receptions dancing under the stars, this Canandaigua garden wedding venue allows couples to choreograph a day — and a weekend — that reflects the heart and spirit of their relationship.
Final Thoughts
A wedding is more than a ceremony — it’s a celebration woven with moments that become lifelong memories. At the Morgan Samuels Inn & Venue, the lush gardens, historic charm, and flexible celebration spaces provide a magical environment tailored to love stories of every style. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, a garden wedding here is bound to be unforgettable.
From panoramic views to shaded garden nooks, the Morgan Samuels offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and wedding day freedom — proving that when it comes to garden weddings, dreams can come true here in Canandaigua’s Finger Lakes region.
Interested in learning more about our private, affordable venue in Canandaigua, NY, just 40 miles south of Rochester, and 80 miles east of Buffalo?
Book a Tour Today
Discover where your love story meets timeless elegance. https://www.morgansamuelsvenue.com/tour
585-748-4045
