CAnfield Casino Wedding

Planning & Management: The Main Event By Kelly 
Photo + Video: JP Elario
Venue: Canfield Casino
Caterer: 2 Shea Catering
DJ: Love Of Music
Hair & Makeup: Heart and Soul HOB
Bridal Shop: Lily Saratoga
Menswear Shop: Mr Formal Wear
Floral Design: Fleurtacious Designs
Bridesmaid Dresses: Shop Revelry
Gown Designer: Martina Liana Bridal
Rings: Hannoush Jewelers
Rentals: Total Events
Social Media Content: Element Social Media

Meghan & Chris

Upstate New York Wedding Planners Perspective:

This Canfield Casino wedding was celebrated by Meghan and Chris, with a vibrant summer wedding in the heart of Saratoga Springs. Their mid-June celebration at the historic Canfield Casino radiated with energy – from the vibrant floral arrangements that decorated the venue to the bridesmaids elegantly dressed in light blue. The energy of the day was undeniable—romantic, timeless, and full of joy..

While Congress Park adjacent to Canfield Casino offers stunning photo opportunities, Meghan and Chris chose to make their wedding uniquely theirs by arranging their first look and photos at Surrey Williamson Inn, just steps away from Skidmore College. This slight deviation from tradition provided them with distinctive backdrops while still maintaining proximity to their venue – a smart consideration for timeline management.

A modern touch that Meghan and Chris added to their day was hiring a social media manager, and they chose Element Social Media to capture behind-the-scenes content in real-time. This trend is becoming increasingly popular, giving couples instant access to professional-quality wedding-day footage while still allowing their photographer and videographer to focus on their art. If sharing wedding moments as they happen is important, bringing in a social media professional can be a great way to enhance your day. In fact, we even shared a beautiful highlight video of Meghan and Chris’s wedding on our Instagram—you can watch it here!

Inside Canfield Casino, the architectural details are a showstopper, and enhancing them with thoughtful design choices can take the venue to the next level. Upgraded chairs, luxurious linens, and specialty napkins are small but impactful ways to elevate the space and make it feel even more elegant. These details ensure the décor matches the grandeur of the venue itself.

One logistical challenge to be aware of is limited parking at Canfield Casino. To keep things seamless for guests, we always recommend hiring transportation or providing guests with clear parking instructions in advance. This ensures a smooth arrival experience and avoids any unnecessary stress on the wedding day.

One special moment Meghan and Chris incorporated into their timeline was a private last dance. This intimate moment, after all the guests had left, allowed them to soak in the magic of the evening together. As wedding planners, coordinating this requires ensuring all guests are escorted out efficiently and that transportation is lined up and ready. It’s a beautiful way to end the night on a romantic, personal note.

Wedding Team: 

Wedding Planners inside tips for having an incredible wedding at Canfield Casino:

One of the best ways to elevate your wedding at Canfield Casino is to embrace the small yet impactful details—like your wedding cake. Meghan and Chris worked with Fleurtacious Designs, who beautifully highlighted the vibrant, summery feel of their June wedding with an extravagant floral cake display. Adding fresh flowers to your cake is a simple yet stunning way to tie your wedding design together and create a show stopping dessert moment.

A key logistical tip for this venue is understanding that Canfield Casino is managed by the City of Saratoga Springs, meaning there are strict regulations in place. Vendor load-in and load-out can be challenging due to limited access, making it highly recommended to hire a wedding planner or at least a day-of coordinator. Managing vendor logistics in a city-run venue requires expertise, so having a professional oversee the details ensures a seamless experience, allowing you to enjoy your day stress-free.

For couples looking to incorporate a fun, Saratoga-specific touch, renting the Congress Park carousel for photos is a unique and whimsical way to celebrate the location. This vintage carousel creates playful and romantic moments, adding a memorable experience to your wedding gallery. However, keep in mind that Congress Park is a public space, so if you’re considering an outdoor ceremony there, be aware that park visitors will have access to the area. Additionally, food and beverages are not allowed outside of Canfield Casino, so all catering and drinks must stay within the venue.

One of the biggest perks of Canfield Casino’s location is its prime spot in downtown Saratoga Springs, making guest accommodations incredibly convenient. There are plenty of nearby hotels and beautiful spaces for getting ready, with The Adelphi Hotel being one of our personal favorites for its luxury, charm, and elegant suites perfect for bridal prep.

Finally, for a fun and glamorous reception addition, consider a champagne tower! Meghan and Chris incorporated one into their celebration, and it made for some fantastic photo opportunities while adding an interactive, celebratory touch to the evening. Whether it’s a champagne tower, signature cocktails, or a unique late-night snack, adding a personal, playful moment to your reception ensures an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.

Recap on how to have an amazing wedding at Canfield Casino:

Hosting a wedding at Canfield Casino in Saratoga Springs is a truly special experience, blending historic elegance with a prime downtown location. To make the most of this stunning venue, focus on thoughtful details like enhancing the space with upgraded linens and chairs, incorporating seasonal floral touches, and considering unique photo opportunities like the Congress Park carousel. Keep in mind that city regulations can make vendor logistics tricky, so having a wedding planner or coordinator is key to a smooth day. While the park offers beautiful scenery, it remains open to the public, and all food and beverages must stay within the venue. Meghan and Chris fully embraced the beauty of a carefree summer wedding, making the most of their day by staying present and enjoying every moment. From their joyful first look at Surrey-Williamson Inn to their private last dance, they created a celebration that felt effortless and fun. Their vibrant floral design, champagne tower, and upbeat energy made for an unforgettable night. By focusing on meaningful details and trusting their vendors, they were able to relax, celebrate, and truly enjoy their wedding to the fullest—just as every couple should at Canfield Casino.


Venue Information: 
Canfield Casino
1 E Congress St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Email: leigha.oconnor@saratoga-springs.org
Phone: (518) 587-3550

SAY HELLO

If you have any questions about how we can work together or if you’d just like a sounding board for the ideas you have so far, I would love to hear from you.