Washington Park

Capital District’s Underrated Gem!

Note: This information is based on the date of the publishing of this article September 2024, this information may have changed. Links will be provided at the bottom of this article where you can check for updates.

There always seems to be a compromise when it comes to Weddings. Between budget, aesthetics and quality. No couple should be terrified about breaking the bank over a Wedding, especially in today’s economy. However, wanting your wedding to look and feel special is an understandable goal. With all that being said, I encourage you to consider Washington Park in Downtown Albany, as your potential Wedding location!

I understand that there may be apprehension about using a public park on a day as special as your wedding. However after personally photographing a Wedding this summer in this very park, I can assure you that the young couple that used this location were not disappointed! Washington Park has a great team maintaining this park to keep it clear of garbage and unwanted activity.

~FIRST LOOK~

One of the places I recommend for your first look is the Washington Park Lakehouse! This beautiful boathouse overlooks the lake in Washington Park which is a perfect romantic setting for a first look. The balcony in the back of the boathouse allows for privacy and gives you a great intimate setting for you and your partner. The Lakehouse was built in 1929 in the style of Spanish Revival with terracotta, terrazzo, brick, and guastavino tile. Creating a beautiful & timeless moment for your first look and for photos!

~CEREMONY~

When you exit the Washington Park Lake House, if you climb a few flights of stairs you will find a beautiful meadow which is a perfect wide open space for your ceremony. This area is shaded by large trees to make sure you and your guests are protected from the hot sun and comfortable during your ceremony.

However there is still enough light from spaces between the trees so that your ceremony feels romantic & airy and so your photos turn out great! This area is also far enough away from the main road and traffic so that you get minimum noise bleed from the surrounding neighborhoods. When you look back at your photos you will feel like you were on a private estate made just for you!

~PORTRAITS~

A beautiful Wedding day isn’t complete without stunning portraits of you and your partner! Washington Park offers a variety of beautiful locations for you to take photos. This park features a long, serpentine-shaped lake that was made in 1873. It has beautiful water fountains and provides great views for your portraits.

The lake also runs under a stunning footbridge constructed in 1875, this bridge is the oldest structure in the entire park and has been well maintained throughout the years. This bridge gives you a beautiful backdrop and a must-do photo spot for any bride & groom! Remember how I said Albany does a great job at keep these grounds beautiful? Any of the walking paths along the lake are spotless and the surrounding greenery is both healthy and vibrant, which will create dreamy sunset portraits!

If you would like to view the photos from this wedding in Washington Park you can find them here!

You can find more information about Washington Park at these links below!

Washington Park Official Website

More information on Features & Structures

Information on events taking place in Park **Please check so park is clear for ceremony**

Information on events taking place in Boathouse **Please check so boathouse is clear for first look**

Albany County Website

Thank you for reading!

– Raf