Adirondacks Mountains Elopement Guide: How to Elope in the Adirondacks
For any couple looking for an experience, rather than a big party, on their wedding day, the Adirondacks, with their towering peaks and gorgeous lakes, are an incredible place to elope! Whether you want a day spent hiking, chasing waterfalls, paddling out on the water, or cozying up in a cabin, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in the Adirondacks – from the best places to tie the knot to tips for planning your adventure.
The Best Time to Elope in the Adirondacks
The best time to elope in the Adirondacks is usually summer or early fall, but it depends on the couple and what you want for your day, and there truly is no bad time to tie the knot!
The Adirondacks are in upstate New York, so summer is the warmest season, and perfect for outdoor adventures. But, it’s also the busiest season, so eloping in early fall can be a great way to escape some of the crowds, and to see the fall foliage!
Snow usually starts to accumulate around late October, and once the winter season hits you can expect cold temperatures and lots of snow – but this could be ideal for couples who love winter sports, or those who want to get married in a winter wonderland.
Spring usually starts in April or May, as snow sticks around for a while in the mountains, but late spring can be a good time to elope in the Adirondacks before the summer crowds roll in – just keep in mind that higher elevation spots might still be buried in snow until later in the season.
The Best Places to Elope in the Adirondacks
Eloping means your “venue” options are gorgeous outdoor locations! Adirondack Park, which encompasses the mountain range, covers a fifth of the state of New York, so there’s no shortage of stunning spots to choose from. Here are just a few of the best places to elope in the Adirondacks!
WHITEFACE MOUNTAIN
From the summit of Whiteface Mountain, you’ll have panoramic views of the Adirondacks. And while you could do the strenuous hike to get there, there’s also the option of driving up the Veterans’ Memorial Highway, which will take you to a castle just below the summit. From there, it’s a short (though steep!) walk to the top. And for a unique adventure, you can even take a gondola ride to the peak of Little Whiteface!
CASCADE LAKES
The Cascade Lakes are close to Lake Placid, and a stunning place for an elopement. You’ll have dramatic mountain views, and the two lakes framed by rocky cliffs! There’s also a waterfall a short hike away, making this an incredible place to elope for couples who want a quieter location with beautiful nature views.
LAKE GEORGE
There are a lot of gorgeous lakes to choose from when you elope in the Adirondacks, and Lake George is one of them. You can stay at one of the local inns by the lake (or even The Sagamore, located on its own island), and choose from gorgeous elopement locations like Prospect Mountain and Shelving Rock Falls!
OFF THE BEATEN PATH LOCATIONS
Part of my job as an elopement photographer is making sure that every couple gets an elopement location that’s perfect for them, and while the popular spots are beautiful, you probably want a little more privacy for your ceremony. I scout locations, and create a list based on your unique vision for your day – so all you have to do is pick your favorite.
Things to Do When You Elope in the Adirondacks
Eloping is all about adventure – but that doesn’t have to mean climbing a mountain. There are so many unique experiences to choose from, and it’s all about what feels right to you and how you want to get married! Here are a few ideas for things to do when you elope in the Adirondacks.
HIKING
Don’t worry – you don’t have to hike 10 miles on your wedding day for it to be an adventure. The Adirondacks have plenty of trails, from short walks to moderate hikes, so no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here. Hiking to a waterfall, or a mountain view, is an incredible way to celebrate getting married!
A HELICOPTER OR SEAPLANE TOUR
Imagine flying over the mountain peaks and seeing them from above. Taking a helicopter tour or a seaplane tour over the Adirondacks is an incredible, truly one of a kind way to celebrate your elopement day! You can get to some really remote places (without having to hike there), and see so much more of the Adirondacks.
KAYAK OR CANOE
There are gorgeous lakes scattered across the Adirondacks, and a great way to see more of them is to get out on the water! Renting a kayak or canoe (or bringing your own) and paddling out on the serene water with your partner on your elopement day is a great way to spend some time together and to enjoy the scenery.
SKIING
If you elope in the Adirondacks in the winter, you can enjoy the mountains in a different way! Skiing and snowboarding is popular in this area, so there are plenty of slopes to choose from. If winter sports are your thing, what better way to get married than with a day spent in the snow?
Adirondacks Elopement Packages
If the gorgeous views and epic adventures sound like your jam, and you want to get married in a way that’s wild, unconventional, and completely you, I’m ready to help you elope in the Adirondacks! I’m an elopement photographer, but I’m also basically an entire vendor team in one – I’ll handle location scouting, recommendations for places to stay and things to do, creating a timeline, and more, so that you can focus on spending forever with the person you love most.
I’ll be your cheerleader, guide, and planning buddy as you navigate having a nontraditional wedding day, and I’ll help you create the day you’re dreaming of. And of course, I’ll be there to document it all, so that you can remember what this day felt like, forever.
Ready to elope? Contact me to learn more about Adirondacks elopement packages!
