How to Elope in the Adirondacks

Wedding

June 1, 2022

Bridget Bellucci

Covering most of the northeast region of the state of New York, the Adirondacks are part of the largest natural area in the United States- you could spend weeks exploring it all! Whether you want to say “I do” at the top of a mountain or on the shores of a lake, the Adirondacks in New York have everything you could ask for in an elopement location! You’ll discover natural beauty in every direction- breathtaking sunsets on mountaintops, quaint towns tucked away in the dense woodlands of the mountains, rushing streams that lead to serene lakes, and wide open fields.

You can canoe through the many lakes and rivers, stroll through one of the small storybook towns, hike up one of New York’s highest peaks, or zoom down the mountain on a pair of skis! This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan a one-of-a-kind elopement.

A couple is crossing a stream during their elopement in the Adirondacks.

Where to Elope in the Adirondacks

When you’re choosing where to say “I do,” it’s important to think about what you want your wedding day to look like! With the variety that the Adirondacks brings, you’re sure to find your perfect ceremony location.

Here are a few places to consider when you’re choosing where to elope in the Adirondacks!

A couple walking through the forest on their elopement day in the Adirondacks.

By a Lake

The Adirondack region is known for its gorgeous lakes surrounded by mountain peaks, where you can exchange vows on the shore or hop in the water!

A popular summer destination, Lake George, has 186 different islands to explore by boat. Another popular spot is Lake Placid, which boasts beautiful blue waters – the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. 

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, Mirror Lake prohibits motorized boats, so the calm waters are better for paddle boarding and swimming. In the winter, Cranberry Lake freezes over to be one of the best places for ice-skating and hockey, and it even has a toboggan chute!

A couple standing on a dock at Lake Placid, celebrating their elopement in the Adirondacks.

In the Mountains

You don’t have to be a hiker to enjoy the mountain views that Adirondack Park has to offer! Drive right up to Marcy Field for open views, a swimming hole, a seasonal farmer’s market, and picnic tables. For 360-degree views, head to Whiteface Mountain where you’ll walk a short way to an elevator inside the mountain that will take you directly to the summit! You and your guests can take a provided ATV ride to a lookout at Experience Outdoors for a ceremony with a view!

Wedding ceremony takes place overlooking the Adirondack Mountains. The bride, groom, officiant and bridal party stand on an elevated stage with their guests watching below from wooden benches. The trees frame the stage and there are mountains in the distance. At Experience Outdoors in Lake Placid, NY.

From short, easy hikes to longer day hikes, everywhere you’ll look, you’ll find a hike in the Adirondacks that takes you to incredible views. For a gorgeous sunset elopement, I recommend Big Crow – there’s nothing like saying your vows with a backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains high peaks at sunset! 

A couple is reading their vows during their elopement ceremony in the Adirondacks.

Along the way up Baxter Mountain, you’ll come across a couple of peaks before you reach the main lookout so you’ll have plenty of places to stop for photos on this trail. For a shorter hike, take the Rocky Mountain trail where you’ll see the Fulton Chain Lakes in the distance.

A couple is standing at an overlook in the Adirondacks after their elopement ceremony, and the groom is picking her up by the waist.

A Cabin or Inn

If you’d rather have your ceremony in private, try renting a cabin or staying at an inn! With all the variety of lodging available in the Adirondacks, you’ll find an incredible place to say your vows. Most of these places have room for guests, so if you want something a little bigger than an elopement, it’s perfect for an intimate wedding with family and friends!

Wedding guests wave from the deck of their airbnb wedding in the Adirondacks NY.

The Twin Pine Lodge in the mountains features rustic cottages, log cabins, fireplaces, and plenty of activities for all ages! 

If you’re hoping for more of a traditional wedding venue, the Bark Eater Inn is also in the mountains and has five locations on their property dedicated for ceremonies! The Woods Inn on the shores of Fourth Lake also has four different spaces for saying your vows, with plenty of spaces for guests to celebrate with you!

If a resort isn’t private enough for you, Airbnbs are perfect for an intimate wedding or elopement! They’re unique and have so many options for ceremonies of all sizes. In the woodlands of the Adirondacks high peaks, the Owl’s Nest is a loft style mountain home just 15 minutes from Lake Placid. Juniper Hill is a mid-century modern A-frame with views of Whiteface Mountain set on a Christmas tree farm! 

If you’d rather elope on the shores of one of the Adirondacks’ many lakes, cozy Cabin 1 on Lake Abanakee has half a mile of exclusive lake access, boat rentals, and a small dock – perfect for saying your vows at!

When to Elope in the Adirondacks

You’ll experience all four seasons in the Adirondacks, so when you choose to elope is going to make a big difference in the experience you have. The weather and crowds can vary depending on seasons and even from day to day, so let’s take a look at what you can expect in each!

Fall is one of the best times to elope in the Adirondacks – the weather is warm until about mid-October and the fall foliage peaks around then too, making for insanely beautiful photo-ops! After Labor Day in September you’ll have fewer crowds so lodging will be cheaper and easier to find.

Summers in the Adirondacks are beautiful, and an incredible time to elope. The warm, dry days are perfect for going for a swim, and the chilly evenings are great for sitting around the fire. Because of the favorable weather the crowds are pretty intense this time of year. If you elope in the Adirondacks in the summer, plan your ceremony for a weekday or at sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds!

The cold winters in the Adirondacks make it great for snow sports, but it’s not the best time to head out for a hike. With freezing temperatures for the whole season, snow falls in the mountains, some lakes freeze over, and skiers flock to the resorts. It stays pretty chilly until almost May, so for most couples, summer and fall are better for eloping in the Adirondacks!

Adirondack Elopement Packages

Making the choice to elope is so exciting! You get to plan a day that tells the story of your love– that’s why my Adirondack elopement packages are created just for you! From timeline planning to bustling your dress on your wedding day, I’ll be there every step of the way to make sure that your elopement planning process goes smoothly.

Get in touch with me if you’re ready to start planning your elopement in the Adirondacks!

  1. […] resort sits on 3,400 rolling acres, nestled between the Adirondack Mountains and the Finger Lakes, 30 minutes from Syracuse. The views are incredible, and the resort has plenty […]

  2. […] on this as a top elopement spot. If you are looking for an intimate wedding, here is my guide on how to elope in the Adirondacks. Choosing elopement can give you the ease of navigating different areas and scenery without a large […]

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