Adirondacks Elopement Guide (Updated for 2026)
- OCP
- Mar 15, 2023
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 24
Contents:
Are you looking for an adventure-filled, intimate way to tie the knot? Perhaps with a bit of mud? Look no further than eloping in Upstate New York’s majestic Adirondack region! Whether you and your love are avid hikers, or just looking for a beautiful location to exchange vows, this guide will provide all of the information you need to craft your dream elopement —from destination suggestions and ideas to timing to the paperwork requirements. With stunning views, outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunity for adventure and romance, the Adirondacks have it all when it comes creating a perfect wedding day in one of the many charming small towns.
Updates to the ADK Elopement Guide:
I'm updating this guide for the first time in 3 years to answer many of the questions that couples have asked in the past year regarding eloping in the Adirondacks, as well as to set some expectations! I personally LOVE the Adirondacks. After all, I live, work, and play here! I even became a licensed hiking guide for the region.
That said, it's about to be fall foliage season up here as I write this. And dang, it is GORGEOUS this time of year! It's also SO SO BUSY and I see people get disappointed again and again that they can't find parking at their preferred trailhead or that they expected complete privacy wherever they went. After all, we love to market how remote and rustic the Adirondacks are! That said, there are still places where you can get privacy AND epic views, you just have to work a bit for them. There is also nothing wrong with wanting something a bit easier on your elopement day, but it does mean that you might be sacrificing either privacy or the type of view. I like to equate the Adirondack Elopement Location choices to a Project Manager's triangle. When faced with the option of having a product be good, cheap, or fast, you can only choose two of the three. For example, if you want something cheap and fast, it probably won't be very good. If you want something cheap and good, it probably won't be very fast.
In the same way, this is what choosing a location in the Adirondacks is like. When you are faced with choosing a location that has beautiful views, is easy to get to, and has privacy, you can usually only choose two of the three, unless you pay for a private venue. If you want something easy to get to with beautiful views, they will likely be terribly crowded. Think Mount Jo or Whiteface Mountain, neither of which I recommend for vows due to the amount of onlookers you will have. Similarly, you can have a private location with epic views, but you will have to hike and be willing to sweat a bit for it. But if you are here, it's probably because you like to sweat a bit in the mountains!
Anyways, read on to see why the elopements are perfect for your adventurous elopement, regardless of the season! And as always, feel free to reach out with any questions. I love to help couples not only have a fantastic elopement day, but to actually find the location that is perfect for THEM and their unique wants. My email inbox is always open: molly@outdoorchroniclesphotography.com.
Introducing the Adirondack Mountains - The scenery and why the Adirondacks are perfect for your elopement
Nestled in the heart of Upstate New York, the Adirondack Mountains have a variety of breathtaking views. These mountains boast sprawling forests, lovely lakes, and awe-inspiring peaks that go on for miles. With over six million acres of unspoiled wilderness, the Adirondacks offer an alluring charm like no other, making them the perfect setting for those looking to elope. Enveloped in the beauty and wildness of this region, couples can exchange their vows in solitude (if they are willing to venture into the wild a bit), surrounded only by the sounds of nature.
Why do I personally love the Adirondacks? Honestly, every region is so different and you can get a bit of everything! Whether you want to be in the southern Adirondacks and look out over gentler mountains covered in fall foliage, head to the western end and enjoy all the lakes, or head up north for some craggedy peaks and amazing hikes, we've got it all! Add on the amazing farmer's markets and floral markets, and it's heaven!
What and where are the Adirondacks?
To get technical, the Adirondack Mountains are a mountain range located in northeastern New York, extending from Lake Champlain in the west to the Saint Lawrence River and the Canadian province of Ontario in the east. But that's probably hard to imagine. What isn't hard to imagine is that this area is bigger than Yellowstone! This immense area of rugged terrain covers 6 million acres of private and public land, making it one of the largest parks in the United States. Within this vast region lie several lovely towns that you may have heard of, including Lake Placid which hosted the 1932 and 1980 winter Olympics. While the Adirondacks are mostly known for being rugged and a bit rustic (the trails are still those "straight up the mountain" surveyer trails), there are plenty of luxury experiences to have as well. Whether you're looking for more of a glamping elopement experience or a luxury + adventure elopement experience, we have it all!
How to get to the Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are so large that travel really depends on where you want to go. For the purposes of this guide, I'll divide up the Adirondacks into a few different regions: Lake George Region, High Peaks Region (including Keene, Lake Placid, and the Whiteface areas), Western Adirondacks, and Central Adirondacks.
That said, due to the remote nature of the ADKs, no matter what, you will need a car to get around.
How to Travel From Boston or NYC to the Adirondacks by Car
For the most part, you will need a car to get around the Adirondacks. Ride shares and public transportation are not typically available. Both NYC and Boston are about equidistant from the Adirondack Mountans and you can expect to drive between 3.5 to 6 hours to reach your destination.
How to Travel to the Adirondacks by Plane
If you live a bit further away than you'd like to drive, you can always fly and rent a car. Some nearby Airports are:
Albany New York Airport- about a 2 hour drive to the High Peaks Region of the Adirondacks
Plattsburgh International Airport- 30 to 45 minute drive to the High Peaks Region
Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake- daily flights between Boston's Logan Airport and NYC's JFK airport
Best dates to elope in the Adirondacks in 2026
When choosing to elope in the Adirondacks, I recommend that couples plan to spend at least 4 days in the area. Over the past 6 years photographing "adventure elopements", over 60% have had to adjust in some way due to weather. Sometimes it's moving the time of day (moving from sunset to sunrise for example), sometimes it's moving to another day, and sometimes it's even moving the location (i.e. a less strenuous hike where we can easily duck into tree cover if needed and/or return to the trailhead quickly).
And yes, usually the move is due to rain, but in 2025, several elopements needed to be adjusted due to the extreme heat wave! As I talk about often on my website, your safety always comes first. I don't want to actually have to use my Wilderness First Responder certification on your wedding day after all ;)
In 2026, there are definitely some dates to keep in mind as the best times to elope in the Adirondacks.
If you dream of a winter elopement, March is the best time to elope for a ski wedding. Why? The snow is typically solid and temps are warmer than they are during the frigid months of December through February. As an extra bonus, the days are getting longer, which means more time skiing on your wedding day.
If you want to avoid bugs, the best month to elope in the Adirondacks is in August. The notorious black flies and mosquitoes are out in full force in June and July. August brings slightly cooler temps, less bugs, and beautiful greenery to the mountains.
For stargazing and milky way photos, the best dates are July 14, August 12, and September 11. These are the dates of the new moon, which means that skies will be dark. As an extra bonus for August 12, this is when the Perseid's Meteor Shower will occur, which can be quite spectacular with clear skies!
For fall foliage photos, the first week and a half of October is the best time to elope. While temps are cooler and you will likely need a jacket, if your priority is seeing the beautiful fall leaves in all their brilliant colorful glory, you will want to book your Adirondack elopement anywhere from October 1-October 10, 2026.
Best Adirondack Elopement Locations
There are so many amazing locations to elope in the Adirondacks, so choosing the perfect location for you will depend greatly on the type of scenery you want to experience!
That said, there are a few things that are pretty much everywhere including great hiking and great food. Here are the top places to base your Adirondack elopement!
Eloping in Lake Placid, Keene Valley, and the High Peaks area
If I were to pick one of the most epic places to elope, this would be it. With countless hiking trails, the views are phenomenal.
If you dream of being up in the mountains but want to bring a few guests who might not physically want to or be able to hike with you, there are also some accessible elopement venues such as:
Scott's Cobble at Experience Outdoors
Whiteface Mountain
Bark Eater Inn
Lake Placid Lodge
If you are willing to venture a bit further into the wilderness, there are countless locations where you can have privacy while enjoying epic mountain vies.
Can I elope on Whiteface Mountain or at Marcy Field?
I often get asked about eloping on Whiteface Mountain or at Marcy Field, thinking that it is free. These are both options but it's important to note that it is not free to elope at either Whiteface Mountain or Marcy Field.
To elope on Whiteface Mountain, it can cost up to $4,500 depending on your exact wedding plans and number of guests in attendance, plus $10 per guest to use the toll road. If you absolutely love the view from Whiteface and don't mind having attention on you, I recommend only taking photos on the mountain and actually eloping elsewhere, so that you can exchange vows in privacy and soak in that "just married" feeling together. The fee to take photos on Whiteface is $500. It's important to note that the toll road is only open from late May through early October and is weather dependent. Below are some photos from an elopement on Whiteface Mountain.
Hot tip for if you want to take photos on Whiteface: I recommend working with a photographer who knows Whiteface well, because there are a few spots that are a bit out of the way of the main viewing area that and extra magical!
Here are some photos from a Whiteface Mountain elopement:
Extra Secret Spots:
For Marcy Field, it costs $1,000 for non-residents to get married. Both Marcy Field and Whiteface Mountain are solid options, but I also encourage couples to look at other options if privacy is important to you, as you will definitely have the public around you witnessing your nuptials. I specialize in providing a customized list of options that are more private for your elopement day.
Here are some photos from a Marcy Field Elopement:
Eloping in Lake George
Lake George is flooded in the summer, but it's a fantastic place to elope during the rest of the year. If you are determined to elope in Lake George in the summer, I highly recommend renting out a private venue with great views, since many of the public spots are overrun with tourists. That said, I still know of a handful of hiking elopement locations if you are willing to get a bit sweaty. Just check out the photos below!
Some of my favorite venues for small weddings and elopements near Lake George are:
Friends Lake Inn
Inn at Erlowest
Forest Lake Camp
Garnet Hill Lodge
Eloping in the Central or Western Adirondacks: Old Forge, Blue Mountain Lake, and North Creek areas
If lakes or vast amounts of snowmobile trails are your thing, then you might want to consider eloping in the central or western areas of the Adirondacks. If you imagine hopping in a canoe on your wedding day or during your honeymoon, this is a perfect place to head to. And if you want to add on a hike or two, there are some amazing peaks that are only accessible by water. This is one of those more unknown but majestic areas of the Adirondacks! I highly recommend checking out an amazing private property to book if you are considering eloping in this area.
Finding the ideal elopement venue - Where to look for the best accommodations for your elopement
This is where I see folks potentially making the biggest mistake when it comes to planning their Adirondack Elopement. There are a lot of hotels and private venues that market themselves as "in the Adirondacks" when in fact they may be an hour+ away from the place you actually want to spend time! So, when it comes to finding the perfect place to base out of during your stay in the Adirondacks, I recommend figuring out your desired scenery and activities first and then finding the place you want to be overnight. And of course, I'm always here to help you find that place! Above I've listed out some great venues for small weddings, but I'm always here to help you find the perfect spot if you are eloping "just you two". For most folks, I recommend staying in Lake Placid or Keene Valley if you imagine eloping in the high peaks region.
Things to do in the Adirondacks
Okay, as a licensed hiking guide, I'm biased. I want to offer up some of the amazing hikes you could do in the Adirondacks such as visiting Indian Head (reservations needed), hiking (or driving up Whiteface Mountain), or visiting the Olympic Center to hike the new Mount Van Ho trail.
That said, here are a bunch of other things you could do during your Adirondack elopement besides hiking:
Complete a local hiking challenge (or start one to be continued on your anniversaries!)
Visit gorgeous waterfalls
Go for a paddle on one of the many lakes
Go cliff jumping in Lake George
See the mountains by air, either by plane or helicopter. Hot tip: planes are the go-to in the high-peaks, whereas Lake George is better for helicopters.
Visit a brewery. I personally love Paradox in the Schroon lake area!
Go dog sledding in the winter on Mirror Lake
Go horseback riding in the summer
Embrace the unexpected with a hot air balloon ride (mostly late summer, early fall and ALWAYS at sunrise)
Float through the Ausable Chasm
Go whitewater rafting
Hike to historic firetowers
Go skiing or snowshoeing
Visit cool museums, nature centers, or historic sites
Essential Checklist for Eloping in the Adirondacks - What you need to know before you go
Eloping in the Adirondacks brings an air of enchantment and offers the perfect escape for you and your partner. But before you swap your "I do's" amongst the serene mountains and majestic forest trails, channel your inner adventurer and make sure to cover some essentials. A friendly guide with local expertise like me by your side is a great addition to your planning phase. Together, we'll consider factors like the ideal wedding spot, seasonal weather variations, acquiring that all-important marriage license (within 60 days and in person), and, of course, the comfortable hiking shoes to make your journey both magical and practical.
Photography tips for your elopement or small wedding
The magic of your special day is something you want to cherish forever, and that's where working with someone who has done this a time or two is helpful! We know what to watch out for and what to make time for. As your photographer, let me share a few tips that will make your pictures that much more epic and your day that much more enjoyable.
First, ditch the cliché poses and allow candid moments to shine—your authentic emotions should take center stage. Do you want to remember posing all day or would you rather think back on the memories you made?
Think about incorporating your hobbies or favorite pastimes into the pictures, making your big day more personal, and most importantly, extra memorable.
Dare to take time and allow your photographer to experiment with unique perspectives and angles, as these can truly turn your photos into works of art.
And, finally, always remember that communication is key: Collaborate with your photographer to ensure that your vision truly comes to life! If there is a single image that you want to print as a 4' wide print, let your photographer know so that they can take the time to give you this wish. And then let them capture the rest of the day as inspiration strikes.
The Best Time of Year to Elope in the Adirondacks
Deciding on the perfect time of year to elope in the Adirondack mountains can significantly enhance your big day, providing you with memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Or, choosing the wrong time could lead to hundreds of bug bites and an elopement that just...could have been better. As an expert both elopements and the Adirondack weather patterns, allow me to guide you in selecting the ideal season for your elopement.
Although popular for its vivid autumn colors, the Adirondack Mountains offer a treasure trove of enchantment throughout the year. Spring often brings late snow and gorgeous flowing waterfalls. For a classic, whimsical winter wonderland, eloping amidst the snow-capped peaks and cozy lodges during the colder months makes for an atmosphere that dreams are made of. And for the summer, choosing the right month is key. To avoid the biting "black fly season", you will want to avoid late May through mid July (and in fact, I don't book elopements in the Adirondacks during this time). Ultimately, the key to choosing the right time for your elopement lies in aligning your vision with the experience and changing beauty that the Adirondacks provide year-round.
Working with me as your Adirondack Elopement Photographer
If you love adventure and wild landscapes, eloping in the Adirondack Mountains will provide you with an amazing and unique experience that is absolutely stunning. Here you can say “I do” surrounded by breathtaking beauty and seclusion — and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Hi! I'm Molly, an award-winning elopement photographer and licensed hiking guide! I would love to chat about photographing your perfect elopement in New York.
I'm a small wedding and elopement photographer who is always up for a new adventure. While based outside of the Adirondacks, I also have a second home in the Austrian Alps and frequently travel to Anchorage, Alaska.
Interested in talking to me about your Adirondack elopement or small adventure wedding? I'd love to help you have the best wedding day experience (while giving you some amazing pictures!)