An Adirondack Elopement: Ali & Jay's Indian Head Adventure
- Molly Hennighausen
- Nov 7
- 5 min read
Some love stories feel like they were written for the mountains. Ali and Jay’s story is one of them. Their decision to have an Adirondack elopement was a perfect reflection of their love for each other and the great outdoors. On a hot July day, they hiked to the iconic Indian Head overlook in Keene, New York, to exchange their vows in a way that was true to them: intimate, adventurous, and deeply personal.
This is the story of their "just us" elopement, a day filled with laughter, breathtaking views, and the beautiful, simple truth that marriage is about the union of two souls.
Want to skip the story and go straight to photos? Click here! (But do come back for the story 😉)
Why an Adirondack Elopement?
For many couples, the idea of a large, traditional wedding doesn't feel right. Ali and Jay knew early on that they wanted something different, something that focused solely on their commitment to each other.
As Ali puts it, "An elopement was right for us because at the end of the day, marriage is about the union of our two souls and our two souls alone."
Their shared passion for hiking made the Adirondacks the natural choice. Ali, an accomplished 46er, and Jay, who shares her love for the trails, found their inspiration in the wild beauty of the mountains.
"The inspiration came from our love of the outdoors and felt it was a journey for us in our lives and that day," Jay explains.
Choosing the Perfect Spot to Elope: The Indian Head Overlook
The Adirondack Park offers countless stunning locations, but choosing the right one is a key part of planning an elopement. Originally, hiking to the summit of one of the Adirondack High Peaks was on the list. As planning went on, a few other ideas also came up, eventually settling on a remote hike--but plans changed! The week of, Ali felt an intuitive pull toward Indian Head, a popular but undeniably spectacular trail near Keene, NY.
The decision was solidified by the sweltering July heat. The couple had hoped to bring their dog, Motley, but the hot and humid conditions made it unsafe. Choosing Indian Head meant Motley could stay cool and safe at their Airbnb, allowing Ali and Jay to focus on their hike without worry. It was a classic example of how elopements allow for flexibility and prioritizing what truly matters.
A Day to Remember: The Hike and the Vows
The day of the elopement was a testament to Ali and Jay’s go-with-the-flow attitude. The heat was intense, but they embraced it as part of their adventure.
Ali even has a fond memory of "dumping the whole water bottle on top of my head," calling it a "fun and on brand memory for just who I am as a person."
Their journey up the trail was a prelude to the main event. When they reached the stunning overlook, with the vast expanse of the Adirondack wilderness stretching before them, it was time for the moment they had been waiting for.
For Ali, the most powerful part of the day was the ceremony itself.
"My favorite moment was when we exchanged our vows. It was very private, intimate, and emotional. It was a beautiful moment for sure."
Jay’s favorite moment came just before, when he saw Ali for the first time.
"My favorite moment was seeing her for the first time in her dress. Honestly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my life."
Advice for Couples Planning an Elopement in the Adirondacks
Reflecting on their experience, Ali and Jay have some valuable advice for other couples considering an adventurous elopement. Their wisdom is simple yet profound.
Ali’s advice is to embrace the unexpected:
"Go with the flow and try to let go of expectations and enjoy outcomes, however they may land."
This mindset is crucial when your wedding venue is the great outdoors, where weather and trail conditions can change in an instant.
Jay adds a practical and essential tip:
"Be flexible with an outdoor elopement. Know what you're capable of and be ready with snaaaaacks."
Anyone who has hiked in the Adirondacks knows that snacks are non-negotiable!
Working with Outdoor Chronicles as Their Adirondack Elopement Photographer
For a "just us" elopement, your photographer plays a huge role. They are not just documenting the day; they are your guide, your witness, and a key part of your experience. Ali and Jay knew they needed someone who understood both photography and the mountains.
"Molly's work was obviously beautiful but they were also really fun to talk to," Ali said. "We knew that spending our special day with you would be fun." Jay agreed, noting, "Your excitement and positive vibes on our first phone meeting assured me this was going to be a good experience."
The connection paid off, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
"I would say just goofing off while posing was the most fun for me, and Molly goofing off with us!," Ali remembered.
The result? Images that felt authentic to their personalities and the magic of the day.
Looking back, Ali feels the photos perfectly captured their story.
"The images are absolutely beautiful... They really tell a story and capture the beauty of the surroundings and of individual moments." Jay describes them as "Awestruck, magical, memorable, dream-like."
Is an Adirondack Elopement Right for You?
Ali and Jay’s story is a beautiful reminder that your wedding day can be anything you want it to be. It doesn’t have to involve a huge guest list or a traditional venue. It can be just the two of you, on a mountaintop, promising forever in a way that feels honest, adventurous, and completely your own.
If you are drawn to the wild heart of the mountains and believe that the best adventures are shared, an Adirondack elopement might be the perfect start to your own journey.
Meet Molly, Your Adirondack Elopement Photographer
Hi! I'm Molly, a LGBTQ+ award-winning elopement photographer and licensed hiking guide! I would love to chat about photographing your perfect elopement, vow renewal, or pre/post-wedding session in New York.
I'm a small wedding and elopement photographer who is always up for a new adventure- whether it's on the slopes or hiking to a beautiful view. While based outside of the Adirondacks, I also have a second home in the Austrian Alps. If you think the Alps might be a great setting for your elopement or honeymoon adventure, reach out- I love to talk about the beauty of the Alps and share all sorts of advice.
Interested in eloping on a mountain top in the Adirondacks, White Mountains, or beyond?
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