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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE + HIKES TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR ADIRONDACK ELOPEMENT
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & INTIMATE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
PLANNING YOUR ADIRONDACK ELOPEMENT
Eloping in the Adirondacks sounds like a dream! The Adirondack Mountains offer breathtaking views and epic landscapes, making it an ideal backdrop for an adventure elopement. Picture exchanging vows among towering pine trees, overlooking huge lakes, or atop a mountain peak with views that go on forever. Whether you prefer a cozy cabin setting, a lodge experience, or a secluded spot in the wilderness, the Adirondacks have plenty of options to make your elopement memorable. Plus, you can combine your ceremony with outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing, or simply stargazing under a clear night sky. It's the perfect setting if you're looking for a romantic and adventurous escape.
ABOUT THE ADIRONDACK MOUNTAINS
The Adirondack Mountains, located in upstate New York and extend southward from the St. Lawrence River valley and Lake Champlain to the Mohawk River valley. The park comprises one of the largest protected Boreal Forest in the world meaning it contains trees including pines, spruces and larches. Spanning over six million acres, the Adirondacks are renowned for their stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and outdoor recreational opportunities.
GETTING TO THE ADIRONDACKS
By car: If you're traveling from nearby cities like New York City, Boston, or Montreal, you can reach the Adirondacks easily by car. Major highways like Interstate 87 (Northway) run through the region, providing easy access to popular destinations. From the Northway, you can exit onto various state highways and local roads to reach specific towns and trailheads within the Adirondack Park.
By Plane: If you're traveling from farther away, you can fly into regional airports near the Adirondacks. Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) and Albany International Airport (ALB) are two common options for accessing the region. From the airport, you can rent a car or arrange for transportation to your final destination in the Adirondacks.
By Train: Amtrak offers train service to several cities near the Adirondacks, including Albany and Plattsburgh. From these cities, you can rent a car or use local transportation options to continue your journey into the Adirondack Park.
ADIRONDACK ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS:
COBBLE LOOKOUT - KEENE, NY
This 2.4-mile out-and-back trail is near Wilmington, New York. It takes about 56 min to complete.
INDIAN HEAD MOUNTAIN LOOP - *hard
This 6.1-mile loop trail is near Elka Park, New York. It takes an average of 3 h 32 min.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
This 1.0-mile out-and-back trail is near Inlet, New York. It takes an average of 44 min.
MOUNT JO - HIGH PEEKS WILDERNESS
This 2.4-mile loop trail is near Lake Placid, New York. It takes an average of 1 h 26 min to complete.
HIGH FALLS GORGE
This shorter hike goes through High Falls Gorge and is a 30 min walk near Wilmington, NY. Tickets for Adults is $18 and weddings info can be found at https://highfallsgorge.com/weddings/
MOUNT BAKER PEAK
This is a 1.6-mile out-and-back trail near Saranac Lake, New York. Dogs are allowed but must kept on a leash.
NO HIKING, JUST THE VIEWS!
WHITE FACE MOUNTAIN
Eloping on Whiteface mountain does cost up to $4500 depending on your plans for your wedding and how many people you will have in attendance. It's also $10/guests to drive up by car via the toll road. Whiteface is more popular and is a public location so if you want a more private ceremony without onlookers then this location may not be best for you. There is also a $500 fee to take photos at the top of Whiteface.
Drive to the top of Whiteface via The Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway open 8:45am-5:30pm (Late May-early October)
Nearby: Harmony Country Club
LOWER + UPPER CASCADE LAKE
This 5.9-mile loop trail near Eagle Bay, New York. It takes an average of 2 h 10 min.
MARCY FIELD + AUSABLE RIVER
Eloping at Marcy Field: The cost to elope at this location is $1000 for non-residents and like Whiteface is a public location. Before deciding to elope here you might want to consider other options first especially if you're out of state.
LAKE GEORGE
Eloping on Lake George: It's very popular during Summer but beautiful the rest of the year for an elopement! Take a look below at some venues you can rent out for your Lake George elopement.
The Bond 1886
The Lodge at Echo Lake
Whiteface Lodge Resort + Spa
OLD FORGE, BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE + NORTH CREEK
WHEN TO ELOPE IN THE ADIRONDACKS:
Below is a short list of pros and cons of elope in each season in the Adirondacks. When choosing a date it's important to consider each season and your personal preference.
Summer:
Pros: Warmer weather and of course green color to the mountains. You'll get more out of the outdoors like hiking + camping. Summer means longer daytime hours which will allow you flexibility in ceremony times.
Cons: Is when all the tourists arrive leading to popular hiking spots being crowded. My best advice is to head out early in the day or later to avoid crowds or we can choose a location together that is less popular and won't be crowded!
Fall:
Pros: Fall foliage in the Adirondacks is what draws so many to New England and upstate New York during this time of year. You'll see colors popping off here towards the end of September into late October.
Cons: With foliage in full swing comes the leaf peepers so again, going early or late to avoid crowds and finding intimate spots that are less crowded with give you the best advantage. Weather during Fall is unpredictable especially because of rainy weather.
Winter:
Pros: Winter brings the picture perfect wonderland backdrops and cozy, intimate vibes for your elopement. Winter also means less tourists in the area!
Cons: While it's a beautiful time of year, it does get very cold and can limit accessibility to certain locations. Daytime hours are also shorter.
Spring:
Pros: Blooming flora and mild weather. Fewer tourists compared to summer and fall.
Cons: Spring can be muddy and wet, and some trails may be closed due to thawing conditions.
NEARBY AIRBNBS:
8+ Hours of Coverage Example: Adventure Hiking Elopement
*Coverage hours are based on a Summer sunset elopement
* Times will vary depending one season, month and day
9:00 am Wakeup at Airbnb pack for hiking elopement
9:30 am Breakfast at a local restaurant or cafe
10 am Meet at trailhead
- 2-4 hours hiking to summit *depending on location
2:50 pm Summit mountain
- Rest time 25 minutes before photos
- Take time to change into wedding attire
3:15 pm First look
3:30 pm Ceremony/vows
4-5:00 pm - Sunset photos at the summit *dependent on sunset time
HOW DO WE HIRE YOU AS OUR UPSTATE NEW YORK ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?
Just head to my contact page and fill out a form or you can email me at raeannphoto056@gmail.com when you're ready to start planning. If you're planning for a weekday there's no rush but if you would like a weekend date, let me know ASAP!
