How to Elope in the Adirondack Mountains
The Adirondack Mountains (also known as the ADKs) are so MAGICAL and truly one of the beautiful places in the United States (in my opinion)!!! With lake views surrounded by mountains, the magical forest vibes, and the views of mountains at every turn, it is truly amazing to choose this place as an elopement location. That’s why I’ve created this guide on how to elope in the Adirondack Mountains, so you can learn everything you need to know about having an Adirondack elopement. From permits, to locations, to Airbnb’s, and more! Get ready to absolutely fall in LOVE with this special place in Upstate New York.
Where are the Adirondack Mountains?
The Adirondack Mountains are in northeastern New York, about four hours north of Manhattan (New York City) and 2 hours south of Montreal (Canada). The Adirondack Mountains are a part of vast wilderness with a ton of quaint little towns. Throughout the Adirondack Mountains, there are over 200 lakes and hundreds of mountains.
How to Get to the Adirondack Mountains
There are three airports close to the Adirondack Mountains:
- Burlington Airport (BTV) is about 90 minutes away.
- Plattsburg International Airport (PBG) is about 90 minutes away.
- Albany International Airport (ALB) is about 2 hours away.
Closest Major Cities/Towns near the Adirondack Mountains
As said above, there are so many small towns throughout the Adirondack Mountains. These are a few of the “bigger” towns:
- Lake Placid
- Keene
- Plattsburgh
- Lake George
- Glens Falls
- Saranac Lake
Why Should You Elope in the Adirondack Mountains?
In the Adirondack Mountains, you get the best of both worlds by being in the mountains and by the water. There is SO much to do here and so much history in this area. In the summertime, you can hike, kayak, rent a boat and go out on the water, check out so many waterfalls, swim in the lakes, and so much more. In the winter, you can go skiing, snowboarding, explore using snowshoes, and more. Yearround, you can check out places including forts from the Revolutionary War, a Star Trek Museum, breweries and wineries, and allllll the good local restaurants.
FAQs About Eloping in the Adirondack Mountains
Is there a fee to enter the park? No, there is no fee to see the Adirondack Mountains.
What are the operating hours of the Adirondack Park? The Adirondack Mountains are open 24/7.
Do I need witnesses to get married? In the state of New York, you need one witness for your elopement. Although I am not ordained, I’m always happy to sign a witness paper if you do not want any guests at your elopement in the Adirondack Mountains.
Do you need a permit to get married in the Adirondack Mountains? No! The Adirondack Mountains are actually a state park (not a national park), and they do not require a permit to have an elopement in the mountains or in fields.
Best Locations for an Elopement in the Adirondack Mountains
The options are truly endless! You can choose to get married on top of a mountain, by one of the many lakes, or in a field with a view of the mountains and/or the water.
The Best Time to Get Married
Honestly you can’t go wrong with getting married during any season; the Adirondack Mountains are truly beautiful any time of the year. The winter is typically snowy and cold (snow can last as late as May). Summertime is gorgeous and typically not super hot, especially if you’re on a mountain or by the water. Fall is beautiful with all the leaves changing. The peak of the fall leaves is usually in the end of September/beginning of October.
Weather: In the Adirondack Mountains, it is usually cold and can be snowy from late October through May. From May through September, it is warm out although you might need some layers to wear when it gets dark, with July and August usually being the hottest months of the year. In September and early October, it’s cool outside – where layers are useful to wear throughout the day to stay warm or cool off!
Crowds: The Adirondack Mountains are most popular in the summer and early to mid-fall due to the nice weather and peak fall colors. However, the mountain trails are typically never so crowded that you are not able to get some privacy either off to the side or from just being on top of the mountain. Same goes with being on the lake.
Where to Stay in the Adirondack Mountains
Airbnb’s in the Adirondack Mountains
Log Cabin on Scenic Waterfront
Waterfront Artisan ADK Cottage
Adirondack Mountainside A-Frame
Unique Cabin In Between Lake George and Lake Champlain
Hotel and Resorts in the Adirondack Mountains
Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid
Highlands Castle in Bolton’s Landing
Campgrounds in the Adirondack Mountains
Indian Lakes Islands Campground
8 Activities To Do For Your Adirondack Mountain Elopement
- Go on a hike. No matter what time of year you get married, there are sooo many trails to choose from with incredible views. There are lots of short and easy trails or there are more challenging and longer hikes!
- Spend the day on the water. Whether you choose to rent a boat, a kayak, or a canoe, you can spend your day out on the water (when the lake isn’t frozen – May through September timeframe)! There’s Lake George, Schroon Lake, Mirror Lake, etc. etc.
- Go to a brewery or a winery. There are a few breweries and wineries throughout the Adirondack Mountains to go to where almost all have awesome views of the mountains and/or on the lake.
- Have a picnic lunch. There are a few picnic companies that will set up a spread for you and your partner – whether you want it up on a short hike or by a lake.\\
- Go skiing or snowboarding or snowshoeing. This is obviously an activity for the winter time, but a go-to classic! There’s Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort, Royal Mountain Ski Area, snowshoeing at Gore Mountain, and more.
- For the history lover, check out Fort Ticonderoga, John Brown Farm State Historic Site, His Majesty’s Fort at Crown Point, etc. These are also beautiful places for photos 😉
- Go stargazing at night. There’s not a lot of light pollution in the Adirondack Mountains, so there are a lot of places to watch the stars.
- Go check out live music. A lot of the time, there is live music at the Waterhole in Saranac Lake, Retro Live in Plattsburg, Lake Placid Center for the Arts in Lake Placid, etc. etc.
Adirondack Mountain Elopement Photographer
Well hey there – if you didn’t know me already, I’m Emily! I’m an Adirondack Mountains elopement photographer based in North Carolina. I spend a lot of time photographing adventure elopements of rad couples around the world. I’m obsessed with all things elopements, hiking, outdoor adventure, and am truly so grateful that I get to call this my job!!!
If you’re looking for a photographer for your Adirondack Mountains elopement who will:
- Photograph your beautiful Adirondack Mountains elopement ceremony and activities through storytelling photos that you can look back on for the rest of your life
- Help you come up with your dream elopement day and itinerary
- Help you find activities in the Adirondack area to make your elopement intentional, unique, and memorable
…then I’m your person!!!
Visit my website to learn more about me, get to know my approach to elopement photography, and then reach out to me if you think we’re a good fit. I cannot wait to hear from you and start planning your dream Adirondack Mountain elopement!!
Final Tips for Eloping at the Adirondack Mountains
- Sunrise and sunset are the best times for lighting. Sunrise is typically less crowded and more private, although there are private spots for sunset too.
- How to Plan Your Dream Elopement: Advice From Someone Who Eloped
- 12 Ways to Have a Unique Elopement
- 5 Tips on How to Dress for a Hiking Elopement
- All-Day Elopement Day Timelines
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