When to Elope in the Adirondacks

You’ve made the bold (and, let’s be honest, badass) decision to elope. You’re choosing adventure, intimacy, and a day that actually feels like you.
Hell yes.

And if the Adirondacks are on your radar (spoiler: they should be), you’re already halfway to magic.
Now you just have to answer one question:
When?

Picking your elopement date isn’t just about what flowers are blooming or when plane tickets are cheap…it’s about who you are at your core.

The season you choose should feel like an extension of your energy.

Are you chaotic spring waterfalls? Slow, honey-drenched summer nights? Fiery fall mountainsides? Or silent winter mornings where your breath hangs in the air?

Here’s the thing, there is no wrong time to plan an Adirondack elopement. Whether you’re envisioning lush forests, misty mountain mornings, frozen lakes, or fiery autumn peaks, eloping in Upstate New York means wild, unforgettable landscapes all year round. Each season paints a different picture and your love story deserves the one that feels just right.

Lets chat about when to elope in the Adirondacks based on the seasons, shall we?

Eloping in Spring: Mud, Mist, and Waterfall Dreams

Spring in the Adirondacks feels like the whole park is waking up after a long, slightly cranky nap LOL.
Snow is melting, waterfalls are basically screaming with joy, and every trail smells like fresh earth and possibility. It’s quiet, it’s raw, and it’s wildly underrated for elopements.

Sure, you’ll probably sink ankle-deep in mud at some point, and yes, black flies start making their grand entrance by late May (pack the bug spray, trust me). But there’s something about misty mornings over the lakes and wildflowers peeking through the forest floor that makes it feel like you’re starring in your own secret fairytale.

If you want to chase waterfalls, avoid the crowds, and don’t mind getting a little dirty (literally), spring might just be your season for your Upstate NY elopement.

Eloping in Summer: Sun-Drenched Peaks, Starry Nights, and Cannonball Vows

Ah, summer. The Adirondacks’ golden child.
Trails are alive, the lakes are glistening, and the sunsets? Absolutely unhinged in the best way.

This is the time of year for barefoot dock dances, jumping into a mountain lake still wearing half your wedding clothes, and long, lazy golden hours where time feels like it’s stretching just for you. And if you’re dreaming of an elopement that runs from sun-up to sundown… sunrise first looks, mid-morning mountain summits, lazy lake afternoons, sunset vows, and starry sky portraits under the Milky Way, summer gives you the longest days to make it all happen.

The wildflowers are showing off, the air is warm but not melt-your-face-off hot, and there’s no shortage of secret spots for an unforgettable Adirondack elopement experience.

The trade-off? Everyone else knows it too. Summer weekends can get pretty crowded, but if you’re down for a weekday elopement (or a sunrise start with coffee in hand), you can still snag those epic, empty-vista moments. And yes, afternoon thunderstorms like to crash the party sometimes, but honestly? A little rain just makes the story better.

Eloping in Fall: Fire in the Mountains and Cozy Vibes

If you’ve ever seen a photo of the Adirondacks in the fall and thought, “There’s no way it actually looks like that,” I’m here to tell you: it absolutely does.
And it’s even better in real life.

From mid-September through early October, the entire park turns into one massive, fiery work of art. Mountains drip in gold, red, and orange. Mornings are crisp enough for cozy layers and steaming coffee, but the afternoons still hold onto that lingering summer warmth. It’s no secret that fall is peak season for Adirondack elopements…the explosion of color, the brisk mountain air, and the romantic cozy vibes are impossible to resist.

Just be ready to plan ahead, especially if you want a cabin tucked deep in the woods or a quiet summit to yourselves.

Eloping in Winter: Snowglobes, Snowboards, and Fireplaces

Winter elopements aren’t for the faint of heart.
They’re for the romantics. The brave ones. The couples who hear “it’s going to be -10°F” and say, “cool, we’ll just snuggle harder.”

When the snow falls across Upstate New York’s Adirondack Mountains, the world gets quiet in a way that feels almost sacred. Trails empty out. Lakes freeze over into glassy wonderlands. Pine trees sag under the weight of fresh powder.
It’s the kind of peaceful, cinematic beauty that makes you want to whisper your vows instead of shout them…like you don’t want to wake the magic.

If you’re into skiing or snowboarding, winter gives you a chance to fully lean in. Imagine riding a chairlift to say your vows at the summit, snowboarding down in your wedding gear, and then cozying up with hot toddies by the fire. It’s pure choose-your-own-adventure energy.

Of course, winter comes with challenges. You’ll need real winter gear (and probably a few hand warmers stuffed in your boots), and the cold can be brutal. But if you’re ready to embrace it…bundled in flannels, boots, and love… winter will reward you with pure, untouched magic.

And let’s be real: cozy fireside photos? Chef’s kiss.

How Far Out Should You Start Planning Your Adirondack Elopement?

One of the best parts about eloping? You’re not trapped by a two-year engagement timeline.
You can absolutely start planning your Adirondack elopement two weeks from now if you want.
Or you can start dreaming it up eight months out if you want time to savor every second.

Here’s the general rule of thumb:

• If you’re dreaming of a fall foliage elopement or a super popular summer weekend, aim to start planning at least 6–8 months ahead. Lodging and permits (if needed) book fast during peak times.
  
• If you’re eloping midweek, in spring, or in winter? You can pull it off way quicker, sometimes in just a few weeks, especially if you’re flexible with locations and lodging.
  

And honestly? Some of the most magical elopements I’ve photographed have come together on what felt like a wild whim.
You don’t need years. You just need heart, trust, and a willingness to go all-in on the experience. But if you’re looking for a little more guidance on where to begin when it comes to planning your Adirondack elopement checkout this post here with helpful tips and things to consider!

Sunrise vs Sunset vs Midday: When Should You Say “I Do?”

Sunrise elopements are for the early risers and the magic seekers.
There’s nothing like standing on a mountaintop with your person while the first light spills over the horizon. Plus, trails are usually empty at sunrise, you’ll have the whole world to yourselves (and better lighting, too).

Sunset elopements are made for slow mornings, afternoon adventures, and golden hour vows that melt into blue hour magic. If you’re someone who doesn’t function before coffee, sunset might be your soulmate.

Midday elopements can absolutely work, especially if you’re eloping in the woods, at a waterfall, or somewhere shady. The light is harsher, yes, but with the right location and a little creativity, midday can still be beautiful, especially if it means you have the whole day free to explore, kayak, hike, or just be.

Bottom line? The best time to elope is whatever it feels more like you…whether that’s sunrise on a summit, sunset by a lake, or midday in a mossy fairytale forest.

A Few Things to Think About

No matter what season tugs at your heart, keep these things in mind:
Weather in the Adirondacks does what it wants, when it wants. Having a flexible timeline (and a photographer who’s not afraid of a little chaos) will make all the difference.
Weekdays will always be quieter and easier to snag your dream spots.
And whatever you’re picturing, whether it’s misty mountain tops, fiery leaves, or snowy forests, it’s even better in person.

You’re not just picking a date on a calendar.
You’re choosing the setting for the story you’ll tell for the rest of your lives.

So…What’s Your Season?

Spring, summer, fall, winter…each one brings something different to the table.
The real magic? It’s not just in the scenery. It’s in you two…choosing this, choosing each other, in the middle of all that wild beauty.

Whenever you’re ready to find your perfect season (and your perfect adventure), I’m here to help you plan the kind of day that’ll live in your bones forever.