This LGBTQ+ elopement in the Adirondack Mountains was absolutely poetic. Tucked away in a field surrounded by vibrant foliage and misty peaks, Lauren and Rachel exchanged tear-jerking vows in front of their closest loved ones. It was the kind of moment that hits you right in the feels and makes you forget about literally everything else.
And then, of course, Mother Nature decided to show off.
The rain came down in soft waves over the mountains, but these two brides fully embraced all of it, muddy boots, dancing in the rain, wind in their hair. The Adirondacks have a way of turning chaos into a scene straight out of The Notebook, and that’s exactly what their day became. Every gust of wind, every drop of rain just added to the story they were writing together.
This… this could be you. All in on your love, creating an experience that’s impossible to forget and unapologetically, 10000% you. So let’s talk about how we did it for these two brides!
Thinking about your own Adirondack elopement? Check out my Adirondack Elopement Packages to see what’s possible or browse my guide to eloping in the Adirondacks for location ideas, permits, and pro tips.
How We Planned This LGBTQ+ Adirondack Elopement
The Inquiry
Lauren and Rachel reached out to me in early 2025 looking to elope in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains. It was peak foliage season, arguably the most jaw-dropping time of year up here. They wanted a stress-free intimate way to celebrate their love and commitment to each other, which I always applaud!
Both of them are adventurous souls that enjoy hiking, exploring, and laughing at inside jokes. So we absolutely needed to reflect that energy in their elopement day.
The Planning Process
We started off with a deep-dive questionnaire (because I’m mad nosy…JK) to really get to the core of who they are and what makes their relationship tick. From there, we hopped on a call to dream up how their LGBTQ+ Adirondack elopement could unfold. They wanted a quiet morning together and a cozy Airbnb for getting ready. An easy-access ceremony spot for their family and a post-ceremony hike to soak in those mountain views.
Knowing that their loved ones were important to them, I put together a personalized location guide. This came packed with accessible ceremony spots, short-but-stunning hikes near their Airbnb, and dinner options for their post-elopement celebration. Once they picked their favorites, I built out a timeline that would allow them to breathe, be fully immersed and present on their day.
Preparing for the Day
We put a cherry on it and then, of course, the forecast started calling for rain…(WHY ADIRONDACKS WHY LMAO)
But here’s the thing about the Adirondacks: the weather can be totally unpredictable, but that’s the best part of the magic. If you’re sitting here wondering when the Adirondacks aren’t acting like dramatic little weather gremlins, I break down the best seasons, temps, and what the hell to expect in my guide on When to Elope in the Adirondacks , it’ll save you from guessing and praying to the weather gods.
So with that being said, instead of freaking out, we prepped like pros because who the hell wants to feel like a wet dog on the best day of their life? I made sure everyone had umbrellas, cozy layers, and the mindset to embrace the weather instead of fight it. Because let’s be real, rain can actually make for some moody ass shots.
And I’ll let you in on a little secret… it ended up being even better than we imagined…totally badass.
The Adirondack Elopement Day
Getting Ready
Picture this: rain drizzling outside your cozy Airbnb, the smell of breakfast in the air, a hot cup of coffee warming your hands. You’re with your person, laughing, breathing, soaking in the quiet before the day encapsulates you.
That’s exactly how these two brides began their elopement morning. Wrapped up in each other’s presence, they got ready together as a trusted Adirondack hair and makeup artist worked her magic. Their loved ones joined them and the nerves began to fill the space in the room and all the feels started flowing in.
The Ceremony
We made our way to a field only the locals know about (a little perk of working with me as your Adirondack elopement photographer who practically lives out here). The rain started to move in, right on cue. Instead of running for cover, Lauren and Rachel just laughed. We grabbed some goofy photos playing in the field, and then they made their way over to their loved ones for the ceremony.
The moment they started their vows, everything else disappeared. Their words were raw, funny and tender, a perfect reflection of who they are. And yeah, I cried behind my camera, don’t judge me.
After the ceremony, they popped champagne with their loved ones and toasted to a future full of adventures. Then we were off, boots laced bags packed and ready for a short hike that would take their day from sweet to freaking cinematic.
Post Ceremony
We signed in at the trail register and started up, taking photos as we climbed through the forest that was blanketed with orange, yellow and red leaves. At the summit, they began setting up their picnic spot for some hot chocolate. As soon as they poured their cups the wind decided to have a field day and ripped their umbrella inside out and quite literally obliterated it LOL. Absolute chaos. Absolute perfection. (I was dying laughing, and yes, I got the shot).
Once they finished laughing and sipping their hot chocolate, they explored the summit finding cool spots to hangout and just be in each others presence as I took pictures from afar. The wind quickly engulfed the summit. Their dresses were whipping showing off all the mud and leaves they collected on them from the trek up. Totally badass, i know. They danced together and caught the rain on their tongues as it rolled back in, it was hella cute.
Eventually, we made our way back down the trail and they headed off to dinner with their family to finish their day!
One of the things I love most about photographing LGBTQ+ elopements in the Adirondack Mountains is how inclusive this community has become. From local hair and makeup artists to cozy Airbnbs and family-run restaurants that welcome every kind of love. It’s easy to feel like you belong here. Every couple deserves that, a space where they can be fully themselves, no explanations needed.
And Here’s The Thing About Inclusivity…
If you’re an LGBTQ+ couple, you deserve a photographer who doesn’t just “accept” you. You deserve someone who actually shows up for you, protects your space, hypes your love like it’s the freaking Olympics. And someone who makes sure you never have to wonder if you’re safe, seen, or celebrated.
This isn’t some “I post a rainbow during Pride Month so I’m an ally!!!” bullshit.
No. Hard pass.
Inclusivity is literally part of my workflow. It’s in how I plan, how I talk to vendors, and how I pick locations. It is how I shut down weird energy before it even gets near you and how I’ll happily stare down a stranger who thinks your ceremony is an invitation to join in (Adirondack hikers… I love ya’ll, but read the room).
Your love isn’t a niche. It’s not something I “tolerate.” It’s not an asterisk on my website.
It’s treated exactly the same as everyone else’s, except you get an extra level of care because I know the world hasn’t always handed you softness. And I’m not here to let anyone ruin your day.
Inclusivity To Me Means:
• Your pronouns aren’t optional, they’re respected, used, and communicated to anyone involved.
• Your wedding day is a judgment-free, bias-free, weird-joke-friendly zone.
• You get to be your full, messy, affectionate, goofy, PDA-loving selves without wondering who’s watching, because I’m watching FOR you.
• Your safety, emotional and physical, comes first when choosing locations, hiking spots, sunrise times, and even which trailheads feel right.
• Your story is documented with intention, authenticity, and zero stereotypes.
When you work with me, you get a photographer who’s fully in your corner. The person who will hand you the umbrella and tell you your rain-soaked kiss looks like the cover of a queer romance novel. The person who’ll stand between you and any weird energy. The person who will make damn sure your day is about the two of you, no apologies, no explanations, no performing.
So if you’re dreaming up an LGBTQ+ Adirondack elopement that feels like you, bold, emotional, adventurous, messy, cinematic, and real, I’m here to help you build it from the ground up with the respect, excitement, and protection your love deserves.
Hell yeah, let’s make it happen.
Ready to start planning? Reach out or explore my Adirondack Elopement Packages to see what’s included, travel, planning help, and all the good stuff.
