You don’t need to hike a mountain at sunrise to create a magical and adventurous elopement day in the Adirondacks. Brittany and Chazz reached out just four weeks prior to their elopement day. They wanted an elopement experience that felt unique, intentional, laid back, and had insane backdrops, without hiking or traditional expectations. We knew a downtown Lake Placid elopement would be the perfect way to encompass all the things they wanted in their day. The only problem was that they didn’t quite know what that would look like yet.
With being such short notice it was really important to immediately begin planning right away so that the process was smooth and easy.
After walking through my connection-focused planning questionnaire, a clear vision started to form. Breakfast and coffee was their ritual and they were total book lovers. They loved the idea of waterfalls, golden hour vows, and a day that felt slow and unrushed. From there, we built an experience centered entirely around the things they already loved to do together.
Getting Ready for Their Downtown Lake Placid Elopement
The day began at their Airbnb, Black Pine Lodge, just minutes from downtown Lake Placid. They chose to get ready together, just a calm morning easing into the day with their dogs.
Brittany had her hair and makeup done by ADK Bri while soft morning light filled the space. After some relaxed getting-ready photos, they each took time to write private vows before sharing a quiet first look in the backyard. It was simple, emotional, and exactly the pace that we had planned for the morning.
Coffee & Breakfast at ADK Origin Coffee Co
From there, we headed into downtown Lake Placid for one of the most “them” parts of the day, coffee and breakfast at ADK Origin Coffee Co.
Instead of rushing between locations, they slowed down, shared a meal, and soaked in the excitement together. Couples usually love these kinds of moments in the day where they can slow down and just be themselves enjoying something they love together like any other day.
Exploring Downtown Lake Placid Together
Because books play such a big role in their relationship, we planned a stop at the Lake Placid Public Library. They wandered through the shelves, picked out a book together, and curled up in a window seat overlooking the bustling downtown street.
It was a beautiful portion of the day where they could just connect quietly in a place that they love to be together.
Outside, the library gardens and architecture gave us space to explore creatively before heading to Enuff Chocolates Bakery for celebratory treats (and yes macarons were absolutely involved).
Waterfall Views Before Golden Hour
Next, we made our way to a nearby Adirondack waterfall where they climbed across boulders, relaxed near the water, and took in the stillness before their ceremony. Somehow, we had the entire area to ourselves, one of those rare Adirondack moments that feels almost unreal.
Golden Hour Vows in A Field
As sunset approached, we headed to an open field near their Airbnb where golden light stretched across the valley. Standing together in the fading light, Brittany and Chazz exchanged vows surrounded by nothing but quiet views and open sky.
They celebrated with a champagne pop (followed by the classic search for the runaway cork, honestly a recurring adventure during outdoor elopements), shared pastries on a blanket, and simply enjoyed being newly married. Just pure presence as they frolicked with joy into the sunset and hanging out together.
Ending the Night Exactly Their Way
The evening ended the way they wanted it to, grabbing takeout from Ice Jam Inn, heading back to the Airbnb, changing into comfy clothes, and spending the rest of the night with their two pups.
Their Actual Non-Hiking Elopement Timeline
- Hair & Makeup At Air bnb
- Getting Ready Photos
- Write Vows
- First Look on Property
- Breakfast In Lake Placid
- Walk to Library
- Pick out Book & Photos
- Head to Pastry Store
- Waterfall Portraits
- Vows at Sunset in a Field
- Picnic with Champagne & Pastries
- End the Night with Takeout & Pups at Air bnb
Adventure Looks Different For Every Couple
Brittany and Chazz’s day is a perfect reminder that an Adirondack elopement doesn’t have to follow a traditional adventure formula. Elopements can be quiet, local, playful, and personal, whether that means waterfalls, bookstores, coffee shops, or golden fields at sunset.
If you’re dreaming about an Adirondack or Lake Placid elopement but feel unsure how to design a day that completely resonates with you, that’s exactly where I come in. From location ideas and timeline planning to building an experience around what you genuinely love, my goal is to help you create an elopement day that feels effortless, intentional and absolutely you.
