Lake Placid Elopement Guide:
Saying “I Do” in the Adirondacks
Thinking about eloping in Lake Placid? You’re not alone—and honestly, we can’t blame you. Between the mountain views, mirror-like lakes, and cozy small-town vibe, Lake Placid has become one of the most-loved elopement spots in the Adirondacks (seriously, we’ll never be tired of it!). As Adirondack elopement photographers and planners who spend a lot of time up there, we’ll walk you through what makes a Lake Placid elopement so special, plus what you need to know before planning your day.
Why a Lake Placid elopement?
Lake Placid is at the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, which means you get access to everything people love about the ADKs in one spot:
- Towering High Peaks for adventurous hikes
- Quiet lakes for peaceful sunrise or sunset ceremonies
- Cascading waterfalls for that wild, romantic feel
And it’s not just about the landscapes! Lake Placid itself has an inviting downtown, plenty of places to stay, and year-round activities for you (and your guests, if you bring any). It’s the perfect blend of nature and convenience.
Eloping in every season...
One of the biggest perks of a Lake Placid elopement is that it’s beautiful all year round.
- Spring → Melting snow brings roaring waterfalls and fresh greenery.
- Summer → Longer days, lush mountain trails, and warm nights by the lake.
- Fall → The foliage is next-level here. (This is the busiest season in the ADKs)
- Winter → A snowy wonderland with skiing, cozy fires, and frozen lakes.
We dive deeper into each season in another blog, When to Elope in the Adirondacks, if you want to get into the details.
And if you’re debating between a Sunrise vs Sunset Elopement, we also have a separate guide for that!
With Views You Can Choose From
One of the best things about a Lake Placid elopement is the variety of landscapes you can choose from. Whether you’re drawn to mountain summits, peaceful lakeshores, hidden waterfalls, or quiet forest clearings, there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops here. Some locations are easily accessible by car, while others call for a short walk or a full-on hike, so you can decide just how adventurous you want your day to feel.
The beauty of Lake Placid is that it works for everyone. Want to keep it just the two of you? Perfect. Hoping to bring along a few loved ones, or even your pup? Totally possible. There’s truly a spot for every kind of celebration.
How to Legally Marry in Lake Placid
The good news? Getting legally married in New York is pretty straightforward! Here’s what you need to know:
- Apply in person at any town or city clerk’s office in New York State
- Both of you must be present with valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- There’s a 24-hour waiting period after you get your license before you can legally marry (a judge can waive this in special cases)
- The license is valid for 60 days (or up to 180 days for active U.S. military)
- Cost is about $40 in most towns
- If you’ve been married before, you’ll need to bring documentation (like a divorce decree or death certificate).
- You’ll need an officiant (judge, clergy, or another authorized person) and two witnesses for your ceremony.
All details can be found on New York State’s official website!
If you book an elopement package with us, this part is usually handled for you. Your photographer (slash planner) often doubles as a witness, and if you’re running short, we’ve stepped in as witnesses plenty of times for our couples.
We also have a full blog about the role of officiants in elopements, if you want to read more.
But do I need a permit?
It depends. Some trailheads, state parks, and summit areas may require special use permits for weddings. Others are free to use with no paperwork. That’s where having a planner who knows the area really helps—you won’t waste time chasing down forms or worrying about rules.
Activities Around Lake Placid
One of the reasons couples love Lake Placid is you can turn your elopement into a mini-adventure or honeymoon. Some favorites include:
- Hiking High Peaks or taking a gondola up Whiteface
- Kayaking or paddleboarding on Mirror Lake
- Visiting the Olympic Center and bobsled tracks
- Exploring downtown shops, breweries, and cafés
- Skiing, ice skating, or snowshoeing in winter
Whether you’re adventure junkies or more into low-key relaxation, there’s something here for you.
↪ Read more about the activities Lake Placid has to offer!
Where to Stay
One of the perks of choosing Lake Placid for your elopement is the variety of places to stay. From rustic and outdoorsy to cozy and luxurious, you’ll be able to find an option!
- Hotels & Resorts → Perfect if you want to be close to downtown shops, restaurants, and Mirror Lake. Many offer on-site spas and fine dining, making it easy to relax before or after your big day.
- Cabins & Airbnbs → A great option if you’re looking for privacy or want a space that feels more “homey.” Think fireplaces, mountain views, and plenty of room to spread out if you’re bringing friends or family.
- Lodges & Inns → Lake Placid has plenty of charming lodges tucked into the woods—these often give you that cozy Adirondack vibe without sacrificing comfort.
- Campsites → For couples who want the full outdoors experience, there are campgrounds nearby where you can pitch a tent or park a camper. This is also a fun option if you want to stretch your elopement into a multi-day adventure.
- If you’re inviting guests, many places have room blocks available, and there are also some amazing cozy lodges tucked away in the woods.
At the end of the day, a Lake Placid elopement is about more than the backdrop. It’s about creating a day that feels like you. The Adirondacks give you endless options to shape your day however you want, whether that’s hiking at sunrise, sharing vows by the water, or celebrating with a cozy dinner downtown.
We’d love to help you bring your dream Lake Placid elopement to life, whether that means planning the details, guiding you through permits and logistics, or capturing the story as it unfolds!