by Jolana | Sep 11, 2024 | Adventure Blog, Location Ideas, Real Couples Stories
Fishing Elopement in the Adirondacks
Yep, you read that right! And in case you are wondering… Yes! The photos are STUNNING! Let me tell you all about what a fishing elopement looks like. And if along the way this helps inspire you to experience your own elopement adventure (with or without the kiddos), then I have done my job 🙂
Will & Faith’s Sunrise Vow Renewal Elopement with their Children
These two beautiful humans are celebrating their 10 year anniversary, and wanted to do something special. Will & Faith wanted to celebrate this milestone with the people most important to them: Their 3 beautiful children.
Their main priority was to have a kid-friendly activity and be in a location where they could get some stunning images. Neither were too thrilled with their original wedding photos, and found this to be the perfect chance to create images they are excited to hang on their walls.
Planning
Planning- If you’re like most of us, that word on its own can cause your blood pressure to go up. The reason most of my clients elope is to avoid the stress and anxiety planning can cause. This is why we take care of this step for you! Let me walk you through how we planned this stunning fishing elopement with the family.
Faith and I worked together on finding the perfect outfits for the whole fam. I knew her favorite color was olive green, and that she preferred a natural color palette. From there we looked at the colors that would be in their environment for photos, and based on that chose to go with burnt orange, greens, beiges, and blues (for the sky). Faith texted me her ideas for clothing, and I helped her narrow it down to the best shirts and pants for each family member. Of course, kids will have their favorite throw-overs, like a bluey sweatshirt and purple flannel, that we just couldn’t deprive them of. After all, those choices show their personality right!? Scroll down to the family photo to see how amazingly they matched their environment, while still standing out!
Eloping with Kids
We LOVE having kiddos join in on such a beautiful part of life…. Just think of the core memories they are building seeing their parents show their love for them and one another through joint activities.
Keeping in mind there would be a 2.5 year old, a 4 year old, and an 8 year old, we made sure all our plans were kid friendly. Our biggest goal was to give the kids a chance to be kids… run around, fish, explore, and spend quality time with their mom and dad. Having an elopement makes this possible, since a lot of the structure and time crunches you find at big weddings is taken away.
Their oldest loved fishing, and was all about it. He spent some time just fishing with dad, while momma cuddled the youngest. The youngest just enjoyed sitting and watching everyone around her, while the middle kiddo took off exploring, lantern in hand! In his words, he was off to build a house, and planned out where each room would be!
These moments of kids being kids are what made the whole experience so special. And the time the kids were doing their own thing gave us an opportunity to capture Will and Faith together.
Location
They knew they wanted to do something in the Adirondacks. From there, they really didn’t have a preference. I knew they loved fishing, so I suggested renewing their vows with a fishing trip to the ADK. It was a hit!
We found a beautiful Airbnb (Black Bear Lodge) in Jay, NY that had everything we needed. It was a short walking distance from a scenic pond, 15 minutes away from Keene Valley, and 20 minutes away from Whiteface Mountain. We wanted to keep travel down to short bursts to minimize the little ones falling asleep in the car between locations.
The area itself provides stunning views of the mountainous area, has wildflower fields, and plenty of water access. Between all the rivers, ponds, and lakes, it is the perfect location for everything outdoor related!
Distance to Jay from major Airports/ Cities:
I know it can be difficult to judge how far this location is if you aren’t familiar with the area. So here are the distances from all the major (and minor) airports and cities around:
Albany (ALB): 2 Hour Drive
Syracuse (SYR): 3 Hour and 45 Minute Drive
Rochester (ROC): 5 Hour Drive
Watertown (ART): 3 Hour Drive
NYC (JFK): 5 Hour Drive
Ottawa, Canada (YOW): 3 Hour and 20 Minute Drive
Montreal, Canada (YAW): 1 Hour and 45 Minute Drive
Why Sunrise?
Outside of fishing being best in the early mornings, we wanted to choose a time that worked around the kid’s napping schedule (tired kiddos make for cranky kiddos, and we wanted to avoid that haha). Sunrise also offers cooler temperatures in the summer, and gives us the opportunity to be all set by noon, so everyone could nap and then enjoy the rest of their day.
Also, sunrises are just STUNNING to experience. The world around you is just waking up. You can hear the birds chirping, the bugs haven’t come out yet, and the water has a serene stillness to it. Sunrises are also less busy in regards to other people, so 90% of the time you will have your location all to yourself even if it’s a public spot. Just as we were leaving the first people showed up!
Timeline
For adventure elopements, we come up with a rough timeline of how we want the day to go, however we leave lots of wiggle room and are super flexible with it. We never want the day to feel rushed or stressful. Since there are so few of us, we are able to pivot and adjust the day as we see fit to capture everything you are looking for; yet keep it fun, relaxing, and leave space for spontaneity. Here is a timeline of how our day went, including a few pivots and unplanned stops:
4:30 am: Getting ready
5:20 am: Leave Airbnb and head to the pond
5:30 am: Start fishing on the dock, while we document the moments
6:01 am: Official Sunrise time
7:00 am: Leave pond and head to Diner
7:15 am: Have a relaxing meal at a local diner
8:30 am: Head to Keene Valley
8:45 am: Arrive at Keene Valley. Kiddos took a nap while Will & Faith renewed their vows in a wildflower field, with the backdrop of all the mountains
9:30 am: Headed to Whiteface mountain for photos
9:50 am: Arrived at Whiteface. The weather took a turn for the worst and the summit had to be closed. We ended up checking out a few views on the way down instead
10:30 am: We spotted a local thrift store, something Faith loves to do! We made a stop there before heading back to the Airbnb. And yes, we found some treasures!!
All done by 11:30 am!
Is an Adventure Elopement right for you?
Let’s start with the biggest question first… is this type of an elopement right for you and your fiancé? Here are a couple of things to consider:
- Are you adventurous OR Adventurous-at-heart? – If you love the idea of eloping like this, that’s all you need to know for it to be a yes! You don’t need to be able to hike miles or do outdoorsy activities on a regular basis to be able to elope outdoors. Sometimes we are more adventurous-at-heart than in real life, but that in no way should stop us from experiencing the beauty of nature- especially when marrying our partners.
- Is there an outdoor activity you enjoy together? As long as it’s something you and your partner enjoy.. That’s all that matters; even if you don’t do it regularly. Some ideas outside of fishing: hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, snowmobiling, picnicking, etc..!
- Do you want an Experience when you elope? – I strongly believe that eloping does NOT mean tying the knot should be minimized or be less important than a wedding. And because of this, I am all about making elopements a full experience that is tailored to you and your partner. For me it is super important that your elopement is set up in a way that elicits a strong emotional connection between you and your partner. Having an experience that you share strengthens your connection, and adds an extra element of togetherness to your elopement.
If this sounds like something you’d like to experience, an adventure elopement is for you!
Takeaways
After each elopement, I like to take a moment and reflect on the day, the connections I had the privilege of capturing, and the experience we all had together. Will and Faith’s vow renewal elopement was exactly what my soul needed. These two embodied everything we love about not just photography, but about life in general: Family, Love, Experiences, and Human Connection.
The experience was WHO THEY ARE through and through, and it’s all I could ask for. Their vows were full of love, laughter, and the Taco Bell menu; their kids got to be authentically themselves and their personalities shine through in the images; and most importantly- they had the opportunity to spend a breathtaking morning together as a family building memories they can all cherish for the rest of their lives.
I want every single one of my clients to look at their photos and be in awe of seeing their connection, being able to feel it through the photos, and laugh at how well the photos represent who they are as a couple and as a family <3
And in case anyone is wondering what Whiteface Mountain looks like as a storm rolls in…. this is it! The elevator was under maintenance when we got there so the only way up with the kids was the rocks and stairs. With the high winds and rain coming in, this was not a safe option. Before we could even make it to the top, the rangers were ushering everyone back down for safety, so this is all we were able to get in terms of photos without it being unsafe.
by Jolana | Sep 6, 2024 | Adventure Blog, Elopement Resources
What should you pack for a hiking elopement!?
So your elopement includes a small (or long) hike of some sorts…and now you’re wondering what in the heck you need to pack!? Well first off, I am SO excited that you chose to elope (or have a micro-wedding!) that involves a hike. To me, it is one of the best and most beautiful ways to start off this new chapter in your life. And second, we’ve got you covered on what you need!
A quick disclaimer and a note: This list is intended for hikes of up to 4 miles total. Anything over that we do recommend extra gear. This is also a general list, and depending on where you are hiking, there may be additional needs. Some parks require you carry certain gear with you, while some terrain may have must-have gear not on this list!
Shoes:
Shoes are probably the most important thing to get right. They are the difference between feeling stable and grounded, vs slipping and feeling hesitant with every step. I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but that’s because it should. Bad shoes will make any experience unpleasant.
So, with all of that- what do we recommend? Check out our top options below. Make sure no matter what shoes you end up wearing, that you break them in before your hike. Nothing is worse than dealing with blisters on your wedding day.
Also, remember that you can always bring shoes with you to change into at the end of your hike if you have a different vision in mind for your wedding photos!
Hiking Boots-
These are your best option. Good hiking boots will have an outsole (the bottom of the shoe) that has solid traction, which is key. There are so many different types of boots you can get: ankle support, isolated, waterproof, etc… REI has a fantastic, in-depth guide, on helping you figure out the best hiking boot for you (we really didn’t want to reinvent the wheel on this with such an impressive guide already out there!): https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html Whatever hiking boots you decide are right for you, make sure to have proper socks to go along with them!
Some of our favorite brands for hiking boots:
Keens
Merrells
Oboz
Colombia
Sneakers:
What if you don’t own any hiking boots, and don’t want to buy them just for your elopement? That’s not a problem! A good pair of sneakers can do the trick as well, as long as it’s a fairly easy hike. Here are the main things to check out about your sneakers to make sure they will work:
- The sneakers fit the curve of your foot (they aren’t the slip-on type that have a completely flat insole)
- You can bend the shoes a bit (grab the heel area and the toe area and push in towards the shoe to see if they bend!). If they are completely stiff and have no bend, this means that you have less control on uneven ground, which is the opposite of what you want when hiking!
- They have good traction and the outsoles are made of a solid rubber, not a cheap plastic
- When you tie them up, they have a snug fit
- They are NOT slip-ons. Anything that easy to put on means it’s that easy to come right off again
Sneakers are fine for most light hikes, however if you plan on hiking terrain full of roots, rock crawls, and uneven ground, you may want to consider hiking boots that provide more ankle support. Remember we are there to help you plan your whole adventure, down to which shoes we think will be best for your hike! So if you aren’t sure, don’t hesitate to ask!
Hiking Sandals
Hiking sandals are a great option if you are hiking in hot and/or wet surroundings. If you will be walking through streams and in tropic temperatures, hiking sandals are the way to go. You don’t have to worry about trudging through water, and they are breathable! As with sneakers though, you have to be sure to get the right ones:
- Make sure the outsoles are made of rubber, not a light plastic. A lot of cheap sandals are made of plastic on the bottoms that will easily puncture with the first sharp rock you step on. These do not provide substantial traction or protection from the environment.
- Buy closed toe sandals. Most hiking paths have roots and rocks sticking out, and the last thing you want to do is stub your toe/ or worse. This is especially important if you plan on starting or finishing your hike in the dark.
- Make sure they fit well and are broken in! Having a sandal that your foot slides around in will only make you less steady, which leads to bigger chance of injury.
Gear:
When it comes to hiking, it is easy to go gear crazy and bring too much…. Or the opposite, not bring enough. I tend to be the “not bring enough” person, while my partner is the “bring too much.” We do our best to use this to our advantage and balance each other out.
Here is a list of gear that we can both agree on being essentials!
- Water bottle- Water is a must. The amount of water you need depends on the length of the hike. One 16oz bottle per person is fine for up to 2 miles round trip. After that you would want either a bigger bottle or more than one. A couple of tips: Platypus bottle are great because they collapse once you have emptied them, but they don’t protect the water from getting warm. If you are hiking in hot temperatures, an insulated bottle may be the better way to go. Don’t bring a regular bottled water. The tops tend to be flimsy and they will burst open in your bag (ask me how I know!).
- Small Backpack- Having your hands free while you hike is a must, so having a small backpack is the way to go! Pro-tip- grab a backpack that has a chest and hip strap. These help distribute the weight on your back and make the bag much more comfortable to wear. Also remember these bags will be in photos, so if you are going for a certain aesthetic, make sure your bags match it. And lastly, bags with MOLLE webbing on the side are great because you can attach things right to the outside of you bag, such as sunhats, your wedding dress, your wedding shoes, or a just married sign!
- Sunglasses: This one is pretty self explanatory 🙂
- Headlamps: These are a must, even if you don’t plan on hiking in the dark. Having light outside of your phone is crucial. Cellphone lights are not very bright, and also phone batteries tend to be drained right when you need them. Make sure to get a headlamp that has a red light option as well, which is good to use because you don’t blind anyone with it when you are in a group.
- Small Med Kit: Cuts, blisters, insect bites, and other small injuries can happen at any time on a hike. Also, having Tylenol and IBUProfen can be a lifesaver!
- Medications: If you are on any medications, or have any severe allergic reactions that you need an EPIpen for, make sure to bring your medications with you!
- Sunhat: Protecting your face and head from the sun helps you not overheat!
- Sunscreen: The last thing you want is to be burnt by the time you reach your destination! I don’t know about you, but looking like a lobster in my wedding photos doesn’t quite make my list of to-dos!
- Bug Spray: Depending on your location and time of year, bugs can be BRUTAL! Make sure you have good bug spray to not only help you not get eaten, but to also help prevent bites from ticks and other insects that can carry diseases
- SNACKS!: Okay this may not be gear perse… but it is just as important! We are ALL about the snacks over here. We recommend fruit that isn’t squishable (apples, pears, peaches, etc…), Dark chocolate (or an alternative for some quick energy), some nuts and granola, and something with protein (like a sandwich). We personally love the simplicity of un-crustables, a nut mix, and apples!
Clothing:
Dressing for the weather… and anticipating weather changes, is key! Remember that it gets cooler at night, and that in many places rain can happen unpredictably. Clothing recommendations, however, will vary greatly based on where you are in the world. We will keep this list to the bare necessities, based on mild weather conditions.
- Good socks and an extra pair in case the first ones get wet. Make sure the socks are at least ¼ or micro-crew in length to protect your ankles.
- Waterproof jacket: Even if it’s not supposed to rain, the weather can change in an instant. Also a waterproof jacket can double as a windbreaker and extra layer!
- Shorts: Shorts that are at least mid-length to protect your thighs from chafing are key for hiking
- Pants: Types of pants will differ based on the environment you are in. For example, in the desert I prefer thick overalls to protect my legs from all the thorns. In upstate NY, I prefer yoga-type pants that I can move in comfortably.
- Base Layers: If you are in a colder climate, base layers are crucial!
Clothes to stay away from:
- Jeans– unless it’s a short hike, most jeans don’t have much stretch to them and can be uncomfortable for longer hikes
- 100% Cotton– Cotton is not good for any type of moisture, whether that is rain or sweat. However cotton blends with other materials are usually fine!
- Anything that is super tight– It’s important you are able to move your legs and arms freely, without any restrictions!
What we Provide:
We know that packing and finding everything you need can be overwhelming. Because of this, we have a gear closet and bring certain things for you. These are the items we pack for our couples for our adventure elopements/engagements:
- Headlamps
- Bug Spray & Sunscreen
- Med Kit
- Gear to make coffee/tea on the summit
- 2 clear umbrellas
- Picnic Needs – If you are having a picnic at the final destination, and it is less than a 3 mile hike round trip, we will pack all the necessities for your picnic, including food and drinks
- Blanket to sit on
- Garbage bag
- If you are a fan of the Hookah (tobacco-only), this is something that can be requested to be brought along as well!
- 2 Lanterns for photography
- Elopement Items: We do also have “Just Married” and “Future Mr/Mrs & Mrs/Mr” signs, vow books, fake flowers, and a couple other small items to personalize your hike for your elopement if needed!
Where to Shop:
Most of what you need you can easily get on Amazon. I do, however, like to be able to physically see items when it comes to camping, so here are a couple of our favorite spots to shop anything outdoors:
Sierra Trading Post: This is my favorite place to shop. It is like a Marshalls (owned by the same company actually!), but more outdoorsy!
REI: My partner’s favorite is REI. They have the super high quality items, along with a 1 year return policy. So if you don’t end up using something, or you don’t love it like you thought you would, you can return it!
Hiking boots and sandals are the one item I would make sure to buy from a reputable store, and get in person so you can try them on and see what fits your feet the best!
Conclusion:
If you ever considered an elopement that includes a small hike, but aren’t sure where to even begin, I hope this packing list helps! We will be with you every step of the way to make sure you have what you need to make your elopement memorable for all the right reasons.
by Jolana | May 20, 2024 | Adventure Blog, Location Ideas, Real Couples Stories
Sunrise Elopement in Old Forge
Looking for a mountain top elopement in the Adirondacks, without the crazy hike to go with it? Bald Mountain in Old Forge IS THE SPOT FOR YOU! The hike is under 2 miles roundtrip, versus the usual 8 miles for many of these hikes, and 1000% worth the serene and beautiful views on top! Here are all the deets on having either a micro-wedding or elopement on top of Bald Mountain in Old Forge.
Location -Why Elope in Old Forge?
Old Forge is a small destination town of a little under 800 residents located in upstate NY. It is often referred to as Adirondack Base Camp, as it is the perfect spot to launch your Adirondack adventure from. It is a tourist town that is perfect for family getaways with lots of free activities (such as hiking, biking, sightseeing, etc…), bachelor/ bachelorette trips, romantic getaways, and elopements/ small weddings!!.
Old Forge has a good mix of restaurants, cute shops, and stunning scenery, making it a picturesque place to tie the knot.
Getting there
Old Forge is pretty centrally located on NYS Route 28 in Upstate NY. Here are the driving distances from the bigger cities (and their airport codes if you’re flying in!):
Albany (ALB): Just under a 2.5 hours
New York City (JFK, LGA, EWR): 5 hours
Syracuse (SYR): 1 hour and 45 minutes
Rochester (ROC): Just under 3 hours
Buffalo (BUF): Just under 4 hours
Ottawa, Canada (YOW): 3.5 hours
Montreal, Canada (YUL): 3 hours and 45 minutes
Toronto, Canada (YYZ): 5 hours
Bald Mountain
Bald Mountain is our favorite hike for an elopement or a micro-wedding. The hike itself is just under 2 miles roundtrip, making it one of the shortest hikes to a peak that offers a stunning view in the Adirondacks. On AllTrails it is categorized as easy, however it does have a few rocky areas to be mindful of, and depending on the time of year, will make you sweat a little.
Getting up takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the pace. We usually budget about an hour for our couples, so there is no rush on the hike up, and so we can all enjoy the full experience of the hike.
This is a family friendly trail, and we have seen many tiny kiddos in backpacks, along with kids ages 5+ hiking racing up the mountain (and every time they race by me I wish I still had the energy of a 6 year old haha!).
The summit provides you with stunning views of lakes and mountains, with a 180 degree view. Bald Mountain also has a fire tower at the summit, giving you a whole extra 360 degree view of the surrounding area from the top of the fire tower. I will leave a disclosure here that if you are afraid of heights, the fire tower may be a little bit of a challenge (let’s just say my German Shepherd made it a whole 5 steps before saying absolutely not!).
Timing your Adventure
Sunrise vs Sunset
Sunset vs. sunrise… which time of day is the best for you? Both are beautiful for your adventure to take place, however which is better depends on a few factors. If you are absolutely not a morning person, and struggle getting up early, sunset is definitely more of your vibe. Sunset is perfect if you want to have a relaxing morning, and want to start your adventure in the afternoon. Sunsets mean you will be hiking down in the dark, vs vice versa, and tend to be during the warmer part of the day.
Sunrise is the right choice for you if you want to have a more private experience at the top. Most people hike this mountain either morning time (9am-11am) or closer to sunset, so there are a lot more people at the summit in the evening than there are at sunrise. The summit is pretty large and offers a few places to go, so finding a private spot is still doable, the area just may be smaller at sunset.
Sunrise is also a better choice if you don’t want to be sweaty when you reach the top. The temperatures are way cooler before the sun rises and can provide for a less sweaty experience on your way up. One thing to note is that you don’t have to worry about sweat spots for the photos, as you hike up in comfy gear and change into your wedding attire at the top so as to not ruin it on the way up! Also, the serene, quiet, and majestic views of the fog lifting off the lakes far below you is a feeling you will never forget, and makes getting up so early 100% worth it.
Time of Year
As with most of the Adirondacks, the best time to elope in Old Forge is Summer and Fall. Early spring and late fall the weather can be a bit more unpredictable than normal, and you may end up either hitting mud season or snow (though I will say we have done many hikes in the snow, and they are just as breathtaking… as long as you don’t mind the cold!).
Due to its popularity, I highly recommend avoiding this hike on weekends, especially for sunset elopements. Sunrise we have been lucky to get the mountain top to ourselves regardless of what day of the week it is.
Where to Stay
Old Forge offers a wide variety of places to stay, from camping spots, to cozy bed and breakfasts, to 5 star hotels on the water. You let us know what your vibe is, and we find you the best spot! We do recommend booking your lodging well in advance, as Old Forge tends to get booked solid during the summer months (and when I say booked solid, I mean every paid camping spot is full too!)
What to Pack
We have a comprehensive packing list available for you to check out here: However, here are a few of our number one recommendations.
When it comes to packing, we carry almost everything to the summit for you. This includes your picnic set-up and the food, all camera gear, blankets, and hiking needs. All you have to worry about is having a small backpack to carry your wedding attire in, shoes, and a bottle of water. This is a small amount that remains lightweight in your backpack, and also keeps your hands free for the hike up.
We provide headlamps for the hike up or down (depending on if you’re hiking at sunset or sunrise), gear needed to make some fresh hot coffee or tea on the summit for you, everything needed to marry you on top, and of course, all the needs to for some epic photos and video!
The most important thing for you to have are good hiking shoes! Hiking boots with good tread are the number one recommendation; however if you don’t own hiking boots, a solid pair of sneakers with good tread will suffice. Closed toed shoes are a must with the terrain, though you can bring sandals for the summit if you’d like something different for your photos!
Desi and Sam- Their Story
Now that we have all the essential information out of the way, let me tell you about Desi and Sam, the amazing couple you see in all these images.
A Little about Them:
Desi is an adventurous at heart person, who loves a good view, but doesn’t really have hiking/ outdoor experience. Her partner, Sam, has hiked and camped in the past. Both of these beautiful souls are big gamers and spend most of their time with their kids or at home.
They really wanted to do something outside their comfort zone that would push their limits a bit. Desi isn’t a fan of heights, but has a “let’s do it” attitude, and was all for it when I suggested Bald Mountain for their elopement.
They live in Rochester and decided on a sunrise elopement for a couple of reasons. Being the middle of summer, we knew it would probably be a hot day, and both of them didn’t like the idea of starting the hike in 80 degree weather. They also loved the idea of having a sunrise picnic with mimosas at the top, and having a chance to relax on top as long as they’d like before hiking down. The sunrise hike also allowed them to drive through the night and get to the trailhead bright (or should I say still dark) and early to start our hike.
What Their Day Looked Like:
We met at the trailhead at 4am, checked that everyone had the gear they needed, packed a few of their things into our bags, and headed out in the dark. When we headed out there was only one other car in the parking lot, and that group hiked up and down before we even reached the summit, giving us the whole mountaintop to ourselves.
Desi and Sam changed into their wedding attire at the first lookout, which is where we started our photos. We then finished the last quarter of a mile of the hike to the summit, where we set up a beautiful picnic for them to enjoy while watching the sunrise.
We spent a good 45 minutes just relaxing and taking in the stunning views. Desi and Sam took a small nap after their mimosas and snacks, enjoying the mountain top air and watching the fog slowly lift off the lakes far below. Once everyone was refreshed, we had their ceremony, got some sick drone footage, and captured a few more photos. After that they changed back into comfy clothes and we headed back down the mountain, this time in daylight.
When we got back to the parking lot, it was completely full, which was not at all surprising with the amount of people we passed on our way back down.
They then went off to one of the great diners in town for a full breakfast to finish off their adventure. We started at 4am, and were in a diner by 10am. Desi and Sam wanted something simple but breathtaking, and that is exactly what we made sure they had! (PS: In case you’re wondering what the start of a hike at 4am looks like…. the photo below is it haha!)
Wrapping it all Up:
If you are looking to elope in a cute town in the Adirondacks, with a little bit of adventure, you have found your place! Old Forge is perfect for a short hike that leads you to a stunning view to elope in front of. Not only can you elope on top of Bald Mountain and get epic photos, you can have a romantic picnic up there and then spend the rest of your day in town relaxing and taking in the start of the greatest adventure of all: Marriage to your best friend!
If any of Desi & Sam’s story or this blog resonated with you, I’d love to connect with you and see what your unique adventure elopement might look like!
by Jolana | May 20, 2024 | Adventure Blog, Location Ideas
Where to have a Waterfall Elopement in Upstate NY
You wouldn’t think of Upstate New Work for some stunning waterfalls, but we’ve got ‘em! And what better place to share your vows with your significant other than underneath a waterfall!?
So if you are looking to have an intimate wedding, or straight up elope, and love water… here are my top 4 waterfalls in western New York to do that in!! These are also great spots to propose or have your engagement photos at as well.
A note before I dive into these locations: All of these are quite popular in the summer months, especially while school is out. This means a whole lot more people will be there. Because of this I HIGHLY recommend if you want to have your elopement at one of these locations to elope during the week! July – August is school break, and even the weekdays get crowded, but not nearly as bad as the weekends.
Waterfalls if you want to get Wet!
Stony Brook State Park:
If your dream is to be one with the waterfall and get those epic photos of being IN IT, then This. Is. Your. Spot! You can go in the water and INTO the waterfalls, and get as soaked (or not!) as you’d like! This doesn’t mean you have to go deep. There are super shallow sections, and up to your torso sections, so it’s really your preference.
The other super cool thing about this location is that it’s a gorge, so there are multiple layers to the falls. You can get photos in several different types of waterfalls all along one path.
There are a couple of wooden bridges that make a great spot for photos along the hike as well!
Time of Year
A common theme you will notice is that time of year matters for waterfall elopements, especially if you want to get into the water. For Stony Brook, we highly recommend late summer/fall time. Why? Well the water will be cold, but refreshing at that time of year, instead of freezing. This is a popular park for family reunions and gatherings, so avoiding the summer vacation months (especially weekends) does give you a bit more privacy. Once you get into late fall and the winter months, you can run into a chance of the gorge trail being closed due to unsafe conditions. This can happen at any park at anytime, however for Stony Brook the rangers say the chance increases quite a bit after Columbus Day.
Length of Hike/ accessibility
There are a few different trails you can hike at Stony Brook State Park, but the one with all the waterfalls is the Gorge trail. That trail is about 0.4 miles in each direction. The last small section takes you away from the falls and up a bunch of stairs to a parking lot, which is a section you would not need to hike. A good estimate is to be prepared to hike a little over a half a mile for your photos round trip. The path is well maintained and does involve a lot of stairs. I would recommend close-toed sandals or sneakers, and a pair of shoes to wear into the water!
This is an easy hike you can do with children and pets (dogs are allowed on-leash!). I would not recommend this for elderly that struggle with stairs or wet surfaces.
Surrounding Area
Stony Brook is in the southern tier, right below Dansville, NY. This is an absolutely stunning part of New York State, even more so in the fall. Stony Brook is also a little less than 30 minutes away from Letchworth State Park (also on our waterfall list!), in case you wanted to hit up 2 very different types of waterfalls in the same day!
Cost
This is a state park, so there is a $9 fee per car to enter from 9am to 5pm. In the off season (September through the beginning of June), that fee is either only collected on weekends and holidays, or not at all. There are no permits needed to have an elopement here, however if you are planning on having 25 or more people, you are required to have a permit.
Taughannock Falls State Park
Taughannock falls is literally my FAVORITE waterfall in New York State. To me, this is a waterfall taken straight out of Iceland, and dropped along Cayuga Lake. With a 215 foot plunge past rocky cliffs, this waterfall gives me such a fairytale feel!
You have the option to view the falls from up above and down below, and can easily do both during your elopement, and I highly recommend it if possible!
Most of this section will be about the falls from down below, since the overlook is one you can drive right up to.
From Below: Along the walk to the main falls, you pass 2 other waterfalls of various sizes, one of which is small enough to get into! Depending on the time of year, the river is very walkable (think giant flat slabs of rock), and makes for a beautiful spot for photos along the way.
Taughannock is also another waterfall that you can get into, if you don’t mind climbing over the small landing area at the base that says Do Not Enter. Spoiler alert, many people do still enter, but I just like to give you that warning right off the bat! My two cents on this are that if you choose to enter, be respectful of those who are viewing it from the landing, and don’t stand directly in their way of enjoying the falls for more than a few minutes.
One big thing to note that there are no weddings allowed at the overlook between 10am and 3pm, and no weddings allowed at the base on holidays and weekends, so make sure to plan accordingly!
Time of Year
The answer here heavily depends on how much of a flow you want the waterfall to have! I recommend Fall or spring, as these are the seasons where the water flows the most, and also there are less people. The summer is great if you want to get in the water without freezing, however it is important to note that in the summer the falls can often be a small trickle, sometimes even completely dry (all dependent on how much rainfall we are having that year).
So if you don’t want to risk the chance of the falls being all dried up, avoiding the summer months will be your best bet. If you love the look of a 215ft trickle (still beautiful I promise!) and are a bit of a gambler, the summer is the season for you!
I will also market this as a stunning location for a winter elopement (just maybe without getting in the water haha). Imagine the winter wonderland view you have of a 215ft tall waterfall, and everything around it frozen! It adds a whole different fairytale vibe to your photos.
Length of Hike/ accessibility
Taughannock Falls is one of the most accessible falls on this list. The path to the falls is mostly a smooth gravel path and wide enough for wheelchair access. The landing platform below the falls also easily fits a wheelchair. There are no stairs along the path! Round trip to the bottom of the falls and back, you are looking at about 1.5 miles. It usually takes us about 15 minutes to walk there, 20, if we have a lot to carry.
The overlook is literally a few steps from the parking lot, however the overlook does have stairs that lead down to it, making this section the shortest, but not wheelchair accessible.
This is one of the easiest falls to get to and is super kid, dog, and elderly friendly! Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
Surrounding Area
This waterfall is less than 20 minutes outside of Ithaca, along Cayuga Lake. Ithaca is a beautiful town with a great food scene. Starlight by Ithaca is a beautiful glamping location and a great place to stay the night before or after your elopement! There is also another set of falls – Buttermilk Falls – right in Ithaca, if one set of falls isn’t enough for you!
Cost
The fee is $7 per vehicle for the bottom of the falls, while the overlook is free. There is a permit required for elopements that costs $50 and is good for up to 50 people. Even with the permit, no areas are closed to the public, meaning people can be there while you are getting married. For these reasons we recommend going during the quiet times of week/year.
Waterfalls as Backdrops
Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, and the name definitely fits! Letchworth is also the first on my list for falls that create a stunning backdrop for your elopement, but ones that you cannot go into (and honestly wouldn’t want to even if you could!). There are several falls along the canyon, with the most iconic being the Middle falls. These are the falls with the railway bridge high above them. For me, Letchworth gives me those heavy romance vibes, especially if you are a fan of black and white photography!
If you are looking for a location with a grandiose feel, that reminds you how big and beautiful nature is, and that you really don’t have to hike to see, this is your spot! Although Letchworth has many hiking trails, most of the waterfalls views it has to offer are right off the road, or only a short walk in.
This is a stunning location for your elopement, with so many photo options throughout the whole place! The park itself has over 60 miles of hiking trails, and too many overlooks of the canyon to count. It also offers up a few adventures for those adrenaline seekers, such as white water rafting and hot air balloon rides over the falls. Can you imagine eloping IN A HOT AIR BALLOON, over the grand canyon of the east!? I seriously can’t think of a more stunning way to do it! (and YES! We will 100% plan your hot air balloon elopement, photograph it, AND officiate the ceremony up there!).
This park is also a great location if you are looking to have an intimate or micro wedding instead of an elopement, as they have an actual wedding venue for those who are interested. Iris Glen Inn offers a few Victorian feeling rooms to stay at, and a ceremony location that overlooks the falls. They also have a large tent for weddings of 100 people or less.
Time of Year
My absolute favorite is autumn, with winter a close second! The fall colors in this park are breathtaking and add a hint of magic to each photo. In the winter, the ice and snow make a majestic backdrop as well, one that you can’t get anywhere else in New Work! But honestly, you can’t go wrong any time of year. Unlike some of the waterfalls on our list, these bad boys always have water flowing, and always look majestic!
Length of Hike/ accessibility
Almost all the best views are ones that you can drive to, and the ones you can’t have paved paths leading to them. This makes the perfect location for those of you who want stunning views without the hike! Most of the areas are wheelchair accessible, however a few of my favorites do have some stairs leading down/up to the overlook. The paid ceremony location does not have any stairs.
This is a great spot for kids, dogs (on leash), and the elderly!
Surrounding Area
Letchworth spans a large area, from Mt. Morris, NY all the way down to Portageville, NY, and takes a good half hour to drive through from one end to the other. It is located in the southern tier. Portageville is pretty tiny and doesn’t really have much to offer in terms of food. Mt. Morris is a few minutes off the I390 exit and has a bit more going on than Portageville, though it is still a small town. Letchworth is a little over an hour drive from Rochester, NY, and the next bigger town near it is Geneseo, your closest place for hotels and most other amenities you may need.
Cost
Entrance into the park is $10/ vehicle, and is collected 9am to 5pm daily from 5/11 to 10/20. Outside of those times entrance into the park is free! Any type of elopement or photography session within the park does require a $50 permit, and is pretty simple to acquire. This permit covers weddings up to 50 guests. If you’d like drone footage, that is an additional $25 permit. For both permits your vendors are required to be insured, and for the drone the operator must have their commercial FAA drone license. If you are looking to have a wedding of up to 50 guests, the ceremony site has a $200 rental fee.
Honorable Mentions
Seneca Mills Falls
I couldn’t finish off this list without mentioning Seneca Mills Falls! These are a bit more off the beaten path and maybe not as grand as the ones above, but it is just as worthy of being mentioned! These falls offer a decent size cascade a short walk from the parking lot. Since this isn’t a state park, you can get away with having up to 15 people attend your ceremony, although it is important to note that the parking lot for the trail is small and holds about 10 cars.
I wanted to mainly add these falls because they are one of those hidden gems you would never know are in your backyard, and have so many photo opportunities surrounding them! This is a great option if you want to feel like you are in the middle of nowhere for your ceremony, but like the idea of then having a fancy dinner in town to celebrate.
Seneca Mills Falls can act well as just a backdrop, or ones that you do into, if that is your preference! You would have to do a little bit of climbing to get down to the falls, and the accessibility would be highly dependent on how high the water is at that point/ the rainfall that season. If you have an adventure side to you, you will have no issued getting into these falls!
Time of Year
These falls are good to visit year round, and are the one place you really don’t have to worry about crowds. I would, however suggest going in the fall when the colors are fully in swing and the bugs have settled (yes, the bugs here are pretty bad, bug spray is highly recommended!)
Length of Hike/ accessibility
The hike from the parking lot is only 0.3 miles on a flat, wide path. Easily wheelchair accessible, though once at the falls you do have to walk down a hill that is on the steeper side. It’s super short, but just a heads up! This is a dog, kid, and elder friendly trail!
Surrounding Area
These falls are off of route 14, along Seneca Lake, and are only 22 minutes away from Geneva. The road heading up to Geneva offers various beautiful backdrops, such as farms and fields, and views of the lake. If you elope at the waterfalls, I highly suggest pulling off on the side of the road and grabbing some photos at sunset!
Geneva offers a variety of restaurants, places to stay, and small shops. FLX Table is a perfect spot to celebrate with loved ones around a family style table and delicious farm-to-table foods. They provide a private dining area that is super welcoming and gives off the best vibes! If you have a specific type of food or vibe in mind, just ask and we will help you find the best spot for you!
Cost
There are no fees to have a wedding at Seneca Mills Falls!
Final Thoughts
New York State has some stunning waterfalls and scenery that would be a shame to not take advantage of for your elopement! These are just my favorites, however that is not to say there aren’t so many other options, especially in the Adirondack and Catskill regions. Part of our photography services includes helping you plan your entire elopement, from where to stay, to your timeline, to scouting locations, to marrying you, to the photography, of course. If you are contemplating eloping and wondering if it is the right move for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out; we will be happy to answer any questions you have and help you make the right decision for you!
Also, let us know what your favorite waterfall is, and if it made this list!
by Jolana | May 17, 2024 | Adventure Blog, Location Ideas
Planning your Day
Imagine waking up to the warm rays of the sun spilling over the horizon, coming through your tent. You wake up knowing that today is the day you get to marry your best friend, the person that enhances your life and is there through thick and thin.
You wake up knowing that all you need to do that day is relax and spend it with the one you love. First thing’s first: Coffee (or tea!) is ready for you, along with a delicious breakfast. You get to sit by the fire and start your day off right.
After that, it’s whatever floats your boat… literally! Whether that is a pontoon boat rental and spending the day on the water, sight-seeing, dancing, and eating, or going on an adventure on land. Whatever your dream is, we make it happen!
Somewhere along the way you find a spot that feels right and GET MARRIED! We’ve got you covered on the location, officiant, and music. After that we find a spectacular spot for sunset photos and an evening picnic.
Best part about all of this? All you have to do is show up ready to have a good time and everything else is planned for you!
Location
Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands are situated right on the US, Canadian border in Upstate New York. They make up a part of the St. Lawrence River, right before it hits Lake Ontario. As the name suggests, this area is an archipelago of 1,864 islands scattered between the Canadian and US border.
Getting there from the US:
The closest airport is Watertown International Airport (ART), and is a 40 minute drive. This isn’t a major airport, however, and may be hard to find flights into. You may be better off flying into either Syracuse (SYR) or Rochester (ROC). Syracuse is about an hour and a half drive, while Rochester is about a 3 hour drive. Albany (ALB) is the furthest at about 3.5 hours away, but may have better flight options
Getting there from Canada:
If you are coming from the Canadian side, there are 3 airports you can fly into. The most popular, but furthest away is Toronto International Airport (YYZ). That is a 3.5 hour drive, but often has the cheapest flights! Montreal (YUL) is just under a 2.5 hour drive, and Ottawa (YOW) is a 1 hour and 45 minute drive away.
You can also take your boat, spending on where you are coming from.
Lodging
For camping, we set up the camping spot, decorate, cook, and bring all the necessities. This means the part we all hate most about camping (packing, setting-up, and tearing down, am I right!?) are done for you, so you get to just enjoy what you love.
Camping not exactly your vibe!? No Problem! Between the many Airbnbs (some on their own islands!), hotels, and cabins, there is a place to stay that fits your style! Just let us know what it is, and we will find the right spot for you.
Activities
For the activities, there are SO MANY activities open to you in the Thousand Islands! Here is just a quick list of activities open to you:
-Boating
-Jetskiing
-Horseback Riding
-Hiking
-Fishing
-Hot air balloon ride
And for views… well there are too many to count, and most are super easily accessible. The Thousand Islands is a seriously stunning location, especially if you love the water.
Our favorite spot for photography is Keewaydin State Park. It is beautiful, has easy access (great for camping too!), and is stunning at sunset.
A few Quick Notes:
Alexandria Bay hosts a Pirate Weekend the 2nd weekend in August every year. We have personally gone up almost every year for Pirates weekend and absolutely love it. However if crowded streets and boats with pirates is not your vibe, I would avoid eloping that weekend!
I would also highly recommend checking this calendar for all the happenings in the area when planning your date! 1000 Islands is a popular vacation spot, and avoiding weekends will help make your elopement a bit more private. However no matter what day you choose, we will make you photos EPIC!
Do you love Boldt Castle, but don’t want to pay to get married in the castle itself, get married on a boat in front of it! The castle is stunning and provides a gorgeous backdrop from the water!
Tips for your Thousand Island Elopement:
If you can, go on the water! Thousand islands are beautiful from land, but have a totally different vibe from the water. You can see all the islands and the cliffy and stone edges. Your photos and experience will really pop from the boat!
Late summer and Fall are the times of year to go! Nothing beats upstate NY during autumn, when all the leaves are changing colors and just adding to an already beautiful backdrop. Late summer is better if you plan on getting in the water! This is the time the water is the warmest 🙂
Wear a flowy dress! Not only will it make it easier for you to move around (imagine balancing on a boat in a mermaid dress!), but the whimsical photos you get with the wind blowing your flowy dress are just so worth it.
Wear non-slip shoes, or go barefoot! The last thing you want to do is slip on the boat or on some wet rocks. Good shoes are so-so important.
In Conclusion:
Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands make a stunning backdrop for your micro-wedding or elopement, and are perfect for camping couples! It is also the place to get married if you own a boat, or love being on the water (we take care of the rental and are licensed to drive the boat!).
Thousand Islands is within a 3 hour driving distance from most of the major cities (and airports!) making it an easy place to get to!
