Congratulations on the elopement planning! I’m so excited you’re considering the stunning Lake George as your elopement location! Eloping here means you get to experience a lot of natural beauty, serene landscapes, and fun elopement activities. It’s the perfect destination for couples seeking a unique and intimate elopement experience.

As an Adirondack elopement photographer, I’ve captured many beautiful elopements around the area. This guide will take you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect Lake George elopement.

How to Elope in Lake George

• How to Get to Lake George
• Best Time of Year for Lake George Elopement
• Best Spots & Hiking Trails for Your Lake George Elopement
• Permits and Legal Requirements
• Can You Bring Family and Pets
• What to Pack for Your Elopement
• Fun Elopement Activities to Include
• Hire the Perfect Adirondack Elopement Photographer

How to Get to Lake George

If you’re planning to fly to Lake George, The Albany International Airport is 50 miles south of the Lake George Area and serves most major airlines. You can then rent a car or use the bus service to get to Lake George from the airport.

If you’re planning to get there by bus – Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound both have a regular schedule to towns throughout the Lake George Area from destinations across the U.S.

You can check out more detailed ways to get to Lake George here!

Best Time of Year for Lake George Elopement

Spring

Spring at Lake George is refreshingly crisp with sunny days. Temperatures linger between 30°F and 50°F, so layering is key, especially if you want to include a hike in the mountains. This cooler, quieter season offers peaceful trails and attractions, with the added perk of off-season accommodation deals.

Summer

The summer months, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to low 80s, are ideal for exploring Lake George’s hiking trails and checking out all the fun festivals. But this also means it’s going to be BUSY! June to August are popular months for holidays in Lake George, so all the accommodations book up quickly. 

If you’d like to elope around summertime, May and September offer great weather with slightly fewer tourists. 

Fall

Fall in Lake George is quite unpredictable, with temperatures dropping from the high 60s in September to as low as 20°F in November.  The season’s unpredictable weather calls for layered clothing, but the stunning fall foliage is SO worth it.

Winter

Lake George’s winter is a snowy wonderland, averaging 63 inches of snow. It’s a paradise for skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, with temperatures rarely above the low 30s. If you want to plan for a winter elopement at Lake George – make sure you bring thermal clothing, lots of layers, and proper footwear!

Best Spots & Hiking Trails for Your Lake George Elopement

Prospect Mountain

For the couple who wants the spectacular scenery without the hike, Prospect Mountain in Lake George is your go-to spot! You can drive nearly to the summit, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake George and the surrounding mountains.

However, for the adventurous duo, you can take the 3-mile hike up the trail. It’s actually one of the most popular hikes in the area. It’s a bit steep, so come prepared with sturdy hiking boots!

Shelving Rock Falls

Shelving Rock Falls is perfect for those who love a mix of adventure and natural beauty. The hike to the falls is relatively easy and leads to a stunning waterfall set amidst verdant surroundings – an idyllic backdrop for exchanging vows. Continue past the falls for an added bonus: a stunning view of the lake.

Bolton Landing

In Bolton Landing, you’ll find The Pinnacle, a 2.1-mile trail offering a blend of ease and moderate challenge. Ideal for outdoorsy nature enthusiasts, this hike rewards with a 270º view of Lake George, the Narrows, and the Tongue Mountain range, making it a picturesque spot for an intimate elopement ceremony.

Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob

Like the Pinnacle, Schumann Preserve at Pilot Knob is an easy-moderate hike with gorgeous views. The trail splits into two paths: follow the Orange markers to a charming wooden gazebo overlooking the southern basin of Lake George, or take the Blue trail to encounter a seasonal waterfall, especially magnificent in spring. Both offer serene and scenic settings for your vow exchange. 

Permits and Legal Requirements

You must obtain a New York marriage license in person to make your elopement official. You can get the license anywhere in the state. Find specific and most up-to-date information about the requirements here!

Once you have picked out your date and location, you also need to find an officiant and one witness. I’m happy to recommend an officiant and serve as your witness if you want to avoid bringing anyone along!

You do not need special permits for a Lake George elopement. Unlike many national parks, the Adirondacks are a state park, and they don’t demand any special permissions for elopements on summits or in open fields. However, do be mindful of other people you may encounter on the trails and summits!

Can You Bring Family and Pets

Your elopement can be whatever you’d like it to be, so if you want to bring your pups or your closest friends and family, it’s up to you! You could go on a sunrise hike to exchange your vows privately and then head to a winery, brewery, or bistro to celebrate with your loved ones!

As for your furry friends – Lake George is very dog-friendly! However, you should always double-check if your favorite trails and accommodations are dog-friendly. This is something I help with for all my clients! And if you do bring your fur baby, ensure you have food and water for them, a leash, and baggies to pick up their waste!

What to Pack for Your Elopement

The packing list will vary from couple to couple, and I always help my clients figure out what to bring with them for their particular elopement day. However, there are some basics you should take with you for your Lake George elopement!

• Water
• Snacks
• First aid kit
• Extra layers
• Wedding attire (if you’re not hiking in it)
• Downloaded trail map for offline use
• Proper footwear
• Handwarmers
• Headlamps or a flashlight
• A sturdy backpack that would carry all those goods you bring.

Fun Elopement Activities to Include in Your Lake George Elopement

As I mentioned, elopements can be whatever you’d like them to be, so you can include fun and meaningful activities to make them more adventurous and personal. Here are some ideas:

• Boat Tours: A must-do in summer, offering beautiful views and a way to get away from the crowds.
• Hiking: Enjoy trails like the easy, scenic Gull Bay Preserve or Black Mountain for more of a challenge.
• Camping: There are many beautiful camping sites around the lake. Camping can be a good option for a summer elopement, if all the B&Bs and hotels are booked out.
• Golfing: Numerous courses around the lake cater to all skill levels. (One of my personal favorite activities!)
• Breweries and Wineries: Explore local flavors at Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Adirondack Winery, or Bolton Landing Brewing Company.

If you’re looking for even more ideas for elopement activities, check out my blog here!

Hire the Perfect Adirondack Elopement Photographer

Your photographer can really make or break your elopement experience. Hiring the perfect photographer will allow you to truly have a fun, unique, and stress-free experience on your big day! You want to find someone who knows the area, is professional, and can help you put together the perfect elopement day. Someone like me!

My Adirondack and Lake George elopement packages include not only gorgeous photos, but I’m also going to assist you in planning out your entire day!. You can learn more about my packages here!

Ready to Book Your Lake George Elopement Photographer?

I hope that this has answered your questions on how to plan a Lake George elopement! And if you’re planning your elopement day, you may be on the lookout for your Adirondack elopement photographer. Reach out to me here, and let’s make your dream elopement day happen together!
In the meantime, check out some fabulous Adirondack elopements for inspiration and many more helpful elopement planning resources on my blog here!