Fall is one of the best times of the year to elope in the Adirondacks, especially Lake Placid. There are miles of mountain views, stunning foliage and perfect temps. On weekdays there are typically less crowds compared to weekends but certain times of the day you can still find lots of privacy. Kelsey and Drew, true adventurists and lovers of life opted for a sunrise mountain elopement near Wilmington, NY. Which happens to be the home of Whiteface mountain and a beautiful town! Their Lake Placid sunrise elopement started and sunrise and ended at sunset. It was perfection in every way!

Sunrise Hike

Well before the sun rose for the day, I picked up Drew and Kelsey at their Airbnb at NewVida Preserve. With their matching t-shirts, headlamps and wedding attire, we began the short hike in the dark. As we climbed the trail, their excitement grew as the sky began to turn a pinkish orange! We hurried to the top so they could brew their coffee and take in the sunrise from the peak of a mountain.

After this bride and groom enjoyed their morning coffee, it was time to change! They took turns changing in my pop up tent while doing their finishing touches before their first look. Kelsey and Drew were all smiles and a few tears as Drew saw his soon to be wife in her wedding dress for the first time. While we were still on top of the mountain, they shared private vows together. Although they were having a ceremony in the evening with their family, they wanted to say their vows separately. Using The Keeper Co vow books, they made promises and share love filled sentiments that will last a lifetime.

Once Kelsey and Drew finished their vows, we took our time exploring the summit! This particular hiking trail in the Adirondacks offered a few different view points. Which means we were able to get a variety of views and scenery with just one location. Drew is a photographer himself so to make things extra special, I thought it would be fun for him to take some photos of Kelsey, his bride on their wedding day. It’s fun little touches and activities that make elopement more personalized and unique!

After spending the morning together, I dropped them back off at their Airbnb for a midday rest.

The Ceremony

Back at their epic mountaintop Airbnb, Kelsey and Drew got ready with their family for their ceremony. Kelsey wanted to share a first look with her Dad before taking more fun and candid wedding photos with her soon to be husband. Throughout the entire time I photographed this couple, they were consistently laughing together. It was clear that they love life, each other and were so happy to spend quality time with the people they love on their wedding day.

With the sun beginning to set behind the massive ADK mountains, Kelsey’s brother performed their ceremony surrounded by their immediate family. It was such a magical moment with a jaw dropping background! In celebration, their family made a human tunnel for the newlyweds to walk through after their ceremony. What a blast!

To end their intimate wedding day, we did some family photos and cheered with a champagne toast! Kelsey and Drew cut their delicious chocolate peanut butter cake before everyone went down to the lodge for a family dinner!

Book your Lake Placid Sunrise Elopement

Did Kelsey and Drew’s intimate wedding sound amazing to you? Well that’s because it was an incredible day filled with laughter, making memories and quality time with their loved ones. If you’re ready to celebrate your wedding in a way that’s personal to you without going the traditional route of a large wedding, let’s chat! I make it my goal to help you and your partner design a day that feels natural and perfect to you. While keeping everything stress free, fun and incredibly special! Send me an email today and we can dive into elopement planning together!