Eloping in the Adirondacks is about more than just your wedding day. It’s about creating a day that feels natural and fun for you and your partner while creating memories that last a lifetime. Rachel and Dustin’s paddle board adventure elopement is the perfect example of getting married on your own terms. From their sunrise hike with their dog, Charley. To intimate vows by Chapel Pond, their day was adventurous, personal, and represented their relationship in a perfect way.

Starting the Day with Adventure and Charley

I arrived at Rachel and Dustin’s Airbnb at 6:00 a.m., ready to kick off their adventure elopement in the Adirondacks. Their dog, Charley, was just as excited as we were. After loading up for the morning, we headed toward Big Crow Mountain for their sunrise hike!

The morning air was crisp, the sky just starting to lighten with the first hints of sunrise illuminating the mountains. Hiking with Charley added an extra layer of fun! She is such a good pup and loved exploring the mountain just as much as Rachel and Dustin!

First Look and Epic Portraits on Big Crow During a Paddle Board Adventure Elopement

When we finally reached the summit, out of breath from the steep climb, the views were absolutely breathtaking! Mountains surrounded us as far as the eye could see. The Adirondack High Peaks glowing softly in the early light making our view super dreamy. Rachel and Dustin set up some chairs, and caught their breath while drinking coffee and having a light breakfast while taking in the view.

When they felt ready, they got changed in my portable pop up changing tent right on top of the mountain! Then they shared a first look that was filled with joy and emotion! The intimacy of that moment, surrounded by nature, was incredible to witness and photograph with Charley watching them closely, of course!

After the first look, we spent time capturing portraits on the mountaintop. Between heartfelt glances, laughter, and quiet moments with Charley, they took in the Adirondack air while celebrating their elopement.

If you’re planning an elopement in the Adirondack or Catskill mountains, I highly recommend starting your day before the sun is up. You’ll not only get the best light of the day but will probably have the location to yourselves or at least without the midday crowds! It’s so peaceful and totally worth the early wakeup time! You’ll have plenty of time for a midday nap to rest up for the evening of celebration and who doesn’t love a nap, especially on your wedding day. Read more here on how to plan the perfect sunrise elopement!

Mountaintop Vows and a Midday Break

After changing out of their mountaintop attire, we headed back down and drove 20 minutes to their Airbnb. Here, Rachel and Dustin mixed up their favorite cocktail, a refreshing Gin & Tonic. Pairing their cocktails with a charcuterie board they shared what they had written in their Keeper Co. vow books. It was a super cute time of their day where they laughed and reflected on their relationship and love.

By noon, they took a well-deserved midday break. These quiet moments in the middle of the day are perfect for elopements! They allow couples to recharge, reflect, and savor the experience. Planning this downtime is one of the ways I help ensure that couples stay stress free and relaxed throughout their adventure elopement in the Adirondacks or Catskills.

Intimate Vows at Chapel Pond

The afternoon portion of their day took place at the stunning Chapel Pond, one of my favorite spots for eloping in Keene Valley. Rachel’s brother officiated their ceremony on the beach, creating an intimate and personal moment that was full of love and stunning scenery!

After sharing their vows, we captured portraits and explored the area a bit, taking in the calm water and Adirondack view. Then came the adventurous highlight of the day, paddleboarding with Charley. As they launched their boards, a gentle rain began to fall. Instead of letting it dampen the mood, Rachel and Dustin fully embraced the moment. It felt like a scene straight out of The Notebook, romantic, playful, and unforgettable.

They paddled around the pond at their own pace, soaking in the beauty of the Adirondacks while enjoying the adventure together. These kinds of experiences, unique, playful, and tailored to each couple, are what make adventure elopements in the Adirondacks so special and original to each couple.

Ending their Paddle Board Adventure Elopement with Celebration

After their paddle boarding adventure, we returned to the Airbnb for more portraits and a celebratory champagne pop. Their wedding day ended in a way that was both intimate and joyful, surrounded by nature, the glow of the Adirondack evening, and their favorite person, and pup, by their side.

From sunrise hikes to mountaintop first looks, lakeside vows, and paddle board adventures, Rachel and Dustin’s day was their version of the best day ever!

Why Hiring a Photographer First Matters

One of the most important lessons from Rachel and Dustin’s elopement is why you should hire your photographer before planning anything else. When you book me first:

• I help you find perfect locations based on your vision, accessibility, and adventure level.
• I create a timeline that ensures you enjoy every moment without stress.
• I recommend unique experiences based on what you enjoy, such as a paddle board adventure elopement, short hikes with epic views, mountaintop picnics, helicopter rides, etc., that make your day unforgettable.
• I capture authentic emotion in real-time, ensuring that your memories are preserved beautifully.

When you hire a photographer first, your elopement becomes more than just a ceremony. It becomes a stress-free, fun, and adventure-filled experience that reflects exactly who you are as a couple!

If you’re dreaming of a Lake Placid elopement, an adventure elopement in the Adirondacks, or even eloping in Keene Valley, let’s create a day that’s perfectly you—from sunrise hikes to intimate vows and adventurous moments you’ll remember forever.

Contact me today to start planning your Adirondack elopement!