If you’re looking for New York elopement location inspiration you’ve come to the right spot! These locations aren’t showing up on top of just any search engine.

When you’re planning your New York elopement you two want your elopement location to be epic and intimate, like you’re the only two people in the world. These spots will match your vibe.

01. Bear Hill Preserve

Bear Hill Preserve is located in Craigsmoore, NY and is perfect if you want a short hike with an epic view or a romantic ending for your full day elopement!

This hike is only 1.5 miles long, out and back. It is a mix of hidden paths, optional rock scrambling, crevices, and is IDEAL for sunset elopements. If you two want to avoid sweating but want the full elopement experience, this is your location.

This trail is located close to Sam’s Point, Lake Minnewaska and the Ice Caves so a full day adventure elopement ending with Bear Hill Preserve is the perfect way to experience multiple iconic elopement locations all in one day.

Imagine this…

You two start your day at Sam’s Point, have coffee at the outlook with endless views of rolling valleys, hike to the Ice Caves and scramble through the crevices to another amazing outlook where you two take a moment to snap some polaroids and take in the views. You finish your day with Bear Hill Preserve where you exchange vows with the sunset behind you and feel like you two are the only two people in the world.

02. Millbrook Ridge, Gertrude’s Nose, and Millbrook Mountain Carriage Road at Mohonk Preserve

If you two are looking to spend all day in one epic elopement location but have multiple epic views, this is it. This trail is located at Mohonk Preserve near New Paltz, NY.

This hike is more advanced, because you two are down for adventure and was to make your elopement an EXPERIENCE. The trail is 11.5 miles with lots of rocky trails and bits of scramble. Starting early and catching the sunrise through the trees makes this hike ~magical~. Mohonk has dozens of elopement worthy activities on the grounds so plan your adventure and a little extra!

You two start your morning at Mohonk Mountain House, with shimmering lake views through your window. You lace up your boots, and head out into the crisp morning air taking it all in. You two share some soft morning moments at the lake sipping coffee before starting up the trail. You’re snapping polaroids along the trail and we’re finding the most epic views ( for the BEST photos). We come to Gertrudes Nose where you marry your best friend with New York’s mountains, valleys and lakes as your backdrop. Then, you have a romantic mountaintop picnic before heading back down the trail. You two finish off the day with a boat trip on the lake, exploring the Mohonk gardens, or relaxing in the spa.

Iconic

03. Giant Ledge from Woodland at Slide Mountain Wilderness

With a campground at the base (like.. real camping), a winding rocky trail, and an epic overlook like this, Giant Mountain is an iconic elopement location for making your elopement an overnight event.

Slide Mountain Wilderness lives up to its name because this trail is for you two to be out in the WILDERNESS. This hike is 6.8 miles out and back starting at Woodlands Campground. Pack up your tent and boots for this one. Your vibe is crackling bonfire, stargazing, and rocky climbs, and the Giant Ledge trail will match that!

So your elopement starts like this..

You two wake up in the morning fog with the chill of the air setting the tone for your epic hike. You guys explore a little piece of the wild until you reach the iconic giant ledge. you exchange intimate and sentimental vows and head back down to start up your fire and have your first meal together, fire pit style. Cozy, intimate, and romantic.

These elopement locations while underrated and secluded are still open to the public, so it’s always best to plan your elopement around “popular” times. If you’re out here on a Tuesday morning, chances of seeing anyone are much less likely then a Saturday at sunset!

As always, leave no trace on your hikes! See you in the mountains!

Ready to start planning your elopement? Start here!