an Adirondack Backdrop

How Time Flies!

It is hard to believe how fast time passes by. It has been almost 8 years since my husband and I said our "I do's" in front of family and friends on a beautiful summer afternoon in August of 2007. We could not have asked for more of our wedding day, the weather was perfect, the views were spectacular and all of our loved ones were able to join us. As for details... from the flowers to the cake, everything came off without a hitch - clean and simple, just as I had imagined. I will admit that it has been a while since I have looked through the photos from our wedding day, but when talk of weddings came up in the office the other day, I just had to dust off the album.

Looking back I realize how lucky I was to be able to have the gorgeous Adirondack mountains as the backdrop for our wedding. If a natural or rustic wedding is your dream, Tupper Lake is the perfect place to turn your dream wedding into a reality...

5 reasons to plan a destination wedding in Tupper Lake 

From venues for your ceremony and reception to florists, caterers, and lodging for your guests, Tupper Lake offers a variety of options to fit every couple's dream wedding and budget. So if you are considering a destination wedding, here are 5 reasons why you should consider planning your special day in Tupper Lake.

1. Location, Location, Location

Talk about a backyard wedding... when you are in Tupper Lake, your backyard is the 6-million acre Adirondack Park. It is hard to find a location where your backdrop isn't breathtaking views of mountains and water. From the lush fairways of the Tupper Lake Golf Course to the unspoiled natural look at The Wild Center, no matter where you are standing on your wedding day, if you are in Tupper Lake, beauty and nature will be close by. Whether you are looking for a lakeside wedding venue, a beautiful field of grass, or a stunning mountain view, odds are you will find the setting you are looking for.

2. Unique Venues

Tupper Lake is home to some unique wedding venues, each ready to host you and your guests on your special day. Here are just a few options to get you started:

The Wild Center

The New York Times has called The Wild Center in Tupper Lake "stunning"...when it comes to a wedding venue, stunning is simply an understatement. Most of the couples that choose The Wild Center do so because they are looking for an Adirondack destination wedding. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Faith McClelland, The Wild Center's events coordinator to discuss some of the different options couples have if they are looking to host their special day at the museum. She began by explaining that one of the nice things about using The Wild Center is that, "There are so many different places at The Wild Center. It is not like you just walk in and there is just one building - we really let them use every piece of the museum. So if they want to use the cafe, they can use the cafe. If the want to use the great hall, or the theater they can use it, if they want an outdoor wedding they can use it. And, it's The Wild Center: you can't beat the view, you can't beat the color, you can't beat the light... it is just gorgeous. It is also nice because you can have a 'plan A', but if the weather doesn't cooperate, we have the space to have a 'plan B.'

The Wild Center now offers an a la carte menu, which means they can accommodate weddings of all sizes and styles. There is also the ability to use The Wild Center for other components of your weddings such as the rehearsal dinner, photo shoot, etc. This new menu provides the bride and groom the ability to customize their wedding to fit their dream and budget.

The Tupper Lake Golf Club

Carved into the side of Mount Morris, the Tupper Lake Golf Club makes for a spectacular wedding venue. At the golf course, you will find the 19th Hole Restaurant which offers a large spacious dining room, a full service bar and a friendly staff ready to pamper you and your guests on your wedding day. This is where my husband and I tied the knot. The spacious lawn behind the club house provided the perfect space for a tented outdoor ceremony followed up by a beautiful indoor reception. 

The Tupper Lake Train Depot

On the footprint of the original Tupper Lake Train Station sits a beautiful new replica depot waiting for you to transform it into your own private wedding venue. At this venue you are simply renting just that - the venue. This can allow you to pick and custom build your wedding into whatever it is that you dream it to be. Whether you are looking for a simply laid-back affair or a high class old-world event, the Tupper Lake Train Depot can offer a one-of-a-kind event that will leave your guests with memories they will cherish for a lifetime. 

3. Easy to add some local Adirondack flair

From food and beverage to wild flowers and party favors, it is easy to find inspiration from local products to add those finishing touches to your wedding day. Tupper Lake has a great offering of florists, caterers and local artisans who will be able to help you add those personalized details that will dazzle your guests. These local vendors take great pride in being able to provide the bride and groom-to-be with personalized service to make their wedding day as special as they imagined it. Here are some examples to get the ideas flowing:

• Custom Label Beer & Wine - Boulevard Wine & Spirits and Raquette River Brewing (our local micro-brewery) can help you create special labeled spirits and brews that can provide that one-of-a-kind wedding favor that your guests will love! 
• Local Products - Send your guests home with some unique local products such as a bag of Big Tupper Brewing's fresh ground coffee or some local maple syrup. Just think, both of these ideas could be the perfect morning-after cure for a late night of dancing.
• Locally Made Wedding Favors - Tupper Lake is home to the lovely shop, Spruce and Hemlock. They will be happy to create your "Made in Tupper Lake" custom gifts for the big day

4. Affordable 

A wedding in Tupper Lake can be much more affordable than many other destination wedding locations. From budget-friendly lodging for your guests to affordable wedding venues, a destination wedding in Tupper Lake is less likely to break the bank in comparison to many other locations. Plan in advance and work with your vendors to find a creative way to make your dream wedding come true - without a bill that will leave you speechless. After all, it's that first look at the blushing bride that is supposed to leave the guests (and groom) speechless.   

5. Lots of activities for guests

When you plan a destination wedding in Tupper Lake you will find an unlimited amount of recreation for your guests to partake in while they are here. From a competitive round of golf to a leisure afternoon paddling trip, your guests' adventures are only limited to your imagination. Consider taking a hiking trip up one of the local mountain peaks and reward your guests with a panoramic view of the area you chose as the special location to say "I do." One view from the top and they, too, will appreciate your choice for years to come!

Start Planning Your I Do's!

No matter how you plan for your perfect day to unfold, there is one thing for sure... the Adirondack views, warm hospitality, and relaxed atmosphere will create a memory for you and your guests to cherish for years to come. So we invite you to explore some of the different options Tupper Lake offers when it comes to all things wedding! After all, what better time to reconnect with nature than during your wedding and honeymoon.

Header Photo 1: Jodi and Stephen at The Wild Center. Photo complements of Jared and Debbie Weddings.

Header Photo 2: Leah & Xaviea at The Wild Center. Photo complements of Tall Paul Photography in Tupper Lake.