Your Complete Guide to Planning the Lakeside Wedding of Your Dreams

There’s something about an expanse of water that speaks to the soul, and Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York, is no exception. This stunning location has it all. Nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks, Mirror Lake is a popular destination for lakeside weddings. So how do you create an amazing waterfront experience for you and your guests?  From a wedding venue with delicious catering options to scenic local attractions and plenty of outdoor adventures, here’s your complete guide to planning the lakeside wedding of your dreams.

Find the Right Lakeside Wedding Venue

First, you need the right venue. And not just any venue. You need a place that celebrates the beauty of the natural world but also includes plenty of chic modern conveniences.

Plus, it’s not a lakeside wedding experience unless you’re right there on the water from start to finish for your photo sessions, ceremony, and reception celebration. That’s the kind of waterfront experience you’ll get at SmokeSignals. Here, you can customize your all-in-one lakeside wedding with your choice of on-property event spaces, an extensive catering menu, including craft beers and cocktails, and a unique waterfront setting to set the mood for your special day.

Dream Big for Your Big Day

Imagine this—a ceremony on the lawn at the water's edge, followed by cocktails and appetizers on The Deck, dinner in the Main Dining Room, dessert and coffee service in the Lake View Room, and dancing in the Music Hall. 

Here, you’ll enjoy the convenience of hosting your event all at one location. Smoke Signals offers several options, including The Deck, with its red cedar bar and panoramic views. Surrounded by stylish glass railings, this scenic space can comfortably seat up to 60 for dinner or 100 guests for a reception. 

Design a Lakeside Reception to Remember

Photo Credit: Matt Stallone Photography 

For your reception, you can move the party inside to one of two indoor event spaces, The Music Hall or The Lake View Room. You can personalize both spaces to fit your style, and you don’t have to worry about renting tables, chairs, and other essentials from different vendors—it’s included. 

With the Music Hall, you'll have plenty of room for all your guests and, of course, dancing! The space can seat 150 guests for dinner and 250 for a standing reception, in addition to featuring a large stage, perfect for live music or a DJ. There’s also a built-in bar and catering kitchen, so you'll have everything you need all in one place to celebrate in style. 

The Lake View room will wow your guests with its stunning views of Mirror Lake and the surrounding High Peaks. This space can accommodate up to 40 guests for a seated dinner and up to 50 for a cocktail-style reception. This is the perfect choice for smaller gatherings with a more intimate feel. 

Create a Menu Worthy of a Lakeside Location

A lakeside wedding needs a dining experience worthy of such a scenic locale. And Smoke Signals offers just that. With an extensive list of menu options, you’ll have plenty of choices as you plan a meal for your big day. 

Start with appetizers like the ahi tuna wontons, smoked wings, or pastrami toast points. Then plan a dinner with decadent dishes like baby back ribs, maple-baked salmon, or a custom carving station with all your favorite smoked meats. Smoke Signals also offers a full-service bar with craft cocktails, beers on draft, and wine by the glass.

Look for Adventure and Find It

Mirror Lake is surrounded by the Adirondack Mountains, providing a stunning scenic backdrop for your lakeside wedding guests to enjoy an adventure to remember.

The village of Lake Placid is known for its charming shops, cozy restaurants, and outdoor activities. If you're planning a lakeside wedding, you and your guests will have plenty to do before and after the big day in every season of the year. You can organize unique outings for your guests or share a list of ideas for inspiration and let your guests choose their own adventures. 

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you can ski the slopes of Whiteface Mountain or snowshoe scenic trails around the area. Or try ice skating at the historic Olympic Oval. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try ice climbing with expeditions led by experienced local guides.

In the summer, there are just as many opportunities for outdoor fun. Hike the extensive network of local trails, paddle the lake by kayak or paddleboard, or kick back and enjoy a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Birding, biking, and whitewater rafting—the list goes on! 

The area also has several golf courses, including the Lake Placid Club's Mountain Course and Links Course. And don’t forget to check out our waterfalls.  There are more than 100 waterfalls in the Adirondacks, with dozens of waterfalls just a short drive from Lake Placid. 

Pick a Place to Stay

If you’re planning a lakeside wedding at Smoke Signals, you and your guests will need a place to stay. Luckily, there is a full range of options, from cozy bed and breakfasts and rustic cabins to full-service Adirondack luxury resorts and private vacation rentals. Plus, there are quite a few places to stay within walking distance of historic Main Street and just a short drive away from local outdoor adventures like hiking and climbing. With amenities like this, it’s easy to understand why Lake Placid is ideal for a destination wedding, 

A lakeside wedding is a dream come true for many couples. And if you're planning a lakeside wedding, Smoke Signals is an excellent choice for an all-in-one venue that makes planning your special day easy. Let the staff at Smoke Signals take care of the details so you can enjoy your big day worry-free. With its waterfront location, delicious catering menu, and friendly staff, this venue tops the list for lakeside weddings. So don’t settle for a generic venue. Instead, book your lakeside wedding at Smoke Signals today.