By Rev. Alan Viau
A relaxing and scenic drive to Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid, NY, is just the start of an awesome wedding experience. Embracing the Grand Lodge tradition, it offers an intimate yet grand scale wedding location and memories. A full thumbs up for this undiscovered jewel in the beautiful Adirondacks.
The drive to Lake Placid is a pleasant 3 hour journey through pastoral landscapes. Tall trees and curvy roads enchant you. Before you know it you are there; Whiteface Lodge.
Upon first impressions, the Lodge reminds me of Chateau Montebello with its large log construction and vaulting ceilings. However, I discover that Whiteface Lodge was actually built in 2005. The timber for the site was hand-milled on-site, and accents such as handcrafted Adirondack furnishings adorn the interior spaces, creating a wonderfully authentic ambiance. The Lodge consists of only suites; all 94 of them are equipped with modern conveniences including washer/dryer, kitchenette, jet tub and separate powder room.. and each has a breath taking view off the patio or balcony.
I was very fortunate as there was a wedding in progress when we arrived. A 50 person wedding, the bride and groom had the ceremony in the Kanu restaurant area because it was raining. The Lodge offers outdoor ceremony locations as well.
Cocktails were held in a room adjacent to the reception hall. All the decorations were consistent with the rustic decor.
Whiteface Lodge hosts about 50 weddings per year, mostly around the fall foliage time. They can accommodate up to about 200 guests for a wedding and have special mini-wedding packages. There is so much to do and see around Lake Placid that any time of year is a great time to have a wedding. I found their wedding package pricing to be very affordable!
As far as activities go, the Lodge has a huge choice. Their spa is amazing and is appropriately called a sanctuary. There is an on-site beauty parlor and workout room. I participated in the pool-side yoga class. They even have a nightly campfire with S’mores.
There is a movie cinema with three showings a day going from G, PG and PG-13. A fabulous games room with an authentic 1960’s two lane bowling alley – where my wife beat me hands down!
Now a great location deserves to have an awesome food service. After all that can make or break your wedding reception.
My wife and I occasionally like have a food adventure. First, we tell the waitress that my wife is non-meat eating (but can eat fish, eggs and cheese) and that I am gluten-free. Then not looking at the menu, we ask her if the Chef would like to just go ahead and serve us what he feels is right.
So that night we asked if Executive Chef David Haick would like to treat us to such an adventure. What followed was pure delight of food and wine pairings.
We were first served with one of the Lodge’s signature drinks, the Campfire. It is comprised of bourbon, lemon, maple syrup, apple cider and Peat Monsters scotch with a leaf of sage. A smokey drink to set the evening off.
Our first course was quail eggs and truffle. Yummmm.
Which was followed by a mouth watering mushroom baked risotto.
The main courses were different because of our dietary issues. My wife had a wonderful serving of salmon and line-caught bluefish.
I was served a tender Angus filet. Both mains were perfectly seasoned and cooked!
I must mention that Whiteface Lodge prides itself in sourcing local foods. It starts looking at areas near Lake Placid and then goes out from there. For example, their jams come from Vermont.
After a totally delicious meal, I delivered Chef a Tumbs Up verdict!
All in all, Whiteface Lodge is a fabulous location to host your wedding. A superb location and decor, activities and great food. All the elements to build memories that last a lifetime and to draw you back. Truly an awesome Adirondacks wedding destination.
