Some locations require either a pass, donation, membership, payment or permission. I am not responsible for your pass or permission. Once a date and time is set it is your responsibility to inquire what is needed or if you are allowed on the premises. This is because I am unsure if you already have a membership, etc. I try to note beside each one what is required but always check the websites just in case. Also please be responsible at these locations as many are provided by donation only. How wonderful it is to have such places at hand? So please be respectful of this.

Saratoga Springs Spa State Park & SPAC, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY (Fee during main seasons vehicles) 8:15 am - 4:30pm, closes at dusk, walk-in's free, gates closed off season but can walk in, leashed pets only) Website

Distinguished by its classical architecture and listed as a National Historic Landmark, is noted for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources. In addition to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths and Spa, the park offers a multitude of traditional recreation opportunities.

Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY is open April 1 to the end of the first weekend of December, weather permitting. During this season the road opens at 9:00 am daily; closing times vary with the season, call the Information Desk for details, 518-670-2985.  Website

(Pass required all seasons and all times, one-way drive and stop, leashed pets only)

The peace, tranquility and natural beauty is breathtaking. The wildlife is abundant. You never know what you will see. Always an adventure.  If you go during the week it can often feel like you have the entire park to yourself. Very inspiring on many levels.

Lake George Battlefield Park (Free entry, leashed pets only)

Battlefield Park is located on Beach Road just off Route 9 just east of Lake George Village. The park today is used for recreational activities, from jogging to kite flying, picnicking and more. It has offers gorgeous vistas of Lake George as well as terrific landscaping and mountain views.

Saratoga Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY is located along Broadway, Circular and Spring Streets (Free entry, leashed pets only) Website

Spit and Spat fountain, health, history, and horses come together at Congress Park. This beautiful park offers fun, relaxation... and a fountain or two. Congress Park invites you to picnic, stroll and explore. Picnic in the park! Green grass, lush gardens and countless springs make Congress Park the perfect setting for a scenic photo.

Yaddo Gardens, 312 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY

Mon-Sun: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm (Requires a $100 donation fee and pre-scheduled appt with sessions and a $250 donation fee for weddings with a pre-scheduled ceremony date/time. Leashed pets only. Limited use of all areas because of constant grounds maintenance and product use) Website

The gardens feature a variety of plants which peak throughout the season. The roses begin to bloom mid-June and are at peak from about the third week of June through July and then peak again mid to late August. The rock garden is in bloom mid-June through mid-September.

SHEPARD PARK  26 Old Post Road Lake George, NY

Located in the center of the Village it becomes the showcase for many events including regular concerts, firemen's family days, craft shows, and other similar events. Website

Highland's Castle, Bolton Landing (Rental fees apply, no pets) Website

Stone Bridge Caves, Pottersville, NY (Entry fee and notice of session required, may be able to do after 5pm with no people around, no pets) Website

Knapp Estates / Shelven Rock / Buttermilk Falls, Fort Anne, NY (Free entry, drive and stop session, is a campground during main season, great for Fall foliage, can bring pets unleashed but they may run away!)

Glens Falls Country Golf Club (Membership required by someone you know, no pets. Website

Glens Falls Crandall Park, 600 Glen St. (Free entry, leashed pets only) Website

Mabee Farm Historical Site and Barns, Rotterdam Junction, NY (Free entry, donations appreciated, must be notified, no pets) Website

The Sagamore, Bolton Landing, NY (Free entry, no pets allowed)  Website

The Sagamore is the Northeast's only premier-island meeting facility, with more than 50,000 square feet of spectacular indoor and outdoor event space. From conferences and corporate retreats to family reunions and romantic Adirondack weddings, you will find the perfect setting at this historic Lake George resort. Experience the timeless allure of The Sagamore and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

The Inn at Erlowest, Lake George, NY (Free entry limited to owners discretion, call ahead, no pets) Website

Saratoga Race Track (Free or fee depending on season and hours, no pets) Website

Lake Placid: This year (2018) we learned that all Lake Placid photo locations and even "public" parks are private and require a permit, high fee, or may not be photographed on at all. Sadly it has become such a problem that I recommend considering a different location altogether for your wedding or portrait photos as it's not worth the harassment before, during or after, or the rude dealings with locals in that area.