He was born in Bückeburg to Georg Wilhelm, Prince of Schaumburg-Lippe and Princess Ida of Waldeck and Pyrmont (1796–1869).

Also in 1867, Schaumburg-Lippe became a member of the North German Confederation, and later in 1871 became a member state of the German Empire on its founding.

He died at Bückeburg and was succeeded by his son Georg.

On 25 October 1844 at Arolsen, Adolf was married to his cousin, Princess Hermine of Waldeck and Pyrmont (1827–1910), a daughter of George II, Prince of Waldeck and Pyrmont.

This article related to German royalty (1871–1919) is a stub.