Best Hikes, Locations, Lodging, and Food for Your Vermont Elopement
So you’ve decided you’re eloping in Vermont! I’m so excited for you and your partner to start the next chapter of your story together and there’s no better place to plan a beautiful adventurous elopement than in the stunning Green Mountains of Vermont!
Vermont elopements are so special because they are an opportunity to celebrate your love in a way that is true to you – whether that means it’s just the two of you, your parents and close family, or perhaps a small gathering of a few guests. Among many reasons, I see couples choosing to elope to avoid the stress, cost, and planning of a larger wedding. Some choose to elope because of all the flexibility in creating the perfect day that means the most to them!
If you’re just starting to plan your Vermont elopement and perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed by your options, I’m here to help! When couples come to me with their elopement vision, there are a few questions I always ask right off the bat. I suggest that the two of you grab a notepad or your phone and start to brainstorm on the following:
- Where do you want to celebrate? Think about settings like mountains, rivers, backyard, etc. and what feels right to the two of you. Maybe you want an adventure in the mountains of Vermont, or perhaps a small gathering by the beach is more your style!
- When do you want to celebrate? Weekday elopements can not only save you a ton of money, but you could potentially turn your elopement into a mini-moon and keep the adventure rolling! Think about seasonality as well, whether you’d enjoy the calm, cool winter or a golden summer vibe.
- Who do you want to celebrate with? Just the two of you? Maybe your parents? Siblings? Or perhaps a small guest list.
- What do the two of you envision doing on your perfect day together? Maybe it’s a small ceremony surrounded by family and friends, followed by an afternoon hike and watching the sun set. Or maybe you want to spend the day wining and dining in your favorite city restaurants. Make a list of the top 3-4 things that would make your elopement day super special to remember!
If this isn’t enough to get you started, I’ve included below some of my favorite hikes (for those adventurous souls out there), stays, and food which I hope will help you start to plan your perfect Vermont elopement day! The majority of these recommendations are places that I have previously photographed weddings or elopements so I can vouch for all the beauty, adventurousness, and joy that they will bring to your elopement day!
Ready to start planning your adventurous Vermont elopement itinerary? Check out Where to Elope in Vermont – 5 Adventurous Itineraries on the blog!
Vermont Elopement Hikes
When you’re planning on eloping in Vermont, there are so many breathtaking hikes to choose from that range from easy to more difficult. If hiking isn’t your jam, skip ahead to the next section for some beautiful Vermont stays for your elopement! However, if you’re up for the adventure, you know I am too! Below you will find a variety of hikes ranging from easy to moderate, a quick 1 mile or day-long 7 mile hike. You don’t always have to scale mountains in Vermont to get a beautiful view!
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe Pinnacle via Pinnacle Meadow Trail – moderate, 3.2 mi
A short but steady climb through forest that opens up to one of the best panoramic views in Stowe. The summit looks out over the Worcester Range and Mount Mansfield, making it especially stunning at sunrise or peak foliage. Great bang-for-your-buck hike with a slightly steep final push.
Bingham Falls Trail – easy, .5 mi
A quick, easy walk to a dramatic waterfall and gorge. The trail is short but can be a bit rocky and steep near the falls. Popular in summer for swimming and cooling off—arrive early to avoid crowds.
Mt. Mansfield Nose to the Chin – moderate, 2.8 mi
A classic ridge hike along Vermont’s highest peak, featuring alpine terrain and sweeping 360° views. You’ll traverse exposed sections between the Nose and Chin, so it feels adventurous without being overly long. Expect wind and dramatic scenery on your Vermont elopement adventure.
Nebraska Notch – moderate, 3.2 mi
A quieter, less crowded trail that winds through mossy forest, streams, and wooden bridges. It’s a peaceful out-and-back with gradual elevation gain, perfect if you want a more secluded, storybook-style hike.
Sterling Pond Trail – moderate, 2.3 mi
A steady uphill climb that leads to a serene alpine pond tucked between peaks. The payoff is a calm, scenic spot that feels remote despite the shorter distance. Great for a picnic or quiet moment in nature on your Vermont elopement day.
Burlington Hikes
Rock Point Loop Trail – easy, 1.2 mi
A peaceful wooded loop with beautiful views of Lake Champlain and dramatic cliffside overlooks. This short hike feels tucked away despite being close to downtown Burlington, making it perfect for a quick nature escape or sunset stroll.
Red Rocks Park Trail – easy, 2.7 mi
A laid-back trail network through forest and along striking red shale cliffs above Lake Champlain. With multiple access points and scenic lake views, it’s ideal for wandering, swimming in warmer months, or catching golden hour along the shoreline.
Ethan Allen Homestead – easy, 2.6 mi
A gentle, scenic walk through open fields, forest, and along the Winooski River. This trail system offers wide paths and a mix of landscapes, making it great for a relaxed walk, especially in fall or for a quiet, less crowded outing.
Northern Vermont Hikes
Mount Pigsah Trail, Lake Willoughby – moderate, 4.1 mi
One of the most iconic hikes in Vermont, climbing steadily to jaw-dropping cliffside views over Lake Willoughby. The trail can be steep and rocky in sections, but the dramatic overlook of the lake between Mount Pisgah and Hor makes it well worth the effort—especially in fall.
Jay Peak via Long Trail – moderate, 3.1 mi
A shorter climb through forest and boggy sections (expect mud and boardwalks) leading to the open summit of Jay Peak. At the top, you’ll get sweeping views into Canada and across the Green Mountains—plus a unique summit feel with alpine exposure.
Bald Mountain Trail – moderate, 4.2 mi
A steady, family-friendly climb to a classic Vermont fire tower overlooking the Northeast Kingdom. The trail is approachable but still feels rewarding, with expansive views from the summit tower that stretch across forests, lakes, and rolling hills.
Central Vermont Hikes
Camel’s Hump Trail – hard, 6.0 mi
One the most iconic and challenging hikes for a Vermont elopement, climbing steeply through forest before breaking into exposed alpine terrain near the summit. The final stretch is rugged and rocky, but the payoff is incredible—wide-open 360° views from one of the state’s highest peaks. A true bucket-list hike for experienced adventurers, especially stunning during peak foliage.
Southern Vermont Hikes
Prospect Rock Trail – moderate, 3.1 mi
A steady uphill hike through forest that leads to a beautiful open overlook of the Taconic Mountains and surrounding valleys. The climb is moderate but manageable, with a rewarding rocky viewpoint that’s especially nice at sunset or during fall foliage.
Lowell Lake – easy, 3.1 mi
A peaceful, mostly flat loop around a quiet lake with gentle shoreline paths and forest views. This is more of a relaxing nature walk than a hike, perfect for slow mornings, birdwatching, or enjoying reflections on calm water.
Mount Olga Trail – easy, 1.8 mi
A short and accessible climb to a fire tower with surprisingly expansive views. The trail is gentle and beginner-friendly, making it a great quick adventure with a big payoff—especially for sunset or peak foliage.
Ready to start planning your Vermont Elopement? Check out The Ultimate New England Elopement Guide for free tips on bringing your dream vision to life!
Vermont Elopement Lodging
If you’re planning on eloping in Vermont, you’re probably starting to think about what you’d like for your “home away from home” for the celebration. Vermont has some of the most beautiful venues for elopements, ranging from country inns to downtown hotels with a more modern and rustic vibe. Whether you’re traveling from afar or you are locals looking for a stay-cation, check out some of the options below!
Stowe Elopement Lodging
Lodge at Spruce Peak
The Lodge at Spruce Peak is an expansive and beautiful venue & hotel right in the heart of Stowe with epic mountain photo opportunities right on-site.
Timberholm Inn
Cozy and warm with mountain views and a gazebo for outdoor ceremony. The rooms are rustic and and the owners will make you feel very at-home with the indoor fireplace and dining area.
Photo credit: https://timberholm.com
Edson Hill
Edson Hill is a romantic, picturesque bed and breakfast on 38 acres of beautiful Vermont land. The guest rooms are beautiful, combining antique and contemporary features. Just a skip and a jump away from epic views at Stowe mountain.
Photo credit: edsonhill.com
Topnotch Resort
The Topnotch Resort is nestled right in the Green Mountains, 120 acres of wooded foothills. Self-described as a “sophisticated gem where alpine luxury is served on an intimate scale”.
BURLINGTON
- Hotel Vermont – Rustic & modern hotel located in downtown Burlington near the shores of Lake Champlain.
ADDITIONAL VERMONT ELOPEMENT VENUES
- Grafton Inn – Picturesque Vermont Inn nestled in the charming town of Grafton with historic, individually-decorated rooms and award-winning dining.
- Mountaintop Inn & Resort – You can’t go wrong with an intimate wedding at a venue with views that overlook the beautiful Green Mountains and lake. They offer intimate elopement and micro-wedding packages with options for a classic lodge room, luxury lodge room, or extravagant suite.
- Burke Mountain Hotel – In Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom where enjoying the great outdoors is a way of life, it is no surprise that many couples have chosen to say “I Do” in the breathtaking alpine setting at Burke Mountain.
- Inn at Grace Farm – Located in Fairfax, VT, the Inn includes two guest houses with full kitchens and living areas, cozy fireplaces, and an outdoor ceremony site that’s perfect for intimate weddings and small elopements.
- Lareau Farm Inn – Right in the heart of the Mad River Valley, Lareau Farm is the home of American Flatbread and a wonderful spot for an intimate or larger wedding. Spend your wedding weekend with your loved ones in our charming country Inn. Wander through our beautiful gardens. Mountain bike trails, hiking and swimming are only steps away.
Vermont Elopement Catering
If you’re like me, you know that good food is fundamental for a beautiful celebration and fun Vermont elopement day. Whether you want something cozy and casual or a fine dining experience with multiple courses, these Vermont restaurants and caterers are some of my favorites!
STOWE
- Idletyme Brewing Company – Quality beer brewed on site, delicious, high-value fare that’s family friendly and a cool atmosphere where locals and tourists alike can relax, share stories and soak up almost two centuries of history.
- Michael’s on the Hill – Chef-owned farm to table cuisine, locally sourced Vermont fine dining experience.
- The Dining Room at Edson Hill – Indulge in a sensational meal prepared by the Edson Hill culinary team whose creations feature a modern approach to classic New England fare.
- Harrison’s Restaurant – Comfort food in an upscale, relaxing environment in downtown Stowe
BURLINGTON
- Hen of the Wood – A true Vermont dining experience that showcases the region’s most vibrant foods.
- Pascolo Ristorante – Fresh pasta, pizza from our wood-fired oven, house salumi, Northeast seafood. Awesome wine list celebrates the subtle and complex wines of Piemonte, the bold beauties of Italy’s Southern regions, and everything in between.
- Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe – A French bistro & bar, serving lunch and dinner—located on the Church Street Marketplace on the corner of Church & College Streets.
Your Vermont Elopement Photographer
I hope that this list of Vermont hikes, food, and venues will help you in starting to plan your dream Vermont elopement with your partner! As a local Vermont elopement photographer and planning guide, I’ve heard from countless couples that eloping in Vermont was the best decision they made for their wedding day. I’m here to bring the most epic and adventurous day to life with authentic, timeless and candid storytelling photography.
When you’re ready to think about your elopement day photography, contact me today to get elopement packages and bring your vision to life!
In the meantime, check out this free resource on my website: The Ultimate New England Elopement Guide (How to Plan an Adventurous, unique outdoor Elopement in New England)!
