Despite what you may have heard, an adventurous New England elopement doesn’t mean you have to spend your whole day hiking (though it certainly could if that’s something that you both enjoy!). There are so many fun activities to incorporate into your elopement day that will make it more enjoyable and unique to the two of you. Start by thinking about what you love to do together, and what might be a fun way to incorporate those activities into your wedding day. Some fun activities could include getting ready together, exploring a state or national park, having a picnic, canoeing, skiing, playing board games, wine and cheese tasting, biking, reading, or playing music.

Activities

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Inviting family or friends to your elopement day is a wonderful way to celebrate with your most loved ones. Some couples choose to celebrate with a quiet ceremony with up to 30 guests, while others may invite only one or two. It’s important to keep in mind that the number of guests that you invite can impact your options for ceremony or reception locations, especially if any of those guests have certain accessibility requirements. Places like public or national parks may be a great place to start, though some have permit considerations. If you’re planning something more strenuous like walking or hiking to your ceremony location, just keep in mind that this may not be for everyone! Either way, you can choose to plan portions of your day independently of your guests if you’d like some special time to adventure together. 

Guests

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Seclusion is important to many couples who choose to elope and luckily New England has many gorgeous and scenic spots that are off the beaten path. However, with an influx of visitors in recent years, many towns in New England have become tourist destinations which is important to consider for your elopement day location. For example, you’ll find the gulf of Maine to be packed with beachgoers in July & August, and may find yourself in standstill traffic on a Sunday afternoon. Stowe, Vermont is one of the most traveled destinations in Vermont, especially during peak foliage weekends in September and October. If privacy and seclusion is most important to you, be sure to notify your New England elopement photographer when discussing locations. Your local guides will be the best to find those lesser-known, hidden gems that won’t pop up on the “Top 10” lists of Google.

Privacy

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Whether you are planning an elopement day for just the two of you, or inviting a handful of guests to celebrate, it’s important to consider accessibility for the locations you are planning to visit. Even if you are both avid hikers who would like to spend the day on the trail, you must be aware of the length, difficulty, time and accessibility before embarking on an adventure. If you or your guests are not a fan of steep cliffs, wind, water, or waves, it’s important to note these in your photography location questionnaire so that you can plan accordingly. Also think about transportation to said locations. Do you need to rent a car? Book an airline ticket? Take a train or boat? The goal is to make your day as relaxed and enjoyable as possible without the added stress of unknown accessibility restrictions.

Accessibility

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Each state in New England has an abundance of unique scenery that will transform your elopement day into an unforgettable adventure. Vermont is home to the Green Mountains of Vermont, as well as lush flower fields, bustling rivers and snowy scenery. Mount Washington in New Hampshire is the highest mountain peak in New England and home to some of the best skiing around. Maine gives a relaxing, beachfront vibe with tons of stunning sunsets, as well as the home of Acadia National Park. Whatever scenery you’re imagining for your New England elopement day, we have it all.

SCENERY

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Without a doubt, summer is a special place for those who choose to elope in New England, and for good reason! The extended daylight hours, refreshing rivers, and the emergence of lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers in the mountains make it an enchanting season. Then autumn transforms New England into a paradise for leaf lovers, as the hills explode with a breathtaking tapestry of oranges, reds, and yellows. And let’s not overlook the serene beauty of winter, where a pristine blanket of white snow covers the landscape. If you’re eloping in New England, choose a season that resonates most with the two of you!

seasonality

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