What to do during your Elopement Ceremony

Elopement Ceremony Traditions

SWELL & STONE / New England Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Elopement ceremonies have become increasingly popular in recent years, as couples seek a more intimate and personalized way to celebrate their love. While elopements traditionally involve just the couple and an officiant, there are many actions you can incorporate to make your elopement ceremony a truly special and unforgettable experience.

Handfasting

Handfasting is an ancient Celtic tradition that involves the couple's hands being bound together with ribbons or cords. This ritual symbolizes the couple's unity and commitment to each other. You can personalize this tradition by choosing ribbons or cords in colors that have special meaning to you or by having a loved one perform the binding.

To perform a handfasting, the couple typically stands facing each other with their hands intertwined. The officiant then wraps the ribbon or cord around their hands, tying it in a knot to symbolize their unity. The couple can then choose to keep the ribbon or cord as a keepsake of their special day.

Unity Ceremony

A unity ceremony is another beautiful way to symbolize the couple's union. There are many different unity rituals to choose from, including lighting a unity candle, pouring sand into a unity vase, or planting a unity tree. These rituals represent the merging of two lives into one and can be a wonderful way to celebrate your love.

To perform a unity candle ceremony, the couple starts with two separate candles, representing their individual lives. They then each take a candle and use them to light a larger, central candle, symbolizing their union as a couple.

Sand Ceremony

For a sand ceremony, the couple pours different colors of sand into a vase, symbolizing their individual lives. As they pour the sand together, the colors mix, representing the blending of their lives into one.

Tree Ceremony

A unity tree ceremony involves planting a sapling together, representing the couple's growing love and commitment. As the tree grows, it serves as a reminder of their special day and the love they share.

Exchanging Rings

Exchanging rings is a classic way to symbolize the couple's commitment to each other. You can choose to exchange simple bands or choose rings that have special meaning to you. Consider adding an engraving or selecting a unique stone that represents your love.

To exchange rings, the couple typically faces each other with their hands clasped. The officiant then places the rings on their fingers, symbolizing their union and commitment to each other. You can also choose to recite vows or exchange love letters while exchanging rings, adding even more personalization to the ceremony.

Writing Personal Vows

Writing personal vows is a beautiful way to express your love and commitment to each other. Take the time to write vows that are meaningful and heartfelt, incorporating personal anecdotes and special memories. You can also choose to exchange love letters or read poems or quotes that have special meaning to you.

When writing your vows, consider the qualities you love most about your partner and how you want to express your commitment to them. You can choose to recite your vows in front of your officiant, or share them privately with each other before or after the ceremony.

Including Personal Touches

Incorporating personal touches into your elopement ceremony can make it even more special. Consider including your favorite flowers, incorporating elements from your cultural or religious traditions, or choosing a location that has special meaning to you.

You can also choose to include your beloved pets or have a loved one perform a special song or reading. Personal touches like these can help to make your elopement ceremony truly unique and reflective of your love for each other.

Planning a Romantic Meal

After your ceremony, plan a romantic meal for just the two of you. Whether you choose to dine in a fancy restaurant, have a picnic in a beautiful location, or cook a special meal together, taking the time to celebrate your love with a delicious meal can be a wonderful way to cap off your elopement ceremony.

Consider choosing a menu that reflects your personal tastes and preferences. You could also choose to incorporate dishes from your cultural backgrounds or favorite cuisines. Don't forget to toast to your love and future together!

Planning an Adventure

Another way to make your elopement ceremony truly special is to plan an adventure together. Whether it's a hike to a scenic viewpoint, a hot air balloon ride, or a sunset sail, doing something adventurous and exciting can help to create lasting memories of your special day.

When planning your adventure, consider your personal preferences and abilities. Choose an activity that you both enjoy and that is within your comfort level. Make sure to take plenty of photos and videos to capture the memories of your special day.

Hiring a Professional Photographer

While elopement ceremonies are often intimate and small, it's still important to capture the memories of your special day. Consider hiring a professional photographer to capture your ceremony and any post-ceremony activities.

A professional photographer can help to capture the special moments of your elopement ceremony, from the exchange of vows to the first kiss as a married couple. They can also help to capture the beauty of your surroundings and any special touches you've included in your ceremony.

Elopement ceremonies can be a beautiful and intimate way to celebrate your love. By incorporating personal touches, special traditions, and planning special activities, you can make your elopement ceremony a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Don't forget to take the time to celebrate your love and commitment to each other with a romantic meal or adventure, and capture the memories with the help of a professional photographer.

In Which New England State Should You Elope? (Quiz)

Where to Elope in New England? (Quiz)

SWELL & STONE / New England Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Are you and your partner considering eloping in the beautiful region of New England, but not sure which state to choose? Each of the six states that make up this northeastern corner of the United States has its own unique charm and character. To help you make the decision, we've created a quiz that will match you with the perfect state for your elopement. But before we get to that, let's take a closer look at what each state has to offer.

Maine

Maine is known for its rugged coastline, picturesque lighthouses, and delicious seafood. If you and your partner love the ocean, this state is the perfect choice for your elopement. Acadia National Park, located on Mount Desert Island, offers breathtaking views of the coast and mountains. The park has a variety of hiking trails, including some that lead to secluded beaches and tide pools.

Another popular spot for elopements is Portland, Maine's largest city. The Old Port District is a charming area with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and plenty of restaurants and shops. The city also has several beautiful parks and gardens, including the Eastern Promenade, which has panoramic views of Casco Bay.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is a great choice for couples who love the outdoors. The state has an abundance of natural beauty, including the White Mountains and the Lakes Region. If you're looking for a more remote location, the Great North Woods region offers secluded forests and wildlife.

If you prefer a more urban setting, Portsmouth is a charming coastal city with plenty of history and culture. The city has several museums and galleries, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.

Vermont

Vermont is known for its charming small towns, covered bridges, and rolling hills. If you and your partner love nature and outdoor activities, the Green Mountains offer hiking, skiing, and mountain biking. In the fall, the foliage is breathtaking, making it the perfect backdrop for your elopement.

If you prefer a more low-key setting, the town of Stowe has a cozy New England feel with plenty of shops and restaurants. The town is also home to several ski resorts, making it a great choice for a winter elopement.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a state rich in history and culture, making it a great choice for couples who want a more urban setting for their elopement. Boston, the state's capital, has a variety of venues for your elopement, from historic churches to modern event spaces.

If you prefer a more natural setting, Cape Cod offers picturesque beaches and charming towns. The Cape Cod National Seashore has miles of unspoiled coastline, as well as several historic lighthouses.

Connecticut

Connecticut is a state that offers a little bit of everything, from charming small towns to bustling cities. The state is known for its historic architecture, making it a great choice for couples who love the charm of old buildings. The town of Mystic, located on the coast, has a variety of historic buildings and plenty of waterfront activities.

If you prefer a more urban setting, the city of Hartford has a variety of venues for your elopement, from historic mansions to modern event spaces. The city also has several museums and galleries, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States, but it offers plenty of charm and character. The state is known for its beautiful beaches and historic architecture. Newport, located on Aquidneck Island, is a popular spot for elopements. The town has several historic mansions, including The Breakers, which was built for the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s.

If you prefer a more low-key setting, Block Island is a secluded spot with beautiful beaches and plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and kayaking.

Now that we've taken a closer look at each state, it's time to take the quiz to find out which state is the perfect match for your elopement.

No matter which state you choose for your elopement, New England has plenty of options to suit every couple's preferences and budget. Whether you choose a seaside ceremony or a mountain-top celebration, your elopement will be a memorable and romantic experience in this beautiful region of the United States.

How to Elope on Block Island

How to Plan a Block Island Elopement

SWELL & STONE / Rhode Island Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Block Island is a small island located off the coast of Rhode Island, which makes it an ideal destination for elopements. Its natural beauty and unique charm create a romantic atmosphere that is perfect for couples who want an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience. Check out this comprehensive guide on how to elope on Block Island.

Plan ahead

The first step to eloping on Block Island is to plan ahead. Block Island is a popular tourist destination, so it is important to make reservations as early as possible. Decide on your elopement date and make arrangements for travel and accommodations. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor’s Center for assistance in finding lodging and recommendations for wedding officiants, florists, and photographers.

Choose the perfect location

Block Island offers numerous picturesque locations for elopements. The island’s natural beauty is breathtaking, and couples can choose from scenic beaches, historic landmarks, and stunning coastal cliffs. Popular elopement locations on the island include the Mohegan Bluffs, North Light, and the Southeast Lighthouse. You can also choose to have your elopement ceremony on one of the island's many beaches, such as Mansion Beach, Scotch Beach, or Charlestown Beach.

Obtain the necessary permits and licenses

To legally elope on Block Island, you will need to obtain a marriage license from the Town Clerk's Office on the island. You can download the marriage license application form from the Town of New Shoreham's website or obtain a copy in person at the Town Clerk's Office. Both you and your partner will need to be present when applying for the license and provide identification and any necessary documentation. The Town Clerk's Office will issue the marriage license immediately upon completion of the application.

Hire a wedding officiant

Hiring a wedding officiant is an important step in eloping on Block Island. You can choose to have a religious or non-religious ceremony, and you can also select a traditional or personalized ceremony. Officiants are available on the island, and you can contact the Chamber of Commerce or the Visitor's Center for a list of recommended officiants. However, if you choose me as your elopement photographer, I also serve as an ordained officiant! This leads me to the next section…

Book a photographer

Block Island is a photographer's dream, and having a professional photographer to capture your elopement ceremony is a must. Be sure to book your photographer early to ensure availability on your chosen elopement date. I live on the mainland in RI and I love coming over to the island. I’m there for elopements several times per year.

Choose your attire

Eloping on Block Island provides couples with the freedom to choose their attire. You can choose to wear traditional wedding attire or opt for a more casual look. Keep in mind the island’s weather conditions when selecting your attire. If you plan on having your elopement ceremony on the beach, consider wearing comfortable and lightweight clothing.

Celebrate your elopement

After your elopement ceremony, celebrate your special day on Block Island. The island offers a range of activities for couples to enjoy, from romantic walks on the beach to biking tours and nature hikes. You can also have a romantic dinner at one of the island's many restaurants or celebrate with champagne at a local bar or lounge.

The Paperwork

Apply for a marriage license: Both you and your partner will need to appear in person at the town clerk's office in New Shoreham on Block Island to complete a marriage license application. You will need to bring government-issued identification and pay a fee. The license is valid for 90 days.

You also need to have witnesses present. Rhode Island requires that two witnesses be present at your wedding ceremony to sign the marriage license.

And finally, you need to file the marriage license. After the ceremony, your officiant will sign the marriage license, and you and your witnesses will also sign it. You must then return the license to the town clerk's office where you obtained it within 72 hours of the ceremony.

Where to Stay on Block Island

Block Island has a variety of lodging options that are perfect for elopements, ranging from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Here are some recommendations for where to stay on Block Island for an elopement:

1. The 1661 Inn: This charming inn is located in the heart of Old Harbor and offers elegant accommodations, as well as a variety of elopement packages.

2. The Atlantic Inn: This historic inn is located on a hill overlooking the ocean and offers stunning views, as well as luxurious accommodations and personalized service. They also offer elopement packages that can be tailored to your needs.

3. The Spring House Hotel: This elegant hotel has been a popular wedding venue for over 150 years and offers a variety of elopement packages that include accommodations, ceremony location, and more.

4. Block Island Beach House : This cozy beach house and offers comfortable accommodations and a peaceful setting, making it an ideal spot for an intimate elopement.

5. The Blue Dory Inn: This cozy inn is located in Old Harbor and offers comfortable accommodations, as well as elopement packages that include a ceremony location, flowers, and more.
   
   Of course, there are Airbnbs & VRBO’s on the island as well.
   The Ross House- Modern and coastal views for days!

   Saltbox- Stunning water views on the cliff.

Where to Elope on Block Island

Block Island, located off the coast of Rhode Island, is a beautiful destination for elopements with its stunning beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and charming town. Here are some recommendations for where to elope on Block Island:

1. Mohegan Bluffs: These stunning cliffs offer a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and are a popular spot for elopements. The location is easily accessible from town and provides a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony.

2. Southeast Light: This historic lighthouse is perched on a bluff overlooking the ocean and makes for a romantic elopement location. The picturesque setting provides a unique and memorable backdrop for your wedding photos.

3. Mansion Beach: This secluded beach is located on the eastern side of the island and offers a tranquil and intimate setting for your elopement. The pristine beach and beautiful surroundings make it a popular choice for couples.

4. The Spring House Hotel: This elegant and historic hotel has been a popular wedding venue for over 150 years. The hotel offers a variety of elopement packages, including options for intimate ceremonies on their oceanfront lawn or in their beautiful gardens.

5. Clayhead Nature Trail: This scenic trail offers stunning views of the island's coastline and is a popular spot for outdoor elopements. The peaceful and serene setting makes it an ideal location for couples who love nature.

No matter where you choose to elope on Block Island, you are sure to have a beautiful and memorable experience.

Eloping on Block Island is a unique and romantic way to celebrate your love. The island’s natural beauty, coupled with its historic landmarks, make it an ideal destination for couples who want a special and intimate elopement experience. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can have a memorable and unforgettable elopement on Block Island.

New England Couple Elopes in Rhode Island

Hong & John’s Magnificent RI Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Rhode Island & BEYOND

Hong and John eloped in Rhode Island in stunning style. Their day was full of surprises, including an unforecasted downpour that started in the middle of their ceremony. They rolled with it and soaked up all the views, surprises, and their day turned out to be the adventure of a lifetime.

They were supposed to elope the day before, but we checked in via phone and the forecast said pouring rain all day. Since I live in Rhode Island and I didn’t have anything booked the next day I was happy to not spend a day drenched and agreed. All started out dry the next day, but a couple minutes into their ceremony the rain began and didn’t let up until much later.

We met at a special spot in Lincoln Woods. I helped Hong change into her gown, and I set John up for the first look. She came floating down a sea of fall leaves and they saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire. It was as adorable as their only guests, two stuffed hippos. I was dying because they brought stuffed hippos and they had no idea that as a kid I collected stuffed hippos and happen to be obsessed with the animals. How appropriate that I would be the one to photograph their day. We understood each other.

After the first look we began our adventure around the park stopping at some of my favorite spots. It certainly helped that Lincoln Woods was in its full on peak fall foliage time and the trees were bursting with color in every direction. We picked a ceremony site and just as they were walking up to it a fisherman set up camp on the location. They asked if they could borrow it for just a few minutes and he was very gracious and totally fine with waiting his turn, which was so nice.

They began to exchange their vows and first just a drop. Then another. And another. Before we knew if they were getting soaked, but neither cared and to be honest it was such a memorable experience. We packed up after the ceremony and stopped at the covered bridge before heading down to the coast.

We hiked out to the beach and the great thing about a rainy day is that no one is at the beach. They had it to themselves and we ended up hiking to a lighthouse. The ground was so saturated and the trail was muddy, but they were absolute troopers and got to see a really unique side of the RI coastline, which was amazing. We played with lanterns and twinkle lights and then headed out in the dark.

The next day Hong texted me a photo of how much sand she shook out of her dress. She was laughing and the whole thing was such a memorable experience she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“For our wedding, we wanted a unique experience and since we love the outdoors, we wanted an adventure photographer to capture the day. We loved working with Kat because she took the time to get to know us as a couple, and understand what our ‘ideal’ day would look like. She found some amazing locations based on the time of year (our wedding was in the Fall) and we are so glad we went with her recommendations as the scenery was spectacular on the day.

Kat was wonderful to work with, she kept us well informed, kept an eye on the weather, and advised us on what clothing and accessories we needed for our elopement day.On our planned wedding day, the weather was forecasted to be torrential rain and Kat was very flexible in agreeing to move everything back a day to avoid the downpour. We really appreciated her flexibility. We had such an amazing and fun time with Kat, and we loved every minute of it. Even when the weather didn’t cooperate, she was very well prepared and was able to capture some very creative and artistic photos.

Kat really is a master of her craft and was so enjoyable to work with. The final set of photos were truly breathtaking and it was exactly what we had hoped for.

We highly recommend Kat for any bride looking to have a unique experience with photos which aren’t your traditional cookie cutter style shots.”

— Hong & John

Charming Couple Elope in Acadia National Park

Jess & Barry’s Maine Elopement iN acadia

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Maine & BEYOND

When Jess and Barry decided to elope in Acadia National Park in the late fall I knew that anything could happen with the weather. What we got was one of the nicest days in the whole season, which they managed to fill to the brim with joy, great views, and time with family. Their Acadia National Park wedding was one of the highlights of the season.

The day started early in the morning when we met for their first look at the beach. It was gorgeous and we were all shocked that it wasn’t completely freezing outside. They had their first look before the sun rose in the morning twilight before we walked up to an overlook to catch the sunrise. The sun put on a show and birds swooped low making the views truly something special.

From there we went over to one of the carriage roads. They had hiked this particular road together before, but what none of us knew if that we were in for a light ray show of the century. At one point I turned around to snap some photos of them and noticed light streaming through the trees. It was stunning and I couldn’t conceal my excitement. They held hands and ran back and forth and danced and kissed, and this is just one of those moments that you can’t replicate. It’s not a place or a view, it’s simply a moment in time when all the elements lined up exactly right and magic was the result- serendipity.

We finished our hike to the cobblestone bridge and made our way back. We met up later for the more formal part of the day which started with getting ready. Jess had accumulated a lot of sand and dirt in her dress from the morning adventure, but she had successfully cleaned it up for the formal ceremony- which was also set to be on a mountaintop, so more dirt was in store.

After getting ready and family portraits, Jess had a quick outfit change before we were on our way to the ceremony. The ceremony was on the side of a gorgeous mountain with an incredible view. The families all gathered in the spot before Jess’s dad walked her down the… rock “aisle”? The wind was whipping but everyone was all smiles as they said their vows. After a little celebration and some more photos where Jess finally lost her veil to the wind, and then we were headed back down the mountain and to the sunset spot.

There’s a magical little spot on the coast that is my favorite to catch the sunset in Acadia. It’s a quick jaunt from the car and there are 270-degree views so you can watch the moonrise and stars come out all from one spot. We rock-hopped our way down and were treated to the longest, most colorful sunset ever. It felt like the sunset didn’t want such a magical day to end so it bled into the starry night sky. A perfect end to one of the best elopement days ever.

Windy Cliffside Elopement at Mountain Lake in Vermont

Jillian & Kevin Elope in Lake Willoughby Vermont

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Vermont & BEYOND

Jillian and Kevin eloped on a mountainside cliff deep into fall in Northern Vermont. The day called for a wind storm, rain, and cold, and they were game for every second of it. In fact, they were hands down the two most capable and prepared hikers ready for any weather conditions with endless smiles and an abundance of joy. Their day was wild, windy, and extremely awesome.

I met them at their Airbnb, which from the front looked a little like a rundown old house from the front, but once you stepped inside, transformed into the coolest and cutest abode. It didn’t hurt that the views out the back were unreal and the huge windows let in tons of lovely natural light.

They were both in the process of getting ready, and their adventure pup, Willoughby, was getting amped for adventure. Kevin made a bouquet for Jillian and then set about finishing getting ready. Once everyone finished up we set up a first look in the backyard. It was beautiful and emotional, and before we knew it we were ready to head out for the hike.

I wanted to get some photos down on the beach before we started hiking because I thought it might be dark by the time we finished the hike. I’m so glad we did because it was both dark and raining by the time we finished!

Lake Willoughby is in a stunning and remote area. All the way up in Northern Vermont, it’s close to Kingdom Trails, a mountain biker’s paradise. The lake itself is crystal clear and a glacial lake that is over 300 feet deep. The shoreline of Lake Willoughby almost resembles a Norwegian fjord. The reason for this unique geology is due to the rock between Mount Pisgah on the east and Mount Hor on the west being eroded by an ancient valley ice lobe. This ice flow cut across the Willoughby granodiorite and adjacent metamorphic rocks. The ice flow may have exploited highly fractured bedrock along the margin of the Willoughby pluton or joint surfaces within the pluton. Whatever the reason, it result is a stunning, clear blue lake.

The hike we chose was about 6 miles round trip and fairly steep. I wasn’t worried about these two though, I knew they were avid hikers, and indeed the hike proved to be easy for them even in formalwear. The views from the top were stunning if a little scary. The sheer faces of the rock walls made for a long look down to the lake, and the extreme gusts of wind (up to 70 mph) made everything feel a little more intense. At one point we heard a tree go down and we vowed to keep an eye out so that we would be ready in case one came down near us. They decided to look at and get photos at all of the views, but then have their ceremony in a protected spot in the forest.

The rain held off for a while, but as we were looking at all the views the sky opened up on us. Jillian and Kevin were all smiles and not the least bit stressed and I admired and appreciated their roll with the punch’s attitudes.

When we got back down in the forest they enjoyed some pb&j’s and we found the perfect ceremony spot with a stone staircase backdrop. The light was fading fast, so it was finally time for the ceremony. How do I put into words what a beautiful and emotional ceremony it was? There was laughter and tears and combinations of both. They expressed so much love for each other and also an appreciation that they were marrying their life partner that wanted to get married in this non-traditional and unorthodox way.

I think one of the things that I get reminded about each time I get to photograph an incredible love story like theirs is how honored I am to get to be the one that they trust to capture their story for them. When I look back on these images I get to relive how wild and wonderful their day was, and it’s so incredible that these rad humans got married the way they did and I was able to capture all of the day’s glory.

Astonishingly Gorgeous Maine Elopement

Tyler & Seth’s Acadia National Park Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / MAINE & BEYOND

It looks like Tyler & Seth’s Acadia National Park elopement day encompassed an entire lifetime in one day. From summiting a mountain before the sun rose, to a picnic on the beach, to flying in a plane over Acadia, to eating cake and exploring the rocky coastline as the sun set and the stars came out, this day had absolutely everything.

We fit in so many views, activities, and so much fun that it was impossible to choose just a few photos to encapsulate their day here. Let’s start with the morning. It was cold outside and we met in the dark, but the sheer enthusiasm that they were getting married was radiating off of them like the steam that would soon radiate off their shoulders as we started to climb up the mountain. Their faces when they saw the view from the top were nothing short of astonishment. Color was filling the sky and they breathed it all in before picking a ceremony site and preparing to say their vows.

The vows were full of Taylor Swift lyrics and there were a lot of smiles, laughs, and some tears. We had the mountain completely to ourselves and the ceremony could not have been any more beautiful.

They took their time exploring the top and as we headed down we saw even more incredible views. Somehow the day kept getting better, a theme throughout their whole elopement. Next up was a private picnic on the beach. They strolled and took in the views, ate some delicious locally sourced foods, and played some games they love.

After the beach, we met up at Acadia Flights. The next thing we knew we were soaring over the park and seeing a lot of the sights they had seen on foot from the air. It was so cool to see their elopement spot from above. The entire experience was so beautiful and unique and I highly recommend as a part of your elopement day if you like getting a bird’s eye view. The fall colors were even more spectacular from the air.

After the flight, we headed to where they were staying to freshen up, eat some cake, galavant around town a little, and then we packed up to head to our sunset location. The sky had become cloudy in the direction of the sun, but it was still open enough to stay for the blue hour and catch the starry night sky. The wrapped up the most perfect elopement day dancing under the night sky and walking back to the car via lantern light.

And so the perfect day that looked like 1000 different days because they packed in so much will live in their memory as the perfect way to get married.

Couple Elope in New Hampshire in Dazzling Style

Kiah & David’s Enchanting NH Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE Elopement PHOTOGRAPHER / New Hampshire & BEYOND

Kiah and David eloped in the White Mountains of New Hampshire in a way that ended up being more spectacular than any of us could have imagined. I think that’s one of the most incredible things about elopements. You really never know exactly what nature is going to deliver you when you’re several months out and planning. Sometimes you get really lucky.

I met Kiah and David at the place they were staying, a beautiful cabin deep in the woods, with an address, it turns out, that was hard to find. I pulled up to some house, which looked lived in an not like a rental, so I hesitated before walking up. A person came out onto the porch and asked if I was looking for the couple. They owned the rental and told me how to get there.

One I arrived David was out stoking the fire in his suit, which is always a fun sight to see. We went over everything before I went inside to say hello to Kiah. She finished getting ready and we set up the first look, which was sweet and silly all at once.

After the first look we packed up and headed out to the trailhead. We had talked about maybe staying on top of the mountain for sunset, but we weren’t sure if it was going to be worth it because clouds were forecasted for the whole afternoon. We took our time on the hike, and David even stripped down for part of it so he wouldn’t sweat all over his suit.

As I rounded the last corner before the view I turned around to catch their faces as they saw it for the first time. Their jaws dropped in awe at the kaleidoscope of color before them. The mountains, the trees, the sky- it was all stunning and they couldn’t believe that this was the cathedral they chose to say their vows in.

After some happy exploring and jumping for joy we settled in to their ceremony spot. Their vows were sweet and intimate. Not a single hiker came by during their ceremony, so they truly had the place to themselves. Following the ceremony we set up a picnic and they read letters from their family, popped champagne, and basked in the setting sun.

And the setting sun put on a show. The sunset lit up the whole sky with color. Now not only the trees were bursting with color, but the sky was on fire. The sunset lasted so long we ended up staying until the stars came out. There was no wind and it was such a comfortable temp that there was no reason not to stay.

As they put on their headlamps for the hike down I couldn’t stop beaming and saying how everything couldn’t have been more perfect. There are days when things don’t go to plan, and days when things are made harder by the weather or other factors, but this was one of those days that nothing could go wrong and everything felt easy, smooth, and exactly perfect.

“Kat is a remarkable photographer with world class talent. We recommend her as much as we possibly can.

For our wedding, my wife and I wanted to be married in an intimate ceremony outdoors and in nature. We hired Kat to capture our adventure wedding in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Kat was both our photographer and our officiant, which was an added bonus that really made our vision possible.

Kat was the perfect companion for our adventure wedding. When we finally met in person on our wedding day, it was like we had been old friends. We had so much fun hiking with her, and she seemingly effortlessly blended between adventure companion and expert photographer.

Perhaps most importantly, the photos came out magnificently! The pictures have brought our friends and family to tears with how stunning they are and we could not be happier or more impressed with their quality, the variety of moments she captured, or how deftly she was able to capture both us as subjects and the stunning wilderness and landscape that we occupied. Kat is perhaps one-of-a-kind in blending intimate moments between a couple and the grandeur of nature. Kat’s photography captured the story we were hoping to experience and see!

We would recommend Kat unreservedly. She was professional across the board, whether the quality of her photography, her handling of our photo shoot in being able to bring out the best of us and be a trusted companion, and our interactions and planning with her leading up to the shoot. We are so grateful to you, Kat!”

— Kiah & David

Romantic Rhode Island Elopement

Skyla & Matt ELope in Charming Rhode Island

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Rhode Island & BEYOND

Skyla and Matt eloped in Rhode Island on a perfectly beautiful summer morning. When they reached out they wanted both rocky coastline and forest vibes, and I knew I had just the spots for them.

Skyla changed in the woods and I got Matt into position for the first look. We were racing the rising sun as Skyla walked to him. They watched the sunrise over the coast during their first look, and then we moved to a different spot for their ceremony while basking in the warm morning sun.

After their vows, we explored the nearby beach and ruins, and they told me all about the incredible road trip they were on. They are from Indiana and used their elopement as an opportunity to see New England. They were enjoying concerts, doing food tours, and seeing all the sites, and their elopement day was right in the middle of it all. I love when couples create an extended honeymoon out of their elopement. It makes the entire experience even more memorable and special.

Up next, we headed to a secluded forest location. A short drive and then a short hike later and we walked into an amphitheater of trees. This really is one of the most stunning locations in the state. It feels really special to walk down the aisle of trees when there is no one around and it really does feel like mother nature provides way cooler aisles than a church ever could.

Skyla and Matt busted out a “shot-ski” and enjoyed a drink. They had a mini celebration picnic and talked about what was up next on their trip. The entire morning felt like a dream, and at the end of it all they were married. They wanted a low-stress, beautiful, private, and intimate wedding experience and that is exactly what they got.

I love when people come from out of town to elope in Rhode Island, especially if they’ve never been here before. After the experience, the Ocean State is so meaningful to them, and they have a place that they can come back to again and again for their anniversary and remember the joy of the first time they were ever here.

Wintry Mountain Elopement in Stowe Vermont

Tori & Tom ELope in Other-Worldly Vermont

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Vermont & BEYOND

When Tori and Tom first reached out to me and told me they wanted to elope in the mountains of Vermont in the middle of winter, I had just found out I was pregnant. Getting married in the winter is always a somewhat harrowing task, and if I chose to move forward, more so this time because I would be 7 months pregnant on their date.

We planned a little on the phone, and honestly, the day seemed like too much fun for me to not get to shoot it. So we began planning, and I am so grateful for their infinite trust not only in my ideas and vision but in my pregnant self’s physical ability to carry out the plan.

We started the day at sunrise with a little hike through the snow at a local state park. Upon reaching the top of the hill Tori and Tom pulled out sleds that they had stashed the day before and flew down the hill to their ceremony site with their parents. They said their vows under a big tree, threw snowballs at one another and reveled in the intimate beautiful spot they chose. As their parents hiked out, we took a few more photos and then headed to a frozen waterfall nearby. After we put on micro-spikes we hiked again. In order to get down the waterfall we had to slide and scoot over a very frozen and steep path. They were so sweet and more worried about me and my gear than they were about themselves, even though they were in formal wear! I have to say that was the first time in my entire photography career that clients have been more worried about my ability to complete the task than I was worried about their ability to do the maneuverers in formalwear. Normally, their job is a lot tougher than mine. We all made it and I’m so happy we did. The waterfall was peaceful and stunning, and I had been there many times in the summer and fall, but never in the winter.

After the waterfall, they were off to the mountain for a backcountry adventure. I have always wanted to do a specific backcountry ski/snowboard elopement at this one spot in Stowe, and they were game. The only problem was my doctor would not allow my 7 months pregnant self to ski while documenting their elopement. I had done it before, but not with a baby on board, so I hired an amazing assistant, Alex, to do that portion. She did an awesome job and although I know it was freezing cold, and a ton of work, Tori and Tom did a stellar job. Not to mention they have one of the most memorable elopement day experiences of all time.

I am so grateful for their trust in me and the process. The unique and stunning images speak for themselves, as I’ve never seen another gallery so full of such freezing cold and wonderful adventure all on one winter day in February.