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

Memorable Franconia Notch New Hampshire Elopement

Lauren & Elliot ELope in New Hampshire with dogs

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / New Hamsphire & BEYOND

Lauren & Elliot began their stunning New Hampshire small outdoor wedding day with an adventure hike. It was before sunrise when we met in a parking lot and headed up the steep trail in front of us. They exclaimed while laughing that I could have told them that although it was a short hike it was straight up. But before we knew it we had arrived at the top and the stunning view silenced any protests from minutes before. Lauren quickly changed into her dress in the forest as I got Elliot into position for the first look as their two pups ran around having the time of their lives.

Just after the first look, the sun came up and we basked in its warm rays. After some more basking and checking out all the different views we hiked down and walked over to the lake that we had just viewed from above. The sun was streaming through the mountains there was fog dancing on the surface of the lake making for the perfect early fall/late summer vibes.

We hiked over to a more secluded spot and they read their private vows to one another while the dew burned off the trees and the no one around except for the mountains and their sweet dogs.

After a morning to remember we parted ways only to meet up again in the afternoon for the main event. As they were getting ready with family to help it was clear how much those who were there loved them. Lauren’s mom was helping her get ready while friends were setting up the table for the celebration. The officiant, another friend, was practicing his speech, and there was a buzz of joy in the air.

Lauren had a first look with her dad, which was the sweetest thing ever, and we took family formals before starting the ceremony. The ceremony began with their dogs zig-zagging the aisle, which was funny and kept things light. The ceremony was beautiful and joyful. And their recession was punctuated with orange bursts which made for an awesome photo.

The celebration was laid back and lovely. They had the meal catered, which allowed everyone to enjoy each moment. Lauren’s brother tended the bar, and there were teary-eyed speeches, followed by an array of desserts, including a doggy cake. The dogs (and the humans) enjoyed their day thoroughly, and in the end, that (along with being married) is mostly what Lauren and Elliot found most important.

“I’ve been speechless since getting our sneak peek photos and still having a hard time finding the words to express my happiness and gratitude.

Kat is a master at her craft! Our micro-wedding was our first time having a professional photographer photograph us, so we didn’t know what to expect and just rolled with the entire day.

When we decided to elope with 14 close family members and friends we looked for an adventure elopement photographer. That then snowballed into getting married in NH and choosing 2 locations for sunrise photos. Kat was a huge help in bringing our vision to life! She made a couple location suggestions in New England and we chose what best fit us.

She has the most calming way about her but still came off as my hype woman after she was clicking away taking our photos. I felt so beautiful and comfortable with her and actually teared up when we said our goodbyes at the end of the night. She’s quite special and 1000% worth it! She let us be ourselves and just captured those moments.

If you’ve made it this far, hire Kat. You’ll never regret it!”

— Lauren & Elliot

Best Places to Elope in New Hampshire

Top 10 New Hampshire Elopement Locations

SWELL & STONE / Elopement Photographer / New Hampshire & Beyond

How to Plan Your New Hampshire Elopement

The Granite State is full of beauty and the White Mountains are home to some of the best places to elope in New Hampshire and I offer a variety of elopement packages in NH. Maybe you’ve already decided a traditional wedding is not your thing, but a New Hampshire elopement might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle. New Hampshire has so many stunning landscapes from cliffs to epic mountain ranges, to crystal clear waterfalls, and is considered one of the best places in the New England region and the country for elopements. Those looking for an adventure wedding experience should look no further than eloping in NH.

Want to spread your search a little broader? Here’s my New England elopement guide. Check out these articles if you’re looking for Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, or Upstate NY. Also, check out these galleries for real couples who eloped in New Hampshire- Maddy & Chris, Julia & Jeff, Alexis & Christian, Gwen & Dan.

New Hampshire is known as the Granite State, and for good reason, because New Hampshire is home to the White Mountains and Mt. Washington, the region’s highest peak. Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the country and the world flock to the White Mountains to hike, ski, explore, and recreate. New Hampshire is defined by its quaint towns and large expanses of wilderness, and you can enjoy all the charm that New England has to offer paired with vast opportunities for outdoor adventure and fun.

Mt. Washington State Park is home to the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi. Lake Winnipesaukee is a huge lake that has private islands and incredible sunrise and sunset views, depending on the side you choose to explore. Go north to Dixville Notch and find an extremely steep and wild landscape that is a little more secluded, or take a drive down the world-renowned Kancamagus Highway, which boasts some of the best views on the entire east coast.

When planning an elopement it is always best to plan on a weekday. If you plan on having no guests, or just your immediate families, it is ultimately less expensive, plus easier to plan ceremonies with fewer crowds. Here are some of the best spots to elope in NH.

Where to Elope In NH

Cathedral Ledge

The spot is a favorite for those eloping with family or friends who can’t hike far. It’s an incredibly beautiful location that provides beautiful views of Echo Lake State Park below, as well as mountains in the distance. There is a road to the top and a small parking area, making the walk to the wedding location very short. However, because there is a road, it obviously attracts more crowds, and a permit is required in this location. Check out this gallery to see an actual elopement here.

Franconia Notch State Park

Franconia Notch State Park is an enchanting wonderland of beautiful elopement locations. The mountains rise up out of the lake and river valley here and the forests are just as incredible as the mountain tops. There are a ton of gorge-like features that have crystal clear water rushing over them. The first time I ever visited here I think I was left with my jaw on the ground. I couldn’t believe there were so many beautiful places packed into one small area. This area has so much to do and see it is the dream location for an all-day elopement where you want to sample a little bit of every type of landscape.

There are a few lakes with stunning mountain backdrops in this area. During the summer months, there is a fee to enter, and it is usually crowded with swimmers, so I only recommend it early in the morning or later in the evening. In the off-season, it is the perfect spot to take a stroll and see the lake in its full glory. There are also a few gorgeous and quick hikes leading to stunning overlooks of a lake and the mountains surrounding it. Also, right in this area is access to Cannon Mountain and its gondola which boasts incredible views and a lot of fun as an elopement day activity. Check out this gallery.

Pinkham Notch

Pinkham Notch is a mountain pass just south of the Mt. Washington area. It’s a favorite spot for backcountry skiers, hikers, and ice climbers. Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) runs a visitors center here, and it’s very close to Wildcat Mountain, the resort that is frequently cited as having the best views in New England. They have a gondola that you can take to the top as part of your elopement day, but the surrounding area has plenty to keep you occupied as well. There is a huge variety of hikes within a short distance. In fact, you don’t have to hike far at all to find lovely views here, but you also can hike a long way if you desire.

Mt. Washington

Mt. Washington State Park is home to Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 ft and the most topographically prominent mountain east of the Mississippi River. The great thing about Mt. Washington is that (during the summer months) it offers all the adventure without all the strenuous hiking. There is a road to the top, and there is also the famous and unique Cog Railway. There are options to take a biodiesel or steam train. The train is only at the summit for an hour, so if you’d like longer than that to explore the top, like having a ceremony at Lake of the Clouds, for instance, I would recommend taking the train up and then having family drive up the Auto Road. Auto Road rates are $35 for car and driver, plus $10 for additional adults. The Auto Road is open generally from early to late May depending on conditions to the early to late October, also depending on conditions. The Cog Railway is open all year but doesn’t run some days due to weather, and the winter summit is only partway up the mountain. Still a fun experience on a chilly elopement day.

Of course, you can hike as well. It is about 8 miles round trip with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain. That’s over 1000 feet of elevation gain per mile, which tends to be a steep grade. Check out this gallery.

Kancamagus Highway

The Kancamagus Highway, also known as New Hampshire Route 112 is a 56.39-mile-long east-west state highway in northern New Hampshire. It’s a designated scenic byway that takes you through a path cut through the White Mountain National Forest with breathtaking views of the White Mountains, the Swift River, Sabbaday Falls, Lower Falls, and Rocky Gorge. With so many places to stop and hike and see the sights, this makes for an ideal journey on your elopement day. The road goes through an old-growth forest that is not littered with resorts, houses, or other buildings. In fact, it’s not built up at all, it’s just pure nature at its best. Check out this gallery. Check out this gallery.

Lake Winnipesaukee area

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and located in the Lakes Region at the foothills of the White Mountains. One of my favorite hikes is in this area, and it’s a short and fairly easy one for eloping couples! The views from the surrounding mountains of the lake below are unstoppable, but then add that to exploring the lake itself! It’s a great place to find a secluded island, take a boat trip, rent a canoe, or practice your stand-up paddleboarding. There are so many options for activities during your elopement day that you’ll be left wondering how you can fit it all in.

Crawford Notch State Park

Crawford Notch State Park has 5,775 acres and has access to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, wildlife viewing, and unreal mountain views. Just driving through this area you will be amazed by waterfalls falling off the face of mountains and beautiful swimming holes along the side of the road. Add that into the hiking trails and stunning views and it’s a perfect combination for people planning an active elopement. Start with one of my favorite incredible view hikes at sunrise, and end your elopement by jumping into a waterfall or mountain lake!

Dixville Notch State Park

This one is a little further off the beaten path in the far north part of the state of NH. And honestly, I would only recommend this spot to people who are not afraid of heights. This is an incredible area that has mountain lakes, waterfalls, gorgeous mountain views, and some extreme cliffs. The bonus of this spot is that with the exception of the cliff ledge itself, there is virtually no one else on the trails. I have a few additional recommendations for this area that can really help you have the elopement of your dreams. Check out this gallery.

Mt. Chocorua

How could I skip this beautiful mountain and its lovely mountain lake. In fact, it is New England's most photographed mountain. The hike to the top is strenuous, but you are awarded with 360 views at the top. So whether you choose to explore the lake and the base of the mountain (including trails to waterfalls) or go up to the summit, there are incredible views to be found.

Requirements to get Married in New Hampshire if you are from out of state:

You must be 18 years old or older, you must have a valid photo ID with your current address on it, you must have a valid marriage license from the state where you live or where the marriage will take place, and it must be signed by a judge or clerk of court. And finally, if you are divorced, you need to show proof that your divorce is final and that there is no chance of reconciliation with your spouse (e.g., death certificate). If you were previously married, you need to show proof that your previous marriage is final and that there is no chance of reconciliation with your spouse.

In the state of New Hampshire, witnesses are not required to be present at a wedding ceremony in order for a marriage to be considered legal. A couple can choose to have someone act as a witness at their ceremony, but they do not have to.

Whether you’re from New Hampshire, New England, or anywhere else in the country or world, NH is an incredible place to elope or have a small outdoor wedding. From epic mountain destinations to lush forests, lakes, and rivers, there are a lot of options to host the perfect outdoor elopement getaway. So if hiking to a stunning waterfall, summiting mountains, or paddling a lake or river sounds like your idea of a great elopement day, get in touch. I don’t just take small outdoor wedding and elopement photos. I help you plan your perfect, adventurous day from beginning to end.

Cost of Eloping in NH?

Eloping is a great way to save money on your wedding. It also means that you don't have to worry about the stress of planning a big event. But how much does it cost to elope in New Hampshire?

The cost of eloping in New Hampshire varies depending on the type of ceremony you want and where you want it. For example, if you want a small ceremony at home, then the cost will be less than if you wanted an elaborate ceremony at a hotel.

The average cost of wedding venues in New Hampshire is around $5,000, and the average cost of a full, traditional wedding is around $35,000. But if you choose to get married by eloping in the great outdoors that cost can go down significantly. Check out an elopement cost calculator here. Eloping couples choose to pay for the things that are important to them. For some couples, that is having great photos and having the time of their lives that they will remember forever. Those things are more important than paying for a party for a large number of friends and family, most of whom they don’t see that often. Eloping couples often choose to spend more on the experience and the process of documenting their day than the guests involved.

Ready to start planning your New Hampshire Elopement? Get in touch with me today!

Couple Elope Along Breathtaking Kancamagus Highway, NH | Elope in NH

Maddy & Chris’s New Hampshire Waterfall & Mountain Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / NEW HAMPSHIRE & BEYOND

Maddy and Chris eloped along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire and in some little-known mountains in the region. They enjoyed a perfectly adventurous day full of both mountain and waterfall views. There were views and laughs and all-around they both exuded joy the entire day.

They began by getting ready at an adorable Airbnb, and after their first looked they video called their parents so they could share part of the day and excitement with them. They are both private people and saying their vows in front of a ton of people sounded more like a nightmare than their dream day. So when they reached out we concocted a plan where they could say their vows, just to the two of them (and me lurking in the distance photographing behind some bushes). The plan went off without a hitch, and end the end they were hitched!

After the first look, we first visited a stunning waterfall along the Kancamagus Highway which is known as one of the most scenic areas in all of New Hampshire and New England. When they walked up to the falls they were blown away by the color of the water want the incredible pool at the bottom. When we made our way further up the pathway their jaws dropped at the beauty of the multi-tiered waterfall itself. I love when couples haven’t been to or seen their chosen elopement location until their big day. It adds a different level of exploration and wonder and only helps to solidify this new and exciting adventure they are taking together. I can’t thank them enough each time they trust me to help them build their dream day. Putting together a magical day full of adventure and joy is part of what I do- along with capturing the genuine story and emotions of the day as they unfold.

They had so much fun hiking to a 360 mountain view later in the day. Chris hiked with the cake in hand the entire way! At the top the views are overwhelming, you aren’t really sure which was to look. They had fun popping champagne, sharing their cake, and climbing boulders. We waited for the sun to go down, but the clouds were a bit too thick, so on our way back we stopped at a beach and they celebrated their first dance during the blue hour. It was the perfect end to a perfect day and one in which Maddy and Chris got married in exactly the way they’d hoped for, with just the two of them!

From the couple…

“We had the most amazing elopement experience with Kat from Swell and Stone! She was incredibly helpful throughout the planning process. She helped us find the perfect location based on the vision we had for our day and gave recommendations for lodging. She helped us put together all the details and made the entire process stress-free!

On our elopement day, she made us both feel comfortable being in front of a camera. We especially loved the Polaroid pictures she took throughout the day that we were able to bring home with us that day. All of our photos were amazing and captured our day perfectly. Once we got our photos, it was incredibly easy to view them through the gallery online and share them with family and friends. We can’t recommend Kat enough! She was incredibly thoughtful and made our day feel easy and adventurous!!”

— Maddy & Chris

Epic New Hampshire Elopement on Mt. Washington

Julia & Jeff’s Incredible Two-Day New Hampshire Mountain Wedding

Swell & Stone / Adventure Wedding Photographer / New Hampshire & Beyond

Julia and Jeff had an epic two-day New Hampshire elopement on Mt. Washington and in Jeff’s parents’ backyard. From endless mountain views to lush waterfalls, and private forests, their elopement day had everything. The two-day experience started in the beautiful and forested backyard of the groom’s parents’ place. Jeff, an engineer by trade, but also a very talented woodworker created an arbor for the backyard and it was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements. The setting was quiet and idyllic and absolutely the perfect place to hold a ceremony that both of their families and some close friends could attend. I couldn’t get over how tall the trees in the backyard were and how perfectly they created privacy barriers around the perimeter of the yard. It was also summer, so the flowers were in full bloom, making the perfect backdrop for formal photos.

After the ceremony toasts were in order and then dinner and the couple’s first dance soon followed. A tent was set up and it was a very warm but comfortable evening. Having the entire ceremony and celebration portion all in one place made it easy on everyone and grandparents did not have to walk far to enjoy every aspect of the celebration. Julia and Jeff’s vows were beautiful and heartfelt, tears were shed, and during the best man and maid of honor speeches many laughs were shared.

Julia said, “If I had to describe Jeff in one word, it's caring. No matter if I'm having a good day or a bad day, Jeff is always there to listen and ask if I need anything or if there's something he could do to help. The love he shows me in constantly trying to improve our relationship, be a better person for our family, and in raising our dog is really indescribable.

Jeff followed with, “How do I pick one (word)? I love how she's always looking out for me, how she's a five star chef, how good of a mother she is to our four-legged child, and the way she giggles to herself when she makes herself laugh.”

For day two of their celebration Julia and Jeff choose adventure. Originally, Julia wanted to just elope in the mountains with just the two of them in a very private way as neither like being the center of attention. But eventually they decided they wanted family to be there for the actual ceremony and they opted to say different private vows in the mountains the next day. It was the best of both worlds, and the weather made for an enjoyable experience, well… as enjoyable as can be expected on top of the tallest mountain in New Hampshire and the a peak with some of the most extreme weather conditions in the world. You see, it is ALWAYS windy on top of Mt. Washington, and their day was no exception. But temps on the summit were unusually warm for June, reaching almost 70 degrees.

We drove to the summit and began the hike down to Lake of the Clouds in order to get away from some of the crowds. If you’ve ever hiked any of the trails in this area you know how rocky they are. Julia did an amazing job of navigating the wind and the rocks all in her beautiful gown. There’s one thing I’ve learned about most wedding dresses- the bustle is never strong enough to handle what we put them through! Julia’s loops started ripping out one by one and one the hike back up she was just holding her train in her hands. We were sweating getting back to the top as the hike is only a couple miles but gains over 1200 feet in elevation in that time. Certainly not for the everyone, but these two are incredibly athletic and capable of anything.

After driving back down the mountain we headed to a nearby waterfall and then we did even more hiking up to a steep viewpoint where we caught the sunset over the mountains. At the end of the day, sitting and taking in the view, they were able to reminisce about the past two days and all the amazing time they spent with family and each other. After sunset we headed down and had one last stop at the very bottom of the hike for night sky photos before calling it a night. Julia mentioned that she would be sore the next day and couldn’t wait to find a swimming hole or waterfall to jump into! It was the perfect ending to a stunning and memorable two days.

From the Couple…

“Kat is AMAZING, period. From the beginning, she was so responsiveness and incredibly timely. For me and my husband, we wanted to make a point about making the wedding planning process and the wedding day itself not stressful and fun. So we opted for a small wedding with 13 guests on one day and an adventure day on Mount Washington to exchange personal vows the following Monday.

Kat helped us with every detail along the way and made it easy on us to make choices. She scouted locations based on what our idea of an ideal wedding day was, she gave us list of local vendors, and she finalized a schedule for us. She was basically like our wedding planner and we found that so valuable since we didn’t know what we were doing or exactly what we wanted! If we had a lot of questions, she was very willing to schedule a call to go over them with us. I’ve had friends tell me about their horror stories with photographers not responding to them or never getting their photos back, but I 100% never had to worry about that with Kat. She even got our photos back earlier than promised. She was truly so fun to be around that it made the days that much more enjoyable.

I also wanted to compliment the website our gallery was posted through. It’s super intuitive to use and I love that it’s categorized, that I can favorite photos, and that I can see which photos my husband has favorited on his own account. I can also send out links to our guests and they can send me back links of their favorites, it’s super cool and convenient.

Kat also gave us some polaroid photos and some GIFS she curated, which I did not expect and absolutely loved. I knew the photos were going to be great from looking at her portfolio but they were better than I could imagine. I was also super stoked about a starry night photo and she made that happen. So if you couldn’t tell from my review, Kat goes above and beyond and you will absolutely not regret working with her!”

— Julia & Jeff

Jaw-Dropping Cliff Elopement in New Hampshire

Gwen & Dan’s Daring Elopement in the White Mountains

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / NEW HAMPSHIRE & BEYOND

Gwen and Dan truly had a unique, one-of-a-kind, and jaw-dropping elopement in Northern New Hampshire. When I first chatted with them about their elopement I knew right away that I would suggest a specific location in New Hampshire. They are rock climbers who love heights, and I’m also a height loving rock climber, so I knew if anyone could handle this location it would be them! To my utter joy, they chose it for their spot. We started with the first look at Lake Gloriette, where Gwen had to duck under a fallen tree to get to Dan. It was worth it, and the looks on both of their faces were absolutely priceless.

We double-checked our gear and Gwen realized that a few things were missing before heading up Three Brothers Trail. So she called a friend to bring back a couple of items and we played in the leaves in the meantime. They wanted a super secluded location for their vows, and I have to say it doesn’t get more secluded than seeing zero other humans until the summit. There are several trails up to the cliff spot, but not too many people take Three Brother’s Trail because it’s longer. But what they don’t know is that it has an awesome waterfall on the way. We stopped there and they read their emotional vows. The range of emotions on both of their faces was so sweet, and it is so evident how much they love one another.

Here’s what Dan had to say about why he fell in love with Gwen, “I can't pinpoint a specific moment, but there's so much I love about Gwen, but I think her deep passion for caring for humans, animals, the outdoors is why I fell in love with her. Gwen's passion for making the world, our lives, and our relationship better are what I love most about her. Gwen challenges me to make improvements to not only our lives and the world around us but also myself.”

And Gwen said, “There really isn't a specific reason or moment. Dan has always been patient and kind and sees me in a way that I would like to be able to see myself. I think our love grew as our lives intertwined-- enjoying laughing and being weird together, seeing live music all over the city, and learning to climb together. Our love for being in nature has colored most of our relationship. We've climbed and hiked together in Northern CA, all over Wyoming, down in RRG, and abroad. As our little unit has expanded to include our dog Lyla, our time outside together is more central to our lives and more joyful. I can only explain how I fell in love with Dan, and how I continue to love him, by stringing together all of these moments.”

After enjoying the ceremony and waterfall, we began the tough part of the hike. Okay, so this hike isn’t exactly straight up, but it’s pretty close. We were sweating it out, and because we knew it was going to be tough, they luckily had changed out of their wedding clothes after the ceremony and before the bulk of the hike. When we reached the top we breathed a collective sigh of relief and also awe of the view. There were others on the very small and narrow summit area so we decided to eat some food and wait for the area to clear out, hopefully before sunset. People didn’t clear out very well, but once they had changed back into wedding clothes the other summit revelers were happy to give Gwen and Dan some alone time there. We watched the sun go down and began the hike back down in the dark. It was the perfect adventure for this amazing couple, and I’m beyond grateful I was the person they chose to capture the day. When we arrived back at the cars Gwen summed it up perfectly while hugging Dan, “I feel very satisfied.”

On why they decided to elope, “We feel that this elopement ceremony is a way for us to have a wedding that is just for us. Specifically, in an outdoor setting where we can feel most connected to each other. By stripping away some of the extraneous rites and social requirements, we feel this would be a more genuine expression of our love and commitment to each other.”

Their Review

“We happened to stumble on Kat’s page while searching for an ‘adventure elopement’ photographer. We can’t believe how lucky we were to find such a talented photographer, specializing in exactly the type of wedding we wanted, who also happened to be a laid-back, supportive adventure buddy for our elopement day.

Kat walked us through many of the pre-planning logistics— everything from suggesting online sources to look for wedding dresses during quarantine to sending us a full list of location options hand-picked for us. We never would have discovered our unique and epic elopement location without her research, and we’re so grateful to have discovered another beautiful hike that we can revisit each year for our anniversary!

On our elopement day, we had a number of hiccups (including forgetting a full pack of hiking clothes at the AirBNB and a clasp breaking off my wife’s dress at the eleventh hour—whoops!), and Kat totally rolled with it. She not only MacGyvered the dress closure but also offered extra hiking clothes in case we couldn’t get the pack driven out by a friend in time— not quite the shirt off her back but pretty close! Since we were eloping without anyone but Kat with us, we feel so grateful to have clicked so easily with her and spent ‘downtime’ on the hike comparing stories about rock climbing and retro-fitting SUVs for car-camping.

Kat helped facilitate an elopement day full of humorous and sweet memories that we’ll always remember even before we saw the pictures. And then there are the pictures! Kat’s photos of our day completely blew us away— epic, honest, beautiful, and creative. We’ve had so many loved ones tell us that her shots of us should be featured in wedding magazines. A few family members even commented that they didn’t understand why we wanted to get married the way we did until they saw the pictures.

Seriously, Kat is amazing at what she does and was excellent company for our elopement. We still can’t believe that we struck such gold in finding her. Now, if only we could choose which pictures are our favorites... Never mind— it’s impossible!”

— Gwen & Dan

Picture Perfect Fall Elopement in New Hampshire

Alexis & Christian’s Blissful Wedding in the White Mountains

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / NEW HAMPSHIRE & BEYOND

There was a 100% chance of rain on Alexis and Christian’s White Mountain, New Hampshire wedding day, but that didn’t stop us from having the best day ever. It managed to not rain in the morning, so after their sunrise first look at their Airbnb, we headed out to the ceremony site.

This was a special year at Cathedral Ledge, and because of the pandemic, the road up was closed to cars. There were several hikers on their way up when the ranger opened the road up to our cars, but luckily we were the only ones who could drive up during our hour. Cathedral Ledge has hands down the best views for the easiest access in the area, so with family attending this is a great option for location. I do highly recommend holding your ceremony on a weekday morning in order to avoid crowds. During the ceremony, Alexis’ mom read a beautiful passage, the couple exchanged vows and rings, and they sealed it with a kiss. Bubbles were brought out for the recessional, and then they popped cans of champagne because glass is not allowed on top! Such a cute idea and we had a beautiful morning for it. We finished up with some family portraits and more celebrating.

While their families packed up, Alexis, Christian, and I explored the summit a little bit more. The great thing about this summit is that it is fairly large, so even with others up top enjoying the view after their hike, there was plenty of room for us to find some spots with views alone.

After Cathedral Ledge we headed back to the Airbnb for cake cutting and a cocktail hour. However, Alexis, Christian, and I only stuck around for the cake because we had other plans for the afternoon. Of course, they would re-join their family later for dinner and more celebrations, but they really wanted to go for a hike and explore nearby Franconia Notch State Park.

Our first stop was the misty and ethereal Basin area. It was October, so basically, the perfect time of year to be in a misty forest. And misty it was- it started raining on us here, but we had some great umbrellas, so we continued exploring all the same. The forest was basically deserted. That’s was I LOVE about rainy days. There is no one around, and it’s honestly magical. Add that to the fact that the light is perfect when it’s overcast and rainy and you have a recipe for a magical experience and great elopement photos. The key is to have a positive attitude and take things as they come, which Alexis and Christian excelled at. They were not the slightest bit bothered by the rain. Toward the end of our exploration in the area, it truly started to downpour, but we were off to our next spot!

Right as we pulled up to Echo Lake the rain eased and we were able to enjoy the dock and the beach. And actually, as we walked through the entry area and had the view open up to us we all stopped with jaws dropped and said “WOW!” The scene before us was crazy beautiful- the mountains in the background with low hanging clouds caught up in the peaks, and the mountainside dotted with yellow, orange, red, and pink trees. It was the peak of fall colors and when it rains outside the colors seem to shine even brighter! A couple more stops after that wrapped up our night, and though we didn’t get a sunset, the sun did peek out one more time just in time to light up the mountainside in the most beautiful way.

Here’s why Alexis and Christian decided to have a small outdoor wedding, “We didn’t really start planning our wedding until recently. After we got engaged, the holidays came and went and we didn’t feel pressure or desire to plan a large/traditional wedding. We were tossing around the idea of eloping somewhere in Europe (think Swiss alps) and then honeymooning for a couple of weeks there. Alexis always envisioned snowy mountains as the backdrop for the ceremony. Then Covid hit… Traveling internationally didn’t seem like a good idea and neither did having a large wedding. For us, it’s kind of the perfect time and excuse to not invite a bunch of people and have a small wedding like we always wanted.”