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!

Rocky Coastline Elopement in Newport, RI | Rhode Island Elopement Packages

Victoria & Taylor’s Lovely Coastal Rhode Island Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

Victoria and Taylor’s early winter rocky coastline elopement at Beavertail in Jamestown, Rhode Island felt more like summer with mid-60’s temps and a nice sunny day. It was super important to Victoria that she and Taylor not see each other before the ceremony- something that rarely happens anymore just because of logistics. So I made sure to pick a nice, secluded spot on the coastline where I could position Taylor for watching her walk down the hiking trail (the outdoor adventure elopement equivalent to an aisle) to their ceremony site. Things went off mostly without a hitch except for when I left Victoria and told her to give me a minute to get set up, she ended up giving me 5 minutes and I found out later that her dress had gotten stuck on a bush and she had to untangle herself before walking down! Such are the perils of eloping in the great outdoors.

Close friends were in attendance for their intimate ceremony, and their adorable pup, Zinnia. They celebrated the ceremony on the cliffs of Beavertail State Park and had a mini reception with baked goods and sandwiches right there as well. We explored the many views of Beavertail before heading over to the Chanler in Newport, RI, where they were staying that night. The grounds of the Chanler made for incredible photos before we headed out for Fort Adams to catch the sunset. Everything happened just in time, too. As I was driving home from their elopement a huge storm rolled through, which hurricane-force winds, and massive amounts of rainfall. Talk about threading the needle in terms of weather.

There were so many sweet moments during their day- from the vows to all the laughter. One of my favorite moments was when we were driving together to Fort Adams to catch the sunset, Victoria mentioned that this was literally the best day of her life and the perfect way for the two of them to celebrate it together. Everything had just gone so wonderfully, from the views to the vows, it was all she imagined and more! That’s always what we aim to do, and it is so wonderful to hear that, in the middle of their day, we absolutely nailed it.

When we were in the booking process Victoria told me she had planned and even mostly paid for a traditional wedding when they realized it wasn’t what they wanted. When she reached out I had a note on my website that I was already fully booked for the season, but something about the two of them (she made me cry on our initial phone call when she talked about working with special needs kids) made me realize that they were exactly the people I wanted to serve in this work that I do. And I’m so happy we were able to make their dreams come true.

As night fell and we headed back to the hotel where they had dinner planned that night, they had a few drinks with friends, we watched the storm roll in and cover up the stars and they relaxed content knowing that they had chosen the best possible way to get married catered perfectly for the two of them.

From the couple…

“Kat is an incredibly talented artist, wonderfully kind person, and all around magical human! When I first contacted her, I was in the throes of anxiety—I had planned and paid for a traditional wedding when I realized that wasn’t what I wanted. My now husband and I decided to elope, and after pouring over Google searches, landed on Swell and Stone. From the moment I saw her photographs, I knew we had to book her!! I contacted her and she got back to me so quickly, and was SO flexible—I gave her basically a 2 month timeline and she made it work for us!!

The day of my wedding, I was running late and she made me feel so at ease and not stressed at all! The whole day was so fun, and she found the MOST beautiful spots to take pictures that I see in wedding magazines and on the internet—I still can’t believe these are pictures of my wedding! She had our sneak peek ready in less than a week, and gave us the rest of our pictures (HUNDREDS!!) well before the agreed upon date.

Kat was incredibly flexible, professional, and open minded—she wanted to do whatever we wanted because it was our wedding, but also made sure to note things that would be preferable from a photography stand point. She is a lovely, warm, kind, and relaxed person, and I genuinely cannot recommend her enough to anyone looking for wedding pictures that will make you think you are dreaming. She also included drone shots (so cool!!) and GIFs which are some of my favorites!”

— Victoria & Taylor

Sunset Adventure Elopement in Vermont's Green Mountains

Rachel & Ryan’s Sunset Adventure in Vermont Mountains

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / VERMONT & BEYOND

Rachel & Ryan’s day two of their beautiful elopement style wedding in the incredible Green Mountains of Vermont was not short of spectacular. Click HERE to see day one of their wedding in Rhode Island. We had pretty much the nicest day on the mountain that I can remember. Most of the time it’s really windy on the ridge line and summit, and cold even in August sometimes. It was October and there was only a slight breeze and it was 70 degrees, even on the ridge line. Rachel choose her day two dress expecting chilly temps and instead was greeted with warm weather and beautiful views. We began the hike and it was clear that sweating too much was going to be the issue, not hiking fast to stay warm!

They brought their jeep up the road and the fall foliage was so incredible everywhere that we stopped multiple times to play in the leaves and take in all the colors of the trees. The had a blast throwing leaves and running around like little kids. Because we spent so much time doing that we were a little worried we might miss sunset, but started the hike with well over an hour before the sun went down. The incredible thing about this spot is that you have 360 degree views pretty much the whole way. We watched the sun sink over Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks and we reached the summit just before sunset. Rachel and Ryan danced and took in the views from the summit as color lit the sky. It was one of the most beautiful sunsets in recent memory and was made even better by the fact that we could hang out comfortably on the summit while it was happening. I’ve been on this peak over 25 times in the last several years and every single time there is a different type of weather to contend with. Normally, we are either racing fog to the summit, fighting snow, or battling high winds and chilly temps in wedding attire. This was one of the first times we could just sit and take it all in!

It was so nice up top that the hike out, even though it was in partial darkness, was really nice. So nice that I suggested we hang out a few more minutes to watch the stars come out. They were happy to, and we got some amazing milky way and night sky photos. I took one more shot of them and then they were able to head down the mountain while I laid in the meadow with my camera time lapsing for the next hour so I could create the star trail image (the one with the stars in a circle) that you see above. It was a very satisfying end to a beautiful day on the mountain.

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

Picture Perfect Block Island Elopement

Ari & Dave’s Epic Block Island Elopement Adventure

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / RHODE ISLAND & BEYOND

When Ari and Dave gave me a call and started planning their Block Island elopement they were clear on a few things- They wanted to be married at the end of it, and they wanted to explore Block Island. Sometimes that’s all the info you need to plan the most magical elopement day, even if it rains on you. And magical is a great way to describe their day. The rain held off on our ferry ride over from the mainland, and it continued to hold off during their ceremony at Mohegan Bluffs. But it started sprinkling as we explored the beaches, no worries we had some lovely umbrellas in tow.

By the time we arrived at our sunset portion of the evening, it was pouring on us. We stood in the parking lot in the warm summer rain as the wind whipped around us. Ari tossed her umbrella aside and Dave gave her an “are we seriously doing this?” smile. We hiked out to the lighthouse and they were both soaked when we got there. They cut some cake, walked down to the water, played in the water and the rain, and some very cute onlookers joined us. Seals poked their heads up out of the water to see what was going on. There was not another person for miles and they watched the seals and enjoyed the peace and quiet and gentle rainfall that capped off an incredible and adventurous day full of everything they ever wanted and nothing they didn’t.

Earlier in the day at the beach, their vows induced a few tears of joy. This was a place they had been to before and one they would keep coming back to over the years. We saw lighthouses and beach volleyball courts. Fun fact: Ari was an amazing Division I collegiate volleyball player, so it was fun to get some shots of them on the sand volleyball court. Their day just goes to show that everything doesn’t have to go exactly according to plan and it can still be everything you ever hoped for and more. Sometimes welcoming the unexpected on your elopement day is the most rewarding thing you can do.

Throughout the day their love radiated through the landscape. They reminisced on their previous trips to the island and they were really looking forward to spending a few more days on it after their elopement. They embraced their feet in the sand, the rain on their faces, and at the end of it, all thought it was perfectly them, getting married in that way.

So, at the end of the day, don’t sweat the small stuff. Do welcome the rain on your face with arms wide open and at the end of the day you’ll be married and maybe see some seals too.

Summer Elopement in Historic Newport, RI | Elope to Rhode Island

Jess & Jesse’s Lovely Newport, RI Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / NEWPORT, RI & BEYOND

Jess and Jesse’s stunning Newport elopement was picture perfect and complete with water views, historic forts, and evening sailing. I always encourage couples to do something that is special to them and really encompasses who they are as a couple on their wedding day, and for Jess and Jesse that was going sailing on the water.

The ceremony took place at Fort Adams State Park and with just immediate family in attendance, the setup made for the cutest little ceremony spot. Water views and the iconic Newport bridge loomed in the distance, the perfect backdrop for an intimate ceremony like theirs. A lovely touch from their family was blowing bubbles during the recessional, which was a perfect Leave No Trace solution that I like so much better than throwing rice or confetti.

After the ceremony, we explored more of the fort, and then headed over to Brenton Point for a little more coastal exploration. We were hoping the kites would be out in full force, but the weather that day kept most of the kiters away. Nonetheless, we explored the incredible rocky coastline there and then headed back to the marina for the celebration. Jess LOVES sailboats and Americana, so Newport in the summer was the perfect aesthetic for their dreamy elopement.

These two had been together a long time at this point, so getting to witness them exchange vows and capture this part of their story together was truly special. Jess was such a joyful smiling ball of energy the entire time and clearly took in every single moment and loved the process. Watching Jesse’s face absolutely light up when Jess was walking down the “aisle” was one of the highlights of the day. He completely transformed seeing her for the first time during their ceremony. It was important to both of them not to do a “first look” but instead to see each other for the first time while Jess was walking down the “aisle”. It’s always such a special moment when couples choose to do this and the genuine joy on their faces is always priceless.

Jess and Jesse’s day is a testament that even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, you can still have a beautiful and joyful day. They were amazing enduring strangely chilly temps in July, and a constant threat of rain. Their great attitudes and love for each other won the day and in the end, they made some more incredible memories together.

Stylish NYC Couple Elope in Upstate New York

Emma & LA Finger Lakes Region Upstate NY Elopement

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

When Emma & LA first reached out they knew they wanted to elope somewhere in Upstate New York, but they weren’t exactly sure where. After they filled out some info for me and I sent them a location guide with custom spots picked out based on their preferences, they decided the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York felt the most like them. Emma wanted winter vibes, but with the feeling of spring in the air, and the weather cooperated in the best way. They had a lovely day for their actual elopement, with snow still on the ground and a slight, but no too biting chill in the air. The next day all the snow melted off and they enjoyed the rest of the week in the Finger Lakes in relative warmth!

They both really connected with Watkins Glen, a gorgeous spot with stone pathways through an unreal granite river gorge. The first time I saw it many years ago I thought it looked like it belonged in Scotland. During the winter the lower paths are not open, but the top footpaths are open. We found a lovely lookout for them to say their vows, followed by more exploration on foot. They enjoyed a picnic and some champagne, and then we headed to the next location. A top-secret gorge with a beautiful frozen waterfall.

After all the hiking we headed back to their lodging to warm up and were met by a private chef who was busy creating their elopement celebration dinner. Emma headed outside to light the fire while LA made them hot toddies. They carried the steamy drinks outside, enjoyed the fire, and played a game of frisbee together, one of their favorite activities. The snow didn’t bother either of them at all. Instead, they basked in the beauty of it all. The opened letters from family and enjoyed the incredible sunset from the yard that was perfectly positioned to watch it go down. Each course of the custom-picked dinner was incredible and they took time somewhere in the middle to have their first dance on the patio, and then to watch the stars come out as the alpenglow faded. It was a perfect day, and when I left them that night, they both seemed very content and happy to be exactly where they were.

One of my favorite things about Emma and LA was their sense of humor- and I loved hearing their engagement story where things didn’t go quite to plan as they did on their elopement day. In LA's words.

“In July of 2020 I flew over to the UK so that we could spend some time together after having been apart since the start of the pandemic. By this point, I had already gotten Emma’s parents’ blessing for the proposal. We had planned a vacation in Cornwall, a place Emma’s family went for beach holidays during her childhood. I knew that Emma loves the beach and the ocean, so I thought that would be a great place to propose.

Now I’m someone who usually likes to plan things meticulously and not “wing it”, especially in something as serious as this. But due to the pandemic, traveling to places I’ve never been before, and also being together 24/7, there was a massive number of unknown variables to deal with. So I had to take a lot of things in stride, and relinquish control. One huge thing was that I didn’t know when (or where) the ring would arrive. The good thing was that the holiday itself was so gorgeous and so much fun, it was easy to have a great time with Emma — despite the undercurrent of stress bubbling below the surface. We were in a beautiful old seaside town called Mousehole, and the pandemic and all worries seemed like universes away.

Looking back, the amount of things that didn’t go to plan was actually comedy. The day before I had tried to sneak off and buy mini champagne bottles while Emma was in the bathroom. She found them almost immediately. The ring hadn’t arrived, and even if it had, I don’t know if FedEx would have found the house we were staying in because of the tiny unmarked roads. I had planned for bouquets of flowers to be delivered after lunch (after we got back from the beach and the planned proposal). Instead, the flowers announced themselves through the doorbell in the middle of breakfast. Flabbergasted and unable to come up with any false explanation, I just received them — each subsequent bouquet bigger than the last. Emma, clearly knowing what was up, had even put on a white dress and everything.

Eventually, we got to the beach and got changed into our swimming gear and wetsuits to go bodyboarding in the ocean. We ended up having an amazing day full of waves, ice cream, and frisbee.

As we were wrapping up I pretty much coerced Emma to go on a walk to a secluded cliffside that overlooked the beach, one that I had scoped out and marked in my head earlier. We were already late for a dinner appointment, so for me to suggest “going for a walk” was not at all suspicious, but Emma played along nonetheless. When we got to a really nice spot that was away from people and I was happy with, I took a knee (for a second time, because I took a knee earlier without thinking, to pose for a photo), took Emma’s hand, and fumbled through some sentences I’d rehearsed the night before while unable to fall asleep. Without an actual ring, I proposed with a ring made out of tree bark that Emma had made almost a month earlier in the trip. She said it was something she did as a child, and she had left the tree bark ring behind one day after breakfast. Instinctively I kept it, just in case.

Luckily she said yes. We took selfies with the tree bark ring on the cliffside overlooking the beach and cracked open the mini bottles of champagne. I was ecstatic and relieved and we were so late for our dinner appointment. We took a stroll in the beautiful seaside town of Port Isaac to have our first picnic as fiancées. The food was delicious.”

Now that’s an incredible story and I love that they are able to roll with whatever happens to them in life. But of LA’s sake, I’m very happy that their elopement day went off without a hitch.

Couple Elopes in Magical Vermont Winter Wonderland

Olivia & Dave’s Frosty Vermont Adventure Elopement

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Vermont & Beyond

When trying to find the proper adjectives to describe Olivia & Dave’s elopement day in the dead of winter in Vermont I went through a whole slew of descriptors trying to find the best fit: sparkly, fun, joyful, adventurous, frosty, wintry, and then finally…magical. I think the word magical best describes their elopement day.

They did their first look in the Stowehof in Stowe, VT. Their great room has a ton of windows and it was pretty much empty on their wedding day which made for a beautiful, private moment. We packed up our winter hiking gear and headed out to hike an incredible trail that has 360 views on the top. The high that day was 10 degrees, so it was frosty, to say the least. It had snowed in the days before their elopement so I brought snowshoes and they had microspikes, but we only ended up needing the microspikes because the trail was packed to the top. This made for some funny moments, however, whenever one of us stepped off the trail and sunk into the snow up to our waists.

We stuck body warmers, toe warmers, and hand warmers on Olivia, which ended up being both too warm and not warm enough. The thing about hiking in the winter is that as long as you are moving, it’s comfortable. But the second you stop moving things get chilly fast. On the way up we got too warm, so I made them stop for photo opps so they wouldn’t get too sweaty. But as we neared the top they turned on the hiking speed and summitted quickly! We were hot at the top so they had no problems taking off their jackets for some shots. But after about 5 minutes they got chilly so the coats went back on and the jumping jacks began. That’s the other thing about hiking in the winter, it’s always a great workout.

The primary view spot was in the frosty wind, so we picked a spot for their ceremony that was protected by trees. The read the sweetest vows to one another, laughed, maybe shed a tear or two, and it was adorable because Olivia tried to kiss Dave somewhere in the middle, but he said they had to wait until the end for their first kiss!

“I can be my complete self with Dave and it’s not only accepted but celebrated. It’s so freeing. I don’t have to be anything but me and I know deeply that he loves me exactly for who I am. We also spend 99.9% of our day laughing at anything and everything. I just can’t help but smile and laugh with Dave and I genuinely have the best time with him doing something totally boring to anything adventurous. We make a great team and are truly best friends,” said Olivia of Dave.

And that was true, they complement each other in the most wonderful way, and genuinely do laugh at EVERYTHING together. They had so much fun, even though they were freezing cold, they embraced the adventure and lived in the moment, and you can just tell when you are around them that they love every moment of time spent together.

In fact, this elopement day was in the middle of a two-week long adventure road trip where they tried skiing together for the first time, they went snowmobiling for the first time, they hiked mountains in the winter for the first time, and enjoyed so many other adventurous firsts. As we were hiking up and they told me all about their trip so far it was clear that they were making memories that would last a lifetime. And this is something they will continue to do together forever.

These two rolled with all the punches and unknowns that come with getting hitched in the middle of winter in Vermont, and it totally paid off. The snow sparkled in the sunlight and their love and joyful fun nature made the afternoon even brighter than it already was. Cheers to these two lovebirds- keep adventuring and making snow angels together forever.

Frosty Alpine Elopement on Mountain Summit | Vermont Mountain Wedding

Sara & Joe’s Adventure Elopement on Vermont Summit

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Vermont & Beyond

WOW! What can I say about Sara and Joe’s alpine adventure elopement in Vermont? I think the photos speak for themselves, but I’ll delve into the backstory a bit. Sara and Joe reached out having seen several other elopements I’ve photographed on Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point and a stunning mountain. In the spring they snowshoed to the summit, and it was there that Joe proposed to Sara. The mountain was special to them, although they’ve hiked dozens of summits together, they knew they wanted to say their vows on the summit of Mt. Mansfield. The date they chose, 10/25/20, was also their anniversary!

They reached out, and I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the plan. Most of the couples I work with reach the summit of Mt. Mansfield via the Auto Toll road, the gondola, or the chairlift. However, because of Sara & Joe’s desired date, none of those options were available. But they didn’t want to take the easy way regardless! They had a specific route in mind, the Profanity Route to the Chin on the Long Trail. It’s the same route they took when they got engaged, and let me tell you, it is straight up. I knew they were in great shape, and I knew I could do it, so our plan was set in stone. However, there was one more wildcard, and that was what the weather would be like in the alpine on the day of their elopement. We all carried microspikes, just in case, and although it was icy on the summit and the summit ridge, we ended up not needing them.

Now I’ve hiked up Mt. Mansfield via nearly every imaginable way, and during winter, summer, and fall. But I have never hiked it during the transition from fall to winter. It was a truly incredible sight. There wasn’t a lot of snow on the trails, but there was a layer of frost and ice on all the trees. Some of the trails were icy, but not enough to need spikes. It was so cool to see the summit in a way I never had before, and Sara and Joe thought the same.

The forecast called for a cloudy morning easing into a clear sky mid-morning. We began our hike around sunrise and made it up to Taft Lodge where Sara touched up her makeup and Joe touched up his mustache, fairly quickly. They changed into their wedding clothes just below the summit in an area protected from the wind. It was cold up there, but these two were absolute troopers. They had their first look on the alpine boardwalk, and then we headed up to the summit for their vows. The summit was mostly socked in, but it seemed like the sun was trying to poke through. After some emotional and tear-filled vows, we needed to touch the actual summit. Hands were getting cold, and I knew that on the other side of the ridge, even if the summit was socked in, you could usually see great views, so we decided to hike down about a half-mile and that’s when the sky opened up for us! We hung out for about 15 minutes taking photos with the incredible views before the clouds rolled in again, so we started back down the trail. On the way down the trail, the clouds intermittently opened and closed, and we were in awe the whole time.

Sara and Joe both completed the entire hike down in their wedding clothes, a truly amazing feat considering how many times we had to scramble down rocky and icy parts. I have no idea how Sara kept holding her dress up through all the tough parts. We stopped at Taft Lodge again to update the logbook, and then stopped at a few beautiful spots along the hike down. At the base of the mountain, it was like a different world, no ice or snow, just dead colorful leaves on the ground, and naturally, you have to play in them for a bit!

Ultimately, we had the best freaking day, in one of the most beautiful places, and Sara and Joe’s vows were sweet and intimate and they were surrounded by clouds. It was so unique, and I love that more and more couples are choosing to dedicate their lives to each other is by creating experiences they will remember for the rest of their lives!

Joyful Fall Elopement in Vermont

Holly & Louis’s Vermont Adventure Elopement

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Vermont & Beyond

Holly and Louis’s Vermont adventure elopement can best be described as fun-loving, colorful, and an absolute blast. They started with a sunrise first look at a gorgeous mountainside lake, followed by some good old-fashioned romping around the area. Their first look was adorable and Louis was blown away by his gorgeous bride. I loved his facial expressions throughout the whole day, but seeing Holly for the first time in her dress took the cake. Fun fact: Holly and Lauren (Holly’s cousin, and the officiant) blindfolded Louis and brought him out to the lake for the first look. He showed up having no idea where we were but kept saying how amazing it was!

Just look at how cute they are when they describe what they love most about one another. Holly said, “I love how he always makes me laugh, is amazing to my kids, and never settles for less than what he wants. Also, he’s gorgeous which doesn’t hurt.”

Louis said, “I love how patient she is with me and how she always makes me feel like I am the most important person to her. She is literally my perfect match.”

After the first look, we headed over to the ceremony spot, the always stunning Warren Falls. We were there just after sunrise, and it was mid-October so there wasn’t a person in sight. Lauren performed a beautiful and emotional ceremony, and the happy couple exchanged rings and sealed it with a kiss. After the ceremony, we spent some time exploring the falls and taking in the sights before heading over to a local covered bridge. What I love about Holly and Louis’s choices for their day was they chose to include so many small touches that are uniquely Vermont. They picked up apple cider donuts, stopped at the covered bridge, and we even explored a corn maze in Stowe. It was the perfect day filled with all things quintessentially Vermont.

Lauren was taking Instax shots the whole time which created a super cool, unique real-time vision for the day. It was so fun to have her along to perform the ceremony and instigate goofiness and fun!

What I love most about this gallery of their day is how much they let loose, ran around, and enjoyed themselves like kids. They were goofy, fun, and most importantly themselves, and their day could not have been more special.

When asked why they decided to elope they said, “We’re just not traditional people, hate the spotlight and avoid stress whenever possible. An adventure wedding is so us.”