Top Locations to Elope in Vermont

Best Places for A Vermont Elopement

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond

How to Plan Your Vermont Elopement

Eloping can spare a lot of the stress and anxiety that comes with planning a traditional wedding. With your partner by your side, the life-changing moment is sure to be a lot less overwhelming. Planning an elopement also offers a lot of benefits for people who are looking for an intimate, less costly ceremony. This article will explore some of your options, what to expect, and the best locations to elope in Vermont.

Vermont has so many stunning landscapes from waterfalls to mountain ranges and is considered one of the best places in the Northeast region and the country for elopements. Those looking for an adventure wedding experience should look no further than Vermont. The autumn in particular offers some of the best views in the entire world during fall foliage season.

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, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, or Upstate NY. Or check out galleries from Vermont elopements here: A.J. & David, Sara & Joe, Anna & Sean, Lucie & Michael, Brittany & Wayne, Holly & Louis, Alexis & Nick, Rachel & Ryan, Kelsey & Kirsten.

There are a lot of reasons why people elope. Some people want to get married without their families present, some want to avoid the stress of planning a big wedding, and some just want the ceremony to be small and intimate. Whatever your reason for eloping, there are plenty of beautiful places in Vermont that are perfect for an intimate ceremony. You can also find a range of affordable options on Airbnb or VRBO if you’re looking for an alternative to hotels or bed-and-breakfasts.

Known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont is the 14th wonder of the natural world. Ok, that’s not true, but what is true is that it is home to more than 100 19th-century covered wooden bridges and it’s a major producer of maple syrup with “sugar houses” all over the state. It boasts thousands of acres of mountain terrain which are crossed by hiking trails and skiing slopes. It’s charming and cozy, and from enchanting forests that hide incredibly beautiful waterfalls to the mountain peaks, there is something everyone will love.

Mt. Mansfield State Park is home to the tallest mountain and only one of two spots where you can get above treeline in the state. Nearby Camel’s Hump is the other. Lake Champlain is a huge lake that has private islands, a ferry across to New York, and incredible sunset views. Go north to Lake Willoughby and find an incredibly clear and beautiful lake with mountains rising straight up out of the sides.

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 VT.

Where to Elope in Vermont

Mt. Mansfield

The tallest mountain in the Green Mountain State is Mt. Mansfield, and there are a multitude of ways to get up this mountain. From May to early October, you can take the Auto Toll Road which costs $22 per private vehicle and an additional $9 per passenger. Their hours are 9am - 4pm and it open generally from Memorial Day to the second weekend in October. This road takes you to the Visitors Center near the top of the mountain, however, it’s still another 1.2 mile hike to reach the summit. And don’t be mistaken there are somewhat sheer faces, and temps can be in the 40’s and 50’s on the summit even when it’s a warm summer day at the base. You can also choose to take the gondola which is a shorter but steeper hike to the summit via the precarious cliff trail. Taking the Gondola Skyride costs adults (age 13+) $30, and children (age 5-12) $20, the Family Pack (2 adults, 2 children) is $85. This is also open generally from Memorial Day to the second weekend in Oct, however, it’s also open in the winter during ski season. The cliff trail is too dangerous to ascend in the winter, but you can walk around the top. Gondola hours are 10 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.

Of course, then there are hiking trails to the top. They range from 3 miles roundtrip (going straight up) to around 8 miles round trip. These are open all year except for mud season which generally lasts from April to late May when snow is melting rapidly and causing the trails to become basically waterfalls. Check out this gallery, and this one, and this one.

Various Waterfalls

There are so many amazing waterfalls in Vermont and they are one of my favorite spots to take people to who have never been to Vermont before. When they see the clear and pristine waters flowing over the granite rock they can hardly believe it’s real. The water is a deep blue-green and it really does seem like something only seen in movies. Several are super popular swimming holes, so in the summer especially I highly recommend a sunrise ceremony. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a bunch of eager swimmers waiting to jump in the water during your ceremony. There are a few with only a short hike to the falls, making them great spots if you are eloping with some family that can’t walk far. Check out this gallery.

Stowe

Stowe has so many great hikes and options for ceremony spots with views. This is a favorite spot for winter elopers too because of the ski resort on Mt. Mansfield. The town itself is extremely charming, and there are a ton of great options for places to stay. There are short and easy waterfall hikes nearby, you can ride the gondola, or you can do a more strenuous hike and find a little more seclusion here too. Check out this gallery.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is a huge freshwater lake that runs the length of the top third of Vermont all the way to Canada. It lies on the eastern border of Vermont and on the western border of upstate New York. From the Vermont side you can see the Adirondacks in New York, and from the New York side, you can see the Green Mountains and Mt. Mansfield. There is a ferry across that is super fun to take if you are looking for a more interesting way to go from one side of the lake to the other. It’s around $10.75 for the driver and car, and then an additional $4.50 for passengers after that. The lake has numerous lake houses, VRBO’s, Airbnb’s, and resorts along the shoreline, along with some conserved lands for public access. It’s a great place for eloping couples to rent a place to stay and come back after an exciting and incredible elopement day to watch the sunset over the mountains and the lake. Check out this gallery.

Lake Willoughby

Willoughby is a glacial lake over 320 feet deep in places second to only Lake Champlain whose deepest point reaches 400 feet. Lake Willoughby resembles a Norwegian fjord. There are a variety of hikes near the lake that allow for an elevated view of the lake and make for great ceremony spots. The water is beautiful and clear and this is also a great spot to canoe, paddleboard, or go boating.

Camel’s Hump

Hiking Camel’s Hump is a fairly strenuous 6-mile round trip hike, but the views from the top make it all worthwhile. Beautiful seemingly endless mountain layers stretch on for what feels like forever. Along with the nice views you get a challenge as well in terms of the hike. This won’t be ideal for everyone, but for those who want to experience the views and leave some of the crowds behind this might fit the bill.

Texas Falls Recreation Area

This is a gorgeous…gorge, haha. There is plenty of hiking to do here, and great views of the gorge, plus spectacular mossy trails in an old-growth forest. It’s a dreamy spot for those looking for quick and easy access to an intimate and beautiful area. Check out this gallery.

Smugglers Notch State Park

There are a ton of beautiful hikes in Smuggler Notch State Park near the Stowe area. One trail, in particular, leads to an incredible pond flanked by mountains on all sides. From here you can continue on and summit an awesome peak, which also has great views. It’s only a 2.3 round trip hike so there is a lot of beauty for relatively little exertion.

Emerald Lake State Park

Another state park with gorgeous views and crystal clear waters, but this one is actually in southern Vermont. This park is a favorite for outdoor recreation in the summer, but it’s just as pretty in the spring and the fall. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent right on the beach, and there are great hiking trails around the edge of the lake making finding a secluded ceremony spot a little easier. Check out this gallery.

Haystack Mountain

A mountain in southern Vermont, the summit of Haystack Mountain has views of Haystack Pond down below, along with incredible views of the rest of the mountain range. It’s not an easy hike, but there is only about 1000 feet of elevation gain over the 2.5 miles up, making it not all that steep and therefore doable in a wedding dress. A lot of people also snowshoe this one in the winter.

Brousseau Mountain

This mountain falls in the far north of the state of Vermont. It’s a short hike to incredible views and it’s very lightly trafficked, making it an ideal spot for a more secluded elopement experience.

How Do You Legally Get Married in Vermont?

The requirements for getting married in Vermont are simple - you just need to be 18 years old, have a valid photo ID and know where the wedding will take place. There are no residency requirements for getting married in Vermont.

You do not need witnesses to get married in Vermont.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Vermont?

The average cost of wedding venues in Vermont is $3,000 to $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 what they care about and forget the rest. For some couples, creating an adventurous experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives is 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.

Whether you’re from Vermont, New England, or anywhere else in the country or world, VT 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.

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

Top 9 Places to Elope in Massachusetts

The Best Locations to Elope in MA

SWELL & STONE / Massachusetts Outdoor Wedding & Adventure Elopement Photographer

How to Plan Your Massachusetts Elopement

So you’re engaged and now you’re looking for the best places to elope in Massachusetts. Luckily, Massachusetts is one of the leading places in the country for elopements and I offer a variety of Massachusetts elopement packages. From its incredible east coast dotted with islands and beautiful beaches to its mountainous western slope that boasts great views and plenty of forest land. Make sure to reach out if you’re looking for MA elopement packages. Couples can plan a spectacular beach getaway or a remote forested mountain elopement. Regardless of your style, there is an incredible landscape to match your vision in Massachusetts. 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, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Maine, or Upstate NY.

Because of the varied landscape, the first thing you’ll need to decide is what type of view you’re looking for on your elopement day. If you’re into waterfalls, rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests, stick to the western part of the state. And if you’re looking for beaches, sand dunes, seagrasses, lighthouses, and islands, you’ll find those on the eastern side. Maybe proximity to family is important as well. Keep all of these things in mind, but remember that Massachusetts is a relatively small state in terms of driving distances, and you can drive across the whole area in about 3.5 hours.

So if you’re looking for seclusion and views, like renting your own private, active lighthouse for the night, or having a stunning sunset view after a mountaintop ceremony, get in touch and let’s start planning your dream elopement.

When planning an elopement, especially one in the summer months, 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. This list is ever-changing as I photograph and find more hidden gems in MA. So buckle up and enjoy, and feel free to reach out with suggestions of your favorite places as well! Without further ado, here are some of the best spots to elope in MA.

Where to Elope in MA?

Cape Ann Peninsula

One of my friends grew up here and several years ago my then-boyfriend, now husband and I attended her wedding here. We were blown away by the crystal clear waters, I mean, really shockingly clear, and the lighthouse views, sandbars, and quintessentially quaint towns certainly didn’t hurt. There is a lot of private property on the peninsula, so I usually recommend that couples either rent an Airbnb with a great view and they can hold the ceremony there. However, if you are from here or know people from the area it is much easier to get access to some incredible sites for wedding ceremonies. Beyond that, it’s great to explore the beaches’ incredible views for photos after the ceremony.

Borden Flats Lighthouse

Ok, someone please hire me to shoot part of your elopement at Borden Flats Lighthouse ASAP! I say part of your elopement because it is an active lighthouse in the middle of the bay, so once you get out there for the evening, there’s not much to do but take in the view. Obviously, the photos would be phenomenal, but I would recommend spending part of your day exploring the mainland and then jumping on the private boat that takes you out to this beautiful spot at 5 pm, which is check-in time. You can host a little celebration with a few guests on the lighthouse and then the sunset photos would be incredible as you’re surrounded by 360 degrees of water! The guests and I can hop back on the private boat, as only two people are allowed to stay the night as honorary guest lighthouse keepers. What an incredible and unique wedding experience. But this place books up fast, and you need to plan up to a year in advance to make sure you secure your stay here.

The Berkshires

This is a large area, but I couldn’t just choose one spot, and I’m always finding new ones, so I’m including the general region here, which encompasses the westernmost portion of the state. The rolling forested mountains here make up the predominant views, and I always think of low lying fog when I think about the area as well. it has a sort of magical, mystical, ethereal nature to it. Some of the best spots here are Bish Bash Falls and Jiminy Peak, which are both detailed further below.

Bash Bish Falls

At 80 feet, this is the tallest single-drop waterfall in the state. Bash Bish can be found right on the border of Massachusetts and New York. It is part of a larger State Park area that joins Taconic State Park in New York and Bash Bish Falls State Park in MA. The trail is about 2 miles round trip from the MA side, and it’s wide and relatively flat most of the way through a gorgeous old-growth forest. There are a number of gorgeous spots to stop and take in the river scenery along the way. This is a crowded area in the summer and I highly recommend choosing a weekday or the offseason if you decide to elope here.

Nantucket

This island holds hands down one of the coolest spots in the state for elopements, Great Point Light. It’s on a nature preserve, it’s secluded, and spectacularly beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset. And the cool part is that it has great views in every direction. This area has sand road access, and if you’re not comfortable driving your car out there it’s a bit of a hike. It’s an adventure for sure, and one with super rewarding views and some solitude. Not to mention the rest of the island, which is really a perfectly idyllic place. First, start by taking the ferry over from the mainland, stay at one of the many spectacular properties, preferably with a view, and make sure to eat your way through town as well.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is a little bit more built up and crowded than Nantucket, partly because it’s only 7 miles from shore and Nantucket is 30, but it’s also the bigger island of the two. There is less in the way of public lands for wedding ceremonies, but there are plenty of places to rent for the occasion. The island also has interesting topography and some cliffs and rolling hills. In fact, the Aquinnah Cliffs on the west side of the island are a spectacular spot for photos, and there is also a picturesque lighthouse there. Access is a bit easier to Martha’s Vineyard as it is only a 35-minute ride over on the ferry. Check out this gallery.

Cape Cod National Seashore

The first time I visited this place I was absolutely in awe of the GIANT sand dunes, the vast coastal views, and the barreling waves. I had never seen a place quite like it. Here’s the thing about Cape Cod National Seashore, it can get Busy with a capital “B” during the summer season. But if you’re willing to walk through the sand and the dunes for a while, you can always find a little seclusion. Most people stay close to the parking lots and facilities, so if you have a bit of an adventurous side, you can hike to the ceremony spot. If you have older guests joining for the day, eloping on the public lands in this area becomes a bit more difficult, and I would recommend one of the great small wedding venues in the area that boast incredible views and easy to access facilities for older guests. But if it’s just of the two of you and you’re willing to walk a little, there are some awesome secluded spots in this area. Check out this gallery.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

This is more a small outdoor wedding location than an elopement, but I thought I’d add a couple of these in to mix it up. Jiminy Peak offers the option to hold your ceremony at the summit of the mountain by taking the chairlift to the top. How cool is that?! If you have some guests that are less than excited to ride the chair lift you can opt for the Brookside ceremony location under the canopy of trees and near a babbling brook. There are also options for reception spots. The Clark Room accommodates up to 40 guests and is a great indoor/outdoor space with a deck that has views of the slopes.

Bascom Lodge, Mount Greylock

Bascom Lodge is an awesome place to hold a small outdoor wedding if you’d like to invite some friends and family who may not be up for a hike but still love the mountains. There are beautiful views on the grounds, and they have a gorgeous enclosed porch that works as a lovely dining area. They only allow up to 50 guests, so it’s a dream location for a couple who wants the stunning views and a detailed and lovely space for an intimate reception all in one place.

How Do You Get Legally Married in Massachusetts?

To get married in Massachusetts you will need to be at least 18 years old. You will need to fill out the marriage license, which can be done in person or by mail. After your application is processed, you will receive a marriage license. You can then have your ceremony within 180 days from the date

One of the requirements for marriage in MA is the presence of at least two people who serve as witnesses to the ceremony.

What is the Cost to Elope in MA?

The average cost of wedding venues in Massachusetts is $3,000 to $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 what they care about and forget the rest. For some couples, creating an adventurous experience that they will remember for the rest of their lives is 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.

Whether you’re from Massachusetts, New England, or somewhere else, MA is an incredible place to elope or have a small outdoor wedding. From epic island destinations to lush forests, lakes, and rivers, there are a lot of options to host the perfect outdoor elopement getaway. So if hiking down a wide-open beach, walking through sand dunes, or paddling to an island sound like your idea of a great elopement day, get in touch. I don’t just take a small outdoor wedding and elopement photos. I help you plan your perfect, adventurous day from beginning to end.

Rethinking Big Wedding Plans? Why You Should Plan a Beautiful Elopement Instead

Why to Change Course from Big Wedding Plans to an Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / UNITED STATES AND BEYOND

While a lot of couples, especially outdoorsy pairs, were already trending toward planning elopements and small outdoor weddings instead of a traditional big wedding, even more couples have started to consider this a viable option for their wedding day thanks to the uncertainty of COVID-19. All of 2020 might be a loss for big weddings with hundreds of guests, but couples are finding that they are still able to elope and have a wonderful day if they keep it small and local. Socially distant backyard elopements are popping up and couples are getting creative with their bouquets, custom sewn masks, and a bunch of other details. In 20 years they will tell their kids they got married during and pandemic, and although it might not be what they had originally planned, it sure will be memorable. So even if you’re bummed about postponing or canceling your big wedding, there is still reason to celebrate- you’ve found your forever person- and that is a truly magical thing. Here are some reasons to consider planning an elopement or small outdoor wedding either in addition to or in lieu of a big wedding.

Get Married Outside

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to getting married outside, I get that. But I’d also argue that’s precisely the beauty of getting married outside. If it rains on your wedding day make sure everyone brings an umbrella, and if you are planning a small wedding or eloping with just the two of you, that’s an easy thing to do. If it’s a warm summer rain, why not dance in the rain? Make it memorable, make it fun, and let’s stop taking ourselves and weddings so seriously- like every little detail has to be in place to make it perfect. If you’re an adventurer, you know better than most that the best adventures and the subsequent stories are the ones where not everything goes right. You encounter a challenge, you overcome, you are better for it. So let’s embrace the sometimes dirty, messy, crazy freaking beautiful outdoors and get married there!

The Day Is Focused on the Love Between You and Your Partner

Eloping is really about having an amazing and memorable day with your partner. You are able to cut out all the things you don’t care about in a sort of no-bullshit approach that a lot of people find more enjoyable than worrying about things like tablecloths and place settings. You don’t have to worry about who you will seat at what table, and who cares if Aunt Linda is upset she didn’t get a corsage. Let’s be honest, it’s great to honor and include your family, but you shouldn’t place their preferences over your own on YOUR wedding day. Eloping or having a small outdoor wedding with some family is a great way to include those super close to you, and if you want you can have a party with everyone else to celebrate later. A lot of couples like how much making this one decision simplifies all the other decisions they eventually have to make. They trade place settings and tablecloths for picnic tables or blankets on the ground. They trade centerpieces on every table for epic bouquets and a beautiful archway to have their ceremony under. A lot of couples roll their elopement and honeymoon into one enjoy the area they’ve eloped in for even longer.

More Flexible Timelines

A traditional wedding day is packed full of getting ready in hotel rooms, taking formal photos with absolutely everyone, and being whisked from place to place as you try to take in all that’s happening. During your elopement day, you can plan a more loose timeline that doesn’t need to be as strictly adhered to. It’s easier to take in the views, chat with family, and spend genuine quality time together. A bonus is that you aren’t inside a dark ballroom so you can enjoy the setting sun and the light changing on the landscape. The most common thing I hear couples say during their wedding day spent in the great outdoors is, “wow, we should do this more often!” And it’s true, life sometimes gets going so fast you forget to take in and appreciate the small things. Eloping in the great outdoors truly allows you to slow down and take in the experience rather than be whisked through it. Think of it as a soak rather than a whirlwind.

More Flexible Vendors

The coronavirus pandemic has really put this one into perspective. If you need to postpone or move your elopement for any reason it is much easier to do that if you were only inviting a few people. I’m a photographer who only shoots elopements and small outdoor weddings, and while the couples I’m working with have been a little stressed out about all the uncertainty and changes, they’ve been able to cope and make solid backup plans. A bonus is that they are working with fewer vendors than a lot of couples who plan big weddings, so there is less coordination both on the guest side and on the vendor side. Less logistical mess means less stress.

Eloping Is More Affordable

I have a whole separate blog post about just how much more affordable it is to elope, called “How Much Does It Cost to Elope?” There’s even a handy calculator so you can get a rough estimate of how much it will cost based on your wants. But to summarize, it’s at least half as expensive. So just think of what you could do with all that extra money- go on trips, learn new skills, buy a car, save for a down payment on a house. Something I’ve heard repeatedly from couples during this pandemic is that it really forced them to slow down and decide on the things that really matter to them. I’ve heard people say that they want to save for a house for their family, they just want to keep more of their funds secure during these uncertain times, and that they really felt a sense of relief when they made the decision to elope. And most of them have ultimately said that it really feels like “more them” to begin with! That’s right, a lot of people felt like they were having big weddings for other people, and when the pandemic gave them an excuse to have a more pared-down affair they felt relief! While I’m so glad they came to that decision for themselves, it shouldn’t take a pandemic to get you to decide to elope. If you feel like that is what’s best for you, please don’t hesitate to DO IT! Here’s a link to a post about why couples decide to elope in the great outdoors.

Making Memories with Your Life Partner

Why not have a great adventure that kicks off the greatest adventure yet with your life partner. Entering into marriage with another human is a wild ride. A lot of couples who choose to elope have been together for a while already, and might even have kids together. Some of them are new and freshly in love. Either way eloping in the wild is a great adventure, and it creates unforgettable memories that you will be able to relive through the photos for decades to come. Remember what Kesha said, “someday soon, your whole life's gonna change, you'll miss the magic of these good old days.” And it’s so true. So breath deep, take it all in and remember it is a great day to be alive.

I hope this outlined some of the great reasons why planning an elopement or small outdoor wedding instead of a traditional wedding can be beneficial for many couples, especially in these uncertain times. The most important thing is honoring and celebrating the love between you and your partner, and when you strip it down to that being the most important thing, a lot of the stress and indecisiveness falls away. If you’d love help planning your small outdoor wedding or elopement, please get in touch today. I do more than just take amazing photos- I help couples plan the day of their dreams in the location of their dreams.

Inexpensive Wedding Venue Ideas for Elopements

Free (or Nearly Free) Wedding and Elopement Ceremony Locations

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE Wedding & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / United States AND BEYOND

Wedding venues can be pricey, but what if you can find a free or inexpensive venue for your wedding or elopment? Game-changer, right! There are parts of your wedding that you certainly don’t want to skimp on, but if you’re the outdoorsy type, one place you can certainly save money is by eloping or having a small, outdoor wedding in the great outdoors. There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to using public lands for your wedding or elopement. Public lands sometimes require a permit and it’s best to check with the nearest ranger station. Also keep in mind people you know with a gorgeous backyard, or private land with a view. Here are a few options for finding a free or inexpensive venue for your outdoor wedding.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land

Bureau of Land Management or BLM land is technically owned by all of us. You own it, I own it, anyone who pays his or her taxes owns it. There are over 247 million acres of wilderness preserved in BLM land, and it makes up and eighth of the total landmass in the United States. That offers a lot of options of beautiful and secluded locations to have your dream wedding!

I lived in my truck for two years roaming and photographing the western parts of North America, and when I set out to find a camping spot for the evening I always looked for BLM or National Forest land because they often have free dispersed camping options. Each BLM area is different and some of them are busier than others and require camping or day use fees. Some sites can be completely free for weddings. It’s best to check in at the ranger station or do your research online before heading out to each specific location.

For example, the BLM land near “the wave” in northern Arizona has surged in popularity in recent years. The ranger station holds a hyper-competitive lottery each morning. However, there are a ton of beautiful spots in the same area that do not require a permit to explore. When I begin helping a couple plan an elopement or small outdoor wedding one of the first things I do is email or call the ranger station in charge of the land they want to have their ceremony on. Once I receive a response we are free to move forward with planning, and we can begin completing any necessary paperwork.

Find out more info about permits and permissions on BLM land here.

National Forest Land

In the U.S. there are 155 National Forests totaling about 190 million acres, roughly the size of Texas. There are so many gorgeous spots that aren’t designated national parks, and one of the huge bonuses of choosing to elope on these lands is the seclusion they provide.

Recently, I photographed a couple on National Forest land in Vermont. Not only did the rangers approve the elopement time and date completely for FREE they also sent the couple their best wishes. This couple brought along a cake and a picnic lunch to enjoy. Other couples choose to paddleboard or go for a hike on their elopement day. The possibilities are endless when you choose to get married on public lands.

Again, whether or not you will need a permit differs from location to location, so the best way to find out if you need one for your desired location is to contact the local ranger station.

Find out more info about permits and permissions on National Forest land here.

National Park Elopements

The National Park system in the United States holds vast and varied landscapes from the gorgeous seashore and ancient granite peaks of Acadia National Park in Maine to the otherworldly desert of Joshua Tree National Park. There are 61 national parks covering over 52 million acres of land. Another amazing perk of getting married on public lands is that you save money on decor because the landscape is stunning. Some couples choose to use freestanding arches to designate their ceremony site while others create confetti out of native dried brush or flowers, although neither are necessary to have a wildly different and beautiful wedding.

In most National Parks couples will need permits to hold their elopement or small outdoor wedding. Most permits range from $100-$400, and can be obtained by filling out a form on the park’s website or sending a paper form to a specified address. Each park has its own rules are regulations on what kinds of decorations, guest limits, and activities can take place during the ceremony. Some parks allow pets and others do not.

Here is the wedding info for a few of the most popular parks couples elope in:

Zion National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Yosemite National Park

North Cascades National Park

Crater Lake National Park

Acadia National Park

Cape Cod National Seashore

If you would like more info on the parks listed or others not listed here, please fill out my contact form and I can help you start planning your dream outdoor wedding or elopement.

State or City Parks

Some state or city parks have incredible views and sometimes fewer restrictions for wedding parties. Often these areas also have groups of cabins that can be rented for family and guests, making logistics and planning easier for everyone. I photographed a wedding at Deception Pass State Park in Washington and the entire guest list stayed on site in a bunch of small cabins. The couple was able to get married in the backyard of the lodge with a view of the ocean and activities like canoeing and hiking were available on site. Obviously renting out an entire area of cabins is not free, and may not be considered as inexpensive. However, if you compare renting the same amount of hotel rooms for your guests in a city it is guaranteed to be cheaper, and overall a more adventurous experience.

Options like this are great if you plan on having more than 15 guests as some state parks have more facilities in place for large groups and less demand than large national parks.

Private Land Owned by Family or Friends of Family

Sometimes the most inexpensive and easiest option might be in your own backyard. If you have a beautiful backyard or know someone who does it might be worth seeing if you can make it work. Some properties back up to wilderness preserves and boast great views and ample parking for attendees. Look around the area where you live, and if land isn’t designated under one of the public land categories, check and see if you know who owns it.

Planning a wedding is a labor of love, and if everyone pitches in to make it happen you can stay on budget and have the incredible outdoor elopement or wedding of your dreams.

If you need a photographer to help make public lands adventure wedding dream images come true, get in touch today.

Winter Elopements: The Definitive Guide to Getting Married Comfortably Outside in the Winter

Adventurous Couples Brave Winter Weather and Get Unique, Jaw-Dropping Photos as a Result

Swell & Stone / Adventure Wedding & Elopement Photographer / United States and Beyond

When it comes to getting married in the winter the vast majority of people assume it will have to be indoors. But if you’re the adventurous type and plan on eloping with just your partner and maybe a friend or family member or two then you don’t have to worry if grandpa is going to freeze standing outside. Winter landscapes provide an almost otherworldly backdrop, and talk about a memorable experience. So if you’re look for a wildly different wedding experience, consider getting married outside…in the WINTER! Here are a few important factors to keep in mind.

Footwear

Keeping your feet warm is one of the keys to staying comfortable in frigid temps. Luckily most wedding dresses are long so women can easily wear wool socks and comfortable hiking boots with their dress. Choose something you will be able to walk around in for hours if need be. Depending on your chosen location for your ceremony you may need to hike in them for a little while. These boots are some of my favorites and they happen to look stylish under a wedding dress too. This is not one of those times to skimp on comfort. In fact, comfort is of the utmost importance here, because if you’re suffering, it will be difficult to want to continue. Danner makes a classic and beautiful boot that looks great under dresses.

Long Underwear

Men can wear just about anything, thin, warm, and wooly underneath their suits, but classic long underwear is a good place to start. Women, on the other hand, need something warm but also not obvious, and for that I love nude fleece lined leggings. If the bride’s leg peaks out from under the dress while walking you can’t even tell she’s wearing leggings in the photos. Women can also opt for a long sleeve gown to make their top layer a bit warmer. However, I also recommend having a jacket you don’t mind being photographed in. Which brings me to my next point…

Stylish Jacket

It doesn’t hurt to have a nice jacket you don't mind being photographed in. You can take it on and off as needed, but you might as well be warm while walking around. For a lot of brides it's a white down jacket or some other kind of white jacket. For men, it's often a black down jacket. But it doesn’t have to fall in line with the standard wedding color scheme, the beauty of it all is you get to be yourself and wear whatever you like, not what other people expect you to wear. So break norms and traditions, after all you are eloping outside in the winter- if that’s not already breaking traditions I’m not sure what is.

Foot, Hand, & Body Warmers

These things are pretty much the best ever. They are thin, warm, and last for hours, and they just might be your key to getting married outside in the winter even if you thought that was something you could never do. They come in different types- foot, hand, and body, and yes, it makes sense to get all the types because the hand warmers do not fit in your shoes comfortably the way the foot warmers do. The body warmers are larger and cover more surface area, so if you are really worried about being cold, pick up some of these and you might be sweating before you can say “I do!”

Blankets

If you have family or friends in attendance, offer them the above advice for sure, but also maybe have a couple of extra blankets in the truck of your car if someone comes a little unprepared. They can be national park themed or just pretty blankets, but whatever you choose, make sure it’s warm and you don’t mind having them in your photos.

Hot Drinks

It does not hurt to have a thermos full of something hot to take along with you. Whether it’s hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or spiced rum- pick your favorite warm drink and carry it along in a backpack to help keep you hydrated and warm. Here’s a recipe for a delicious special occasion drink that will definitely keep you warm, even on the coldest of days.

Have a Car Nearby to Warm Up In

Finally, there is no shame in driving to a beautiful location and getting out for 10-15 minutes at a time. Most ceremonies only last about 15 minutes, so use all the above suggestions to stay warm during that time and then jump back in the car with the heat cranked up full blast! When shooting winter adventure weddings and elopements this is a common strategy, the couple gets to have the ceremony where they want, but also check out several other locations for photos. If you have guests, host the reception at a cozy, scenic lodge. This can be easy to do in the winter because there are usually fewer crowds, unless you’re at a ski resort, of course. An important thing to work out with your photographer beforehand are any potential road closures. You don’t want to plan to drive to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, for instance, between December (or the first big snow) and mid-May.

I hope this info was helpful and gave you a different perspective on getting married outside in the winter. As an adventure elopement photographer, winter weddings have been some of my favorite to photograph. Crowds aren’t an issue and there is something so quiet and peaceful about being outside in the winter that translates to a wildly different wedding experience for couples. If you’re looking for a photographer for your wildly different wedding experience get in touch with me ASAP! You can do that HERE- or by hitting the button below.