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!

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!

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.

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

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!

Adirondack Mountain Elopement with Awe-Inspiring Fall Views

Esti & Derek’s 2-Day Canoe Adventure Elopement in the Adirondacks

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

I had to spilt up Esti & Derek’s EPIC two-day elopement in the Adirondacks of Upstate New York into two posts because, to be honest, there are too many amazing moments and photos over the two days to share in just one post. So this is day one- you can FIND DAY TWO HERE. Not only do Esti and Derek have impeccable style, but our timing for the fall colors was spot on, and the location they ended up choosing was perfect and secluded. I’m beyond ecstatic that they chose me to be their Upstate NY elopement photographer.

When Esti and Derek reached out they had a general idea of what they were looking for in terms of location, but they really began to narrow it down after I sent them their custom location guide. We knew they wanted an incredible mountain summit and it wouldn’t hurt if canoeing on a lake was involved, so I suggested a super unique option- canoeing to the trailhead of an epic mountain summit.

The day started with a very early morning wake up. Esti’s hair and makeup artist was wrapping up when I arrived at 6 am. We had their first look on the grounds, and then we headed out for a sunrise canoe ride. The color on the leaves was spectacular, and it was going to be a beautiful day, but the sunrise canoe was chilly, and frost lingered on the grass as we pulled the canoe into the water. After the sun hit their faces and things thawed out a bit we packed up our gear and headed across the lake to the trailhead. We had 6.5 miles of hiking ahead of us, and the last section of the hike is straight up, and really more of a scramble than a hike. Esti wore her wedding dress for the first, flat-ish part of the hike, and then took it off before the steep section. She had white leggings under her dress, so all she had to do was slip on a warm shirt and jacket and she was ready for the hard part.

After reaching the summit and checking out the views we scoped out a spot for their private vow exchange. I was able to stay a little higher on the summit to give them some space, but still capture all the emotion during their beautiful and heartfelt vow exchange. There were tears and laughter and joy, and after it was all said and done they celebrated with champagne!

“I love Esti's passion for learning and teaching others, love of adventure (traveling, hiking, and camping), professional drive and determination in the field of Pathology, creative side (painting, singing, and dancing), and ability to motivate everyone around her to pursue their dreams,” said Derek.

“I love Derek's caring and warm nature, his goofiness (always cracking jokes, making up songs about our cats, sending me memes to make me laugh), and his willingness to try new things (trekking in high altitude, trying caviar or snails (ew! haha), skiing). As someone who loves to try new things, it's really fun to have Derek there with me willing to look like a fool as we try new things together! I also love his practical side - cooking great meals, fixing things that are broken, and just getting things done in general. I always have a million ideas in my mind and it's awesome to have a partner who can help me follow through with these ideas,” said Esti.

They shared stories of their amazing travels, and it was so much fun to learn all the things they had done together. When two people are in a canoe together, you really learn about their ability to be a team, and Esti and Derek worked seamlessly as a team, and if they ever veered in the wrong direction they took a second to recalibrate and begin again.

On the hike down we relaxed and made miles. It was a long and joyful day and we still needed to canoe across the lake. We reached our canoe with about an hour until sunset and made the nice, easy paddle back across the lake. After hauling up the canoe Derek and Esti stood, arms wrapped around each other, and watched the sun sink below the mountain. I mentioned that we could go up the hill to where I was staying to watch a better view of the sunset, so we headed up that way. They danced in the field as the sun sank low, and then eventually settled onto a blanket, finding the perfect, comfy spots to lean on, and watched the sun go behind the mountains again. The perfect ending to the epically adventurous and wonderful day.

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.”

Idyllic Vermont Elopement in A-Frame

Morgan & Ryan’s Backcountry Wedding in Southern Vermont

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / VERMONT & BEYOND

Morgan and Ryan had a clear vision for their absolutely stunning elopement in southern Vermont. They had the A-frame picked out, but they didn’t know the area super well, so I suggested some nearby locations, and they ultimately choose Jamaica State Park and a secluded little waterfall to say their vows.

We started the day at the A-frame, and when I rolled into town it was rainy and overcast, but the sky opened up and the sun came out right before we left for the ceremony location. As they were getting ready for the first look Morgan was pretty much ready to go, and Ryan called family to figure out how to tie is bow-tie. He never fully got it, and me and the videographers were no help, so he decided to abandon it altogether in favor of a more casual look. It was funny, and cute, and a fun way to start the day.

After the first look on the beautiful grounds of the A-Frame Airbnb we headed out to the waterfall location of their ceremony. They recited emotional vows and did a hand-fasting ceremony followed by a ring exchange, and then on to popping the champagne. We had fun exploring the area, and had plans to go hike to a view point for the sunset, but on the drive in Morgan spotted this gorgeous lake that looked so peaceful and serene and was reflecting the fall colors surrounding it.

That’s something I LOVE about eloping couples, they are open to go with the flow of the day, and if we see something that inspires us, we stop and take in the view, and truly, fully, enjoy the day without rushing from one place to another.

Here is why they decided to elope- “For us to truly enjoy our day, we wanted to remove a lot of the stressors that cause anxiety when planning a wedding. We want to make this day intimate, fit for us, and spend the entire day together celebrating together.”

After enjoying cake, which Morgan was beyond excited about, and enjoying a charcuterie board we headed back to the A-frame for a bonfire. The gathered s’mores materials, plus they cooked what looked like mini-pizza’s over the fire. They danced, kicked around in the leaves, and generally played like little kids. At the end of the night we all watched the stars come out. It was an incredible end to an unbelievably fun and beautiful day.

“My husband and I hired Kat as our photographer for our fall elopement in Southern Vermont. During the planning process, Kat was absolutely key since we were traveling from out of state. She sent a list of potential locations, researched state marriage laws, and helped us plan a schedule that met all of our elopement goals. On wedding day, she arrived hours ahead of time to scout sites while we got ready. Kat stayed flexible and was willing to do whatever it took to get the perfect shot. Though it was just my husband and I at our elopement, Kat still found ways to make the day special. We especially appreciated the added bonus of her being able to legally sign our marriage license since we didn’t have an officiant! In the end, our elopement photos (there’s A LOT of them) turned out stunning and we have Kat to thank for that.”

— Morgan & Ryan