The Best Places to elope in Connecticut
You may be considering eloping instead of having an extravagant wedding with all the stress, opinions, and expense that goes along with it. If you're looking to elope in Connecticut then these are the best locations for your big day.
Connecticut is known for its rich history, but it has plenty of beautiful elopement locations as well. It is one of the most beautiful states in the United States with a lot of diverse landscapes, from rolling hills and mountains to beaches and rivers.
Want to spread your search a little broader? Here’s my New England elopement guide. Or check out these if you’re looking for Rhode Island, Vermont, Upstate NY, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Maine.
Connecticut is a state that has encompasses many picturesque landscapes that are perfect for eloping. Whether you are looking for a secluded mountain view or want to get married on the beach, the public lands of Connecticut have you covered. Here is a list of some of the most popular and beautiful spots in Connecticut for eloping:
Lighthouse Point Park
Nestled in the beautiful hay-colored hills of Connecticut, this serene park is a true gem. It's only 20 minutes from New Haven and offers breathtaking views of Long Island Sound and the Connecticut coastline. You can't miss the historical landmark, the Old Mill. The park houses many different habitats, including wetlands and pine forests. A beautiful nature trail leads you through fields and woodland with a history lesson at every bend. The most popular event here is the annual September Harvest Festival, which features a food court with local vendors in addition to live music and activities for all ages. The park also has a swimming pool and is home to a herd of white-tailed deer, which are the largest herd in Connecticut.
Lovers Leap State Park
Lovers Leap State Park is home to one of the most romantic views in Connecticut. The park is located on a scenic bluff overlooking the Housatonic River and is a popular site for couples looking to elope. The park is a beloved spot for lovers who come to this location to celebrate their elopement and enjoy a picnic.
Devils Hopyard State Park (Chapman falls)
Devil's Hopyard State Park is the perfect place to go if you want to elope. With lush green meadows and a stunning waterfall, this park is one of Connecticut's natural treasures.
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Hammonasset Beach State Park is a vast, public beach that stretches over 2 miles. It's a great elopement location for couples who want to enjoy the beach, but don't want to deal with crowds of people. If you're looking for a more private setting, this is the perfect place to go.
Putnam Memorial State Park
This state park is a popular destination for people looking to elope. The park has quite a few features that make it an ideal place for a private wedding ceremony. The Putnam Memorial State Park offers beautiful views of the Connecticut River, plenty of space for photographs, and a beautiful stone chapel with stained-glass windows. The park is also home to a gazebo, complete with stone path, where the couple can exchange their vows. Pick up a marriage license at any town clerk or justice of the peace in Connecticut and then you're ready to go!
Kent Falls State Park
Kent Falls State Park is the perfect spot for a private, quiet marriage ceremony. It's beautiful, private, and has unbeatable views of the falls.
Tamarack Lodge
Tamarack Lodge is a beautiful, secluded place to elope. The setting is the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. They offer a variety of ceremony options and have an onsite officiant available for you. to meet with. This wedding venue is perfect for a rustic, intimate ceremony and reception.
Harkness Memorial State Park
Harkness Memorial State Park is located in Waterford, Connecticut and is a favorite destination among many couples. The stunning views of the Long Island Sound, rolling hills and lush forests are perfect for your elopement, small outdoor wedding, or vow renewal. .Harkness Memorial is a 100-acre state park and memorial dedicated to the memory of Harris Starr Harkness, an American businessman who donated his estate and funds for its creation. It is managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection.
Fayerweather Island Lighthouse
Fayerweather Island Lighthouse is a stunning wedding venue in Connecticut. The venue offers a picturesque backdrop overlooking Long Island Sound, and it also provides the convenience of on-site lodging for guests. What's more, Fayerweather Island Lighthouse provides an unrivaled setting for anyone looking for a wedding with historical significance.
Gilette’s Castle State Park
Gilette’s Castle State Park is a beautiful and historical area in Connecticut. Originally, the castle was built by General George Washington in 1779. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark because it's one of the few remaining colonial fortifications in America. Today, you can visit the Castle and explore its amazing gardens or you can travel back in time at the Gilettes Manor House.
Rand’s View
A far-off and secluded mountain where you can elope, Rand’s View is a spectacular and serene setting in Connecticut. The beautiful view of the Appalachian Trail will make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
Requirements to Get Married in Connecticut
Connecticut has 4 requirements for getting married. To get married in Connecticut, you must be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent), have a valid driver's license or official identification card, not be married to someone else, and not be related by blood to your spouse.
If you and your partner live out of state and want to get a marriage license in Connecticut, here’s how:
If you and your partner live out of state but want to get married in Connecticut, you can use the Connecticut Online Marriage License Application. To get this application, go to https://www.ct.gov/marriagelicenses/ and then click on the "Obtaining a License Outside of Connecticut" tab.
Cost of Eloping in Connecticut
In the state of Connecticut, the cost of eloping is $150. If a couple would like to get married at a government building, the price is $100 for a civil ceremony and $75 for a justice of the peace. It costs more to have a justice of the peace or ordained minister travel to public lands to officiate your ceremony. However, some photographers, like myself, are also ordained ministers and can serve as such on your elopement day.
Planning a wedding can be one of the most expensive things you will ever do in your life. It can cost an average of $35,000 to plan and execute a ceremony. That is not including the honeymoon! Eloping is becoming more and more popular for couples who can't afford the high cost. Here is a helpful calculator that estimates how much it costs to elope.
Most eloping couples pay for the things they care about, like creating an incredible experience for their day and having a seasoned photographer document it so they can cherish those memories for years to come. So include what you want and who you want and let the rest go. Couples who elope chose to do it their way, and I’ve never had a couple tell me they regretted keeping things simple and creating the most memorable experience for themselves.
Why you should elope in Connecticut
Connecticut is the perfect place to elope with your spouse-to-be. The state is small enough that you can explore most of it in one day and big enough to get lost in the beauty of it all. From quaint historic towns to beaches, there's something for everyone in Connecticut.
Planning an elopement is a perfect way to make your wedding day more intimate and personalized. Eloping can also be cheaper than a traditional wedding. Connecticut has beautiful landscapes, including the coast and mountains, that are easily accessible without traveling far. The Nutmeg State is a great destination for eloping because of the state's beautiful scenery, rolling hills, and scenic water views.
Connecticut is a beautiful state and has plenty of great places to get married, you just need to know where to look.
