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

Jess & Jesse’s Lovely Newport, RI Elopement

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stylish NYC Couple Elope in Upstate New York

Emma & LA Finger Lakes Region Upstate NY Elopement

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eloping in Connecticut? Here are the Best Locations for a Connecticut Elopement

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.

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.

The Best Small Wedding Venues in RI in 2023

Top Small Wedding Venues in Rhode Island

SWELL & STONE /Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond

Rhode Island is one of the best places in New England and in the U.S. to hold a small outdoor wedding. If you love coastline, wildlife, insane sunrise and sunset views, and a variety of great small wedding venues then Rhode Island should be on the top of your wedding list. There are a ton of spots with epic views, and the great thing about this tiny state is that it has over 400 miles of coastline that faces north, east, west, and south. So unlike other east coast locations, there are a variety of sunset view locations, of course, many sunrise spots as well, but also many scenic spots to watch the stars come out and the milky way rise over the ocean. So if you’re a beach bum, forest fanatic, or a fan of lakes, ponds, and rivers, Rhode Island has some of the best scenery you can imagine.

If you only have around 10-15 people or fewer in your group and you’re looking for places to elope on public lands with just the two of you or a very small group, check out my recommendations for the Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island. If you’d like to spread your search a little wider here’s my New England elopement guide. Check out these articles if you’re looking for Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Upstate NY.

When your group is larger than 15 people, but you still want those gorgeous outdoor adventure wedding vibes, it makes sense to rent a private space that has that feel, but can accommodate your guests with comfortable chairs, facilities, and a gorgeous spot to celebrate after the ceremony. That doesn’t mean we can’t sneak away for an hour and shoot couple’s portraits at a lighthouse, but it makes things logistically easier with a larger crowd. Here are a few of my favorite small wedding venues in Rhode Island.

1. The Preserve RI, Richmond

   Although this is a non-waterfront location it’s one of my favorites because this spot has magical forest and rolling hill vibes instead. So if you’re into a more remote feeling small wedding, this might be what you’re looking for. I particularly recommend this location in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. I mean how incredible would it be to have your getting ready photos done at their amazing treehouse retreat. Are you a fan of Lord of the Rings? How about hosting your cocktail hour at the incredible Maker’s Mark Hobbit House? Plus they have so many things for you and your guests to do from canoeing and kayaking to ziplining and rock climbing. Fill your weekend with adventure, fun, and beautiful experiences!

2. Castle Hill, Newport

   When I think of Castle Hill, I think of one of the most iconic and picturesque lighthouses in the whole state of Rhode Island. Their grounds are stunning, the sunset views are amazing, and you can choose from lantern-lit gardens and white sandy beaches, ideal for warm-weather Newport, RI weddings. They have this whole getting married thing down and they can assist you with the catering, flowers, and other details you might need help with. That’s right they have their own personal in-house wedding planners to make all your dreams come true for your intimate seaside sunset wedding.

3. Lavender Waves Farm, South Kingstown

   Imagine your stunning day surrounded by intensely purple lavender with the incredible smell wafting through the air. Lavender Waves Farm is a private farm you can rent for your small outdoor wedding. Located in South Kingstown it’s close to a number of other incredible spots that are great for couple’s portraits, like Point Judith and East Beach. Bonus- there’s no need for a florist when you hold your wedding at a lavender farm!

4. Various Venues, Block Island

   Block Island is a stunning wedding site with out-of-this-world ocean views, lighthouses, dunes, shockingly gorgeous beaches, and lots of beautiful pockets to explore. There are a lot of great venues and vendors on the island. So take the ferry over from the mainland, rent some scooters, explore the island for photos, and genuinely enjoy the hell out of your magical wedding day.

5. Private VRBO’s that Allow Events

   This is one of my favorite suggestions because you can come up with places you never dreamed you could hold your wedding at, and you have a place to stay as well! When searching for a place to hold your small outdoor wedding, make sure you go into their filters and check “Event’s Allowed” to filter to only the locations that allow events. You can also add other filters like “Pets Allowed” or “Waterfront” to really customize your amazing experience. I’ve found incredible treehouses, stunning beachfront property with private beach access, so if you want to include a clambake reception, make sure you check this out as an option. Check out this gallery.

6. Cove Cabin, Mount Hope Farm, Bristol

   This site is one of my favorites because it has a truly “in the middle of nature” vibe. Your entire guest list can stay here with you, giving it the summer camp wedding feeling. Cove Cabin sits on the water’s edge of Mount Hope Bay, with unreal views of Seal Island, the Mount Hope Bridge, and Narragansett Bay. It was built in the 1940s as an Adirondack-style family retreat, the area and its adjacent lawn offer breathtaking views of the Bays. The Cabin can host up to 60 guests. Sunsets are spectacular and on a clear day, the Mount Hope Bridge frames the Newport Bridge at the opposite end of Narragansett Bay. Plus there are lush forests and lots of greenery on the property giving a truly unique aesthetic.

7. Fort Adams State Park, Newport, RI

   Naturally, an iconic Rhode Island view is the Newport Bridge. So you may as well host your small wedding here. They have a ton of ceremony spots to choose from, parking is easy, and sunsets are incredible from this spot. They help orchestrate your day and have a variety of vetted vendors to choose from. This is a quintessential RI experience, so if you’re looking for iconic Rhode Island views, this might be your spot. Check out a gallery from this spot HERE.

8. Harbor Lights, Warwick

   They have incredibly gorgeous setups that can include a harborview ceremony overlooking the Narragansett Bay. Want to add more adventure to your day? They have the option to do a sunset cruise on the water. And they face west so the sunsets at this spot are unreal. They can help you figure out the catering, decor, and all the little details that will make your micro-wedding your dream day.

9. Ocean House, Westerly

   Another stunning waterfront location where the possibilities are endless. You can set up your intimate reception table on the private beach or hold your ceremony on the lawn. They have tents if the weather turns, and can generally match whatever feel you’d like to bring to your day from casual and laid back to high-end and elegant.

10. The Boathouse, Tiverton

    The Boathouse hosts small weddings with up to 48 people total on their stunning property on Sakonnet River with brilliant panoramic views. You can get married on the private dock, so literally over the water, or on the lawn, and they also cater the celebration after. It’s a great option for couples who want a gorgeous one-stop option that is also incredibly beautiful. Check out a gallery from this spot HERE.

11. Shepherd’s Run, South Kingstown

    Shepherd’s run is a new event venue and winery. It is full-service, so if you want to not worry about any of your wedding day decisions, let them take care of that for you. Wedding ceremonies can be held in the Beatrix Farrand designed walled garden, and there are 36 acres total to choose from.

12. Blueberry Cove Inn, Narragansett

    The adorable bed and breakfast helps you with all the little details. The innkeeper also serves as an officiant, and they take care of the flowers, cake, and champagne toasts as well. They have a beautiful lawn and they are very close to a lot of scenic spots for great couples portraits on the coast.

13. South County Museum, Narragansett

    The Museum is a seven-acre campus located on the 174-acre Canonchet Farm Park, two miles off US 1 in Narragansett. It’s just a five-minute walk from Narragansett Town Beach. They only host weddings are hosted from May through October and you can choose from the lawn or in the ivy-covered stable ruins. It is a more DIY setup and you arrange for tents & rental equipment. There is plenty of parking, but no heating or air conditioning.

Okay, that was a lot of info, but there are a ton of great spots in Rhode Island for an outdoor adventurous small wedding. Remember, it’s your day, so you can go canoeing, and then get married later in the day. Your wedding day should include exactly what you want it to include and nothing that you don’t. If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your unique and adventurous small outdoor wedding, that’s where I come in! I’ve been doing this for a long time, and can’t help guide you through the process. Get in touch using the button below, and start planning the small outdoor wedding of your dreams.

Frosty Alpine Elopement on Mountain Summit | Vermont Mountain Wedding

Sara & Joe’s Adventure Elopement on Vermont Summit

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Vermont & Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joyful Fall Elopement in Vermont

Holly & Louis’s Vermont Adventure Elopement

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Vermont & Beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elegant Small Wedding in the Adirondacks, Upstate New York | Upstate NY Wedding Photographer

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

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

Welcome to Day Two of Esti & Derek’s epic micro-wedding in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. Go HERE TO SEE DAY ONE of their incredible and colorful fall elopement. I’m beyond ecstatic that they chose me to be their Upstate NY small wedding photographer.

For Day Two Derek and Esti celebrated with family on an incredibly private beautiful lake with two cabins and private land bordering Adirondack Park near Lake George. The cabins were stunning and there were a variety of boats for the enjoyment of everyone attending to use. Day Two was a much warmer day than their elopement day, which worked out perfectly because it was super comfortable to hang outside for most of the day. However, a thunderstorm was threatening to strike, but ultimately never materialized, which left us with great temps and happy and dry wedding guests!

Esti had the help of her sisters and mother to get ready, and it was so fun to see two different sides of her incredible style play out. The happy couple shared another first look, and then we moved into family portraits. The backdrop at this location was really striking, so it was fun to take photos on the hill above the lake and the dock. After all family portraits were complete, Esti and Derek decided they needed to paddle a canoe on both days, so they headed out in the canoe to the private island in the middle of the lake. The fall colors were a little less bright than the location that we were at the day before, but it made for a beautiful early fall scene. Derek’s dad was a little concerned when Esti jumped out of the boat with bare feet to pull the canoe up for Derek, but of course she had done the same thing the day before!

They began the ceremony in the early afternoon, which was stunning and sweet, and seeing their families smiles made me think that you can have it all- an epic adventure elopement with just the two of you, and a celebration with those closest to you.

After the ceremony came the cocktail hour. As the sun sank low over the lake Esti’s dad made a toast and the families celebrated into the evening.

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.

Emotional, Unique Micro Wedding on Cape Cod

Ally & Michael’s Small Outdoor Wedding in Brewster, MA

Swell & Stone / Adventure Elopement Photographer / Massachusetts & Beyond

Ally and Michael’s Cape Cod micro wedding was unique, emotional, and fully and truly them. They had originally planned the ceremony to take place on the Brewster Flats, a phenomenon created by the ebb and flow of the daily tides when the waters recede out of Cape Cod Bay over 1 mile to reveal sandbars, clam beds, and tidal pools teeming with sea life. It’s a place that’s super special to them, but on the day of their wedding the winds exceeded 50 mph, and the low tide was unusually high. We walked down to check out the area and were nearly blown away. Add that to the mid-30’s temps of the day, and it was a recipe to be windblown and freezing.

But alas, outdoor weddings do not always go as planned, especially in November. But the most important thing to both of them, at the end of the day, was that they were married, and they had their closest family around with them when they said their vows. So they pivoted to a beautiful little patch of forest nearby called the Brewster Conservation Trust. The winds were completely subdued in the forest, and the sun shone through the trees, making it significantly warmer.

Ally’s sister Sarah, who also served as the officiant for the ceremony, was wheeled out on a beach wheelchair, which made going over all the roots and rocks easier. And the rest of the family followed soon after. Everyone had a comfortable seat in solidarity with Sarah would is undergoing chemo.

Michael loves Crocs, and Ally has fully embraced them, so they both wore white Crocs, Ally’s were bedazzled with a variety of meaningful emblems. Ally wore a super chic, non-white dress white a nice warm layer over the top. Everything about their day was uniquely them, and they prioritized the things that meant something to them, and let go of the things that weren’t important.

During the ceremony, family members read pieces that were important to them, and Sarah led a beautiful ceremony that included personalized stones. After the ceremony, the group packed up and hiked out. Back at home they were picked up by a gorgeous white trolley and brought to The Pheasant, where the staff there had prepared an incredible gastronomical tour! Kate from Flora Chella Design had turned the already beautiful space into a stunning display. Ally, Michael, and their families were ready to begin the celebrations, and they were treated to wine tasting and a wide array of delectable food. As the sun sank low on the horizon, we went outside one more time to enjoy the final moments of daylight. The speeches of the evening were as heartfelt and emotional as the ceremony itself, and at the end of the night, the newly married couple seemed very content.

“Extremely grateful to have had Kat photograph our elopement! She’s an expert in her niche, exudes warmness, and made everything about the day easy and lovely. Just received the photographs and they perfectly capture the feelings of the day. If you’re considering working with her, do it! She’s your gal :)”

— Ally & Michael