Best Places to Elope in New England

by adventure elopement photographer and videographer team Sydney and Ryan

With outdoor adventure elopements and micro weddings on the rise, it’s a common misconception that you have to go out west for the dream experience and Pinterest-worthy photos. We’re here to tell you that’s not the case! You truly don’t have to travel far for an epic adventure elopement or intimate wedding.  Even better, we think people should be coming to the Northeast for their destination weddings, local or not!  We put this elopement guide together to give you the best places to elope in New England by state and how to get married in the great outdoors.

Ryan and I both grew up in New England and have a deep love for the mountains, coastline, and autumn foliage of our home state and region.  Each state has its own perks, local food, architecture, trails, and unique landscapes to explore.  Something important to note: an adventure elopement can be as laid back and flexible as you want it to be.  You can do an epic hike up a mountain or drive to multiple lookouts in a state park with less than 10 minutes of a walk to an incredible view!    The locations listed below offer a variety of elopement experiences, whether it’s getting married in the mountains or a charming coastal town.  If you’re asking yourself, “Where can I elope in New England?” We’ve got you.

how to elope in New England

1. Choose the best location that fits your vibe and vision for your day
2. Find your New England elopement photographer (contact us for a FREE elopement consultation)
3. We’ll plan and talk about EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW from lodging to transportation and anything in-between to make your elopement the best day ever
4. Apply for a marriage license and any necessary permits for your New England elopement location
5. We’ll adventure around the location you chose, take in the natural beauty, create memories, and we’ll capture you guys enjoying it all
6. Pop the champagne, and celebrate your marriage!!

general info for your New England elopement

LANDSCAPES

• Rocky coastline
• Mountains
• Forests
• Lakes
• Meadows
• Ponds
• Beaches

National Parks in New England

• Acadia National Park, Maine

Related: ‘How to Elope in a National Park’

MARRIAGE LICENSE INFO

• Connecticut
  • $50fee, no witnesses required, no waiting period, license valid for 65 days
• Maine
  • No waiting period, license valid for 90 days
• Massachusetts
  • Three-day waiting period, license valid for 60 days
• New Hampshire
  • No waiting period, license valid for 90 days
• Rhode Island
  • No waiting period, two witnesses required, license valid for three months
• Vermont
  • No waiting period, $60 fee, no witnesses required, license valid for 60 days

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN NEW ENGLAND

If you didn’t grow up in the north or aren’t accustomed to four seasons and cold winters, we recommend eloping in the late spring or late summer to mid-fall.  It can be chilly in the evening even during the summer months, so we recommend bringing layers to stay warm, especially if you are eloping in higher elevations or a northern state in New England.

In the fall, the trees transform into a landscape of red and orange, making it pretty magical. Tourism can increase this time of year because of the autumn foliage and annual fairs and festivals.  So, if you know this is when and where you want to elope, we suggest getting married on a weekday to avoid some of the crowds!  Eloping at sunrise also gives you a better chance of having an intimate ceremony.

The weather in each state varies, but it is cold often from the months of November to March.  We’d suggest avoiding this time of the year unless you dream of having snowy landscapes as the backdrop to your elopement day!  Be sure to research where you are eloping and if road closures are common due to snowfall.

New England Elopement Locations

best places to elope in Connecticut

Topsmead State Forest

This beautiful state forest and charming cottage tucked away in Litchfield is a great location to elope in Connecticut. There is no listed special permit application or fee on the state forest’s website, so we recommend inquiring about any potential permit.

Check out their wedding and gathering PDF here.

Macedonia Brooks State Park

best places to elope in Maine

Acadia National Park

We had to include New England’s national park on this list!  Coastal views with evergreens and rocky shores, the famous lighthouse, and the quintessential charm of the local towns have a lot to offer eloping couples.  The closest airport is Bangor International Airport and is only an hour’s drive from the park.  We highly suggest traveling by car so you can explore nearby towns and cities, like Portland, Maine.

ACADIA NATIONAL PARK WEDDING PERMIT INFORMATION

You only need a permit to elope in Acadia National Park if your wedding party has over 10 people involved.  With less than 10 people, you can elope anywhere in the park, too. For those getting married in Acadia National Park and want a few more guests, here’s the following information from the park’s website:

• Apply for a Special Use Permit here
  • Acadia National Park
    Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
    PO Box 177
    Bar Harbor, ME 04609
• Special use permits may be denied for some locations during periods of heavy use (e.g., Labor Day weekend, during the period from June 15 – September 15, etc.). If you want to elope with 10+ guests in the late summer/fall, choose a day between Monday through Thursday
• The following locations and group size limits have been established for simple wedding ceremonies of more than 10 people within Acadia National Park:
  • Cadillac Mountain – 20 (No ceremonies during sunrise or sunset)
  • Blue Hill Overlook – 20
  • Sand Beach – 30
  • Ocean Drive – 30
  • Otter Cliff – 20
  • Otter Point – 30
  • Fabbri Picnic Area – 30
  • Little Hunters Beach – 20
  • Seawall Picnic Area – 35
  • Thompson Island – 50
  • Schoodic Point – 25
  • Frazer Point Picnic Area – 50

WHERE TO STAY NEAR ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Check out our hand-picked list of the best Airbnbs near Acadia National Park

Best locations to elope in Massachusetts

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

On their website (check it out here) they list where you can elope in the resort, including the summit!

Monument Mountain Reserve

best places to elope in New Hampshire

White Mountain National Forest

If you’re down for a longer elopement day and more challenging hikes, the White Mountain National Forest has incredible trails that will give you an incredible backdrop for your ceremony and wedding portraits.  But don’t worry–there are some easy to moderate hiking trails as well!

Monadnock State Park

Franconia Notch State Park

Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island

Napatree Point Conservation

This beautiful trail is a great place for a sunrise view and even a winter elopement with fresh snowfall.

Best Places to Elope in Vermont

All Vermont state parks require submitting a special use permit application and a $50 fee.

Smugglers Notch State Park

This beautiful state park makes for a great location to elope in Vermont.  There are several hiking trails in the park that offer amazing views of the lake and mountains.

Green Mountain National Forest

Willoughby State Forest

New England Elopement Photographer

New England elopement packages

We grew up in New England and would love to be a part of your day! We are more than just your elopement photographer and videographer team, we’re here to help plan and execute the elopement of your dreams and capture it, too! Learn more about our services here.

Contact us for a free elopement consultation

Best Places to Elope in New England | Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont | New England Adventure Elopement and Micro Wedding Photographer and Videographer