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YOUR PLANNING GUIDE TO ELOPING IN THE WHITE MOUNTAINS | NEW HAMPSHIRE ELOPEMENT PLANNING
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
If you're thinking about eloping in the White Mountains this might be your final push to make the jump and do it! The White Mountains National Forest has always held a special place in my heart. It's arguably one of the most beautiful parts of New Hampshire and has waterfalls, lakes, rivers and high mountain peaks that look almost similar to Colorado. In the blog I'm going to dish on everything you need to know about eloping in the White Mountains!
STEPS TO PLAN YOUR WHITE MOUNTAIN ELOPEMENT:
Sit down a visualize where you want to elope - when you picture yourselves on your elopement day where are you standing reading your vows to each other?
Think about what time of year you want to elope and this will help narrow down your date!
Book your photographer! It's so important that you vibe with your photographer as they'll be with you ALL DAY. Make sure you choose a style you love but most importantly who know's the area you're eloping in. I grew up in New Hampshire so I know a ton about great spots in the Whites!
Book any other vendors you want to have for your day. This could include things like bakeries, florists, caterers/private chefs and hair + makeup etc. There are a ton of amazing vendors in that area that I'd love to recommend! Reach out to me and I can let you know who I love working with in the White Mountains Region.
Apply for your marriage license and any permits you may need. Make sure you have everything lined up for your marriage license. Some State Parks require a special use permit. If you have any questions about applying for your marriage license or getting permits I'm happy to answer your questions!
Decide who will be at your elopement. It's totally ok if you want it to be just you to as New Hampshire actually doesn't require witnesses for marriage. I'm ordained so I can act as your officiant if you just want a just us experience.
Book any travel arrangements and lodging. If you're coming from out of state you have the option of flying into Boston Logan International Airport or Manchester Regional Airport. There are also a ton of Airbnbs up North that I will link below!
Make sure you are all set with your attire. Check out this blog to help you pick out the best dress for you elopement. Make any fitting/alteration changes you need to do before the day. Have vow books, adventure gear, rings, dress + suit all ready.
Plan your timeline for you day! As elopement photographers it's also our job to help you plan your elopement day so your day runs smoothly and seamlessly. There are many factors when thinking about planning your timeline such as weather, time of day for you ceremony etc. The best time of day to plan your elopement around is sunrise or sunset for ideal lighting conditions.
Create an elopement packing list! This will ensure that you have everything you need for your elopement.
Diving deeper, let's take a look into each season in the White Mountains.
Fall: One of the best times to elope in the White Mountains is the Fall. Fall in New England in general can get pretty crazy with tourists and leaf peepers. If you're planning an adventure elopement plan on hiking for either sunrise or sunset to avoid the crowds.
Winter: This is such a pretty time of year as the snow falls over the mountains. Couples can opt for an adventurous hiking elopement ice climbing or skiing at Cannon Mountain, Wildcat or Sugarloaf!
Spring: The flowers start to peak out over the mountains in late April early May as New England heads into Spring.
Summer: Surprisingly New England sees some pretty hot temps during Summer with the hottest month being July. Summer is full of wild flowers and great hiking weather. If you're planning a hike, again to avoid crowds and hot daytime temps, head out for a sunrise or sunset hike for your elopement.
White Mountain elopement Locations:
Franconia Notch State Park
Artist's Bluff - 1.5 miles
Flume Gorge - 2.2 miles
Profile Lake - 1.3 miles
Bald Mountain - 0.6 miles
White House Trail - 1 mile
Sugar Hill - Accessible via Sugar Hill Rd.
Crawford Notch State Park
Arethusa Falls - 2.8 miles
Frankenstein Cliff Trail - 3.8 miles
Kendron Flume Loop - 4.3 miles
Mount Willey - 4.8 miles
North Conway
Cathedral Ledge via Bryce Path - 2.0 miles
Echo Lake Trail - 0.9 miles
Black Cap Trail - 4.4 miles
Cranmore Mountain - 3.7 miles
Peaked Mountain Trail - 3.6 miles
White Mountain National Forest
Mount Willard - 3.1 miles
Basin Cascade Trail - 2.6 miles
Middle Sugarloaf Trail - 2.7 miles
Upper Greeley Ponds - 2.9 miles
North Sugarloaf - 2.4 miles
Where to stay in the White Mountains
North Conway
Franconia
How do we book you as our White Mountains Elopement Photographer?
Just head to my contact page and fill out a form or you can email me at raeannphoto056@gmail.com when you're ready to start planning. If you're planning for a weekday there's no rush but if you would like a weekend date, let me know ASAP!