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ADVENTUROUS LOCATIONS + TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR VERMONT ELOPEMENT
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & INTIMA TE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
If you're looking to elope in Vermont here are some tips for planning your elopement! The Green Mountains are by far the most popular location to elope in. From high mountain peaks to gorgeous waterfalls to scenic hiking trails and hidden caves, Vermont has so many hidden gems that will make your elopement an epic adventure. Here are some super cool locations that make the perfect spot to elope in Vermont.
VERMONT ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS
Smugglers' Notch: Tuck in the heart of The Green Mountains, Smugglers' Notch this narrow mountain pass offers amazing views, towering cliffs, and winding trails that lead to hidden waterfalls. Whether you choose to hike to Sterling Pond, explore Bingham Waterfall, or exchange vows on the edge of a cliff, Smugglers' Notch will provide a dramatic backdrop for your elopement.
Mount Mansfield: The highest peak in Vermont, Mount Mansfield offers unbeatable views making it the perfect setting for your elopement. Whether you decide to hike to the summit or drive up the auto toll road, it's worth it for the views!
Camel's Hump State Park: This park is a free entry, underdeveloped state park and one of Vermont's only wilderness areas. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The Monroe trail on the Duxbury side is among one of the popular trails to hike to the summit. Some camping is allowed as well!
Quechee Gorge: Quechee Gorge is a 165-foot-deep gorge carved by the Ottauquechee River and offers a unique and adventurous backdrop for your elopement. You can exchange vows on the edge of the gorge, overlooking the rushing water below, or choose one of the nearby trails for a romantic ceremony amidst the beauty of the woods.
Lake Willoughby: Sitting in between mount Pisgah and Mount Hor, Lake Willoughby is a hidden gem that offers a picturesque and adventurous elopement location. Surrounded by lush forests and crystal-clear waters, this glacial lake provides a tranquil and awe-inspiring setting for your special day. Consider a lakeside ceremony, a boat elopement, or a hike to one of the nearby peaks for a truly unforgettable experience.
Sterling Pond - The Sterling Pond Trail is located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, within the Mount Mansfield State Forest. It is near the town of Stowe and is part of the Smugglers' Notch State Park. The Sterling Pond Trail is approximately 1.7 miles long. It is a relatively short trail but offers a rewarding hiking experience.
Bolton Falls - Also called the Bolton Potholes. Bolton Falls is situated in the town of Bolton, which is in Chittenden County, Vermont. The falls are nestled along the beautiful Joiner Brook, a tributary of the Winooski River. It is a short hike to get to the falls.
Here are some helpful facts about eloping in Vermont:
Vermont is known for its welcoming and relaxed approach to elopements. The state has minimal legal requirements and offers a straightforward process for couples looking to tie the knot without a big wedding ceremony.
To elope in Vermont, couples need to obtain a marriage license from any town clerk's office in the state. Both parties must be present, provide identification, and pay a fee of $80. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 60 days.
The Views: Vermont has stunning landscapes including gorgeous mountains, lakes ans rivers.
There's so much to do outside in Vermont if you love hiking, biking and skiing in the Winter time!
I might be biased but Vermont has some of the best foliage in the Fall with colors peaking mid September into late October depending on the season. Elopements during the peak foliage season offer a stunning and romantic backdrop for exchanging vows.
There are so many amazing farm to table restaurants all over Vermont with tons of farms providing local produce AND don't forget maple syrup!
8+ Hours of Coverage Example: Adventure Hiking Elopement
*Coverage hours are based on a Summer sunset elopement
* Times will vary depending one season, month and day
9:00 am Wakeup at Airbnb pack for hiking elopement
10:00 am Breakfast at a local restaurant or cafe
11:30 am Meet at Camel's Hump State Park via Monroe Trail
- 5 hours hiking to summit
4:00 pm Summit Camel's Hump
- Rest time 30 minutes before photos
- Take time to change into wedding attire
4:30 pm Ceremony begins
- First look
- Ceremony/Private Vows
7:30pm - Sunset photos at the summit
6+ Hours of Coverage Example: Lake Willoughby
9:00 am Breakfast + coffee at a local cafe
10:00 am Back to Airbnb to get ready for ceremony
3:00 pm Ceremony at Lake Willoughby *The Notch House is popular*
3:30 pm Photos at lake
4:00pm Champagne toast on the trail
6:00pm Sunset photos at Chautauqua Park
8:00pm Back to Airbnb for dessert and after-party
9:00pm Head back out again for starry night photos
4 Hours of Coverage Example: Bolton Potholes
3:00pm Meet at an Airbnb for a few getting ready photos and a first look outside
4:00pm Ceremony at Falls
5:00pm Toast & sunset photos on top of the rocks and at river
7:00pm Done
Recommended Vendors:
Florals - Old Time Flowers, A School House Garden, Silver Spring Farm, A Clover And One Bee, Wild Lark
Hair/Makeup - Heather Garrow Studios, Library Hair Studio, Emily Tobi, Prime Salon VT
Dessert/Cake - A Goosechase Cake Design, Dream Maker Bakers
Stationary Design - Inked Page Calligraphy
Eloping in Vermont provides couples with a magical and stress-free experience surrounded by nature's beauty and New England charm. Whether you envision a serene lakeside ceremony, an adventurous mountaintop exchange of vows, or an intimate celebration in a historic inn, Vermont offers the perfect setting for a memorable elopement. From the dramatic cliffs of Smugglers' Notch to the panoramic views atop Mount Mansfield, Camel's Hump or the awe-inspiring Quechee Gorge and serene Lake Willoughby, the Green Mountain State offers a diverse range of locations that will satisfy your sense of adventure and create lasting memories. Whether you're an avid hiker, nature lover, or thrill-seeker, Vermont's venturous elopement locations will provide a breathtaking backdrop for your next adventure.
Helpful links:
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU AS OUR VERMONT 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!