The Best East Coast Elopement Locations

The Best East Coast Elopement Locations

When you think of some of the most beautiful elopement locations, the northeast region of the United States might not be your first thought but I’m here to tell you that there are some of the best places to elope on the East Coast right here in this guide. Plus so many more places that you probably haven’t even considered and all these locations are located right here in the Northeast! Read on to discover how to elope, where to elope, and feel free to contact me to learn about my New England elopement packages! 

3 steps to finding the best places to elope on the East Coast

Step 1: Which season should you elope in?

Winter– If you’re a fan of the cold snowy weather than winter on the East Coast is spectacular. Activities include snowshoeing, tubing, sleigh rides, and gondola rides.

Spring– Such a beautiful time of year here. The flowers start blooming and you’ll find fields of wildflowers and great opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Summer- The warmest season means your outfit options expand and accessibility to certain hikes open up as well as wonderful little swimming holes. Humidity is a factor but an evening under the stars dancing by the fire pit after your elopement can’t be beaten.

Fall- Arguably the most popular season because the foliage is insane! Vermont may or may not be the favorite but almost every state has a wonderful season of gorgeous Fall colors and crispy mountain air.

Step 2: Pick your landscape

The East Coast has it all. Here in the northeastern part of the United States, we have national parks, large forests, beaches, waterfalls, lakes, and beautiful rocky coastlines. 

Which one do you connect with the most?

Step 3: Hire an expert elopement photographer

When you’re eloping, especially to a location that you haven’t been to before it’s imperative that you hire an experienced elopement photographer. After all, I know the best places to elope on the East Coast!

A great elopement photographer will help you build an experience that’s a meaningful representation of your relationship by location scouting and assisting you with getting the right permits. They’ll also know all of the off the beaten path and secret locations that aren’t as popular. They might just be your most valuable resource as you navigate planning your elopement.

Dramatic Shot of Couple in Wedding Attire Walking along the Ocean in Bar Harbor Maine

Elopement Locations in Maine

Maine is the northeastern-most state in the United States. The state of Maine is known for things such as its long, rocky coastline along the Atlantic, the most stunning fall colors, and thick forests as you go more inland. Maine is home to locations such as Acadia National Park and there are many lakes throughout Maine. The state is also the most densely forested state with over 80% of the land being covered in forests. With 230 miles of coastline, there are some beautiful locations for an elopement in Maine! Maine also offers a great variety of seafood and other traditional New England foods. 

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park covers about 47,000 square miles of land along the coastline of Maine. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island. Acadia National Park features areas such as rocky coasts, lots of wooded areas, and granite peaks. In Acadia National Park, you can see wildlife, go sea kayaking, and enjoy some of the most stunning displays of color in the fall. Acadia National Park offers a lot of different location options and scenery for your elopement in the northeast region. Psssst, Acadia is very high on my favorites list for best places to elope on the East Coast!

Best Season: June through August are the busiest months in the park. In September and October though, the crowds are much less, the temperatures aren’t hot anymore, and the leaves start changing color.

Elopement locations: Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Otter Cliff, Thompson Island, and Thunder Hole.

Permit required: Yes (only for over 10 people)

Baxter State Park

Baxter State Park in Maine is known for its high peaks and mountain lakes and streams. The park is located in the more central part of Maine. The park is a great option if you’re wanting more of a mountain feel for your elopement in New England.

Best Season: Spring-Fall.

Elopement locations: trails to Katahdin as well as lakes such as Chimney Pond. There are many smaller and larger lakes both in and around Baxter State Park.

Permit: Yes (for your photographer)

Wedding Couple with Friends Eloping in the Forest Acadia Maine

Want to elope in Acadia National Park?

I don’t blame you it’s such a gorgeous area! Click the button below to read more about how to elope in Acadia.

Elopement Locations in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is known for its small towns throughout the mountains and forests, along with granite mountains in the more northern parts of the state. Throughout the state, there are thick forests, many small lakes, and numerous waterfalls, and the southeastern part of the state contains some beautiful coastlines, coves, and bay areas. 

The White Mountains National Forest

The White Mountains National Forest is located in the more northern parts of New Hampshire and into Maine and one of the best places to elope on the East Coast. Here you’ll find lakes, waterfalls, and mountains. This national forest is also a great place for a fall elopement in New England as the fall colors are stunning in the mountains! The White Mountains have one hike in particular where you can see four beautiful waterfalls along your hike. 

Parts of the White Mountains National are designated wilderness areas. These areas are only available for recreational or research use. The national forest covers a large area and there are many places where you can have your elopement in the mountains. Within the White Mountains is also Franconia Notch State Park

Couple with Backpacks Hiking in Stowe Vermont on their Wedding Day

Of course, I have more of my personal favorites list for the best places to elope on the East Coast if you want to reach out and chat!

Elopement Locations in New York and Vermont

The State of New York is large and diverse. Known for its rolling hills and lush green forests, there are a lot of natural locations for elopements in New York.

The Green Mountains run north and south throughout Vermont. In the southwestern part of the state, there are the Taconic Mountains.

Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is quite a large lake and is actually the thirteenth largest lake in the United States by surface area. Around Lake Champlain there are six lighthouses. There are also four state parks around Lake Champlain: Point Au Roche State Park, Ausable Point State Park, and Cumberland Bay State Park on the New York side and Sand Bay State Park on the Vermont side. Depending on where you want to elope around Lake Champlain in Vermont, you may or may not need to get a permit for your elopement. Lake Champlain feels vast and wide open with a lot of unique areas along its shores. We can work together to find the perfect place for your elopement!

CHECK OUT MY VERMONT ELOPEMENT GUIDE

The Adirondacks

Did you know that the Adirondack region covers an area larger in size than Yosemite, Yellowstone, Glacier, Grand Canyon and the Great Smokies National Parks combined, and is the largest park in the lower 48 states? Crazy, right? Now you know why it’s one of the best places to elope on the East Coast. The Adirondacks are absolutely breathtaking with a myriad of lakes such as Lake George and Lake Placid, both of which are beautiful elopement locations. For the avid hikers and adventurous than climbing White Face or Rocking Mountain should be high on your elopement list!

The Finger Lakes Region

There are many state parks and other areas for an elopement in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Taughannock Falls State Park, Stony Brook State Park, Letchworth State Park, and Watkins Glen State Park are just a few of the many state parks in the Finger Lakes region. Visit the New York park website to learn more about the Finger Lakes region and permits for weddings and elopement.

Minnewaska State Park

Minnewaska State Park is one of the most beautiful places in the Hudson Valley and makes a great location for an elopement. The park overlooks the nearby Catskills Mountains and offers a lot of hiking trails that take you to various views of the mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and other features within the park.

Couple Holding Hands in the Dunes in Provincetown on Cape Cod

Elopement Locations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island

Massachusetts and Rhode Island have that classic “New England feel” if you’re interested in New England elopement packages. With old-growth forests, islands, and coastlines, both states have beautiful locations for elopements and small weddings. In Massachusetts, the National Park Service manages areas such as the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Rhode Island has the official nickname of “the ocean state” due to all of the different bays and inlets that line the shores. Both Massachusetts and Rhode Island make for great locations for coastal New England elopement packages. 

Cape Cod National Seashore

The Cape Cod National Seashore encompasses over 40 miles of shores along Cape Cod. Long sandy beaches, blue water all around, and high bluffs make the Cape Cod area a beautiful place to get married. Marshes, ponds, sand dunes, and the ocean provide a wide variety of habitats for various wildlife, including a large variety of birds. learn more about permits for elopements on the park website.

Martha’s Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard is an island located just south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts and is only accessible by boat or by air. The best way to reach the island is usually by ferry. Multiple ferries go to the island from Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island.  

Block Island

Block Island is just 12 miles off of the Rhode Island Coast and is accessible by multiple ferries or a short flight from the mainland. Once you arrive on the island, it really has a small-town feel. You won’t see any traffic lights or large chain stores.

As you can see there are so many beautiful places to elope in the East! I love helping couples plan an adventurous laid-back day. If you have any questions about my New England elopement packages then feel free to contact me!

Best New England Airbnb’s for your Elopement or Intimate Wedding

Hey, I’m Evangeline an adventurous elopement and intimate wedding photographer helping couples craft a meaningful experience for their wedding day in nature. I focus on capturing the vibe of your day with all of the little moments that you may not remember are happening and the epic landscape views all over California, Vermont, The East Coast, and beyond.

Are you ready to get started with planning your elopement? Contact me and I’d be more than happy to help you find the perfect location with my New England elopement packages!

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