Best Places to Elope in Massachusetts

Are you looking to elope in Massachusetts? Did you know not all elopements have to be adventure mountain elopements? It is true! You don’t have to go on a long strenuous hike just to elope and marry your best friend. Even if you want to elope in nature, there are so many hidden gems in the heart and center of New England, Massachusetts. Depending on the time of year you would like to elope could help you determine where, but the flexibility is one of the beautiful things about elopements.

Here is a list of some beautiful spots to elope in Massachusetts.

Arnold Arboretum (Boston, MA) 

The Arnold Arboretum is a classic New England Arbor. Located in Jamaica Plain, just minutes from downtown Boston. You can elope here year round, but it truly shines in Summer or Fall. You can’t reserve a specific location at the Arboretum. There is no permit required, but the Arboretum does require that you inform them when and where you are planning on eloping. 

Boston Public Garden (Boston, MA)

Boston Public Garden was the first public garden in America and is probably one of the most popular elopement locations in Massachusetts. To reserve a specific location of the park for your ceremony, fill out this form. (please note that as of Oct 2021 this page does not work with Google Chrome)

Butterfly Place (Westford, MA)

The Butterfly Place is located in Westford and only x hours from boston. It is $400 to reserve the Butterfly Place before or after hours. There is even a Justice of the Peace on staff that can officiate your service. 

Cape Cod (Cape Cod, MA)

There are so many beaches on Cape Cod that would be perfect for your elopement! You will want to plan around the time of year to avoid the maximum crowds. Or better yet, consider renting an Airbnb on the beach, and inviting all of your close friends for a getaway. That way you can have your ceremony in your backyard, thus avoiding crowds and onlookers.

Chapel Falls (Ashfield, MA)

This beautiful flowing waterfall located in western Mass offers gorgeous fall scenery, thus is a very popular location for hikers and leaf peepers in the fall months. The hike isn’t too strenuous and you can also add on an additional .9 miles and go to Chapel Ledge, a beautiful overlook in the forest.

Friendly Crossways (Harvard, MA) 

This rustic chic outdoor venue is the perfect location for your outdoor elopement. They are also a retreat center and hostel, so if you or family members are traveling in, you can all stay at Friendly Crossways, making it the perfect venue for out of town travelers. 

Hammond Castle (Gloschestter, MA)

This castle is an actual museum. For real, you can visit while they are open and explore the grounds. Your ceremony could take place inside in the gorgeous courtyard, or outside under the iconic arches. This venue is perfect for any one who loves Medieval architecture.

Larz Anderson Park (Brookline, MA)

Larz Anderson is the largest park in Brookline and has a gorgeous view of the city from the top of the hill. With a gazebo, classic arches, water fountain and an iconic line of trees — there are a variety of locations for your ceremony and portraits afterwards. 

Lyman Estate Greenhouse (Waltham, MA)

If you always pictured getting married in a greenhouse, look no further. This gorgeous greenhouse is located on the Lyman Estate. The greenhouse is open year round, and includes a Grape House, Camilla House, & Orchid House.

Nahant (Nahant, MA)

Located on the North Shore of Boston, Nahant is a seaside town with only 1 square mile of land. This would be the perfect backdrop for your beachside ceremony. This location does get very popular during the summer months, so it is recommended eloping here during the off season, or off hours when the place isn’t completely packed. To apply for a permit, you must contact DCR. Fees may apply. Once you have your wedding permit, a separate permit isn’t needed for photography.  

Martha’s Vineyard (Island in Dukes County, MA)

Would this even be a Best Places to Elope in Massachusetts without Martha’s Vineyard? There are so many gorgeous spots on the island that make it the ideal destination elopement. Make a whole weekend of it and schedule a tour and tasting for your entire party. Consider hiring your media team for the entire weekend to capture the entire weekend and activities. 

Middlesex Fells Reservation (Stoneham, MA)

Middlesex Fells is host to many outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, fishing and mountain biking. Dogs are also allowed. There are a variety of trails, each ranging in difficulty and length. There is even an overlook of the city on the skyline trail. It is over 8 miles to do the full trail, but depending on where you start, only a mile to the view.

Tower Hill Botanical Garden (Boylston, MA) 

This gorgeous garden sits on 171 acres and offers over half a dozen gardens to meander through. Some of the sites you can rent for the ceremony are only open during the spring and summer months, so keep that in mind when you planning your elopement. 

Wright Locke Farm (Winchester, MA) 

Wright-Locke Farm is almost 400 years old and is is a working farm that offers a variety of produce to purchase. Items like berries and eggs etc. They also have a pick your own flower field. Next to their ceremony site, they also have the most perfect little ceremony tree. Plus they also have goats, what more can you ask for? 

Walden Pond (Concord, MA)

If you are looking for a quiet getaway in the woods, to be alone with nature, and quote some sad boy poetry look no further. Walden Pond is a secluded pond in the wood. Please note that Walden Pond does not allow any weddings between May 1st and October 31st, so plan accordingly. Also, per DCR, once you have your wedding permit, a separate permit isn’t needed for photography. 

Which of these Massachusetts locations would you like to elope? 

Even if you are still getting married at your local city hall, any of these locations would be perfect for your portraits and first look. Like I said, your elopement day is about celebrating YOUR love and YOUR love story, so it can look however you would like. Looking to start planning your Massachusetts elopement? Contact me today to chat!