How to Elope in Boston: The Ultimate Guide

Updated February 14th 2025

Eloping in Boston is easier than you might think! Whether you’re dreaming of a nature-inspired ceremony in one of the city’s many parks or a chic, urban elopement downtown, Boston offers a variety of beautiful locations to make your day truly special. One of the best things about elopements is how customizable they are—you can craft the experience that feels right for you. 

Here’s how to plan your perfect Boston elopement.

How do you want to feel on your elopement day? 

Before you dive into logistics, take a moment to envision how you want to feel on your wedding day. This will help guide many of your decisions, from the location to the timeline.

• Do you want a calm, intimate setting?
• Are you looking for something adventurous and exciting?
• Would you prefer a setting that feels artistic and inspiring?

Close your eyes and imagine the atmosphere, the surroundings, and even the time of year. Don’t get bogged down right now with the logistics. Let your vision shape your day. This can be a fun date night activity to do with your partner to figure out what your goals and dreams for your wedding day!

Choosing your date

Once you have a vision, it’s time to pick a date! If you dream of fall foliage, plan for September or October. Love snow-covered landscapes? A winter elopement might be perfect. Prefer warm weather? Consider late spring or early summer.

Most couples plan their elopement 3-6 months in advance, but some book as far as a year ahead or as last-minute as two weeks out. There are no rules! If you’re unsure about the date, consider checking venue availability first and planning around that.

One of the biggest decisions in wedding planning is choosing your date. Some couples know immediately, while others find it overwhelming to pick just one day out of 365. A great way to narrow it down is by selecting a season first and then refining your choice.

Here’s a breakdown of New England’s seasons to help you decide:

• Winter – Boston is magical in the winter, but the weather is unpredictable. One day it could be 40°F and rainy, the next 20°F and snowing. The biggest perk? Fewer crowds at popular elopement locations.
• Spring – The city comes to life, but the weather can still be unpredictable with late snow or frequent rain. However, fewer tourists make for a quieter, more intimate experience.
• Summer – Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours make summer a popular choice, but it also brings more crowds and potential heat waves.
• Fall – Boston and New England truly shine in the fall with breathtaking foliage. It’s one of the most popular times to elope, so plan ahead for venue availability.

Picking Your Elopement Location

Boston offers a mix of urban charm and natural beauty. Here are some top elopement locations:

Nature-Focused Locations:

• Arnold Arboretum (Boston, MA) – Lush gardens and peaceful trails
• Boston Public Garden (Boston, MA) – Iconic bridge, willow trees, and swan boats
• Larz Anderson Park (Brookline, MA) – Rolling hills and a charming pond
• Middlesex Fells Reservation (Stoneham, MA) – Great for adventurous couples

Urban & Unique Locations:

• Boston Public LIbrary (Boston, MA) – Stunning architecture and grand staircases
• Beacon Hill – Cobblestone streets and historic charm
• Seaport District – Modern skyline and waterfront views

Decide whether you want to keep your elopement just the two of you or invite a small group of loved ones. Some locations are ideal for intimate ceremonies, while others may require permits for larger gatherings.

Here is another resource you can check out for some of the best places to elope in Massachusetts. 

Applying for your Marriage License

Now that we have got all of the fun part of your day planned, it is time to get legal! To legally marry in Massachusetts, you’ll need a marriage license. Here’s how:

• Apply in person at Boston City Hall (or any city hall in MA).
• Both partners must be present.
• Bring a valid ID and $50 application fee.
• There is a 3-day waiting period after applying.
• The license is valid for 60 days and can only be used in Massachusetts.

Pro tip: Schedule your appointment at City Hall in advance to avoid last-minute stress!

For more information about getting married in MA, check out this website from Mass.gov.

Hiring an Officiant

Next up is hiring an officiant for your ceremony. In MA you need to have an officiant or Justice of the Peace to legally marry you. Below are some amazing officiants and JPs to consider for your ceremony. 

While an officiant or Justice of the Peace will need to be present, if you would like to keep your ceremony smaller and more intimate, you could ask a close friend to get a one day designation. It is a $25 fee, and only applies for that specific day you are applying for. You can apply up to 6 months in advance, or apply up until 1 week of your wedding date.

Here is a list of Officiants and Justice of the Peace who work in Massachusetts:

• Offbeat Officiant
• Maureen Cotton Ceremonies
• Heart & Soul Ceremonies
• Rev. Erin Goldman
• Rabbi Sarah Noyo
• Married by Priscilla

Elopement Vendors

Now that you have all the logistical parts of your elopement day planned, from your wedding date, location, and marriage license and officiant, now you can start thinking about some of the other fun parts of your elopement day. While none of these following vendors are necessary to get married in Boston, they can help make a memorable day. It all depends on your vision for your elopement day. 

Hair & Make Up

While you certainly don’t need hair and make up to get married, or look fabulous in your photos, if you want to get glammed up pamper yourself, you are more than welcome! Below are some amazing Hair & Makeup artists who service Boston 

• Beauty by LM
• Hair & Makeup by Natalie
• Wicked Makeup

Florist 

Florals are an elegant and simple way to elevate your elopement photos. They add a pop of color to any even. Below are some fabulous floral artists who are located in or around Boston.

• Althea Florals
• Helios 
• Karla Cassidy Designs
• Blush & Bloom
• Bluebird Bouquets

Videographers 

To further elevate your wedding day, you can consider hiring a videographer to capture a video of your day to share with everyone who isn’t present. 

• Lollie Videography
• To Have & To Hold
• Next Level Films
• Well Spun Weddings

Reception Celebration

If you are eloping and inviting your closest friends, having a reception celebration is a fun way to celebrate with everyone. Below are some award winning restaurants in Boston that you can reserve a private room for your celebration. 

• Mamma Maria
• Bar Mezzana
• Grill 23 & Bar
• Boston Chops
• Atlantico
• Bistro du Midi
• Yvonne’s
• Contessa

Hotels

As a travel destination city, there are so many beautiful and unique hotels that you can stay at if you are traveling in for your elopement. 

• The Revolution Hotel
• The Newbury  Boston
• XV Beacon Hotel
• The Whitney Hotel Boston
• The Eliot Hotel
• The Lenox  Hotel
• The Verb Hotel

Photographers

As your photographer, I’ll capture every heartfelt moment of your day! Your elopement deserves to be documented beautifully so you can share the experience with loved ones who couldn’t be there.

Tie the Knot & Celebrate!

Once everything is planned, all that’s left to do is enjoy your day! Savor every moment, whether you’re saying your vows in the middle of the city, under a canopy of trees, or on the waterfront at sunset.

Remember: Your elopement is about you. Keep it stress-free, meaningful, and true to your love story.

Ready to Start Planning?

I’d love to help capture your perfect Boston elopement! Check out my portfolio for inspiration and let’s start planning your dream day. Pin this guide for later and share it with anyone planning an elopement!