How to Elope in the White Mountains

So you’re wondering how to elope in the White Mountains…

One of the beautiful things I love about documenting elopements in the White Mountains (well, elopements in general really) is how incredibly simple it is to make your adventure elopement completely your own. Your love story is beautifully YOU and the beginning of your marriage should fit you and your partner in your own unique way. You have a vision for your day and we can make it happen. There are so many  beautiful trails and mountain peaks in New Hampshire that can be the backdrop for your special moment. No matter your vibe for the day, be it dramatic mountain views, a wooded ceremony site, or a lakeside picnic, all of it can be found in the White Mountains.

Unsure how to get started planning your White Mountain Elopement? Here are some tips to help you out…

How to elope in the White Mountains

1. Choose the “feel” of your day

You’ll want to start by choosing the “feel” for your day. You already know that you want to have an adventure in the White Mountains on your wedding day. This is a great start! But to help narrow down the exact location, or the date it helps to start with how you want to feel on your wedding day. Do you want to feel calm and relaxed? Do you want to feel like a woodland fairy? Or maybe you want to feel adventurous and inspired? How you want to feel will help inform every single decision you make for your day. So go ahead and close those eyes and just imagine how you want your elopement day to feel. There are no wrong answers!

2. Choose your date 

Now that you figured out how you want to feel on your wedding day you have to pick your date. It helps to start with the season you want to get married in. 

1. Winter. The weather in the Whites can be very unpredictable in the winter, so if you have always dreamed of a Winter Wedding, it is best to be flexible with your plans. Keep in mind that a lot of the trails and mountain tops are closed and inaccessible during the winter months. 
2. Spring. Spring is a wonderful time to elope in the mountains. The trees are just beginning to bloom in early spring, and the trails are less crowded.
3. Summer. Full foliage, flowers in bloom, beautiful rays of sun make for some gorgeous backdrops in summer. The trails are more crowded, especially on the weekends so consider eloping on a weekday!
4. Fall. If you’re set on the changing colors of fall, you may want to do a little research on when the peak color is going to be for the year before setting the date. The White Mountains are gorgeous during the fall and my favorite season to capture in New Hampshire.

Spring, Summer and Fall are the best times to elope in the White Mountains. 

Another thing to consider when eloping in the White Mountains is traffic. Summer is going to be the peak time for visitors in the Whites. So if you are flexible in your schedule consider eloping during non-peak times. I also highly recommend eloping on a weekday as weekends can be packed. 

3. Get your marriage license 

Now that you have your wedding date picked out, it’s time to get the legal-eaze out of the way. To apply for a New Hampshire Marriage License you have to go in person to any City or Town Hall in the state. Bring your ID’s, birth certificate and payment. It is $50 to apply for a marriage license in New Hampshire. There is no waiting period and your license is valid for 90 days after you apply.

Here are some more resources to read about how to keep your elopement legal in New Hampshire

4. Book your wedding vendors 

Just because you’re eloping, doesn’t mean you can’t have all of the details of a larger wedding. Remember, eloping can be as simple or elaborate as you want. What’s important is that the focus is kept on you as a couple and your vendor team is there to make your vision come to life. 

Some important vendors to consider having for your elopement are: 

Elopement Photographer | When you hire me as your elopement photographer I am more than just your Elopement photographer, I’m your guide to your entire wedding experience. From location planning, scouting, and vendor recommendations, I’m with you every step of the way to ensure you have the day you always imagined. 

Officiant | In the state of NH, you will need some one licensed by the secretary of state to marry you. That can be a JP, minister, etc. Always check with your officiant to make sure they have the legal license to legally marry you in the state of New Hampshire. Below are some vendor recommendations.

Maureen Cotton Ceremonies

Mary Johnson

Sonya Lin

Florist | Florist are also a great addition to consider having at your elopement. Remember you can go as big or small as you like, its your day after all. But who doesn’t love some fresh florals? Here are some recommendations for local florists.

Clementina Floral

Lyndsey Arute Design

Seaside Peonies

Planners | If you said you wanted to feel stress free and relaxed during your elopement, definitely consider hiring a planner or a day of coordinator. This way they can worry about all of the last minute details while you are just focusing on living in the moment and enjoying your day with your partner. Here are some great recomendations to consider for local planners

By Emma B

Food Services | Finally, what kind of food do you want to eat on your wedding day? There are so many different options from hiring a private chef, booking a food tour, having a custom picnic, etc. Also! don’t forget the dessert! You cant go wrong hiring professional food services to cater your day. After all, its your wedding, go a head and treat your self. 😉

5. Apply for Permits

Next, you will need to apply for permits. Some locations in the White Mountains require permits. Some don’t. If a location requires permits, it is absolutely necessary to get those permits. These rules and regulations are in place to help keep the Mountains beautiful, limit crowding, etc.

It can be hard to navigate and understand what is required. That is why, when you hire Tessa Klingensmith Photography, I help you figure out what permits are needed for the locations you want.

6. Live Happily Ever After!

Now that you have everything planned and ready to go, all you have left to do is tie that knot and enjoy your adventure elopement in the White Mountains!

I hope this guide gives you some ideas of how to plan your dream White Mountain Elopement. 

Looking to plan an elopement in the White Mountains? Contact me today to set up a free consultation call!

Save it & Pin it for Later!