White Mountains, New Hampshire Elopement Guide

If you are looking for a scenic and intimate location for your elopement, the White Mountains in New Hampshire could be the perfect destination for you. With its breathtaking natural beauty, stunning mountain ranges, charming towns, and cozy lodgings, the White Mountains offer a wealth of elopement options. Whether you're a local or from out of town and wanting to elope here - I’ve got ya covered! I’m your gal for all things elopements in New Hampshire. I’ve compiled tons of free resources for couples looking to get married in this epic East Coast destination! Arguably one of THE BEST PLACES to elope in New England! In this guide, I will go over tons of helpful resources that will help in planning an elopement in the White Mountains Thing like:

What seasons to elope in

The BEST places to elope in the White Mountains

Where to Stay near the White Mountains

Elopement and wedding venues around New Hampshire

+ links to more of my New Hampshire blogs with even more helpful tips!

About the White Mountains

The White Mountains of New Hampshire are a breathtakingly beautiful destination, offering a stunning landscape of rugged mountains, verdant forests, and sparkling lakes. The area is known for its natural beauty, which draws visitors from all over the world. (Visiting New Hampshire in the Fall should be on everyone's bucket list!!) For couples looking to elope, the White Mountains offer a romantic and intimate setting with a wide range of options for ceremonies, receptions, and accommodations. Perfect for an adventure elopement or intimate wedding with a few guests!

With its picturesque towns, cozy lodgings, and romantic venues, the White Mountains are the perfect place for a private and intimate elopement. The area is home to several stunning venues, including historic inns, luxurious resorts, and rustic retreats, all of which offer wedding or elopement packages with personalized ceremony arrangements and gourmet dining. In addition to its natural beauty and charming venues, the White Mountains also offer a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and swimming to kayaking and skiing. Couples can enjoy the scenic beauty of the area while exploring its many trails, lakes, and mountains.

When to Elope in the White Mountains

The weather in the White Mountains can vary greatly depending on the season. While each one is magical in it’s own way, choosing the best time to elope really depends on your vision and personal preferences. Think about how hot or cold you’re comfortable being, and how the scenery will look in each season. Here's what you can expect for each season in the White Mountains of New Hampshire:

• Spring (March - May): Spring in the White Mountains can be STUNNING, but also unpredictable. With snow often lingering into April and some days filled with rain. However, as the weather warms up, the snow melts and the mountains come alive with wildflowers and budding trees!
• Summer (June - August): Summer is the peak season in the White Mountains, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. While it can be busy, it's also the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and kayaking. With the long daylight hours there's tons of time to have an al-day adventure!
• Fall (September - November): Fall is perhaps the most beautiful season in the White Mountains, with the foliage turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. The weather is cool and crisp, making it the ideal time for cozy elopements. It is a popular time for tourists though (for good reason!)
• Winter (December - February): Winter in the White Mountains can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. However, if you're looking for a winter wonderland elopement, this is the season for you. Check out my Winter Elopement Guide for ideas and tips!

How to Elope in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

First things first, always check the Nation Forest website for permits, rules and closures. They update their website constantly and it’s wise to do your research when planning and before you go. Clients are responsible for covering this and any other permits or fees that are required. I'm all about keeping things above board and following all the rules! That also means keeping a close eye on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace which I provide a guide to all my couples.

1) Marriage License

To get your marriage license, you’ll need to visit any county clerk’s office in New Hampshire. You’ll need both of your birth certificates or passports. There's a small license fee as well (typically around $40-60). After you receive your license, there’s no waiting period meaning you can get married the same day or within 90 days! However, if you're getting married in a busy season (Spring-Summer especially) its a good idea to get in as far in advance as you can so there are no hold-ups and you're not rushing around last minute! You can even set up an appointment to make sure you're all set.

2) Officiant

My husband, George is an officiant and he also assists me on elopements. I also happen to be ordained and can sign your marriage license if he's not available. You can also have a best friend or relative get ordained through Universal Life Church. You will need your officiant, but witnesses aren't required in New Hampshire!

3) Pricing + Fees

Most White Mountain National Forest lands are open and free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Certain developed sites require payment of a recreation fee. Other sites, New Hampshire State Parks including forest campgrounds and a couple recreation sites are managed by concessionaire and are not covered by the recreation pass. These areas may require additional fees. In addition to the White Mountain National Forest passes, additional nation-wide passes are recognized on the Forest. You can buy a daily pass for $5 or an annual pass for $30. Holders of the Interagency, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes are not required to purchase a White Mountain pass.

4) Book Your Vendors + Lodging

Dates and availability fill up quickly, I cannot stress how important it is to book your White Mountains Elopement Photographer first. I supply all of my couples with local vendor recommendations, as well as lodging that saves you time when planning. I’ve worked with New Hampshire creatives that support the local community. I am passionate about preparing you for the most adventurous, meaningful and unforgettable experience by providing you with all the resources, location scouting, timeline preparation, guides and more.

5) Create Your Dream Day

I will share my exclusive Elopement Planning Guide with you when you book me to begin thinking about what’s most important to you. What kind of experience do you want to have? How do you want to feel? Imagine who you are surrounded by and what does that look like? This is where the magic begins! Get your Pinterest board ready to create your vision. I love getting creative and sharing ideas with you.

I’ll even provide amazing accommodation recommendations and favorite restaurants and activities to enjoy on your elopement and honeymoon.

Where to Elope in the White Mountains

If you're considering eloping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is where to hold your ceremony. With so many beautiful locations to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Whether you're looking for a mountaintop vista, a secluded woodland glen, or a charming town square, the area has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to elope around the White Mountains:

Franconia Notch Region:

Mount Lafayette

A beautiful mountain with stunning views and several trails to choose from.

Cannon Mountain

A popular mountain with an aerial tramway and stunning views.

Crawford Notch Region:

Mount Willard

A short hike to a stunning overlook of Crawford Notch.

Arethusa Falls

A lovely waterfall with a short hike to the base.

Pinkham Notch Region:

Mount Washington

The highest peak in the Northeast with stunning views and several trails to choose from.

Tuckermans Ravine

A popular hiking spot on the way up to Mount Washington with stunning views and a beautiful waterfall. This is the most epic adventure hike in the region! The weather is also the most unpredictable in this area, so be prepared.

Waterville Valley Region:

Mount Osceola

A beautiful mountain with stunning views and also several trails to choose from.

Sabbaday Falls

Lovely waterfall with a short hike to the base.

Lincoln/Woodstock Region:

Franconia Ridge

A stunning ridge hike with views of Mount Lafayette and Mount Lincoln.

Flume Gorge

This is a popular hiking spot with a beautiful waterfall and stunning views. Get there early to be the first ones!

Echo Lake (yes there are two Echo Lakes in this area) Sunrise is best to beat the crowds.

Conway Region:

Diana's Baths in Bartlett

Here you'll find a series of cascading waterfalls and pools that offer a magical and romantic setting.

Jackson Falls in Jackson

Another beautiful waterfall with a short walk to the base.

Cathedral Ledge in Conway

A stunning overlook with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. If you want to elope at Cathedral Ledge, you need to make a reservation and pay $100! Be sure to book early to guarantee your spot! Book your reservation

Jackson Ski Touring Center in Jackson

A cross-country skiing center with stunning views of the mountains.

Echo Lake State Park in Conway

An enchanting park with a lake, a beach, and stunning views of the mountains.

Wildcat Mountain in Jackson

A beautiful mountain with stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Kancamagus Highway in Conway

A scenic drive with many pull-offs and overlooks offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

I also provide my clients with an exclusive list of locations and trails that we can utilize for their White Mountains elopement! I've been there soo many times, I have sooo many favorite spots!

Where to Stay in the White Mountains

There are TONS of amazing places to stay near the White Mountains. Even if you live in New Hampshire, and are considering just doing a day trip; I highly recommend extending your adventure! There are soo many places to explore in and around the area, you won’t regret it!

I encourage my clients to book at least 2 nights at their accommodation! That way you have somewhere to get ready the day before, and not have to worry about check-in times the day OF your elopement. AND you will have somewhere to crash after your elopement, and no need to worry about rushing to pack up and get out of the space by check-out! 

In order to capture the full elopement day story, I like to capture those moments of preparation. The little details are so important. Whether you get ready together or separately. There are so many cherished memories leading up to the vows. When choosing where to stay at your elopement, pick somewhere you feel the most at peace. Somewhere that matches the vibe you want for your day.

Here’s a List of the Best Places to Stay around the White Mountains:

Franconia Notch Region:

Sugar Hill Inn: Relax and pamper yourself with a massage in the White Mountains.

The Franconia Inn: a cozy inn with rooms and suites, located in the heart of the White Mountains.

The Mountain Club on Loon: a luxurious resort with a variety of rooms, suites, and condos, located at the base of Loon Mountain.

North Conway Region:

The Wentworth Inn, Jackson, NH - a cozy and historic hotel located in the heart of Jackson

The White Mountain Hotel and Resort: a beautiful resort with stunning mountain views and a variety of room types, including suites and cottages.

Villa Hygge Hotel: steps from the heart of bustling North Conway, stay in luxurious Scandinavian hotel + spa.

The Kearsarge Inn: a charming inn with rooms and suites located in the heart of North Conway Village.

Lincoln/Woodstock Region:

Lumen Nature Retreat: Luxury glamping and cabins in the heart of the White Mountains

RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain: a luxurious resort with a variety of room types, including suites and townhouses, located at the base of Loon Mountain.

The Lodge at Lincoln Station: a cozy lodge with rooms and suites, located near the center of Lincoln.

Bretton Woods Region:

The Omni Mount Washington Resort: a historic and luxurious resort with stunning mountain views and a variety of room types, including suites and cottages.

Bretton Woods Vacations: From slope side Townhomes at Bretton Woods to single-family homes in the Bretton Woods Resort, Loon Mountain, Franconia, Bethlehem, and surrounding areas, they help find you the perfect home for your vacation

Waterville Valley Region:

The Silver Fox Inn: a charming inn with rooms and suites, located in the heart of Waterville Valley Village.

The Black Bear Lodge: a cozy lodge with rooms and suites, located near the Waterville Valley Ski Resort.

Airbnbs around the White Mountains

1. A-Frame by Saco River
2. Tiny House Cottage
3. Chalet in Intervale
4. Cabin in Lovell
5. Cottage in Conway

Elopement or Intimate Wedding Venues in the White Mountains

An elopement can mean a variety of different things, depending on who ya ask! Luckily we are at a point in the wedding industry, and in society where you get to choose how to define the day you get married. There are all kinds of terms that can be used interchangeably to describe or define your day. From the traditional wedding to commitment ceremony, to an intimate wedding, minimony, micro-wedding, or my favorite - the elopement! 

Not only do you get to define what to call your day, but you also get to DESIGN it exactly how YOU want to! That means choosing what to do, who to invite and cultivating a celebration that truly reflects you as a couple. 

If you want to book a wedding venue for your elopement - that’s great! You don’t have to hike 5 miles in the mountains to earn the “elopement” badge! (But if you want to include some hiking in the White Mountains I know of the BEST views.) 

Here’s a list of the top 5 Elopement/Intimate Wedding Venues near the White Mountains!

• Lumen Nature Retreat - This incredible waterfront venue has amazing Nordic Cabins and Safari & A-Frame Luxury Tents. Perfect for a White Mountain Adventure elopement.
• The Preserve at Chocorua - A rustic and secluded retreat that offers elopement packages with outdoor ceremony locations, personalized decor, and catering options.
• The Wentworth Inn - This is a beautiful and historic hotel located in the heart of Jackson and the perfect cozy escape for a winter elopement (or any season!)
• Huttopia White Mountains - a French-style glamping resort with plenty of outdoor activities! The wood and canvas accommodations nestle in harmoniously with the surrounding environment would make the perfect venue for your elopement experience in the White Mountains!
• The Notchland Inn - A romantic and historic inn that offers elopement packages with personalized ceremony arrangements and gourmet dining.

What to do at your White Mountains Elopement

Once you've chosen the perfect spot for your adventure elopement, it's time to start planning the exciting little details to fill your day! No longer are elopements just a quick, rushed event where you say I do and are done! NOPE! Elopements can be soo much more than that. You can take your time doing whatever you want - and take as much time as you'd like doing it! Whatever type of elopement you choose, New Hampshire is sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some ideas for what to do at your elopement in New Hampshire

• Go skiing at one of the amazing ski areas in the White Mountains
• Take a hike on one of the amazing trails
• Ice skating in the winter!
• Book a luxury resort and soak in hot tubs and get a massage.
• Rent a Jeep or book an ATV tour!
• Hit the mountain bike trails or cycle in town with a cruiser.
• Horseback riding or sleigh riding in the winter
• Relax at the rivers and go fishing!
• Get out on one of the lakes or rivers (kayak, canoeing, swimming, rafting)
• Find some of the best climbing terrain in the Northeast for rock climbing!

What to Pack for a White Mountains Elopement

I've had the chance to explore the White Mountains in a variety of different seasons and weather conditions! always suggest wearing warm clothes, packing layers, gloves, hats and rain gear. Hiking boots or shoes with rubber soles are essential for your safety hiking on wet rocks.

Being prepared for the elements is essential if you want to have a pleasant experience while visiting. I even pack a wool shawl for brides to keep them warm. As they say, ''there's not bad weather, just bad clothes!"

Keep snacks and water in your backpack as well. I keep an emergency kit and all the essentials including hand warmers and tissues should you need them. When hiking before sunrise, don’t forget your headlamp.

I also provide my clients with a packing checklist and reminders as we plan for their elopement!

White Mountains Elopement Photographer

SO, are you ready to elope in the White Mountains??

The White Mountains region is one of the BEST places to elope in New Hampshire! I’m excited to connect with you and share all my resources. I cannot wait to hear from you and photograph your dreamy elopement!
Contact me to get the party started!

As your experienced, White Mountains New Hampshire Elopement Photographer, exploring and adventure are my middle name. In addition to capturing love stories there, I have been to the White Mountains several times in my life camping, staying at local Airbnb’s, hiking, bike riding and more. It’s not just a cool spot for photos - it’s an incredible place I truly enjoy experiencing over and over! I love sharing New Hampshire's beauty with my couples and helping them plan for their unforgettable elopement experience.