How to Elope in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
No matter the time of year the White Mountains provide a stunning backdrop for your adventure elopement in New England. You can be surrounded by both the luxury of an AirBnb or hotel, all while hitting the trails or slopes from your backyard. The White Mountains are famous for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, the best fall foliage in the world, and of course the most scenic vistas in all of the northeast. If you’re considering an elopement in what we think is the best of New England, here’s how!
5-12+ Months:
Book your elopement photographer or planner
It goes without saying, finding the right elopement planner and/or photographer is the first step to eloping in the White Mountains. The right photographer or planner will be able to help you create the best adventure packed day fully within your vision for the perfect elopement. The earlier the better, many photographers book out their schedule a year or more in advance. They’ll also be well connected to help you hire the remainder of your elopement day team. A few tips on seasonality. If you are looking for peak fall foliage or June dates it is better to inquire at least one year in advance. Fall and the month of June are extremely popular months to get married.
If you’re looking for a planner and photographer we do it all! We even officiate. We’re Anton & Natalie, an NH based husband and wife adventure elopement photography team with a passion for the great outdoors. Click below to start planning your adventure elopement today.
5-12 Months:
Start planning
Instead of cake tastings you get to do something way more fun! Planning your adventure involves looking at different possibility for trails to hike, booking unique adventures such as helicopter rides, and considering how you want your day to look. Do you see yourself getting married surrounded by towering peaks with wide open vistas, in a peaceful and enchanted forest, or on a quiet mountain lake? Your day could be surrounded by all the comforts of home at a vacation rental with views of the mountains that stretch on for miles. No matter how you want to adventure on your big day there is no wrong answer. The most important thing you can do is be true to yourselves as a couple.
UNIQUE ADVENTURE IDEAS
Elopement Picnic (DIY it or have a planner set it up!)
Horseback Riding or ATV tour
Helicopter Rides
Skiing or Snowboarding
Rock Climbing
4-12 Months:
Elopement day attire
If you are going a more traditional route for your elopement day attire and want a bridal salon experience we highly recommend going shopping for your gown 9-12 months out from your elopement day. 9-12 months is an average, some shops may have a faster or slower timeline so call ahead to ensure they can help assist you in finding a dress. If you are planning your elopement on a faster timeline there are so many options ranging from sample sales to some of our favorite elopement attire vendors below. For traditional suits most rentals or custom suits take around 3-5 months for completion. Remember though, this is all completely optional! We have had couples wearing their favorite non-traditional colors, eloping in hiking clothes, and wearing bridal jumpsuits too. Elopement attire should feel 100% authentically you.
Our Favorite Online Elopement Attire Retailers
Indochino (gender inclusive)
Still White (new & used gowns)
4-9 Months:
Find your elopement day dream team
Now that your day is starting to take shape and the pieces are falling in place who else do you need there to make it a possibility? You’ll want to figure this portion out sooner rather than later if you are getting married peak season in New Hampshire. If you are getting married off season you will have some wiggle room, but do reach out as soon as possible to ensure your dream vendors are available to help your day become a reality. Your photographer or planner may have lots of suggestions here!
Some other vendors to consider
Florist
Hair & Makeup Artist
Caterer (especially if you have a few guests) and/or Baker
Videographer
Adventure Tour Companies and Guides
Travel & Accommodations
1-3 Months:
Don’t forget your marriage certificate
To legally marry in the state of New Hampshire you will need to obtain a marriage certificate up to 90 days out from your elopement day. This can be done at any town or city clerk’s office within the state of NH no matter where you are getting married within the state. There are no blood tests or wait periods. You only need an officiant to sign your certificate, no witnesses are required. The process only takes 30 minutes so don’t stress!
some basic tips on obtaining your Nh marriage certificate
Call in advance just in case your city or town clerk of choice requires appointments.
Set aside the morning or afternoon so you aren’t rushing to make your appointment on time.
Organize your identification documents the evening before so you are prepared.
Gather your officiant’s info for the form in advance.
3-6 Weeks:
Finalize your timeline & bad weather plans
It goes without saying that New England and the White Mountain National Forest area in particular are renowned for having wacky weather. We’ve seen everything from snowstorms in September and May to pop up thunderstorms coming out of nowhere. When you build your timeline work with your photographer and/or planner to create backup scenarios just in case. Rarely have we ever needed to use one of our backup plans for a couple, but it is good to have in your back pocket just in case. Keep your other vendors in the loop about the backup plans if it may effect them as well.
Weather back up plans
A covered bridge - quintessential New England!
The backyard of your AirBnb or vacation rental (hotels often require fees to marry on site)
A smaller summit or more accessible area
A waterfall hike
Adjusting your timeline if possible to better accommodate bad weather
2-4 Weeks:
Gear check
Getting married in New Hampshire means making sure you have everything you need for every possible weather scenario. While micro spikes might be a given during winter and shoulder seasons, you’ll want to be absolutely certain you always pack extra layers, an extra pair or socks, more water than you think you’ll need, additional sunscreen, and our personal favorite a headlamp. Not a phone, a headlamp with fresh batteries. Many elopements take place at sunrise or sunset which means you will likely be out in the dark for a short time. Put your entire pack together in advance to be sure you are okay with the weight.
Some gear essentials for different seasons in NH
Winter: Micro spikes, winter shell, insulating layer, fleece leggings, hand and toe warmers.
Spring: Micro spikes (for lingering ice), wind breaker/rain jacket, warm layers for cooler days/nights.
Summer: Sunscreen, sun hat, warm and lightweight clothing, rain jacket.
Fall: Micro spikes (it snows early here), wind breaker/rain jacket, warm layers for cooler days/nights.
Elopement Day
Relax, enjoy your day, and don’t stress. This is the day you will remember for the rest of your lives so be genuine and be in love with your S.O. Have an amazing adventure!
