Including Best Beaches to Elope at in New England
SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond
Eloping to the beach can be an incredibly romantic and intimate experience. However, it's important to plan ahead to ensure that everything goes smoothly on your big day. Below are a few things to think about and some tips for pulling off a stress-free beach elopement.
Why elope at the beach?
Beach elopements are becoming increasingly popular for a reason - they offer couples the chance to exchange vows in a truly unique and beautiful setting. If you're looking for a way to make your wedding day truly special, consider eloping to the beach. Just remember to follow these tips to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch!
Here are a few tips to help you pull off a stress-free elopement at the beach:
Choose a sunrise or sunset elopement ceremony
Not only will the lighting be stunning, but you'll avoid the crowds that tend to gather during the middle of the day. Further, if you're planning on having photos taken, the early morning or late evening light will be much more flattering than the harsh midday sun. If you're doing a mid-summer beach wedding the cooler temperatures will be more comfortable for you and your guests.
Wear comfortable shoes, or go barefoot
You'll be doing a lot of walking (and possibly even running) on sand, so make sure to wear shoes that won't rub your feet raw.
Bring insect repellent & sunscreen
Nothing ruins a romantic moment quite like getting bit by a mosquito or getting a terrible sunburn. Be sure to pack insect repellent and sunscreen to keep you comfortable during your elopement ceremony.
Plan for bad weather
Even if you're eloping in the summer, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan in case of rain or other inclement weather. Also, it's often windy at the beach, so be prepared to hold onto your hat or veil. Plan ahead with your hair and makeup artist to find a look that holds up in windy locations.
Pack light
The last thing you want is to lug around heavy bags on your elopement day. Pack the essentials, or get friends and family to help you carry stuff across the sand.
Pick a spot that's meaningful to you, or one where you are stoked to make new memories together
Whether it's where you first met or had your first kiss, choosing a location with meaning will make your ceremony all the more memorable. If you're looking to make new memories, pick a place that looks amazing and that you're both excited about exploring.
Keep your guest list small
A beach elopement is the perfect opportunity to keep things intimate and focus on what's truly important - your relationship. Remember, a smaller guest list means less stress for you both plus fewer people to worry about wondering if they can make it to your elopement location while walking over the sand.
Hire an experienced photographer
Beach elopements are beautiful, but they can also be challenging to photograph. Make sure you hire a pro who knows how to capture the perfect shot, even in difficult lighting conditions. In addition, ask your photographer for help with planning logistics - they likely have a lot of experience eloping and can offer valuable insights.
Plan a picnic celebration on the beach after the ceremony
Don't forget the details. From flowers to music, take some time to plan out the details of your ceremony so everything comes together perfectly. There are actually amazing luxury picnic vendors who will come set up a gorgeous spread for you and your guests and then clean up once you're done. You don't have to worry about a thing!
Best Beaches to Elope at in New England
There are endless beautiful beaches to elope at in New England. Here are a few of our favorites:
Newport, Rhode Island
Historic Newport, RI not only offers crazy beautiful beaches, but numerous amazing state parks, a super cute downtown area, and tons of historic sites as well. This is one of the best spots in New England to elope with a ton of options if you are looking for a place with both great beaches and other amenities. The only downside here is that it can be very crowded in the summer months. This is a great off-season or mid-week elopement choice.
Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island may as well be called the land of magic for elopements. So many of my favorite elopement moments have happened here. From dancing in the rain while the seals watch, to frolicking down dunes with a perfectly picturesque lighthouse in the background and no one else for miles.
Jamestown beaches, Rhode Island
These are some of my favorite mainland RI beaches because they have so much more than just sand. Epic cliffs and trees, check. Incredible historic sites, check. And even the film location of one of my favorite Wes Anderson flicks, Moonrise Kingdom, check! If Wes Anderson is filming here, you know it’s aesthetically pleasing, with perfect coves tucked away inside looming coastal cliffs. I’ve lived in both San Diego and Rhode Island, and in terms of coastal beautiful RI give CA a run for it’s money.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The Cape has endless swathes of incredible coastal dunes, and honestly, this is one of my favorite places to suggest if people want a beach location that is away from everything. There are a bunch of 4x4 sand roads back here that can take you away from it all and boast secluded lighthouses and scenic beaches with both incredible sunrises and sunsets. With the right permitting one of my favorite things to do here is have a fire on the beach as part of the after-celebration.
Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts
Just a short ferry ride from Woods Hole in Cape Cod, this island transports you to another dimension. Every single color in the rainbow can be found at Aquinnah Cliffs, and one of the coolest lighthouses I’ve seen is within walking distance of the cute downtown corridor here. All in all, it’s the perfect place to elope on the beach and then have a clambake to celebrate.
Ogunquit Beach, Maine
I’ll call this Maine’s version of Jamestown in RI, but this area is truly unique on its own. Walk the forest-lined trees to the coastal cliffs and find a place completely your own to say your loving vows to your partner.
Narragansett, Rhode Island
I won’t give away my favorite spot for elopers here, but this is another great example of the perfect place for couples who want some solitude, but also be close to other great amenities. A short hike brings you to unreal coastal cliffs and historic ruins. The greenery on the hiking path is often bursting with fragrant flowers in the summer months as well!
Whether you're looking for a crowded beach with plenty of amenities or a secluded spot to exchange vows, you're sure to find the perfect place to elope in New England.
Other Frequently Asked Questions when it comes to eloping on a beach...
How to deal with sand during a beach elopement?
The best way to deal with sand during a beach elopement is to embrace it! After all, that's part of the reason you chose to elope at the beach in the first place. If you're worried about your dress or suit getting dirty, why not go for a more casual look? A flowy white dress or linen pants and a shirt always look beautiful against the backdrop of the ocean.
What is the best time of day to elope at the beach?
The best time of day to elope at the beach is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is when the lighting is best for photos, and you'll also avoid the crowds that tend to flock to the beach during the midday hours.
Can I get married on the beach if it's not a state park?
Yes, you can! As long as you have the proper permits, you can get married on any public beach. Just be sure to check with your local town or city hall to find out what the requirements are.
How do I obtain a marriage license when eloping in a public area like a beach?
The best way to obtain a marriage license when eloping in a public area like a beach is to go to the town or city hall in the town where the beach is located. They will be able to direct you to the proper office.
Can I put chairs and an archway on the beach?
In some cases, you can put chairs and an archway on the beach. However, you will need to obtain a permit from the town or city hall first. Every beach has different rules and some allow this and others do not.
Do you have any other tips for planning a stress-free beach elopement? Share them with us in the comments below. Happy planning!
