Best Places for Boston and New York City Area Couples to Elope Outside
SWELL & STONE / Outdoor Wedding & Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond
New England and the entire Northeast region of the United States has some of the best views and landscapes in the country. For that reason eloping in New England is an adventure you will never forget. And whether you and your partner are looking to have a beautiful beach elopement or a mountain top adventure elopement, there is a perfect vista for you. I’m going to list some of my favorite outdoorsy spots in the northeast that are incredible locations to elope. The list below is in no particular order, because all of these spots are so gorgeous and it really depends on the landscape that the couple enjoys the most.
I have shot weddings or elopements in some of these locations, but not all of them. I have visited all of these locations, most of them several times, and would love to photograph a small outdoor wedding or elopement in them, so if you’re interested in planning your wedding here, let me know and can plan your dream wedding or elopement! So without further ado, here are the best places in the northeast to elope.
Here are some helpful links to the Best Places to Elope in New England:
Top Elopement Locations in Each Season
Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island
Top Elopement Locations in Massachusetts
Best Elopement Spots in Upstate New York
Best Spots to Elope in Vermont
Each of the six states that make up this northeastern corner of the United States has its own unique charm and character. To help you make the decision, we've created a quiz that will match you with the perfect state for your elopement.
Upstate, New York | Finger Lakes, The Adirondacks, and The Catskills
The first time I set foot in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York I fell in love. This place is honestly a complete fairytale wonderland with magical waterfalls cascading off of cliffs, and old stone pathways that lead to unbelievably beautiful gorges carved out of the ancient rock. I’m DYING to shoot an elopement here, and there are so many incredible locations to choose from. When I show images of this place to most people they say it looks like another country, that it can’t possibly be in the United States. Most think it looks like Scotland or Ireland, and to be honest, it kind of does. So if you’re looking for a magical fairytale elopement in a place that looks like another country, you should choose the Finger Lakes in Upstate New York. It is absolutely out of this world. There are also several gorgeous small wedding venues in this area that allow for easy access to many of the incredible views with just a short drive. Follow this to see my whole New York elopement guide. Check out this gallery and this gallery.
I have to say that upstate New York has left me in awe more than a few times since I first started exploring it nearly 12 years ago. Each time I go back I find a waterfall or seven that leave more in love than the last time. A couple of summers ago I planned a mid-week trip to the Catskills for my husband and me, and we found ourselves just not leaving when we were supposed to. On the drive home, we found several more state parks and waterfalls to trail run around before driving back in the pitch black of night. I can’t express how much I love this place. The Catskills are so close to New York City couples wanting to elope, but not wanting to go far. There are so many gorgeous spots in this area, but Kaaterskill Falls and the Peakamoose area really stand out. Those spots have become so popular that they are now overcrowded in the summer. I highly recommend planning your elopement in an offseason and on a weekday to fully take advantage of the area at it’s finest.
Rhode Island Coastline
Another location that hits close to home is the rocky and breathtaking coastline of Rhode Island, which happens to be where I live. Eloping in Rhode Island is a favorite for beach lovers as the state has 400 miles of incredible coastline. That’s a lot of beauty for such a small state! The state also has some wild and beautiful undeveloped coast, which seems strange in such a populated place. Check out this article for more info about the best places to elope in Rhode Island. There are amazing rocky shores, there are sandy beaches, and because a lot of the beaches are south facing there are incredible locations for both sunrise or sunset ceremonies, a rarity on the east coast. The state boasts tiny private islands within paddling or boating distance, so finding seclusion is never a problem. Want a romantic lighthouse in the background? This is the state for you, there are several stunning lighthouses to choose from. Rhode Island is a great option for Boston couples looking to elope in an outstanding beach location not too far from home. Check out the gallery here, here, here, here, and here.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
The White Mountains are probably what most people think of when they think of an epic adventure location in New England. This mountain range is home to Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at 6,288 feet. The mountain range covers part of New Hampshire and into Maine. There are beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous mountain lakes, and the largest amount of terrain over the tree line in New England. Couples wanting to elope in the White Mountains will find that there are both short and long hikes to incredible views, and there is truly something for every kind of adventurer. I love this area in the winter, the temps and weather can be extreme, but also extremely peaceful. Hiking through quiet snow-covered forests to desolate and icy peaks is one of my favorite things, but admittedly difficult to do on a wedding day when brides hope to be wearing dresses and not 17 layers of down jackets. Something I love to suggest to couples if they love this landscape as well is to consider taking a gondola to the top of the mountain and doing a short hike to great views. That way you can still be relatively warm while getting epic views in a great location. Also, have a look at my New Hampshire Elopement Guide, filled with the best places to elope in New Hampshire. Check out this gallery, and this one too.
Stowe and Burlington, Vermont
I’ve said this to so many couples at this point, and I stand by this as truth- there is no better place to elope than Vermont in the fall. Sure, the western United States has grand and epic vistas, but no place on earth has a better fall season than the northeast. There are endless mountain views and rolling hills absolutely covered in leafy trees turning shades of red, orange, yellow, and even purple. The small towns dotted all over Vermont and much of New England are enchanting and idyllic, and it is truly one of the most picturesque places in the country. I love when couples decide to say their vows along a misty riverside or on top of the highest peak in Vermont, Mt. Mansfield. One of the coolest things about Vermont in the fall is that the mornings are almost always foggy, but if it’s going to be a sunny day the sun will burn off the top layer, leaving unreal low-lying fog in the valleys. For a photographer, it’s an absolute dream come true if you can convince your couple to be up at sunrise to take advantage of the stellar views. It is super fortunate that the tallest mountain in the state has both an Auto Toll road and a gondola as options for reaching the summit. There is still a small hike after each of these, but it’s worth it for the 360 views. Make sure you check out my Vermont Elopement Guide, which has a list of the best places to elope in Vermont. Check out this gallery, and this one too.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park, where the mountains meet the coast. This is such a unique and gorgeous landscape and a favorite of many New Englanders. Grab a couple of lobster rolls and go for a hike to a spot with a beautiful view, say your vows, make a grand toast, and enjoy your picnic. Or pick a spot along the coast that is an easy walk for friends and family who may be attending, and then lead a hike after the ceremony but before the celebration dinner. There are so many ways to make your elopement day stand out, and a backdrop like Acadia National Park is one of them. Check out this gallery, and this one.
The Catskills, New York
I have to say that upstate New York has left me in awe more than a few times since I first started exploring it nearly 12 years ago. Each time I go back I find a waterfall or seven that leave more in love than the last time. A couple of summers ago I planned a mid-week trip to the Catskills for my husband and me, and we found ourselves just not leaving when we were supposed to. On the drive home, we found several more state parks and waterfalls to trail run around before driving back in the pitch black of night. I can’t express how much I love this place. The Catskills are so close to New York City couples wanting to elope, but not wanting to go far. There are so many gorgeous spots in this area, but Kaaterskill Falls and the Peakamoose area really stand out. Those spots have become so popular that they are now overcrowded in the summer. I highly recommend planning your elopement in an offseason and on a weekday to fully take advantage of the area at it’s finest. Check out my New York elopement guide.
The Berkshires, Massachusetts
These mesmerizing rolling hill mountains will leave you wanting to return over and over again. One of my favorite spots within the Berkshires is a little place called Bash Bish Falls. The first time I visited this place my husband and I both noted how it felt like Oregon. There is a wide gentle path down to the falls, and when we turned the corner to head down I was blown away by what I saw in front of me- a 59’ waterfall gushing with crystal clear waters into a beautiful pool and running through a forest of tall, lush trees. Like so many of the areas on this list, there are a million amazing secret spot locations, but you just have to know what you’re looking for. Hiring a photographer for your elopement who knows the area in and out is key to planning the elopement day of your dreams and coming away with photos that will stand the test of time. Check out this guide for my favorite spots for couple looking to elope all over Massachusetts.
Cape Cod National Seashore, Massachusetts
The giant sand dunes and seagrasses of Cape Cod make for a stunning backdrop for any elopement. Standing high above the ocean you can see for miles and miles. Taking a boat ride out to Martha’s Vineyard or another of the surrounding islands makes for a great pre or post-wedding activity. This landscape is so large, you just have to walk long enough and you can manage to lose the crowds. The little towns on the peninsula are idyllic and wonderful spots for some friends and family to explore in the days surrounding the wedding if you plan to include them in your elopement.
I hope I provided some insight into how incredible it can be to elope in New England and the Northeast region of the United States. If you’d love a photographer who helps plan your location and elopement, including recommending other vendors get in touch with me today, and let’s start planning your dream wedding day! As someone who has explored the New England area for many years, I know so many hidden gem locations within these areas. Let’s start planning your dream elopement today! Check out this gallery, and this one.
