The best places to elope on the East Coast depends on the couple and their personal style. From colossal mountains and pristine beaches to idyllic lake views, the wondrous elopement choices keep on coming. Without a doubt, the East Coast is one of the best places to get married. We’ve sorted through some spectacular locations to bring you some destination inspiration!
Best Places to Elope in the Northern States
Acadia National Park, Maine Elopements
Acadia National Park is an especially wonderful location to elope in Maine. More than just a destination, it’s an experience that will take your breath away. Filled with gorgeous locations for your elopement, you can’t go wrong wherever you choose to say “I do” in Acadia. Take a drive around the park to check out different spots for ceremonies. Cadillac Mountain is a relatively easy trail, with gorgeous views and basic amenities at the top. Campsites are also available for more adventurous couples.
Acadia is busiest from July 4th through the end of August, and October. If you’d like to explore the park when it’s a little bit quieter, consider May. Although spring is usually quieter, Memorial Day weekend can be busy. June and September also tend to be less busy. Acadia can be a bit warmer in June, we suggest heading to Sand Beach or Otter Cliffs. While September has ideal wedding weather, it can be chilly in the evenings, so plan ahead. Please note that a permit will be required if your crowd is more than 10. Permits are $50, and is a super easy process.
Where to stay?
Favorite Trails to Elope on?
- Beehive — a shorter trail, with tons of mountain views and wide ocean views.
- Ocean Path — about a two hour trail, it opens up to the iconic cliffs of Acadia.
Stowe, Vermont Elopements
The town of Stowe in Vermont is a beautiful destination, summer or winter. In the heart of the Green Mountains, this charming town rightfully calls itself the ski capital of the east. Despite its name, Stowe is a fantastic place to visit year-round. From hiking or skiing to boutique shops and restaurants, this quaint village has something for everyone.
If you are planning a winter elopement, Stowe is certainly an ideal location to tie the knot. Snow-covered peaks surround you, offering a perfect backdrop for your elopement. Stand at the top of Mt. Mansfield after taking the SkyRide gondola, and reward yourself with breathtaking views of the Green Mountains. Glorious, especially at sunrise, these peaks are the perfect place for your elopement in Vermont. Contact the town of Stowe for more information about getting a marriage certificate.
Where to stay?
- Go Skiing or Hiking from an Enchanting, Light-Filled Home (03)
- The Hygge House
- Cozy rustic Cottage // Close to Stowe
Adirondacks, New York
The Adirondack Region of Northeastern New York State is the largest national park in the lower 48 states. With so many awe-inspiring locations, this is such an incredible place to elope! Breathtaking mountains and a myriad of lakes will leave you with a lifetime of memories. A scenic ride by car or train, the Adirondacks are about 5 hours away from New York City.
We love Lake George and Lake Placid, both beautiful for elopements. If hiking is more your thing, climbing White Face or Rocking Mountain should be high on your list. For more of an adventure, get married in a hot air balloon. After, celebrate with your chosen loved ones in front of a fire. No matter your choice, an elopement in the Adirondacks will create memories that will last forever.
Where to stay for your Adirondack elopement
Block Island, Rode Island
Just 12 miles off the Rhode Island Coast, Block Island has become a number one destination for elopements. Surrounded by breathtaking views and a reputation for hospitality, it’s no surprise. Gorgeous green waves that sparkle in sun and white marble beaches create the perfect backdrop for your Block Island elopement. Accessible by multiple ferries or by a short flight, this New England destination is perfect for a coastal wedding.
Get to Block Island a couple days early to explore the island and find the perfect spot for your elopement. Although the island is small, there are tons of amazing hidden locations. Celebrate your day with bumper boating or a fire on the beach.
Where to stay?
Elope to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
Just off the southern coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard is truly a classic New England experience. With beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and craggy cliffs, this tiny island is a popular destination for elopements. Take the ferry to the island, or catch one of the small planes that flies to the Vineyard.
Summer or fall are perfect times for an elopement in Martha’s Vineyard. It’s best to choose a weekday, especially if you desire a more intimate elopement. The sweeping beaches at the East Chop and Edgartown Lighthouses are the perfect backdrop for your ceremony. Beetlebung Farm or Morning Glory Farm will amaze you with their uniquely New England gardens.
Where to stay for your elopement?
Jackson, New Hampshire Elopements
Jackson is a small town tucked away in the White Mountains. This village claims to be New Hampshire’s best-kept secret, and we can’t help but agree. Full of picturesque churches, waterfalls, and lakes, Jackson is the perfect spot for an adventure elopement for those who would rather look than hike. Spend the weekend in town checking out locations to find your perfect location. Be sure to stop and take pictures at the iconic Honeymoon Bridge while you’re there.
Jackson Falls is certainly one of the prettiest places to elope to in New England. Breathtaking any time of year, these falls create a stunning backdrop for nature lovers. Additionally, foliage season will offer an amazing display of colors to remember forever. We highly recommend trying to get there for a sunrise or sunset ceremony. These times are not just perfect for photos, it’s often less crowded then.
Where to stay?
Best Places to Elope on the East Coast: New York City
If you’re looking for a classic, timeless place to elope, look no further than New York City. Sign the paperwork, and say your vows over at City Hall. You do have to make an appointment to get married here, but it’s a breeze to make arrangements. We also love the New York City Public Library as a stunning location.
After, travel through the city to take elopement photos in iconic locations like Central Park, Dumbo Bridge, and more. We do also suggest booking a photographer for 4-5 hours to capture your day. Ask them to travel throughout the city with you while you celebrate your love in the Big Apple. Be sure to double-check with venues about photography restrictions.
Where to stay?
Best Places to Elope in the Southern States
Let’s Elope in Key West, Florida
If you’re looking for the ultimate Florida experience, Key West is the ideal place for your elopement. While Florida is beautiful, its glorious in the island of Key West. The beaches are pristine, and the pride the locals have in their towns makes it so much more authentic. The endless beaches and tropical gardens will making your big day feel like nothing short of paradise.
March through May is a beautiful time to visit Key West, but tends to be a little busier. If you’re hoping to save money, as well as avoid crowds, go in the off-season, from June to November. Some of our favorite places for elopements are Smathers Beach, West Martello Tower, and Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.
Where to stay?
- Bright condo w/ shared pool & hot tub, parking spot, balcony – family-friendly!
- Dog-friendly condo w/ shared pool, hot tub, & more! Walk/bike to beach!
Best Places to Elope: St. Augustine, Florida
Let the Ocean breeze and waves wash over you during your elopement in beautiful St. Augustine. Visit the historic district to take elopement photos in front of the Fort before exploring the town. Peaceful beaches set a romantic backdrop for your ceremony while gorgeous sunsets add the perfect touch. Celebrate the beginning of your next chapter without stress or worry in this gorgeous beach community.
Between March and May, you’ll find St. Augustine has fewer tourists, comfortable temperatures, and lower rates when it comes to hotels and airfare. There are 42 miles of beautiful beaches to explore that are perfect for elopements, no matter where you choose. Not only does St. Augustine offer amazing beaches, there are also lush gardens and indoor locations. Peña-Peck House Garden and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park both offer unique settings for weddings.
Where to stay for your elopement
- St. Augustine Intercoastal Waterfront Private Loft
- Uptown “Romance” Private Entrance in Magic Garden!
Eloping in Savannah, Georgia
One of the oldest cities in Georgia, Savannah is full of history and charm. Rich in natural beauty and pastel colored houses, this is the perfect place for an intimate elopement. Small wedding chapels throughout the city offer romantic places to tie the knot. Take a ride on the trolley before to discover unique spots for elopement photos.
Savannah is gorgeous year-round, but can be very warm in the late spring and summer months. When thinking about an elopement in this city, consider a fall or winter to avoid tourist season. Historic squares with trees full of Spanish moss make Savannah the perfect place to elope to. Forsyth Park or Tybee Island will allow you to get married in their parks for free. Wormsloe Historic Site and Greenwich Park on the other hand, are also available but for small fees.
Where to stay?
Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina Elopements
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic locations in America, the Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles long, and stretches through Virginia and North Carolina. Here, nature provides you with the ultimate setting and decoration for your elopement. The Parkway is full of breathtaking waterfalls and mountaintops, but most are not private throughout the day. We suggest taking a day or two to explore and find a place and time that will be the least crowded.
It’s best to plan your elopement to the Blue Ridge Parkway sometime in between the months of April and September. Although the park is open year-round, park roads are often closed in the late fall and winter for different reasons. Be sure to apply for permits at least 3 months ahead of your day, since they can take a while to process.
Where to stay
Best Places to Elope on the East Coast: Asheville, North Carolina
One of the most welcoming cities in America, Asheville is a vibrant art colony in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The downtown is full of art galleries and unique restaurants. Also known for its’ thriving music scene, this is certainly a one-of-a-kind experience. Surrounded by mountains and forests as well as gorgeous waterfalls, this thriving mountain town is perfect for an elopement. Beautiful in any season, Asheville and the surrounding area will without a doubt make your dreams come true.
Both Black Balsam Knob and Craggy Gardens are full of easy hiking trails that offer amazing views. Roan Mountain is also great for people looking to get a little more adventure in. With miles of hiking trails, you can choose a quick trip to an overlook or a longer trek further into the mountains. Located in Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum is one of the most beautiful places to elope in. Get married in the gardens, and then wander through the rest of the Arboretum discovering perfect spots for photographs.
Where to stay?
When you’re eloping to a place that you haven’t been before, it’s imperative that you hire an experienced elopement photographer. A great photographer will help you build an experience that’s a meaningful representation of your relationship. Take time to discuss location scouting, permitting, and your elopement plans with them.
If you’re just starting to consider an elopement and don’t know where to begin check out this article.
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