How to Elope in Vermont: Vermont Elopement Guide
Vermont is the perfect place to elope for adventurous souls. It offers something for everyone, including beautiful scenic drives, lakes, trails, and waterfalls. This guide reviews everything you need to know to elope in Vermont, including why, when, where, and how to have a Vermont elopement.
Why You Should Elope in Vermont
Vermont is a stunning state in New England that has something for everyone! There are gorgeous mountains throughout the state and one of the most beautiful lakes in New England. And no matter what season you want to elope in, you can find beautiful locations and things to do! Vermont is an incredible place to elope and will leave you in awe of its beauty!
When to Have a Vermont Elopement
One of the best things is you can elope in Vermont year-round!
spring
Winter lingers into Spring in Vermont, but once the snow melts and everything begins to bloom, Vermont is stunning! Spring offers beautiful wildflowers and perfect weather for hiking.
Tips for planning a spring Vermont elopement: Winter lingers into early Spring, so we recommend packing layers. If you plan on hiking for your Vermont elopement, we recommend checking trail reports and bringing the appropriate hiking gear. The snow can linger into the summer on some trails, so it’s crucial to have the necessary hiking gear and layers!
summer
One of the most popular times to visit Vermont is Summer because of the beautiful weather. Summer is the perfect time to boat, hike, and enjoy the scenic views throughout the state.
Tips for planning a summer Vermont elopement: Summer is a busy time to visit Vermont, so we recommend planning your elopement for a weekday or sunrise or sunset on the weekend to avoid most crowds.
fall
If you are looking to elope in Vermont in the most beautiful month, Fall is for you! Fall in Vermont is the most beautiful season because the vibrant foliage colors take over.
Tips for planning a fall Vermont elopement: Fall is one of the busiest times to visit because of the foliage. We recommend planning your elopement for a weekday or sunrise or sunset on the weekend.
winter
Although the winters in Vermont are cold, they are beautiful! Snow covers the hills and valleys and makes it the perfect time to enjoy winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
Tips for planning a winter Vermont elopement: Winters in Vermont are cold, so we recommend packing many layers. You can also wear a thick shawl or faux fur jacket over your dress that will keep you warm and look beautiful!
Where to Elope in Vermont
This is where we come in. Not only is Alex a Vermont elopement photographer, but Nichole is an elopement guide, too! Vermont is an incredible place for an elopement because you have access to a variety of different areas.
stowe
Stowe is a quaint town in Northern Vermont and is home to Smugglers’ Notch, one of the most scenic areas in Vermont and the perfect place to elope! Stowe offers a scenic drive, waterfalls, ponds, and trails that you can spend your elopement day exploring. If you want to elope near Stowe, you have an endless amount of areas to choose from and can finish your day having dinner at one of the many delicious restaurants. If you want to have a winter Vermont elopement, Stowe is perfect because it is home to ski resorts, too!
mount mansfield
Mount Mansfield stands at 4,393 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Vermont and the perfect place to have an elopement for the adventurous souls who are looking to say their vows surrounded by some of the best views in the state! There are two ways to reach the summit- driving or hiking. The Auto Toll Road is a 4.5-mile road that leads you to the summit of Mount Mansfield and is open seasonally. If you are looking to have an adventurous Vermont elopement, you can hike the 7.5-mile trail to Mount Mansfield! No matter what way you choose to reach the summit, you will be blown away by the stunning 360-degree views!
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Northeast and the perfect place to elope in Vermont. The 125-mile long lake offers many incredible views looking towards Vermont’s mountains and the Adirondacks in New York. If you want to elope near Lake Champlain, you can choose from one of the many parks along its shores or on the land of an Airbnb you rent!
Jay Peak
Are you looking to elope in Vermont on the top of a mountain without hiking or driving? Jay Peak is a beautiful mountain in Northern Vermont near the border of Canada that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can take the tram to the summit of Jay Peak for your Vermont elopement and say your vows overlooking the expansive views of the area. If you are looking to have a mountaintop elopement in Vermont, Jay Peak is for you! Jay Peak is also the perfect place to have a winter Vermont elopement because it has a ski resort!
Camel's Hump
Camel’s Hump is among the tallest mountains in Vermont, standing at 4,083 feet, and is another beautiful place to elope in Vermont if you want to hike! The summit has incredible views that rival Mount Mansfield’s views. There are a few different trails to the summit of Camel’s Hump that are all about 6 miles. If you are looking for a fun and adventurous Vermont elopement hiking to a beautiful view, Camel’s Hump is for you!
How to Elope in Vermont
Eloping in Vermont is pretty easy! All you need is to get your marriage license within 60 days of your elopement day, find an officiant, and obtain any permits necessary.
Vermont Marriage License
To elope in Vermont, you will need to obtain a Vermont marriage license. If you live in Vermont, you will need to get it in the town/city you live. If you are from out-of-state, you can go to any town/city clerk. You and your partner need to be present and bring the license fee and identification documents. There is no waiting period, so once you get your marriage license, you can get married within 60 days!
You can read more on the entire process here.
Officiant & Witnesses
Your elopement in Vermont must be performed by a justice of the peace, ordained or licensed member of the clergy, Supreme Court justice, superior court judge, district judge, judge of probate, or assistant judge. You can also have someone become a temporary officiant to marry you! They can apply to become a temporary officiant here. Vermont also does not require witnesses.
Vermont Elopement Permits
If you are eloping in an outdoor location in Vermont, you will most likely need to obtain a permit. We recommend reaching out to a land or park manager to confirm what permits you need to have your Vermont elopement.
Find & Hire Your Vermont Elopement Vendors
It is so important to find Vermont elopement vendors you love! We highly recommend hiring your Vermont elopement photographer first so you can secure your elopement date with them. Reach out to us if you are ready to find your Vermont elopement photographer! We are so passionate about documenting elopements, and we can provide customized vendor recommendations!
Fine-Tune the Details
After you picked your elopement date, location, and vendors, it’s time to fine-tune the details for your Vermont elopement! These details can include travel, accommodations, or anything else you will need before your elopement day!
Celebrate Marrying Your Best Friend in Vermont!
Vermont is one of the most beautiful states in the Northeast and does not have a shortage of stunning elopement locations. You will love eloping in Vermont with your soulmate!
Hi,
Vermont elopement photographer and guide serving New England & beyond
My name is Alex, and I am an adventure enthusiast, travel addict, and your dream-making wedding photographer! I am a New Hampshire elopement photographer and wedding photographer but will travel well beyond New England to capture your elopement or wedding day.
I got my start in photography capturing stunning landscapes around the world but realized my true passion was capturing beautiful photos of a couple’s love. There is something about the magic of love that draws me to couples like a magnet.
Over the years, I have met so many amazing couples, and I am so excited to get to know YOU! I am here to provide you with beautiful photos of your elopement or wedding day, so you can look back and relive those memories forever!
