Planning a New Hampshire elopement starts with deciding how you want to spend the day. Drawing on my experience growing up and hiking here, this guide brings together the location, timing, people, and practical details to think through before you make your plans.
Find Vendors
First, even for an elopement, there are still vendors you can have depending on how big you want your day to be. If you want a picnic instead of full on catering, there are vendors for that! Florals could be scaled up or down as well, whether you just want a bouquet or want to decorate an arbor on a mountain! Videography can be just as important as photo, and calligrapher? Make a few custom invitations that are special to you to send to your close friends and family attending, or just have one suite made to have as a memory just for you two.
Plan Your Day
Ask yourself, what would be your perfect day? Does it start out at an Airbnb with a lazy morning, or a sunrise shoot? Close family and friends only, or just the two of you? Anything is possible.
Choose Locations
No clue where to begin? Check out my guide of favorite locations to elope in New Hampshire.
Book Accommodations
I recommend nailing this down as soon as possible. Whether it be an Airbnb just for the two of you, a special hotel or bed and breakfast that you went to on your first weekend away as a couple, or the restaurant you're hosting the intimate dinner at. This will be a stress relief later! Here's a list of my favorite Airbnb's for an intimate wedding, elopement, or hosting family for afterwards. Always confirm current event rules, guest limits, and written permission directly with the host before making plans.
All in the Details
Don't forget the little details like vow books, ring boxes, perfume, or any special jewelry. Make a box for your photographer so we can get that out of the way early on!
Legality
Find out how to get a marriage license and an officiant! Look into permits as well, National Parks typically require them!
Have Fun!
Finally, have fun! This is the most important step. You've done all of this planning, it's now time to relax and enjoy it!
Below is a sample timeline for my two favorite locations, one is stunning for sunrise, and the other is a perfect easy hike for family and friends to join in on. Being close together is also key for your elopement day so you spend more time together, instead of driving!
Sample Fall Timeline
SUNRISE AT MOUNT CRAWFORD, CRAWFORD NOTCH
4am - Meet at Airbnb to get ready
5am - Head to Mount Crawford trailhead
5:30-7:00am - Hike and reach summit
7:15am - Get wedding attire on
7:30am - Sunrise
8am – 9am - First look and portraits
9am-10:30am - Hike back down
11:30am – 1pm - Brunch with family and friends
1pm-4pm - break and relax, spend time all together
SUNSET AT ARTIST'S BLUFF, FRANCONIA NOTCH
3:30pm - Freshen up
4:30-5pm - Hike and reach summit
5pm - Ceremony at Artists Bluff
5:30pm-6:15pm - Family photos + portraits
6:15/6:30pm - Sunset
7:30pm - Dinner and celebrate!
