How to Choose the Right Time of Year to Elope in Vermont


If you're planning to elope in Vermont, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right time of year for your elopement photography. It's a decision that can have a big impact on the look and feel of your photos, as well as the activities you can do. Every season in Vermont brings something beautiful to offer. Let's take a closer look at each season and the elopement activities that you can do in each one!

 

A couple in wedding attire shares a tender moment on a lush green lawn surrounded by spring trees.
A couple in wedding attire shares a tender moment against a rustic backdrop of stacked firewood.

 

Spring Elopement in Vermont


Spring in Vermont is a time of new beginnings, with fresh blooms and greenery coming to life after a long winter. If you love the idea of incorporating nature into your elopement photography, spring can be an excellent choice. State forests and parks, wild gardens, and low-elevation landscapes can provide a beautiful backdrop for your photos, with lilacs and other blooms creating a romantic atmosphere.


Spring Elopement Activities in Vermont


Here are some of my favorite activities to do during springtime in Vermont that you can incorporate into your elopement day:

  • Explore a rushing waterfall
  • Visit a sugarhouse and sample fresh maple syrup
  • Explore a local farm and see their baby animals
  • Go for a hike (after mud season is over)
  • Go fly fishing, or get a lesson from a local fly fishing school
  • Visit a local brewery
  • Have a picnic by the lake


Best Places to Elope in Vermont in the Spring


The best places to elope in Vermont in the Spring are at lower elevations where the new growth will be more prominent. Here are some of my favorite spots to consider:

  • Shelburne Farms and Gardens | Shelburne, Vermont: beautiful lake views, baby animals, rolling fields, and beautiful gardens make this location a must for springtime adventures
  • Lone Rock Point | Burlington, Vermont: stunning sunsets on the water, easy trails through the woods, and just off the bike path, this location is a local's haunt and perfect for dramatic ocean-like landscapes
  • Lye Brook Falls | Manchester, Vermont: one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, this waterfall is the perfect combination of low-elevation but still adventurous hike with a rewarding final destination.
  • Green Mountain National Forest | Vermont: With state protected forestry areas all across the state, ask your photographer for their favorite off-the-beaten-path locations with low elevation hikes that are private and perfect for an intimate woodland celebration!

 

A couple in wedding attire sits on a porch bench with their gray cat wearing a turquoise harness.
A couple embraces in a mountain meadow, with the bride wearing a floral dress and groom in dark suit against rolling hills.
Hands pointing at locations on a large wall-mounted forest trail map display at Willoughby State Forest.

 

Summer Elopement in Vermont


Summer is a popular choice for elopements, with warm weather and longer daylight hours providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and photos. If you're looking for a season that's full of sunshine and warmth, summer could be the perfect choice. Beaches, lakeside resorts, and vineyards can provide a beautiful setting for your photos, with sunsets and warm breezes creating a romantic atmosphere. Some summer elopement activities you can do include hiking, kayaking or paddle boarding, and fruit picking!


Summer Elopement Activities in Vermont


Here are some of my favorite activities to do during summer in Vermont that you can incorporate into your elopement day:

  • Go on a kayaking or canoeing adventure
  • Explore Vermont’s best hiking trails
  • Stay at a treehouse Airbnb
  • Visit a local berry patch for strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
  • Go swimming at a local watering hole
  • Try your hand at falconry in Woodstock
  • Drive up a scenic toll road at Mansfield, Burke or Equinox
  • Go camping and explore Vermont's State Parks
  • Have a fire and roast s'mores for dessert!


Best Places to Elope in Vermont in the Summer


When it comes to summer in Vermont, the best places to elope are wherever you want to be! Here are some of my favorite spots to consider:


  • Stowe Pinnacle | Stowe, Vermont: One of the best overlooks of Stowe but without the intense hike of Mount Mansfield or Sterling Pond, this hike is perfect for adventure lovers who want a sunset elopement. Just above the town of Stowe, the proximity to town is perfect for couples seeking multiple locations to explore and nearby accommodations for their elopement stay.
  • Lake Dunmore | Salisbury, Vermont: A beautiful lake with lots of nearby activities, Lake Dunmore is a wonderful central location for your Vermont elopement. With nearby hiking trails, waterfalls, and water activities on the lake--Lake Dunmore has something for everyone!
  • Green Mountain National Forest + Vermont State Parks: With over fifty state parks and hundreds of hiking trails to choose from, the Green Mountain National Forest is the perfect place to explore for your elopement day. Ask your photographer about their favorite off the beaten path spots for a private and intimate experience!

 

A couple exchanges vows during their autumn wedding ceremony surrounded by vibrant orange fall foliage.
Rustic log cabin wedding venue in autumn forest with fallen leaves and wooden balconies.
Couple in wedding attire walking together on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by autumn trees in a natural setting.

 

Fall Elopement in Vermont


Fall is a season full of rich colors and cozy textures, making it a popular choice for elopements. If you love the idea of incorporating fall foliage and warm tones into your elopement photography, fall could be the perfect choice. Rustic barns, apple orchards, and wineries can provide a charming backdrop for your photos, with warm tones and cozy textures creating a romantic atmosphere. Some fall elopement activities you can do include apple picking, hayrides, and even pumpkin patch visits.


Fall Elopement Activities in Vermont


Here are some of my favorite activities to do during summer in Vermont that you can incorporate into your elopement day:

  • Explore Vermont’s best hiking trails (hiking in Vermont in the fall is the best)
  • Go apple picking and snack on cider donuts
  • Go on a kayaking or canoeing adventure to see the foliage from a new perspective
  • Stay at a unique Airbnb
  • Drive up a scenic toll road at Mansfield, Burke or Equinox
  • Visit a local coffee shop or bakery for some sweet treats
  • Check out one of Vermont's many waterfalls


Best Places to Elope in Vermont in the Fall


When it comes to summer in Vermont, the best places to elope are wherever you want to be! Here are some of my favorite spots to consider:


  • Lake Willoughby | Westmore, Vermont: One of the most popular destinations in Vermont, Lake Willoughby is a stunning backdrop for your elopement day. Pair portraits at this beautiful glacial lake with a nearby hike for the perfect adventure elopement in the Northeast Kingdom.
  • Burke Mountain | Burke, Vermont: With over 2,000 acres of forests to explore, Darling State Park is a great option for folks seeking an adventure elopement location off the beaten path. With one of the few toll roads in the state, you can hike or drive up to the top of the mountain for sweeping views of the Green Mountains. And check out the fire tower while you're up there!
  • Graniteville Quarries | Barre, Vermont: With dozens of trails, beautiful vistas, and unique landscapes,  this old quarry system is the perfect place for couples who love everyday adventures. From stunning overlooks to wandering forest paths, this location offers variety, beauty, and adventure all in one.
  • Taconic Ramble State Park | Hubbardton, Vermont: With rolling hills, mountain views, and a Japanese Garden, this small state park is the perfect spot to get beautiful fall foliage views without competing against other couples for photo opportunities. Pair this spot with a kayaking or canoeing adventure at one of the nearby Warrior Lakes!


 

A group sits on a brown couch holding a black cat and colorful flower bouquets in a sunlit room.
A group stands together in a wooded area with fall foliage and autumn leaves scattered on the ground.
A couple embraces joyfully against a dramatic sunset over the ocean with mountains in the background.

 

Stick Season Elopement in Vermont


Noah Kahan isn't the only one who loves Stick Season. Here in Vermont, this time of year provides a bit of a reprieve from the busy tourist seasons of summer and fall, and is the calm before the storms of the holidays and winter snows. Filled with perfectly moody weather (clouds, rain, brown leaves) and opportunities to cozy up between adventures, this season is perfectly coded for a dark academia-styled elopement, filled with coffee, books, blankets, and quiet walks through foggy landscapes.


Stick Season Elopement Activities in Vermont


Here are some of my favorite activities to do during summer in Vermont that you can incorporate into your elopement day:

  • Explore Vermont’s best hiking trails (stick season brings a unique perspective to the forest!)
  • Check out Vermont's best bookstores, like Northshire in Manchester or Bridgeside Books in Waterbury
  • Stay at a unique Airbnb (usually better priced during shoulder season)
  • Discover some of Vermont's best museums and exhibits
  • Visit a local coffee shop or bakery for some sweet treats
  • Check out one of Vermont's many waterfalls


Best Places to Elope in Vermont During Stick Season


When it comes to summer in Vermont, the best places to elope are wherever you want to be! Here are some of my favorite spots to consider:


  • Bingham Falls | Stowe, Vermont: An iconic Vermont waterfall but without the crowds, Bingham Falls is the perfect place to say your vows without worrying about interruptions from tourists. Pair this location with a nearby coffee shop, easy lower elevation hike, and a cozy inn or Airbnb for the perfect stay.
  • Lone Rock Point | Burlington, Vermont: stunning sunsets on the water, easy trails through the woods, and just off the bike path, this location is a local's haunt and perfect for dramatic ocean-like landscapes. It's also one of the last places in the state to keep it's leaves, allowing for more foliage peeping.
  • Camp Ingalls Butternut Hill Natural Area | North Hero, Vermont: This secluded and off the beaten path location is perfect for couples looking for adventure and privacy. With a shale beach filled with fossils to a beautiful boggy forested trail, this is a beautiful spot for nature lovers looking for something more unique. The Champlain Islands are also one of the last places to retain their leaves during foliage season!

 

Three people stand in a snowy forest path while one person appears to be falling backwards into the snow.
A couple embraces in front of a snow-covered mountain peak on a cloudy winter day.

 

Winter Elopement in Vermont


Winter can be a magical time for elopement photography, with snow-covered landscapes and cozy, intimate moments captured in warm clothing. It's perfect if you're looking for a unique, off-season elopement that's full of romance and charm. Ski resorts and mountain towns can offer stunning backdrops for your winter elopement photography, with snow-covered trees and frozen lakes creating a beautiful winter wonderland setting. Some winter elopement activities you can do include skiing or snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating on natural ice, or even sledding!


Winter Elopement Activities in Vermont


Here are some of my favorite activities to do during winter in Vermont that you can incorporate into your elopement day:

  • Explore Vermont’s trails on snowshoe or nordic skis
  • Go skiing or snowboarding at a local mountain
  • Grab a coffee in a cozy cafe and enjoy a sweet treat
  • Visit a local spa or sauna
  • Go for a horse-drawn sleigh ride
  • Try ice skating on natural ice


Best Places to Elope in Vermont in the Winter


When it comes to summer in Vermont, the best places to elope are wherever you want to be! Here are some of my favorite spots to consider:


  • Indian Brook Reservoir | Essex, Vermont: A beautiful reservoir just outside of Burlington, this location is perfect for a snowshoe, hot cocoa, and and intimate vow spot all in one.
  • White Rocks | Wallingford, Vermont: One of my favorite local spots, White Rocks is an easy hike with a big reward. With stunning views of the Green Mountain National Forest and trails that join with the Long Trail, this location is perfect for couples who love the mountains and forests.
  • Owl's Head Mountain | Peacham, Vermont: A popular hiking destination in the summer and a beautiful snowshoe adventure in the winter, Owl's Head Mountain is a fantastic trail for folks looking for an easier hike with a big payoff in a more rural area of the state.

 

 

Elope in Vermont with an Experienced Vermont Elopement Photographer



Choosing the right time of year for your elopement photography is an important decision that can have a big impact on the look and feel of your photos. Each season offers unique opportunities for elopement activities and stunning backdrops for your photos. By considering your personal preferences and the activities you want to do, you can choose the perfect season for your elopement and create memories that will last a lifetime. With the right planning and a little bit of creativity, your elopement photography can be a reflection of your unique love story and the beauty of the season you choose.


Feeling Inspired?


If you're feeling inspired to plan your elopement photography after reading this post, don't hesitate to reach out to me! As a professional photographer, I'm passionate about capturing the unique love stories of each of my clients and creating beautiful, timeless images that they can cherish for a lifetime.


Whether you're planning a winter wonderland elopement, a springtime nature escape, a summer beachfront ceremony, or a cozy fall celebration, I would be honored to be a part of your special day. With years of experience and a keen eye for detail, I will work closely with you to bring your vision to life and create stunning images that you will treasure for years to come.


So, if you're ready to take the next step and inquire about my elopement photography services, head to my website and fill out the contact form. I can't wait to hear from you and help you create beautiful memories that you'll cherish forever.

 

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