An Intimate Vermont Northeast Kingdom Elopement at Lake Willoughby
There’s something incredibly grounding about photographing an elopement in the place a couple calls home. Not a destination chosen for spectacle, but a landscape that already holds their memories—the roads they know by heart, the mountains that feel familiar, the quiet that feels earned in a world that's always filled with noise.
Deanna and Cam’s Vermont Northeast Kingdom elopement was exactly that. Intentional, deeply sentimental, and rooted in the region where they’ve built their life together. On the day of their 11-year anniversary, they chose to promise themselves to one another surrounded by immediate family, glacial lakes, mountain views, and the calm steadiness that comes from doing things your own way.
As their photographer, this day reminded me why intimate weddings and elopements in Vermont feel so powerful—especially here in the Northeast Kingdom.
Getting Ready at Home in St. Johnsbury
The day began quietly, the way the best days often do. Deanna and Cam got ready at their home in St. Johnsbury, Vermont—no rushing, no strict timeline, no performance. Just the gentle hum of anticipation (and a spread of excellent snacks).
They got ready together up until the moment they stepped into their outfits, sharing the space easily after more than a decade side by side.
One of my favorite early moments happened almost unnoticed: Deanna standing calmly while her mom tied the back of her dress, gently petting their elderly cat Charlie in her favorite spot. It was such a quiet act of love—for her family, for her home, for the life she’s built with Cam—and it set the tone for the entire day.
Their first look happened in their dining room with their full family present—a soft, emotional moment with quiet gasps and more than a few happy tears.
We stepped outside afterward for a few portraits around their home, Charlie included. These are the kinds of photos couples often don’t realize they’ll treasure most—the ordinary places that become sacred simply because they’re yours.
Ceremony at Sentinel Rock Overlooking Lake Willoughby
Originally, Deanna and Cam planned to exchange vows at Lake Willoughby itself—one of the most iconic locations in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. But as elopement days often teach us, flexibility is part of the magic.
Lake Willoughby was unexpectedly busy that afternoon, and together we pivoted to their backup location: Sentinel Rock State Park. What we found there was complete privacy, sweeping views of Lake Willoughby below, and a sense of calm that couldn’t have been planned more perfectly.
Surrounded by just 11 of their immediate family members, Deanna and Cam stood overlooking the lake and the Green Mountains beyond. Cam’s brother Bobby officiated, grounding the ceremony in familiarity and love. They exchanged handwritten vows—carefully kept alongside their marriage license in a King Arthur Flour folder (if you know, you know)—and shared a quiet moment of reflection together as a group, arms around each other, breathing in the view.
There were joyful tears. Soft laughter. Deanna danced a little in place after their first kiss, happiness and laughter spilling out in the most genuine way.
The ceremony lasted only about 15 minutes, but it held so much presence. This is one of the beautiful truths about a small wedding in Vermont—it doesn’t need to be long to be meaningful.
Just Married Moments + A Forest Adventure
After the ceremony, Bobby signed their marriage license using Cam’s back as a writing surface—a moment that still makes me smile every time I think about it. Once their family headed off for a catered dinner later that evening, Deanna and Cam stayed behind for just-married portraits at Sentinel Rock.
Golden, even light wrapped around them as the lake shimmered below. The Northeast Kingdom has a way of making you feel small in the most comforting way—reminding you that your love is both deeply personal and part of something larger than yourself.
From there, we headed out for a hike on the Mount Pisgah trail before ending the evening exploring the shores of Lake Willoughby once the crowds had thinned. Switching their dress shoes for Blundstones and Darn Tough socks, they skipped down the trail, giggling and holding hands, still visibly giddy from the day.
In the forest, dappled light filtered through the leaves. Later, the lake felt calm and quiet—fjord-like cliffs rising dramatically on either side, the water reflecting the soft end-of-summer haze. Deanna and Cam even took turns using my 35mm film camera to photograph each other, savoring the novelty of seeing themselves through a different lens.
These are the moments that define an adventure elopement in Vermont—not extreme hikes or epic feats, but presence, curiosity, and joy.
Style, Details & Meaningful Touches
Every detail of this elopement felt intentional without being overdone. Cam wore a green suit with a salmon pink tie, subtly embroidered inside with their personal phrase, “So Much, Too Much,” alongside their wedding date. Deanna wore a white tulle dress hand-embroidered with hundreds of flowers—romantic, intricate, and deeply personal.
Her bouquet featured seasonal blooms like dahlias, zinnias, eucalyptus, and coneflowers, tying the day naturally to the Vermont landscape. Their rings were inscribed with the same phrase as Cam’s suit, a quiet reminder of their shared language and history.
The overall aesthetic was romantic, grounded, and intimate—proof that a forest elopement in Vermont can feel elevated without losing its sense of ease.
Planning Tips for a Vermont Northeast Kingdom Elopement
Why Choose Lake Willoughby for Your Elopement
Lake Willoughby is one of Vermont’s most dramatic natural landmarks, offering mountain views, glacial waters, and a sense of awe that photographs beautifully. For couples eloping here, having a flexible timeline or backup location (like nearby Sentinel Rock) is key.
Accessibility Matters
Deanna and Cam chose locations that were accessible for their parents, which allowed them to include family without compromising the experience. An elopement doesn’t have to mean isolation—it can be a thoughtful balance.
Permits & Logistics
No permits were required for their chosen locations, but this can change depending on season and group size. Working with a Vermont elopement photographer who knows the area can help navigate these details smoothly.
Trust Your Backup Plan
Their Plan B became one of the most meaningful parts of the day. Trusting flexibility—and your vendors—makes space for magic to happen in the most unexpected of places.
Why This Elopement Worked So Beautifully
This elopement wasn’t about escaping tradition, it was about choosing intention. Deanna and Cam wanted cost savings, intimacy, and meaningful photos in the region they love. What they gained was a day that felt calm, joyful, and deeply theirs.
As a photographer, days like this feel different. There’s less pressure, more presence, and a stronger connection to what lasts—the photos, the memories, the feeling of being truly seen.
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Vermont—whether that looks like a quiet forest ceremony, a Vermont mountain elopement, or a lakeside moment with your closest people—I’d love to help you craft something that feels like home.
Sometimes the most powerful adventures are the ones that meet you exactly where you are 🤍
FAQ
Is Lake Willoughby a good location for an elopement in Vermont?
Yes — Lake Willoughby offers dramatic mountain views, a glacial lake, and multiple nearby spots that work beautifully for intimate ceremonies and portraits.
Do you need a permit to elope at Lake Willoughby?
For small ceremonies without setups, permits are typically not required, but rules can change depending on season and group size.
How many guests can attend a Vermont Northeast Kingdom elopement?
Many couples choose to include just immediate family or a small group of guests, making it ideal for intimate or micro elopements.
What time of year is best for an elopement in the Northeast Kingdom?
Late summer through early fall offers warm temperatures, softer light, and beautiful foliage without peak-season crowds.
Can we have a backup location for our elopement in Vermont?
Absolutely — having a Plan B nearby is highly recommended, especially for popular locations like Lake Willoughby.
