Calling all photographers, Kels Converse Education this way >
FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS, KELS CONVERSE EDUCATION THIS WAY >
Best Places to Elope on the East Coast
The Best places to Elope on the East Coast
Are you dreaming of a romantic elopement on the East Coast? Look no further! Whether you’re seeking stunning mountain views or picturesque seaside escapes, the East Coast has something to offer every couple. In this blog post, we’ve gathered the best places to elope on the East Coast, from the rocky shores of Maine to the beaches of Georgia. Keep reading to find your perfect elopement destination! As your East Coast elopement photographer team, we’re here to guide on to the BEST places to elope, on the east coast and beyond!
The Best Places to Elope on the East Coast
- New England
- Upstate New York
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Virginia
- Georgia
- West Virginia
New England
It’s no secret we are BIG fans of New England. As a team of elopement photographers rooted in the North East Region; we cover every corner of these beautiful states! We can help you choose the BEST locations to elope in and around all of New England! We have tons of elopement resources to help guide you through the process, and will be there for you along the whole journey! To get you started, here’s some of the top places to elope in New England:
New Hampshire
I may be biased, but it is my favorite place to elope in New England, and not just because I grew up in the Lakes Region and now live here in the White Mountains. We have some of the most beautiful mountain ranges in New England along with waterfalls, lakes, and even a tiny coastal part on the ocean. There are so many places to elope here in EVERY SEASON! And I can help you find the best spot for you! We’ve also compiled a list of the Best Elopement and Small Wedding Venues in New Hampshire as well as Top 10 Wedding Venues in the Lakes Region of NH
Maine
Maine is incredible, and has become a hot spot to not just visit, but elope too! It has everything you could possibly want – dramatic coast lines, waterfalls, mountains and more. You could go North to Baxter State Park, or right over the border of NH in Grafton Notch State Park. But of course, my all time favorite is Acadia National Park. There are locations everywhere in Maine for an elopement. The location we specialize in and know like the back of our hand is Acadia National Park.
Vermont
Vermont is a beautiful and serene state that offers breathtaking views of rolling hills and sparkling lakes. You can explore, relax, elope, and adventure in one of the East Coasts most charming areas. There are tons of unique locations to have your Vermont Elopement here! There are tons of lovely Wedding Venues in Vermont that are worth checking out too! The best part about Vermont is that it is a bit more quiet than it’s neighboring state of New Hampshire. The mountains are a bit less traveled, and the towns are a tad less touristy feeling. It’s more of a quaint adorable towns that make you feel like home. We just LOVE Vermont – and Amber lives in Vermont!
Massachusetts
I lived in Massachusetts for 12 years, so I’m quite familiar with the different parts of the state. It’s personally not my first choice, but mainly because I just hate driving down there! However, you may love to elope in Boston if you love the city, or Cape Cod or the North Shore if you love the ocean. You can also head out to the Berkshires where you’ll find waterfalls, mountains and beautiful woodsy scenery.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is a smaller state in New England that is known for its coast and ocean views. You can simply fly into Providence or Boston and get anywhere here in less than two hours! Rhode Island would be a perfect place to elope in New England if you want to be by the ocean as it has islands and plenty of coastline. However, Rhode Island also has some beautiful wooded and forest areas, something many outsiders don’t know about!
Connecticut
Connecticut is a perfect getaway for those trying to elope from NYC or New England. A lot of people don’t think there is any type of outdoors life in Connecticut, but there are some stunning State Parks and even a location on the Appalachian Trail. There are plenty of locations to elope in Connecticut! Just wait until you see some of the waterfalls there! Plus it is pretty close to New York City if you are trying to escape but not go too far.
Upstate New York Elopement Locations
The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are honestly very similar to the White Mountains. As much as I love the White Mountains, the towns in the Upstate New York region top them easily. Located in Northeastern New York, this mountain range is absolutely incredible. There are incredible hikes, waterfalls, rivers and lakes. It’s the home to the popular Whiteface Mountain and Lake Placid. Trust me, an Adirondacks Elopement can be so romantic!
Catskills
The Catskills are located in the eastern part of New York and border Massachusetts. A few cute towns located here are Hudson, Woodstock and Bethel. There are some incredible hikes and waterfalls to explore including Kaaterskill Waterfall. Plus, one of my favorite things about the Catskills are all the unique Airbnbs and delicious local restaurants to add to your day. Take a look at Kristin and Bobby’s full day Catskill elopement for inspiration.
The Fingerlakes
Situated in the central part of the state, the Fingerlakes stretches from the southern shores of Lake Ontario to the Pennsylvania border. This picturesque region derives its name from the eleven long, narrow lakes that resemble the fingers of a hand when seen from above. The major lakes that define the area are Canandaigua Lake, Keuka Lake, Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, and Skaneateles Lake. The Finger Lakes region is known for its stunning natural beauty, with rolling hills, vineyards, and charming small towns dotting the landscape. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, wine lovers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s splendor. Check out the Ultimate Guide to Elope in the Fingerlakes Upstate NY for more!
We’ve also compiled a list of the best Small Wedding and Elopement Venues in Upstate New York!
North Carolina
Blue Ridge Mountains (Asheville NC)
The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina offer some of the most breathtaking views of autumn foliage in the United States. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves are a sight to behold, and the sweeping vistas of the Southern Appalachians are nothing short of stunning. You can take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, hike the many trails in the area, or simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an outdoor adventure, the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are the perfect destination for your elopement!
South Mountain State Park
South Mountain State Park is a waterfall wonderland. It has the most stunning hiking trails leading you through the woods and mountain viewpoints. If you’re looking for some fun activities, this is your location. You may need a special usage permit, but there are plenty of locations throughout the park to enjoy your ceremony and celebration.
Linville Gorge
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Linville Gorge is just absolutely breathtaking. You have the Linville Falls, Table Rock and other areas off the beaten path. This will make a stunning backdrop for your intimate wedding with just the two of you or with guests.
South Carolina
Oconee State Park
Oconee State Park in South Carolina is a beautiful destination for couples looking to elope. With its stunning waterfalls, serene lakes, and breathtaking mountain views, it’s no wonder why so many choose to say “I do” in this picturesque location. From hiking trails to fishing spots, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your loved one entertained during your stay!
Virginia
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a true gem of the East Coast, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, vibrant fall foliage, and an abundance of wildlife. It’s the perfect destination for couples seeking a romantic and adventurous elopement. With over 500 miles of hiking trails, there’s no shortage of stunning vistas to discover. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the park’s resident black bears or elusive bobcats. Whether you’re looking to exchange vows at a scenic overlook or hike to a secluded waterfall, Shenandoah National Park has something for every couple.
Georgia
Tybee Island
Tybee Island is a charming and lively destination for couples looking to elope on the East Coast. Located just 20 minutes from Savannah, Georgia, this small island is known for its beautiful beaches, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant local culture. Whether you want to exchange vows on the sand, explore the island’s historic lighthouse, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of its many restaurants, Tybee Island has something to offer for every couple. And with its warm, sunny weather year-round, it’s the perfect place to escape to for a romantic elopement. So pack your bags, grab your partner, and get ready to fall in love with Tybee Island!
West Virginia
Monongahela National Forest
Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia is a hidden gem that is perfect for adventurous couples looking to elope in the great outdoors. With over 900,000 acres of rugged wilderness to explore, there’s no shortage of stunning backdrops for your ceremony. From cascading waterfalls to sweeping vistas, Monongahela National Forest offers some of the most breathtaking scenery on the East Coast. And if you’re feeling daring, you can even go rock climbing or whitewater rafting to add some extra adrenalin to your adventure elopement!
When to elope on the East Coast
What to know about the East Coast weather and changes is that the cold weather starts from the North to the South. Depending on if you are hoping for cooler or warmer weather, is what will dictate when (and where) you should elope on the east coast. The cool thing about most of the east coast is that we all experience all of the different seasons, just in different ways.
For example, in the Northeast, our seasons are a bit more extreme than the southern states. Our winters are much more cold, and we have tons of snow. If you want Fall colors, then you will want to plan for September-November. The Fall starts North, then the leaves change as the time goes on in the south. So let’s decide when to elope.
Winter: If you are hoping for a winter wonderland for your day, I’d recommend between January-February in the Northeast. This is when the snow is consistent and is sticking. If you are hoping for a cooler day on a beach, then you may want to do December-March in the southern states like Georgia or Florida.
Spring: Spring can be a beautiful time, especially with the waterfalls. The best time for Spring is April-May, and I’d recommend this time for less crowds, and more beautiful water flowing. Upstate New York has some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the east coast.
Summer: Depending on if you like the heat or not, I’d recommend staying in the north east for the summer. It can get really hot and humid on the east coast in general, so to keep a cooler temperature, the north will be your best bet. The months of June-August are the summer on the east coast of the USA.
Fall: The Fall is without a doubt my favorite time to elope in all of the east coast. In the Northern states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York), you will find the most beautiful colors starting at the end of September. If you are hoping to elope somewhere like Virginia and North Carolina, you’ll want to wait until mid October into the beginning of November to see the leaves changing.
East Coast Elopement Photographers
We hope this guide on the best places to elope in Eastern US helped you narrow down your search! It can be so hard to choose the perfect place to get married – we know! Our goal is to not just document your adventurous day, but are there to support couples to create an intentional experience that is true to them in the outdoors. We care deeply about the outdoors and this beautiful world. In addition to living life to the fullest! This is why we specialize in intimate days in places that not just you love, but we love too.
And if New England isn’t your thing but you’re still looking for an epic elopement location: check out my guide on the Top 17 Best Places to Elope in the US or the Best Waterfall Elopement Locations in the World! There are so many incredible and easy places to elope near and abroad. Whether you’re looking to plan an east coast elopement or a destination wedding in Italy – we would be honored to capture your day!
