When I think about Caroline and Kevin’s Vermont wedding weekend, the first words that come to mind are intentional and joyful. These two wanted a wedding that felt true to them – simple, relaxed, adventurous, and centered around connection. Instead of following a traditional wedding timeline, they created a two-day experience in Manchester, Vermont that brought together the best of both worlds: a quiet, private elopement for just the two of them, and an insanely fun celebration with their closest loved ones the next day at The Hermitage Inn.
If you’ve ever wondered what a Vermont microwedding or elopement at a luxury inn could look like, their story is the perfect inspiration.
Want more Vermont wedding inspiration?
Why Caroline + Kevin Chose a Vermont Microwedding
When Caroline and Kevin first reached out to me from Pennsylvania, they told me something I hear often from my couples:
“We’ve always known we wanted a small wedding ceremony. We just don’t want the stress or attention that comes with a big event.”
Their families live on opposite sides of the country, and they both knew a large wedding wasn’t for them. They wanted a day that felt peaceful, outdoorsy, and stress-free. Ultimately, something that focused on experience rather than logistics. They had been to Vermont once before and completely fell in love with it, so when they started dreaming up their wedding plans, Vermont naturally came to mind.
They were torn between having a small wedding or an elopement, so I shared an idea: why not have both? A day for just the two of them, followed by an intimate celebration with their favorite people. That idea clicked right away and from that point on, everything fell beautifully into place.
A Little About Them
Caroline and Kevin’s story is one I’ll never forget. They met on Hinge during the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020 while living in California. Since life looked a little different then, their relationship moved quickly but naturally. They spent most of their time just the two of them, getting to know each other deeply, without distractions – something that shaped the foundation of their relationship.
Kevin is a planner at heart (he’s a researcher and works in B2B marketing), while Caroline is the “yes” person – spontaneous, outgoing, and up for adventure. She used to be a Disney travel agent and now works in commerce operations, leading a team that handles fulfillment for major clients. She’s a people person through and through. Together, they balance each other perfectly.
Kevin also happens to love photography, which made our connection even more meaningful. From the beginning, they said they wanted a photographer they vibed with, someone who would make the experience feel like an adventure rather than a photoshoot. Well, to say that we instantly became friends is an understatement. These two felt like long term friends from the very beginning, and I know that even well past their wedding, they’ll be friends for life.
Day One: A Private Sunrise Elopement in the Vermont Woods
The first day was just for them. No guests, no pressure, no timeline except for the sunrise. We met before dawn and layered up (because yes, it was cold). Hand warmers, wool socks, the whole deal. As the sun started to rise, they had an adorable first look followed by their personal vows.
It was emotional, intimate, and completely private. There wasn’t another soul in sight – just how we hoped it would be!
They cried, they laughed, and they took in the beauty around them. It was the kind of moment that reminded all of us why elopements can be so powerful: no distractions, no stage, no rush.
After their ceremony, we hiked back down, stopping for delicious coffee followed by a slow afternoon of rest. That evening, it was time to shift gears and welcome their loved ones to town.
A Fun + Relaxed Welcome Party to Kick Off the Weekend
I highly recommend this for anyone planning an intimate wedding or Vermont microwedding: host a welcome party the night before! Caroline and Kevin’s welcome party was one of the most fun and memorable parts of the weekend.
They kept things easy and low-key. Tacos, appetizers, drinks, and music. It gave them time to greet everyone, introduce family and friends, and enjoy being together without the structure of the wedding day. You could feel how relaxed everyone was. It made the actual wedding day even more special because there were no awkward meet and greets! I am just newly obsessed with this idea.
Day Two: A Fall Wedding at The Hermitage Inn in Vermont
The next morning, the energy shifted from laid-back to quietly excited. The ceremony and celebration took place at The Hermitage Inn, a luxury inn in southern Vermont surrounded by golden fall trees, rolling hills, and the kind of cozy New England charm you can’t fake. It’s one of those places that feels intimate and elevated all at once – the perfect backdrop for a Vermont fall wedding.
Getting Ready at The Hermitage Inn
Caroline got ready with her mom and sisters while Kevin spent the morning with his family. There were so many small, emotional moments woven throughout the morning: a quiet tear from her mom, laughter between sisters, and the kind of happy nerves that make getting ready feel impactful..
Caroline had a new dress for the second day – a long-sleeve gown with a beautiful train that looked absolutely made for the Vermont scenery. She had thoughtfully prepared details for me to photograph, and it was clear how much intention she had poured into every part of the day.
First Look Under the Fall Trees
Once everyone was ready, we headed outside for their first look beneath the glowing yellow leaves. Kevin turned around, saw her, and immediately smiled in awe. You could feel the emotion between them. Just so much joy and gratitude.
We took a few quiet moments to capture portraits before heading into the ceremony space, letting them soak in the calm before all the happy chaos of the celebration began.
The Ceremony: Personal, Heartfelt, and Full of Emotion
Caroline and Kevin’s ceremony was officiated by one of Kevin’s best friends – a choice that made the whole experience feel deeply personal. There wasn’t a dry eye from the guests.
After the ceremony, instead of rushing straight into cocktail hour, they snuck away for a private drink together in the Inn’s cozy bar. I loved that so much. It’s such a simple but meaningful thing to do, plus made for some really freaking adorable photos.
The Reception: Laughter, Food, and Dancing at a Vermont Luxury Inn
The rest of the evening was pure joy. The Hermitage Inn provided the most beautiful setting for a cozy fall reception – candlelit tables, delicious local food, heartfelt toasts, and one of the most fun dance floors I’ve seen in a long time.
Family shared emotional speeches that had everyone laughing and tearing up at the same time. Caroline and Kevin’s playlist was full of songs that kept people on their feet (including meeee), and the cake? Absolutely delicious. It felt less like a formal reception and more like a big, love-filled dinner party in the mountains.
Why The Hermitage Inn Is a Dream Vermont Wedding Venue
If you’re searching for a venue that offers both luxury and laid-back Vermont charm, The Hermitage Inn is hard to beat. It sits on over 100 acres of scenic land in southern Vermont, surrounded by forest, gardens, and trails. You get that peaceful mountain feeling, but with all the comfort and amenities of a high-end inn — incredible food, cozy rooms, and an atmosphere that feels warm and refined.
It’s the perfect choice for couples who want an intimate fall wedding in Vermont or a Vermont microwedding that feels personal but still elevated. Whether you’re planning a full weekend with guests or an elopement-style day for just the two of you, this spot gives you the best of both worlds.
Tips for Planning Your Own Vermont Microwedding or Elopement
If you’re feeling inspired by Caroline and Kevin’s weekend, here are a few takeaways from their experience that might help with your own planning:
- Combine both experiences: You don’t have to choose between an elopement and a wedding. Have one day for just the two of you, and another for your closest people.
- Keep logistics simple: Pick one venue or location that can host everything, like The Hermitage Inn. Less driving and more relaxing.
- Plan for a welcome party: It’s such a great way to start the weekend and take pressure off the wedding day itself.
- Embrace the season: Fall in Vermont is magic. Lean into the colors, textures, and cozy vibe.
- Make time for private moments: A first look, a post-ceremony drink, or a sunrise hike. Those are the memories that last.
- Choose vendors who feel like friends: When you vibe with your photographer, planner, or coordinator, everything feels smoother and more personal.
- Be true to your personalities: Whether you’re the planner or the spontaneous one, design your day around what brings you both peace and joy.
The Beauty of an Intentional Vermont Wedding Weekend
Caroline and Kevin’s wedding reminded me why I love what I do. Their weekend wasn’t about perfection or grand gestures – it was about presence. About slowing down, being surrounded by nature, and celebrating love in a way that felt honest and real.
They took the idea of a Vermont microwedding and made it completely their own: a sunrise elopement in the woods, a warm gathering at a luxury inn, and a weekend full of connection and laughter.If you’re dreaming about your own fall wedding in Vermont, whether it’s at The Hermitage Inn or somewhere tucked into the mountains, let this be your reminder – your wedding day can look however you want it to. It doesn’t have to follow a rulebook. It just has to feel like you.
Hermitage Inn Wedding Photos
