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Top Mountain Locations for your New Hampshire Adventure Elopement
New Hampshire is one of the most unreal locations to have an adventure elopement. And if you are just starting to read this and wondering what an adventure elopement even is, then click here! Over the years, larger weddings have started to scale back to smaller, intimate settings as well as elopements. One thing to note is that elopements can have up to 30 of your closest family or friends. A lot of people don’t realize that these mountain locations can also include your family and friends!
The thing is, adventure elopements still seem to only be noticed out west. Out here in New England, couples don’t even realize it is an option. However, ever since COVID-19, more and more couples are starting to do the research and realize that there are other ways to get married. There are ways to have an epic experience, rather than just a glamorous day. Adventure elopements allow you to marry one another in the outdoors, a special place where you two may absolutely love in your personal lives.
New Hampshire and its granite state is loaded with locations for an adventure elopement. Whether you are a hiker, a waterfall chaser, or just want some epic views for your special day, New Hampshire is a state that has it all for you. Let’s get into some of the places with loads of mountain hikes, short and long, that you can plan your adventure elopement.
Leave no Trace
Being an adventure elopement photographer, Leave No Trace principles are extremely important to me and preserving the outdoors. I do not disclose specific locations until I am booked (to the couple only), and I would highly recommend anyone else visiting here to do the same. There are so many stunning hikes in New Hampshire, and if we share just 10 of them, then everyone in and outside the state will look to visit just those 10. The more we encourage others to research and explore on their own, the less impact we will have on popular trails!
Mountain Locations #1: Franconia Notch State Park
Franconia Notch is filled with some of the most stunning 4,000 footers, smaller hikes with lake views, and waterfalls. Whether you are looking for a simple hike, or a strenuous one, this is absolutely for you. Not only can you have an adventure in this part of the state, but there are adorable towns that you can look to find for your after party. Some of these include Plymouth, Woodstock, Lincoln and Littleton. Plan a beautiful hike for your ceremony then throw a mini after party at your Airbnb or VRBO!
Mountain Locations #2: Mount Kearsarge Forest State Park
A lesser known and popular area right outside the lakes region is the Mount Kearsarge Forest. It has just a few hikes, with all of them less than just 3 miles round trip. There are stunning views from the top overlooking the mountains beyond. This is a perfect location if you want a more secluded, less popular area to have a more intimate setting.
Mountain Locations #3: Pawtuckaway State Park
Being more in the south tucked away from the White Mountains, I was in awe by how beautiful this State Park was. There are about 29 trails ranging from easy to hard, and short to long distance depending on what you are looking for. There are beautiful forest areas, overlooks and simple trails if you are planning to have older family member there.
Mountain Locations #4: Crawford Notch State Park
Close to Franconia Notch, Crawford Notch is very similiar with beautiful White Mountain hiking and views galore. Some of my favorite hikes and views are in this State Park along with the little town of Conway and Jackson. There are waterfalls, railroads, and the infamous Kancamagus Highway. This state park is perfect for you, especially if you want to elope in the fall!
Mountain Locations #5: Monadnock State Park
Monadnock is located on the southern border between New Hampshire and Massachusetts. This places has stunning fields if you want the mountain backdrop, or hikes if you want the view from the top. It is an absolute beauty of a place and a quieter area of the state. Mount Monadnock itself is one of the more popular hikes, but if you want to elope on a week day, it should be no problem!
Mountain Locations #6: The Lakes Region
Born and raised in Laconia, I may be biased, but I think this area of New Hampshire is one of the most beautiful. We have the mountains along with the infamous Lake Winnipesaukee. I’m sure you have a friend of a friend who has a lake house there, so you’ve heard of it. Here you have lake views, venues, mountains to hike and more. Depending on what is most important to you, this option could truly give you quite the adventure.
