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CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS, KELS CONVERSE EDUCATION THIS WAY >

Where To Elope

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Fall 2022 | Jenn + Kevin | New Hampshire, USA

The World Is Yours to Explore

choose a place that makes you and your partner happy.

That’s the most important thing!
And don’t stress too much–when you find the best spot, you’ll know it. 

WHERE WILL YOU DECIDE TO SAY “I DO?”

We’re lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country (and in our opinion, the world), so there’s no shortage of amazing elopement spots to uncover. We’re constantly scouting new locations and searching for hidden gems out in the wilderness. And you’re not limited to the Northeastern United States–you can tie the knot anywhere in the country, and even cross oceans to find the perfect fit. But with a million places to choose from, where do you decide to say “I do?”

So many of our couples are looking for help when it comes to picking the right location for their dream elopement, and we always give the same advice:

Choosing Your
Elopement Location

OUR BEST TIPS FOR

start planning

02.

Pick Your Season

We go all in when it comes to planning your epic celebration. We work with you to design the perfect day–through our adventure guides, questionnaires, research, conversations, and decision-making support, you’ll see your vision come to life in real-time.

04.

Incorporate Meaning

We know that waiting is the hardest part, so we will send sneak peeks from your gallery within 72 hours of your wedding. You’ll receive your full gallery within 10 weeks at our super fun gallery reveal party! We’ll walk you through the system, show you how to use it, and present a slideshow of your gorgeous images that we can enjoy together.

03.

Imagine The Views

Eloping in the great outdoors allows you to get married surrounded by the world’s most beautiful natural scenery. Are you dreaming of elopement photos surrounded by colorful fall foliage? Or do you imagine yourself saying your vows in front of a beautiful blue lake? Scenery plays an important role in choosing where to elope–you want to find a place that not only fits your desired aesthetic, but also makes you feel inspired and happy.

01.

Envision Your Perfect Day

The beauty of elopements is that they’re totally customizable to your and your partner–no two days ever look the same! It’s best to be on the same page about what you’re envisioning before choosing where you’ll elope, because the location you choose will set the tone for your day. We encourage you to dream big, and really take the time to consider what’s most important to you.

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start planning

06.

Think About Your Overall Experience

In all likelihood, your elopement will look completely different from other couples–and that’s a good thing! Focusing on the activities that excite you and your partner will create a day that you enjoy from start to finish, and don’t be afraid to use your imagination! Does your dream location allow you to explore the ocean, or do you dream of a horseback ride to your ceremony spot? The activities you choose to include will narrow down your location list and help you make a decision. 

05.

Decide If You Want Guests

One of the benefits to eloping is that you can choose to create any day you want. If you imagine tying the knot with your family and friends in tow, we can help you make it happen. And better yet, we can still create a feeling of intimacy while having celebrating with your guests. Inviting guests can limit your location options due to accessibility or whether they require strenuous terrain, so that knowledge should factor into the location you choose.

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Our Favorite
New England Locations

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The state of Maine is essentially just one gigantic coastal spot. There are a ton of towns lining the ocean that boast epic views–perfect for an elopement if you ask us! Some of our favorite locations along the coast include Kennebunkport, Camden, Cape Elizabeth, or even Cutler (such a hidden gem!). It also lends itself perfectly to an adventurous elope–without the hike–by way of a private boat ride out to sea, or cozying up with a lobster dinner at the beach. 

Coastal Maine

I like to call Grafton Notch State Park the White Mountains’ step-sibling–it’s a state park that’s less popular, and yet it’s arguably just as breathtaking. There are strenuous and simple hikes within this park, and you can find both incredible views and beautiful waterfalls. If you love the cold and you’re thinking of a winter elopement, this is the perfect park with all of it’s picturesque skiing mountains as well. 

Grafton Notch State Park

This park is a true treasure right here in New England, and so many people forget to visit. Acadia National Park is one of my absolute favorites–you get the mountains with beautiful hikes, the ocean, rock cliffs, and a stunning small town all in one place. There are so many places within the park to elope, whether you’re looking for something simple, something off the beaten path, or an even longer hike to a secluded spot.

Acadia National Park

MAINE

With gorgeous beaches, rocky jetties, and secluded parks, there’s no shortage of locations for your intimate vows. If you love the ocean and want to stay in New Hampshire, then the Seacoast is a great option for you. Water views are perfect for romantic elopement photos, and will offer a lot of varieties for your backdrop. 

The Seacoast

The Lakes Region is a one of a kind place (and is where Kels grew up!). With stunning views of the lakes and mountains in the distance, it’s perfect if you’d love a hiking adventure or just a nice lake view for your elopement. This region also offers a variety of smaller venues perfect for hosting a dinner party with your family, or a cute little AirBnb to host your loved ones and elope all in one place. 

The Lakes Region

One of New Hampshire’s hot spots–especially during leaf peeping season (late September-mid October). It’s the home of the largest mountain in the state–Mount Washiongton–and some of the most breathtaking views on the east coast. With hikes that range in mileage and elevation, waterfalls, and lakes, this is an ideal location if you have a love of adventure. 

The White Mountains

NEW HAMPSHIRE

We’ve photographed two intimate weddings at Lake Champlain–one in the north, and one in the south–and believe us, the beauty is breathtaking. There are plenty of parks in the area to choose from, and you can enjoy adventurous activities for your elopement right on the water. 

Lake Champlain

If you’re familiar with the popular Vermont city of Burlington, head east and you’ll head into Mount Mansfield State Forest. There are a variety of state parks located within the forest, including Underhill State Park, Smuggler’s Notch State Park, Little River State Park, and Waterbury Center State Park. Talk about options! There are also ski resorts within the state forest if you’d love a wintry, sparkling snow elopement. 

Mount Mansfield State Forest

If you’re looking to create a full trip out of your elopement experience, then this could be a great spot to visit. The Green Mountain National Forest is a massive forest throughout the southern and middle part of Vermont, and it’s home to beautiful hikes with mountain views, waterfalls, and lakes. It’s also fairly close to the Finger Lake Mountains in New York, so you can add onto your itinerary with ease.

Green Mountain National Forest

vermont

Known as “The Grand Canyon of the East,” this park brings it when it comes to absolutely stunning views. The canyons, waterfalls, and hiking trails are unlike any other place in New York, and offer days and days of adventure. This is also a popular spot for other activities you may want to incorporate into your elopement experience, including white water rafting, kayaking, and swimming.

Letchworth State Park

If you’re looking to escape New York City, but don’t want to stray too far, this park might be the perfect option for you. The Awosting Falls inside the park serves as a sweet and romantic backdrop, lending itself to an intimate ceremony followed by a hiking adventure. 

Minnewaska State Park

Whether you choose to elope in the Catskills, the Adirondacks, or on a beautiful mountaintop in the Finger Lakes, your day will be surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Each location is stunning throughout all four seasons, and features incredible hikes, picturesque waterfalls, and adorable little towns to explore. 

The Mountains

NEW YORK

If you’ve got your heart set on an elopement surrounded by beautiful waterfalls, this is the spot for you. Located in the Finger Lakes region, you’ll have tons of space to explore. Adventure around the park and discover all of its natural hidden gems. 

Watkins Glen State Park

Killington

Another winter elopement location! Killington is known as a ski resort town, so it’s a great choice if you love the cold season. However, in the warmer months, there are also amazing activities available in the area. With a adventurous hike up the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with a truly stunning view. 

Get to know
the Kels Converse team 

WE LOVE TO TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

xx,
Kelsey and Caroleanne

We're a New England-based elopement photography team with a passion for experiencing the great outdoors and living life in a way that prioritizes freedom and purpose. We're here to work with couples who feel the same and want a wedding that's authentic to their unique love story. Living in the Northeast, we're lucky enough to have access to some of the most stunning sights our world has to offer, and we truly believe that there's no better place to say "I do."

We also know that choosing a non-traditional wedding can feel overwhelming, so we're committed to empowering you in your planning and creating an unforgettable adventure to celebrate your next chapter together.

WORK WITH US

Hey there!

THE GUEST BOOK

"My husband and I eloped two months ago and it still feels like a dream. If I could give Kelsey 150 stars, I would!"

“If I could give Kelsey 150 stars, I would! She went above and beyond with every detail of our wedding day. My husband and I eloped two months ago and it still feels like a dream. I am extremely awkward and uncomfortable in front of a camera but Kelsey made us feel like we were naturals. I think, we also felt so much more ourselves because it was so intimate. If you are on the fence about having a big wedding or eloping, I highly recommend eloping in the beautiful park of Acadia with Kelsey Converse as your photographer. Not only is she amazing at her job but she is also just a fantastic human.”

- Suzanne + Chris

Friends don’t let friends plan alone

To help you plan the epic elopement of your dreams, we’ve created a comprehensive catalog of resources for you to explore. Instead of starting from scratch, know that you have full access to our arsenal of advice and expertise. From learning about how to include your furry family members to how to prepare for a rainy elopement day and everything in between, we’ve got you covered. 

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Notes from the field

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It’s no secret that we LOVE to travel, so if you’re interested in venturing a little farther for your wedding, we’re excited to tag along. Whether you want to keep it in the continental U.S. or start stamping your passport, our bags are packed and waiting by the door.

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While this guide is a good starting point for choosing your dream elopement spot, know that we’re always here to help. We’d love to talk more about your vision, and work together to find perfect location for you and your partner.

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