The Best New Hampshire Elopement Wedding Guide (2026)
- OCP
- Nov 10, 2021
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 7
How To Plan An Elopement Wedding in New Hampshire
I created this elopement guide because there is truly nowhere quite like New Hampshire. With its wild peaks and serene valleys, it remains one of the best places on the East Coast to elope in 2026.
The first time I hiked in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I fell completely in love. It was April 18, 2016—the day I snowshoed up Mount Moosilauke and snowboarded back down. The scenery reminded me so much of where I grew up in the Austrian Alps. The White Mountains were the first place I found that same sense of peace I feel hiking in the Tirolean Alps. The hut-to-hut hiking system solidified it for me; this beautiful wilderness was my second home.
That same summer, I visited friends in the Lakes Region, spending my days on the water. That’s when I realized New Hampshire offers something for everyone. From incredible skiing and year-round hiking to charming small towns and stunning waterfronts, the state is a perfect backdrop for a wedding.
Elopements in 2026 are all about crafting an intentional, meaningful experience. Couples are moving away from tradition and embracing multi-day adventures, sustainable practices, and intimate celebrations that reflect who they are. New Hampshire, especially the White Mountains, is the perfect playground for thish new wave of weddings.
Let’s jump into how you can plan your unforgettable New Hampshire elopement.
Contents:
How to Legally Elope in New Hampshire: 2026 Guide
The good news is that you don't need to be a New Hampshire resident to get married here, making it ideal for a destination elopement. Once you have your marriage license, you are free to marry anywhere in the state, from a quiet lake to a mountaintop.
Unlike some neighboring states, New Hampshire has no waiting period. As soon as you receive your license, you can get married. The license is valid for 90 days.
How to Apply for a Marriage License in New Hampshire
To apply for a marriage license, both individuals must appear in person at any town or city clerk's office in New Hampshire. There are exceptions for members of the armed forces, who may file intentions prepared by a legal representative.
What Do I Need For A Marriage License?
Proof of age: A driver's license, passport, or certified birth certificate.
Photo identification: A driver's license or passport.
Proof of prior marriage dissolution (if applicable):
A certified copy of a death certificate for a former spouse if you are widowed.
A certified copy of a final divorce decree if you are divorced.
A certified copy of a civil annulment decree.
Who Can Officiate A Marriage in New Hampshire?
To keep your elopement intimate, I can officiate your marriage for you! I keep the ceremony simple and personal so the focus remains on your experience.
Alternatively, a friend or family member can perform your ceremony after obtaining a Special Marriage License from the Secretary of State.
For a more formal ceremony, the following can officiate:
A Justice of the Peace commissioned in New Hampshire.
An ordained minister residing in New Hampshire.
Judges of the United States or a US magistrate judge residing in the state.
Other clergy and non-resident officials may perform ceremonies after being licensed by the Secretary of State.
Do I Need a Witness to Get Married in New Hampshire?
No, you do not need a witness to have a valid marriage ceremony in New Hampshire. This is perfect for couples who want a truly private elopement.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in New Hampshire at City Hall?
The legal fees are quite affordable. The marriage license fee is $50. If you choose to get married at a city hall, the Justice of the Peace fee is typically around $140. A certified copy of your marriage certificate costs about $15.
If I Choose To, How Do I Change My Name After Marriage in New Hampshire?
When filling out your marriage paperwork, each individual must indicate their name after marriage. Either individual may choose to keep their name, change their surname to the surname of the other party, or hyphenate their surname. Hyphenated names must be a combination of both surnames. If either individual requests to change their surname on the marriage license, they may also change their middle name to their surname prior to marriage.
Best Places to Elope in New Hampshire 2026
New Hampshire is filled with stunning locations, from the seacoast to the mountains. The right spot depends entirely on the experience you want. As your photographer, I help you find that perfect place. We start with a questionnaire to visualize your day, and then I scout locations tailored to your vision. New Hampshire has 20 miles of coast-line, a huge lakes region, and oh-so-many mountains. And did I mention that there are over 90 state parks?
In short, you may need more than one day to truly experience New Hampshire. And if you aren't sure of exactly what experiences you want to have during your elopement, I will help you! Working with me, we go through an exercise where you visualize how you feel and what you smell when you wake up on your elopement day; what you see while exchanging your vows; and what activities you want to do on your best date ever. After filling out a questionnaire, I go out and scout out the perfect locations for you and your honey to elope.
White Mountains Elopement Guide
For adventurers, the White Mountains are unmatched. Whether you want a challenging hike or a scenic drive, this region delivers epic views and a sense of true wilderness.
Hut-to-Hut Elopements: For a multi-day adventure, a hut-to-hut hiking elopement is a signature New Hampshire experience. Imagine waking up at the Lake of the Clouds Hut for a sunrise ceremony overlooking the Presidential Range. It’s a bucket-list trip and a wedding combined.
Accessible Views: If you prefer minimal hiking, locations like Cathedral Ledge in North Conway offer breathtaking views that are accessible by car. It's a fantastic spot for a sunset ceremony.
Waterfall Elopements: Crawford Notch State Park is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Many are a short hike from the road, and some lesser-known spots offer incredible privacy for your vows.
Lake Elopements in New Hampshire
The Lakes Region offers a different kind of beauty. Imagine waking up in a lakefront cabin, spending the day kayaking or boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, and exchanging vows as the sun sets over the water. The hikes are generally gentler, with rewarding views of the sparkling blue water below.
Coastal Elopements in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's 18-mile coastline is small but mighty. The rocky shores and sandy beaches create a dramatic backdrop for a wedding. Consider the vibrant town of Portsmouth for a blend of city energy and coastal charm. With its historic seaport, lighthouses, and amazing restaurants, it’s a perfect base for a coastal elopement getaway.
Eco-Friendly Elopement Tips for a Sustainable Celebration in New Hampshire
As we cherish these natural spaces, it’s important to protect them. Here are some tips for a more sustainable elopement:
Follow Leave No Trace Principles: Always stay on durable surfaces, pack out everything you bring in, and respect wildlife. This is especially crucial in fragile alpine zones.
Hire Local & Sustainable Vendors: Choose vendors who prioritize sustainability, from florists who use local, seasonal blooms to caterers who source organic ingredients.
Choose Eco-Conscious Attire: Consider renting your wedding attire, buying from a sustainable designer, or choosing a pre-owned outfit.
Minimize Your Footprint: Carpool with any guests, avoid single-use plastics, and choose a location that doesn't require extensive travel or setup.
How To Get To New Hampshire
Driving is the easiest way to explore the state. If you’re traveling from farther away, you have a few options.
By Plane: The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) is your best bet. It offers direct flights from major cities like Chicago, NYC, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. From there, you can rent a car.
From Boston: New Hampshire is the perfect elopement destination for Bostonians. The border is less than an hour away, and the heart of the White Mountains is just a three-hour drive.
From NYC: The drive from New York City is about five hours. Alternatively, you can take a quick 90-minute flight from Newark to Manchester.
When To Visit New Hampshire - The Best Season to Elope in NH
New Hampshire is a beautiful place to elope any time of year because there is something for everybody!
Winter Elopement in New Hampshire
A true wonderland for snow lovers. Imagine sleigh rides, snowshoeing to a frozen waterfall, or taking the Mount Washington SnowCoach up for a snowy ceremony.
Other Winter Elopement Activity Ideas:
Visiting the ice castles
Going skiing or snowboarding
Snowmobiling
Visiting breweries
Spring Elopement in New Hampshire
Known as "mud season," spring is a quieter time. While high-elevation trails are best avoided, the waterfalls are at their most powerful and the low-elevation forests are beautiful.
Spring Elopement Activity Ideas:
Hike around low elevation waterfalls and lakes
Visit Portsmouth
Go Wine Tasting
Spring Skiing (usually through the end of March/beginning of April)
Check out local museums
Go Mountain Biking
Summer Elopement in New Hampshire
Perfect for water lovers and hikers. The days are long and warm. To avoid crowds, consider a weekday elopement or a multi-day backpacking trip into the Pemigewasset Wilderness.
Summer Elopement Activity Ideas:
Hiking to your ceremony location and exchanging vows amidst epic scenery
Kayaking, Canoeing, or boating in the Lakes Region
Visit Farmers Markets or pick your own produce at a local farm
Go on a scenic lake cruise
See New Hampshire from above and go hang gliding, hot air ballooning, or enjoy a scenic helicopter tour
Fall Elopement in New Hampshire
This is arguably the most popular season. The fall foliage peaks in late September and early October, painting the mountains in stunning shades of red, orange, and gold.
Fall Elopement Activity Ideas:
Explore the woods
Visit up to 9 waterfalls in a day
Hike one of the 52 With A View summits
Ride the Conway Scenic Train
Go apple or pumpkin picking in your wedding attire
How Much Does a New Hampshire Elopement Cost in 2026?
When you choose to elope or have an intimate wedding in New Hampshire, I recommend that you determine your budget around the experiences you want to have. You have the freedom to have an untraditional wedding experience, which means you don't NEED to spend money on traditional items like big cakes or a boring venue that could really be located anywhere and you would have no idea.
By having an elopement wedding or an intimate wedding with just your closest friends or family, you will immediately notice that your money goes a lot further. You can spend more on having good food and a great experience, while still spending only half of what you might have on a one-day party with mediocre food. For my own elopement in 2019, we spent around $10,000 on an entire 2-week experience with our families. When making your budget, it's all about choosing what your priorities are.
The average cost of a wedding in New Hampshire is about $35,000- well below what it costs to get married in Boston or New York City. The average wedding cost in Boston is $45,000, about $10,000 more than the US average. But $45,000 is still half of what it costs to get married in Manhattan, a stunning $96,000.
2 Day Luxury New Hampshire Elopement Costs (Up To 7 Guests)
Luxury Accommodation (3 nights): $4,500
Photographer (2-Day Coverage): $9,500
Helicopter Tour: $1,200
Hair & Makeup: $850
Private Chef: $2,500
Florals: $1,200
Wedding Attire & Accessories: $7,000
Elopement Planner: $3,500
Legal Fees: $65
Total: $30,315
Moderate Budget New Hampshire Elopement Costs
Mid-Range Accommodation (3 nights): $1,200
Photographer (Full-Day Coverage): $7,000
Hair & Makeup: $600
Florals: $600
Wedding Attire & Accessories: $3,500
Romantic Dinner for Two: $300
Legal Fees: $65
Total: $13,265
Budget New Hampshire Elopement Costs *
*Your elopement can cost anything, it just depends what does and does not matter to you. Here is what a budget elopement might look like
Budget Accommodation (3 nights): $600
Photographer (Half-Day Coverage): $4,800
DIY Hair & Makeup: $50
DIY Florals: $100
Wedding Attire & Accessories: $1,000
Wedding Night Dinner: $150
Legal Fees: $65
Total: $6,765
What Can You Do During a Full Day Elopement in New Hampshire?
A full day elopement is where it's at! Doesn't a day full of fun sound like a great way to celebrate your wedding day?
While at first you might wonder what you could possibly do for an entire day when you elope and why you might want to hire a photographer for the entirety, remember that it is not an all day photoshoot. Let me say that again- your elopement is not an all day photoshoot.
Your full day elopement is choosing how you best want to spend your wedding day with your partner and celebrate your relationship. From the moment you open your eyes to when you close them at night, this was your wedding adventure and it deserves to be documented just as much as a traditional wedding day does.
New Hampshire Elopement Activity Ideas
View the presidential range by taking a helicopter tour
Spend the night at a mountain hut, exchanging vows at first light
Spend the day boating in the Lakes Region
Ski or Snowboard at one of the many resorts
Explore one of the 90 state parks in New Hampshire
Go on a brewery or wine tasting tour
Visit the museums in Portsmouth
Take a sunrise hot air balloon ride
Visit some mountain biking trails
Visit the ice castles in the winter
Go antiquing in one of the many small towns in New Hampshire
Explore 9 different waterfalls in a single day
Hike one of the 52 with a View mountains
Go on a picnic
Follow a winter hiking trail
Take the cog railway up to the top of Mount Washington
Go Hang Gliding
Kayak or Canoe one of the many rivers or lakes
Bike the coastline and get ice cream or have a picnic
Take a road trip down the Kancamagu Highway, stopping at multiple places with epic scenery
Spend part of your day getting pampered at a spa while staring at mountains
New Hampshire Elopement Packages
New Hampshire Elopement Photographer
Your New Hampshire elopement deserves a photographer who is more than just a person with a camera. You need an experienced adventure wedding photographer and a local expert—and that's me. As an award-winning photographer featured in multiple publications, I live and breathe these mountains. When I'm not photographing elopements, I'm out finding new, incredible locations.
I'm here to be your guide. I’ll help you plan the logistics, find the perfect spot, recommend trusted local vendors, and create a timeline that feels relaxed and authentic. On your wedding day, I'll be there to document every moment of your adventure.
My affordable elopement packages New Hampshire range from $4,800 to $9,500, with options from 5 hours to two full days of coverage. For multi-day hiking adventures, I offer custom packages.
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