Best Places to Elope on the East Coast
Top East Coast Elopement Locations
SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond
If you're looking for an intimate elopement setting with plenty of charm, the east coast is a great place to consider. From rocky coastline and lush forests to charming small towns and bustling city streets, there are plenty of amazing places to elope on the east coast. In this comprehensive guide, we'll introduce you to some of our favorite spots, from well-known destinations to hidden gems off the beaten path. So if you're ready to say "I do" without all the fuss, read on for inspiration!
Eloping is a popular option for couples who want to avoid the stress and expense of a traditional wedding. More and more couples are eloping these days, and there are plenty of reasons why.
For one, eloping can be a lot cheaper than hosting a big wedding, and people tend to spend money on the things they truly care about, like having a great experience. Some couples choose to hike to their elopement spot, take a plane or helicopter ride, jump into a hot air balloon or kayak to their elopement destination.
And since it's usually just the two of you, you can elope pretty much anywhere you want-including some of the most beautiful places on the east coast.
Whether you're looking for a dramatic setting like Niagara Falls or something more low-key like a quaint bed and breakfast in Vermont, there are plenty of great places to elope on the east coast. In this guide, we'll share some of our favorites so you can start planning your dream elopement.
Best East Coast Regions to Elope
New England
Hands down my favorite region on the east coast for elopements is New England. I may be biased because this is where I spend most of my time photographing, and it’s where I live, but this area truly does have it all. From stunning beaches to endless mountain views, this area is known for outdoor recreation and all the views that come with it.
Vermont
Vermont is another great option for couples who want to elope in New England. This state is known for its beautiful fall foliage, so eloping here in the autumn would be especially stunning. Vermont has plenty of charm to offer eloping couples.
Maine
Maine is a popular destination for elopements because of its stunning natural scenery. From the rocky coastline to the towering mountains, there are plenty of beautiful places to elope in this state. Acadia National Park is a favorite of many couples. And with small towns like Kennebunkport and Portland, you'll have no shortage of charming places to stay during your elopement.
New Hampshire
-The White Mountains: The White Mountains are a great option for couples who want to elope in New England. With plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, this region is perfect for outdoorsy couples. And with its scenic views and quaint towns, the White Mountains offer everything you need for a romantic elopement.
-Lake Winnipesaukee: If you're looking for a lakeside elopement, Lake Winnipesaukee is a great option. This large lake in New Hampshire's Lakes Region is surrounded by mountains, so you'll have plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy during your elopement.
Rhode Island
-Newport: Newport is a popular elopement destination because of its scenic coastline and charming seaside towns. If you're looking for a romantic spot to elope, Newport would be a great choice.
-Block Island: Block Island is another great option for couples who want to elope by the sea. This small island off the coast of Rhode Island is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views.
-Narragansett: Narragansett is a great choice for couples who want to elope by the sea. With its beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns, Narragansett has everything you need for a romantic elopement.
Massachusetts
If you're looking for a scenic spot in New England, the Berkshires are a great option. With picturesque mountain views and plenty of charming towns to explore, this region has everything you need for a romantic elopement. Massachusetts's eastern coast is also home to Cape Cod and several gorgeous and scenic islands off the coast.
Here are some helpful links to the Best Places to Elope in New England:
Top Elopement Locations in Each Season
Best Places to Elope in Rhode Island
Top Elopement Locations in Massachusetts
Best Elopement Spots in Upstate New York
Best Spots to Elope in Vermont
Best Elopement Locations in New Hampshire
Top Elopement Locations in Connecticut
The Mid-Atlantic
Upstate NY
-The Finger Lakes: The Finger Lakes are a great option for couples who want to elope in New York. With its stunning scenery and plentiful outdoor activities, this region is perfect for nature-loving couples.
-The Catskills: The Catskills are another great option for eloping in Upstate New York. With its picturesque mountains and charming small towns, the Catskills have everything you need for a romantic elopement.
-The Adirondacks: The Adirondacks are a great choice for couples who want to elope in Upstate New York. With its stunning scenery and plentiful outdoor activities, this region is perfect for nature-loving couples.
-Niagara Falls, New York: Niagara Falls is one of the most popular spots for elopements on the east coast. With its dramatic setting and easy accessibility from both Canada and the United States, it's no wonder so many couples choose to elope here. If you're looking for a truly memorable elopement experience, Niagara Falls is definitely worth considering.
Pennsylvania
-Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia is another great option for couples eloping in the Mid-Atlantic region. This city has a lot to offer, from its rich history to its vibrant food scene. And with plenty of hotels and other amenities, it's easy to find everything you need for a stress-free elopement in Philadelphia.
-The Poconos: The Poconos are a great option for couples who want to elope in Pennsylvania. With its scenic views and ample outdoor activities, this region is perfect for nature-loving couples.
The South
-Asheville, North Carolina: Asheville is a great choice for couples eloping in the south. With its stunning mountain views and charming downtown area, it's no wonder this city is so popular with elopers. And with plenty of hotels and other amenities, it's easy to find everything you need for your elopement here.
-Savannah, Georgia: If you're looking for a truly romantic spot to elope, consider Savannah. This city is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic parks, making it the perfect backdrop for your elopement photos. Plus, with its convenient location on the east coast, Savannah is an easy place to elope if you're short on time.
-Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston is another great option for couples eloping in the south. With its cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture, this city is oozing with southern charm. And with plenty of hotels and other amenities, it's easy to find everything you need for your elopement here.
Common Questions About Eloping
Now that we’ve told you our favorite place to elope, let's answer some common questions about eloping.
What is eloping?
Eloping simply means getting married without all the fuss of a traditional wedding. This can mean anything from eloping to City Hall to eloping at a beautiful location with just a few close family and friends present. The important thing is that you're focused on each other, not on putting on a big show for everyone else.
Why elope?
There are plenty of reasons why couples choose to elope. For some, it's a way to save money and avoid the stress of planning a big wedding. Others want to keep things simple and intimate, or they might elope to a destination that's meaningful to them. Whatever your reasons, eloping can be a great way to focus on what's truly important-each other.
Benefits of Choosing to Elope
As we mentioned, one of the big benefits of eloping is that it can save you a lot of money. Traditional weddings can cost tens of thousands of dollars, but eloping can be done for a fraction of that. And since you're not spending money on things like catering, and a reception hall, you can elope to a more luxurious location, an incredible photographer who will document the day like it deserves, or put that money towards your honeymoon instead.
Eloping is also much more convenient than planning a traditional wedding. There's no need to worry about coordinating all the details with a ton of vendors and guests. It doesn't have to be just the two of you! A lot of people choose to have immediate family or a few friends joy in on the fun.
If it is just the two of you, you can elope on pretty much any date and time that works for you-no need to wait for everyone else to be available.
Finally, eloping gives you the freedom to personalize your wedding exactly how you want. Whether you want to get married in your backyard or elope to a far-flung destination, the sky's the limit when you're eloping. You can even write your own vows, choose your own music, and wear whatever you want-it's all up to you!
So now that we've answered some of the most common questions about eloping, let's take a look at some of our favorite places to elope on the east coast.
Things to Keep in Mind When Planning Your Elopement
If you're thinking about eloping, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Eloping is all about choosing a location that's meaningful to you and your partner. So when you're choosing a place to elope, think about what's important to you and your partner and pick a location accordingly.
As for planning the ceremony itself, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, if you want to elope on the spur of the moment, make sure you have all the necessary documents (e.g. marriage license) with you. Second, if you want to plan something more elaborate, give yourself plenty of time to do so. And finally, don't forget to elope in a place that's special to you and your partner - or a place you’ve always wanted to see together so you can create new memories there.
By following these tips, you can be sure that eloping will be a wonderful and stress-free experience for you and your partner. So go out there and find the perfect spot to elope - it'll be worth it, we promise!
Happy eloping!
Still not sure where to elope? Check out our list of the best places to elope in New England.