Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married or Eloping in New Hampshire
Wondering if New Hampshire is the best state ever for getting married or eloping?
I might be biased as someone who calls Portsmouth, New Hampshire home and regularly photographs weddings and elements here… But. If you’re stoked on gorgeous mountains, beautiful, blue lakes, or insane fall leaves, having your wedding or elopement in “The Granite State” might be the move for you.
(I mean, just look at those photos!)
WE’RE SOLD. BE OUR PHOTOGRAPHER.
Still deciding whether to elope or have a small wedding? This post should help!
seriously though
If you’re thinking of getting married or eloping in New Hampshire, this page answers:
01. The Best Time of Year in New Hampshire for Getting Hitched
02. Best Places to Elope in New Hampshire: 5 Mountain Locations
03. Small Wedding Venues in the New Hampshire Mountains
04. Best Places to Elope in New Hampshire: 4 Beach Locations
05. Small Wedding Venues on New Hampshire’s Seacoast
06. NEw hampshire adventures
07. New hampshire wedding & elopement packages
08. Legal Stuff and Logistics
09. Wedding Vendors You Might Want to Book
10. Deciding Where to Stay After Your NH Elopement (or Wedding!)
11. Want some fun ideas for your New Hampshire wedding or elopement?
12. Meet Your new hampshire wedding & elopement photographer
Scroll through it all or tap above to skip wherever you’d like.
The Best Time of Year in New Hampshire for Getting Hitched
NH IN THE SPRING
NH IN THE Summer
Spring can be… a lil unpredictable. Sometimes it’s cloudless skies and sunny weather, and other times, it’s sleet, rain, and snow.
If you’re looking for a non-busy time of year or want to try and catch the wildflowers as they begin to bloom, late spring in New Hampshire is awesome. Just make sure to have a good-ass backup plan if you do choose this time of year.
Having your wedding or eloping in May, June, or July means fewer mosquitoes, but more tourists—and you run the risk of hella hot weather.
If you’re planning on hiking somewhere, I’d recommend skipping the summer season or planning on doing things extra early or late in the day so you have cooler weather and more privacy.
NH IN THE fall
NH IN THE winter
There’s no other way to say it: fall on the East Coast is epic and might just be the best time to get married or elope in New Hampshire.
If you’re deadset on tying the knot during September, October, and November in New Hampshire, prepare for cooler weather (which I love!) and think about having a weekday wedding or elopement to avoid the traffic and crowds.
I think winter weddings or elopements are hella underrated: they’re a wintery adventure, there aren’t a ton of people around, and the photos look incredible.
If you’re down for the cold of a New Hampshire winter, doing something fun in the snow, and bundling up (if you’re doing something outdoors), December, January, and February are the perfect months for you.
“Erica was our photographer for our elopement in the White Mountains and we couldn’t have been happier with the results.
She’s an excellent photographer and a wonderful person who made us feel so comfortable the whole time. She’s the perfect person for getting all those adventure shots!”
Gabrielle & [Partner’s Name]
Best Places to Elope in New Hampshire: 5 Mountain Locations
1) Mt. washington
3) cathedral ledge
4) Pinkham Notch state park
5) Mt. chocorua
2) Franconia Notch
An epic route for those in the mood to elope on the highest peak in the Northeast (or drive/take the train to the top). On a sunny day, you can see five states from this mountain (and all the way to freaking Canada!).
One of my personal favorite elopement locations in the White Mountains. You can hit the Artist’s Bluff, the Ridge trail, Echo Lake, and more, giving you a world of options in one place.
Only a short walk from the parking lot, this 700-foot cliff is perfect for a chill elopement if you want insane views without an insane hike.
Tucked away on the east side of the Whites, this state park has it all, scenic hikes, beautiful waterfalls, and big rocks (including Mt Washington!).
Known for its striking peak and postcard-worthy views, this place is a popular New Hampshire gem. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to find privacy for your elopement.
Small Wedding Venues in the New Hampshire Mountains
Sugar Hill, NH
Built in 1880, this restored historic hotel with a delicious restaurant and freaking beautiful mountain views is a lovely spot for small weddings or big elopements.
Tamworth, NH
This hella cool property tucked away in The White Mountains is on 26 acres, can fit up to 225 guests in their beautiful barn, and is near lots of outdoor activities, some of which are on the property itself!
Gorham, NH
If you want to celebrate and sleep at the base of Mt. Washington for your small wedding? It doesn’t get better than this hotel that fits up to 60 guests and backs to hiking trails.
Franconia, NH
Local legend claims this farm inspired Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken.” True or not, this cute venue has epic views, sleeps 16 guests, and is perfect for a summer-camp-vibe celebration.
Looking for more outdoor wedding venues in New Hampshire? Check this list out.
Best Places to Elope in New Hampshire: 4 Beach Locations
1) Rye harbor state park
3) Odiorne Point state park
4) Portsmouth, NH
2) Hampton Beach STate park
If you’re in the mood for a rocky coastline elopement, this New Hampshire state park is the perfect vibe.
Want to see what a Rye Harbor State Park elopement looks like? Sara and Matt’s no fuss and all vibes.
If you’re not digging the moody coastline vibe and want a beach with white sand and beautiful views of the Atlantic, this park might be your perfect elopement location.
With lovely walking trails that lead right up to the water, the fee you’ll pay for entry is totally worth the view for a classy yet low-key elopement.
Odiorne Point State Park
This coastal gem just so happens to be my home base in New Hampshire! And it is delightful for incredibly casual coastal elopements and drinking craft beers downtown after.
Portsmouth was the perfect place for JB and Lindsey’s lowkey, fall elopement.
Small Wedding Venues on New Hampshire’s Seacoast
Rye, NH
If you’re going for a wedding with over 50 guests, you might love this seaside gem that’s close to Portsmouth, and offers a sailcloth tent and awesome ocean views.
North Hampton, NH
A botanical garden overflowing with thousands of roses and can fit up to 50 guests.
(Maybe do your ceremony here and then pop over for dinner at the Carriage House?)
Rye, NH
With an oceanfront view and evening use of their museum and aquarium, this coastal wedding venue is lovely for those wanting a non-traditional wedding location.
The thompson inn
Durham, NH
Surrounded by trees and overlooking the Lamprey River, this inn offers farm-to-table food and thoughtfully crafted wedding packages for up to 152 guests.
Looking for more outdoor wedding venues in New Hampshire? Check this list out.
And if you’re jazzed up about a wedding morning spent exploring waterfalls or having your elopement lakeside, New Hampshire is perfect for that, too.
While this spot is back in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, it’s one of the best state parks for hiking, splashing in swimming holes, chasing waterfalls, and having one hell of an elopement.
Not only is this the largest lake in New Hampshire, but it’s freaking gorgeous, too. It’s 72 miles long, surrounded by awesome hikes, tucked-away beaches, and delicious lil restaurants, making it a lovely spot for a lake elopement.
At 160 feet, this beautiful waterfall is supposedly New Hampshire’s tallest. Right off of Route 302, it’s easy to access with a 1.5-mile hike which is totally worth it for the stunning view. Could be an extra awesome elopement idea for the winter?
“Erica is a talent and a treasure. She took the reins in finding the best spots, is a joy to be around, and made us feel special, important, and understood.”
“Her talent behind the lens is unmatched, and her ability to make you feel comfortable is remarkable.”
Stoked on getting married or eloping in New Hampshire?
If you two are a hella cool couple looking for a photographer who will support you every step of the way (and deliver a bomb gallery to look back on it all), I’d be super down.
My NH Small Wedding Packages Include:
+ Up to 100 guests
+ A minimum of 8 hours of coverage
+ An online gallery & printing rights
+ Check-in calls
+ A wedding planning guide
+ Vendor recs & timeline support
+ 48 or 72-hour sneak peeks
+ 3-15 Polaroids
+ Travel costs included
Small wedding photography packages for NH begin at $5,400
SEE WEDDING DETAILS
MY NH Elopement Packages Include:
+ Up to 20 guests
+ A minimum of 6 hours of coverage
+ An online gallery & printing rights
+ Multiple check-in calls
+ An elopement planning guide
+ Vendor recs & timeline support
+ 48 or 72-hour sneak peeks
+ 3-15 Polaroids
+ Travel costs included
Elopement photography packages for NH begin at $5,400
SEE elopement DETAILS
And if you want to elope in New Hampshire and have a wedding celebration with your crew, my 2-day photography package is just the thing you’re looking for.
Eloping and Getting Married in New Hampshire: Legal Stuff and Logistics
How to Get Your NH Marriage License
Legally eloping or getting married in New Hampshire is actually pretty dang easy and only requires a marriage license (and an officiant at your ceremony, but more on that in a sec).
To get your marriage license in New Hampshire, you can head to any Town Clerk Monday through Friday. (And yes, it has to be done in person for out-of-state couples too! But the process is fast, so just go the weekday before your elopement or wedding ceremony.)
Pop into the NH Town Clerk together and bring/know the following for both of you:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- State of birth
- A legal document that proves the above (AKA a passport, driver’s license, or non-driver’s ID)
- Your Social Security numbers (if needed)
-Your current address
- Race
- Ancestry
- Years of education
- Record of the date last marriage ended (if needed
- Father and mother’s full names and states of birth
- $50 (by cash or card) for the marriage license fee
P.S. Always double-check this website to make sure nothing’s changed!
Finding a Marriage Officiant
Anyone who is ordained can act as an officiant at your wedding or your elopement in New Hampshire. And getting ordained (AKA getting your marriage officiant certification) is super easy. Apply here.
If you’re looking for a pro to marry you, you can hire an officiant (I have some recs!). Or if you’re working with an ordained photographer like me, I can act as “officiant” and legally marry you two. (Basically, I make sure the paperwork is filled out and signed correctly.)
- NH officiant (look at the section above!)
- NH florist
- NH hair and makeup person (if you want, you can totally do your own, I did!)A photographer (heyyy, me.)
- Band/DJ
- Private chef/restaurant that caters
- Rentals (tables, chairs, silverware, etc.)
Wedding Vendors You Might Want to Book
What to Know about Wedding and Elopement Dresses and Fits
(One little tip, if you’re both planning on wearing white, try for the same tone of white, it looks more cohesive in photos!)
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING YOUR DRESS OR SKIRT
- Go for whatever color you want
- If you’re doing an outdoor elopement, consider how the breeze will flow through your dress
- For longer hiking elopements, avoid heavy dress materials like corsets, tulle, puffy skirts, etc. (they’re challenging to pack in a backpack!)
- Make sure you can move in it freely so you can jump, dance, skip, and swish as you please
PLACES TO BUY WEDDING DRESSES AND SKIRTS:
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PICKING YOUR SUIT OR TUX:
- Your top doesn’t have to match your bottom, and mixing and matching colors can be a fun way to spice up your attire
- Ditch the black (if you want) and go for fun patterns or cool materials (hell yes to leather jackets or shirts with dogs on them)
- Add more personality with unique accessories like vests, bolo ties, scarves, belts, pocket watches, and more!
- Consider layering options for temp changes (vests, jackets, etc.)
PLACES TO BUY WEDDING DRESSES AND SKIRTS:
- Asos
- Athletic Suits (State & Liberty)
- The Black Tux
- Madewell
- Wild Fang
Deciding Where to Stay After Your NH Elopement (or Wedding!)
When it comes to your wedding or elopement, where you stay is such an important part of your wedding experience (it’s the place you’ll wake up together on your wedding day and where you’ll return to after getting married!). Think outside the box (oceanside villas, treehouses, yurts) and go for whatever fits your vibe.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING YOUR NH LODGING:
- Are you using it as a getting-ready space? If so, are there good windows? Does the decor match your vibe?
- How close is it to the activities you want to do and to your ceremony spot?
- Do you want privacy or would you prefer a place that includes food and activities nearby (like a B&B or hotel)?
- Do you want guests to be able to stay nearby?
- Are you bringing pets?
There are so many amazing places to stay in New Hampshire (I always send my elopement couples a bunch of options), so thinking through what you actually need the space for will help narrow it down.
My Couple’s Favorite Hotels in Portsmouth, NH
Awesome Airbnbs in Portsmouth, NH
- Spacious Home (8 guests)
- Downtown House (10 guests)
- Surfside Sanctuary (8 guests)
- Waterfront Stay (4 guests)
- Waterfront Modern Cottage (4 guests)
Want some fun ideas for your New Hampshire wedding or elopement?
AN INTIMATE WEDDING IN RYE, NH
Coastal and cozy, Molly and Devin had a no-fuss day, walking along the rocky coastline and ending it with a lovely dinner at The Carriage House.
A WEDDING AND AN ELOPEMENT IN NH
Isa and Josh wanted time alone and with their crew, so we spent a “just-us” morning at Cathedral Ledge and did a lil reception with their friends and family at Echo Lake in the afternoon.
A WINTER ELOPEMENT AT MOUNT WILLARD, NH
Julie and Pete braved the cold to hike the White Mountains and say their vows all bundled up. (And it was awesome).
Check out a few cool things my NH photography couples have done.
I’m Erica, by the way—a New Hampshire elopement and wedding photographer
I probably should have introduced myself wayyyyy earlier, but I was too pumped about sharing all these New Hampshire wedding and elopement tips. (Sorry.)
I’m the kind of person who cares a lot about the people in my life (clients included). The type of wedding and elopement photographer who helps create the feel-good moments and captures the candid. And the kind of vibe picker-upper who knows what to say, when to step in, and the best dad joke to crack to keep you two having a good time always.
Sound like your vibe?
