Sometimes life shakes up that proverbial snow globe without your permission. For Tara & Andrew that came in the form of COVID-19 forcing them to postpone their full wedding from 2020 to 2021.  When the initial talks of postponing first started, there was the obvious disappointment in needing to wait a whole year for the celebration.  Then the excitement got a whole new kickstart, why wait until 2021 to say ‘I DO?’   Tara had always daydreamed about having a mountain top elopement, and this was the excuse needed to turn it into reality.

The day started with a 6:30am meet in the trail head parking area for Zealand Pond trail. Splitting into 3 smaller groups to avoid any crowding on the trail, Tara, Andrew and guests headed into the woods. A few hours later we arrived at the cliff overlook, and had it all to ourselves.  Having handy guests is key, and a ‘changing area’ a.k.a. strategically hung tarp was set up for the wardrobe change.  Summer mornings and afternoons are a dice roll in the White Mountains. You can hike for hours only to be met with thick haze and or clouds interrupting your views. This was definitely not the case for Tara and Andrew! With one of the best views in the Whites as the backdrop for their ceremony, they exchanged heartfelt vows and stomped on the ceremonial glass to seal the celebration. Champagne, sandwiches and smiles filled the lookout with an energy that instantly put smiles on the faces of other hikers that came through.

Because she is a badass, Tara hiked the majority of the way down in her dress, bouquet in hand.  To the shock and excitement of all the hikers heading up as we headed down, there was copious amounts of congratulations and smiles guiding us back to the parking lot.

A BBQ with corn on the cob, heart shaped burgers and coolers full of cold beers rounded off the dream elopement day.

All of the uncertainty that this global pandemic has caused in planning weddings, the one thing that stays true to course is the love that brings you and your loved ones together.  Large weddings are amazing, but intimate celebrations can be just as memorable.   Congratulations Tara & Andrew!!!

Want a Guide to Eloping in the White Mountains?

How to Elope in the White Mountains: A Complete Guide

Are you considering eloping in the stunning White Mountains and wondering where to start? Look no further, as we have got you covered! In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know to have your perfect elopement day in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Why the White Mountains?

The White Mountains are a magical place to elope with their stunning mountain ranges, rivers, waterfalls, ponds, lakes, fields, and more. It’s an ideal location to have a wide variety of sceneries on your elopement day and make it an adventure. The beauty of the White Mountains is not just limited to one season, as it offers captivating experiences throughout the year. You can incorporate many fun activities to make your elopement day even more special.

Elopements are for Everyone

Elopements offer a unique way of celebrating love without worrying about the traditional rules and formalities. You can hike to a secluded Mountain View or opt for a ceremony in the woods followed by a dinner with your closest family and friends. The best part about eloping is that you can be as creative as you want to be and make it your picture-perfect day.

Where to Start

If you are wondering how to start planning your elopement in the White Mountains, here is a quick guide to help you get started:

Daydream Up Your Day: Imagine your ideal perfect date and note down your ten favorite things. You can combine them into one amazing day to make your dream elopement come true.

Find Your Vendors: Look for a White Mountain elopement photographer to help you throughout the entire planning process, including location scouting, finding vendors, timeline planning, and providing endless guides. Take your time finding the right vendors as you will be spending your entire day with them, and the connection between you all is very important.

Find Accommodation: Whether you want a romantic accommodation for just the two of you or something for a small dinner party, it’s always better to book sooner rather than later to have the best options.

Get Permits: In most cases, it’s easy to get married in the White Mountains, and there are only a few instances where you may need a permit. Hire a local photographer who knows the area to help you understand whether you need a permit or not. Keep in mind that state parks and other private town locations may require permits.

Gather All the Details: With elopements, you can have it as extravagant or simple as you want. Some things to consider include the ceremony setup, vow books, attire, decor, and dinner setup.

Make it Legal

The most important step in planning your elopement is making sure that you can legally get married. In the state of New Hampshire, it’s straightforward to elope and get officially married. You only need a marriage license and have your ceremony performed by an approved officiant.

Here is how to get a marriage license in New Hampshire:

To obtain a marriage license, go to any town’s Town Clerk in New Hampshire, regardless of whether you are a resident or not. It doesn’t take long to get a license, and you can go the day before if you are out of state.

Bring the following documents with you:

• A document that proves your name, age, and DOB, such as a driver’s license, non-drivers ID, or passport
• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• State of Birth
• Current address
• Social Security Number, if applicable
• Race
• Ancestry
• Years of Education
• Certified record of date last marriage ended, if applicable
• Fathers full name and state of birth
• Mothers full maiden name and state

Do You Need an Officiant for Your Elopement? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you’re planning to elope, there’s a good chance you’re wondering who can officiate your wedding. The answer can vary depending on where you’re getting married, but it’s important to understand the rules and requirements to ensure your elopement is legal and official. In this article, we’ll take a look at who can officiate your wedding in New Hampshire, and we’ll also share some ideas for planning your dream elopement in the White Mountains.

Who Can Officiate Your Elopement in New Hampshire?

If you’re planning to elope in New Hampshire, there are a few options for who can officiate your wedding ceremony. If the person you want to marry you is a resident of New Hampshire, they can be a Justice of the Peace who is commissioned in the state, or any minister of the gospel in New Hampshire who has been ordained, resides in New Hampshire, and is in regular standing with the clergy.

If you want a friend to marry you, they can also become ordained by the state of New Hampshire and apply for a license online with the Secretary of State. Alternatively, if the person you want to marry you is not a resident of New Hampshire, they can be any minister who resides outside of New Hampshire but has a pastoral charge wholly or partly in New Hampshire, if the marriage is performed within their parish. Or, any member of the clergy who is not ordained but is engaged in the services of the religious body to which they belong and resides in New Hampshire can be licensed by the Secretary of State.

If you’re looking for an officiant who also shares your passion for the outdoors, hiring an experienced officiant who loves the outdoors can really tie everything together. And, if you’re eloping in the White Mountains, you’ll want someone who knows the area well and can help guide you through the process.

Planning Your Dream Elopement in the White Mountains

Once you’ve sorted out who will officiate your wedding, it’s time to start planning your elopement! The great thing about eloping is that you can truly make it your own, with no rules or traditions to follow except for those that matter to you.

If you’re into hiking and the outdoors, consider taking a sunrise hike before putting on your attire and having a stunning first look as the sun comes up. Then, meet up with your family and friends for an epic brunch, or plan an all-day adventure for just the two of you, followed by a cozy Airbnb and champagne celebration.

Or, if you have a special family cabin or location that’s meaningful to you, consider eloping there for a truly personal and intimate experience. The White Mountains offer some of the most stunning views and trails, ranging from easy and accessible to multi-day hiking options, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

The most important thing is to create an experience that truly reflects you as a couple, and to have a day that is filled with love, joy, and adventure. And if you need help planning your dream elopement in the White Mountains, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced elopement photographer and officiant who can guide you through the process and help make your vision a reality.

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Andy Madea Photography