Table of Contents:

• Why Elope in Vermont?
• 12 Most Beautiful Vermont Elopement Locations
• When is the Best Time to Elope in Vermont?
• How to Get Legally Married in Vermont
• Vermont Elopement Packages & Pricing

Tell me something: when you picture your dream Vermont elopement, what does it look like? 

Is it the two of you getting married at the top of a mountain, with breathtaking views all around you? Is it you and your closest loved ones gathered around a warm campfire, roasting marshmallows as you celebrate under the starlight? Maybe it’s you and your fur babies jumping in a lake at sunset, surrounded by a sky lit up with vibrant colors as you embrace the sense of adventure the wilderness brings.

No matter the vision you hold for your special day, there’s no better place to bring it to life than Vermont. With its wildly beautiful landscapes, dense forests, rolling hills, and endless opportunities to explore, it’s the perfect place for you to take this huge next step in your journey together amidst the magic of the outdoors! Lucky for you, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite Vermont elopement locations as a local Vermont elopement photographer to make this thing a whole lot easier on ya.

Plus, I’ve made sure to include my most essential tips about what time of year you should elope in Vermont, how to get the legal shiz outta the way, and fun ways to make the most of your time here! 

Why Elope in Vermont?

I meannnn. . . the photos throughout this blog should say enough 😉 Sure, I may be totally and completely biased because I live here, but I have to be honest: Vermont is one of THE best places to elope in the country for couples who love being outdoors. 

Because when I tell you that Vermont has it all, I truly mean we have it alllll—rugged mountain terrain, gorgeous alpine lakes, historic mountain villages, and pretty much every outdoor activity you can think of, including hiking, biking, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. But if you’re not the type who likes to hike 5 miles up a mountain just for fun, don’t worry! There are plenty of ways you can enjoy the scenery without all the effort.

Maybe you’re less into outdoor rec and would rather spend your time embracing that classic New England charm we all know and adore, or want to experience the amazing arts & culture scene we’ve got going on: you can fill your itinerary with meals at farm-to-table restaurants, visit an outdoor sculpture park, rock out at an open-air concert on a waterfront, or meander through a cozy mountain village. Or all of the above!

One thing I really love about living in Vermont is the emphasis we place on intentional, seasonal living. You won’t find a super fast-paced lifestyle here; we focus way more on slowing things down, embracing the seasons and cycles that Mother Nature takes us through, and pouring our energy into what we care about most. Many Vermont natives are super passionate about sustainability and agriculture, which is no shock at all when you see all the awe-inspiring landscapes that we get to enjoy—and want to protect & preserve.

P.S. Here are a few random facts about Vermont that might make you want to elope here:

• Ben & Jerry’s started here in Vermont, and there’s a factory you can tour in Waterbury!
• We have over 100 19th-century covered bridges that make for the CUTEST elopement portraits
• We have 55 different state parks that you can explore (many of which are amazing for elopements!) 
• We’re the largest producer of maple syrup in the U.S., so if you’re looking for yummy gifts to bring back home to loved ones. . . you’re set

12 Most Beautiful Vermont Elopement Locations

Now that I’ve totally convinced you to elope in Vermont with my discussion of syrup and ice cream, how about we dive into where to elope in Vermont? Because trust me: there are so many stunning places that you won’t even know where to start if you go at it on your own.

This list includes quite a variety of places, from rustic inns to lavish mountain resorts, and from easily-accessible viewpoints to longer mountain hikes. There is absolutely no “right” or “wrong” way to go here, so just think about what kind of vibe you’re going for + how you want to experience your special day. 

P.S. Many of these are lodges, inns, and resorts that also double as the perfect place to stay during your Vermont elopement!

1. North Hero House | North Hero, VT

I don’t know if you’ll even need to read the rest of this list, because we’re starting off so strong with this one! The North Hero House is this super charming inn that I absolutely adore, and that truly encapsulates everything I love so much about Vermont: the slow-paced lifestyle, warm hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and rustic comfort that makes you feel like you’re in your very own home. Overlooking Lake Champlain, the North Hero House offers a seriously prime waterfront location with not only a variety of modern rooms and suites, but also a full restaurant, outdoor patio, bar, AND a spa! Who could say no to a little R&R after tying the knot? Plus, the North Hero House has a totally gorgeous event barn filled with natural light, floor-to-ceiling windows, and lush green views—perfect for an intimate elopement gathering.

2. Shelburne Farms | Shelburne, VT

Who doesn’t love a good 19th-century country estate with farm-to-table dining, vibrant flower gardens, historic landscapes, and extra cozy accommodations? I hope you do. . . because that’s only a fraction of what Shelburne Farms has to offer for eloping couples. This dreamy lakeside farm is one of my favorites in the area, because it truly has such a variety of activities and experiences you can choose from when you’re building your elopement itinerary. Want to watch the process of cheesemaking? Dine at the on-site restaurant? Head out on a kayak or canoe? Go for a swim in the lake? Be my guest—or rather, the guest of the cottages here at Shelburne Farms 😉

Oh, and did I mention the farm has over 10 miles of walking trails, both along the water and through the forest? Relax by the lake with your loved ones with a good book in hand? Stroll through the lavish flower garden that overlooks Lake Champlain? All of that and more can be incorporated into your elopement to make it super memorable, and to turn it from a single-day event to a full weekend of festivities that you’ll never forget.

3. Sterling Ridge Resort | Jeffersonville, VT

It’s giving camping with your BFF’s on a warm summer day in the mountains. . . and honestly, what more could you ask for out of your Vermont elopement? If you’re looking for a place to elope with that laid-back, log-cabin-in-the-woods type of vibe (but make it a lil’ elevated), then look no further: you’ve found it! Sterling Ridge Resort is set on over 300 acres of absolutely phenomenal alpine landscapes in the Green Mountains, with multiple on-site walking trails, a tranquil little pond, and the coziest of log cabins. I absolutely love Sterling Ridge for intimate elopements with that relaxed, summer camp vibe, because it’s just as abundant in activities & adventures as it is in beauty: it’s easy to head out on a hike, bike ride, fishing trip, skiing adventure, or wine tasting in the area, so you’ll never run out of memorable ways to spend your time.

4. Stowe Pinnacle | Stowe, VT

If you’re thinking Ali, these lodges and inns and farms are beautiful and all, but we’d really rather escape out into the remote mountain wilderness!—then your wish has been granted. Stowe Pinnacle is a 3.2 mile trail with insane views of the Green Mountains, especially in the fall when the foliage turns all shades of red, orange, and yellow. It’s a steep one for sure, with just over 1,500 feet of elevation gain, but it’s only 1.6 miles each way so it’s definitely doable if you’re up for the challenge!

5. Smugglers’ Notch State Park | Stowe, VT

Smugglers’ Notch is the place to be if you’re looking for scenic trails, towering cliffs, picturesque picnic spots, and campsites galore. The scenic highway is absolutely gorgeous if you want to stick to sightseeing via the comfortable seat of your car—or you can check out one of the many hiking, biking, ice climbing, even cave exploring routes in the park for a little more of an adventure. This is a great place to elope if you have any kiddos coming along, with multiple family-friendly areas and hands-on activities to help your littles learn about the history of the park! 

Pro Tip: Moss Glen Falls is one of the most popular hikes in Smugglers’ Notch, just a short drive from the historic village of Stowe. It’s an easy hike and only takes about 20 minutes to get to the falls and back, or you can venture further along the trail for the full 4.2 mile hike.

6. Bliss Ridge Farm | Moretown, VT

Boasting some of the prettiest scenery in the area, Bliss Ridge Farm is undoubtedly a magical place to elope in Vermont—you’ve got panoramic views of the entire Mad River Valley, including Lincoln Peak, Camel’s Hump, Mount Mansfield, and Hunger Mountain. Talk about views for days from this 88-acre farm. Whether you want to elope in private and experience the farm by yourselves, or you’re dying to invite a couple of your closest loved ones, the carefully-manicured grounds of Bliss Ridge are just waitingggg for you to arrive. You can even stay in one of the two luxury treehouses that are literally built within the living trees on the property!

Want to see what your special day could look like at this beautiful farm? Check out this Colorful Bliss Ridge Farm Wedding for a little inspiration to save to your Pinterest board.

7. Jay Peak | Jay, VT

Next, I present to you an absolute dream of a venue for small and intimate Vermont elopements in the mountains: Jay Peak Resort. If you love winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or even just admiring the beauty of an alpine winter wonderland, you are going to fall in love with Jay Peak—home to the most snow in eastern North America! With more than 80 trails and slopes, this is the most epic place to have a winter elopement. . . really, an elopement at any time of year if you adore being in the middle of the mountains. The beauty of this backcountry wilderness is truly unmatched; my personal dream would be to have a sunrise vow exchange, followed by a day of exploring and a romantic evening in a cozy mountain condo. You in? 

Shirly and Ryan eloped at Jay Peak and it was the most magical fall day ever. See their elegant mountain celebration here!

8. Von Trapp Family Lodge | Stowe, VT

Austrian-inspired lodging in one of the most picturesque areas of Vermont, owned by members of the world-famous Von Trapp Family? Say less. . . let’s go get you married there ASAP. 

The von Trapp Family Lodge is a one-of-a-kind mountain lodge in Stowe, offering both American and European-inspired accommodations, tons of amazing activities to make your experience unforgettable, and a spectacular ceremony spot with unreal views of the New England Village. You could easily spend your days solely exploring the lodge, or you could tie the knot nearby and come back to the resort to enjoy their huge array of available activities: yoga classes, cross-country skiing, indoor rock climbing, hiking, even sleigh rides in the winter. I’d definitely recommend spending as MUCH time here as you can, even if your elopement technically only takes up one day!

9. The Lodge at Spruce Peak | Stowe, VT

Isn’t it wild how many STUNNING mountain resorts we have here in this part of Vermont? I’m telling you, there could not be a better place for an epic outdoor elopement—whether you want to trek up a mountain or keep things more low-key! 

The Lodge at Spruce Peak is yet another gorgeous four-season mountain resort in Stowe, featuring drool-worthy views of Spruce Peak itself as well as multiple spots to have a totally magical ceremony. Maybe you want to exchange your vows on a private terrace with insane views of Mount Mansfield, or maybe you want to say “I do” inside of the cozy cottage with a few friends & family members. Along with the gorgeous ceremony locations, there is SO much to do at and around the lodge throughout all four seasons, so you’ll have no shortage of memorable ways to fill your time.

10. Elmore State Park | Elmore, VT

Another state park coming at ya for those of you who would rather camp in the woods than stay at a lavish ski resort! Elmore State Park is home to, well, Elmore Mountain, as well as the beautiful Lake Elmore, Douthat Lake, and plenty of popular hiking trails. This 700-acre area of north-central Vermont is seriously beautiful at any time of year, but I’d recommend opting for an elopement in the warmer months so you can really take advantage of the scenery and camping opportunities. Just imagine spending your days out on the water in a kayak, cozying up in a tent (or one of the cabins available for rent), hiking through the forested trails and relaxing on the waterfront—sounds like the dream to me.

11. Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge | Swanton, VT

Set on the eastern shores of Lake Champlain, the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is home to nearly 7,000 acres of wetland habitats filled with birds, ducks, and plenty of other wildlife. Oh, and beautiful views + multiple trails, making it perfect for couples who are craving a peaceful, private, and quiet elopement. Connecting with nature is easy here, as you’re surrounded by nothing but natural beauty and the animals who inhabit these landscapes—which are especially breathtaking in the fall. If you really want to experience the tranquil atmosphere of this refuge as much as you possibly can, you’ll definitely want to spend some time exploring the Black Creek and Maquam Creek nature trails.

12. Mountain Top Resort | Chittenden, VT

It would only be appropriate to end this list with one final mountain resort—except this time, it’s a little further south than Stowe, in Central Vermont! The name says it all: Mountain Top Resort is literally set on a private mountaintop in Chittenden, encompassing over 700 incredible acres of land and offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains. It’s a total dream come true for couples envisioning a destination elopement, with a super secluded, luxurious vibe. . . think rustic log cabins in the mountains, except make them a bit more elevated. With various ceremony sites to choose from (all of which include spectacular views) as well as an on-site spa, salon, tavern, and endless local attractions + activities to choose from, you can truly curate a one-of-a-kind elopement experience that you’ll NEVER forget.

When is the Best Time to Elope in Vermont?

It’s always difficult to answer this question when couples ask, simply because Vermont is honestly beautiful through all four seasons, and every season brings its own kind of magic. You probably won’t be shocked to hear that fall is one of the best times to elope in Vermont, thanks to our incredibly gorgeous fall foliage that spreads across the mountains. If you’re eloping in the mountains and want the best fall colors possible, I’d recommend eloping in the first week or two of October! The way that the reds, oranges, and yellows paint the mountains in deep, rich hues is magical to see in real life.

The only downside to eloping in the fall is that everybody wants to experience the gorgeous colors—so you’re more likely to experience the landscapes with crowds, and pay a higher cost for accommodations, travel, excursions, etc. Winter can be just as busy, since our mountains are also top-tier for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding; so just be prepared for a little less privacy if you want to elope amidst the magical winter wonderland!

Summer elopements in Vermont are ideal for couples who love warm temperatures, clear skies, and long days to spend exploring. With more hours of daylight and the lowest chance of rain out of the whole year, the early summer months are a great time to hike, bike, and be outside, as well as enjoy fresh, ripe seasonal produce from one of the many farms around the state.

If you’d rather save a little money on your elopement and avoid peak tourist season, early spring can be a lovely time to elope in Vermont. The lush landscapes begin to come back to life, flowers start to bloom, color comes back to the trees after the winter months. . . you get that sort of fresh, renewed energy that makes way for a new season—quite symbolic of how a marriage begins a new season of your lives & relationship, don’t you think? 😉

How to Get Legally Married in Vermont

Ready to make things officially-official under the eyes of the law? Spoiler alert: Vermont actually makes it pretty easy for couples to tie the knot, with no waiting period or witness requirement. So let’s go over everything else you need to know to legally get married in Vermont + apply for your marriage license!

Where you get your license will depend on your residency:

• If both of you are Vermont residents, you can apply through the town clerk of either of your counties of residence.
• If one of you is a Vermont resident, you need to apply through the county you live in.
• If neither of you are Vermont residents, you can apply through any county’s town clerk.

How much does it cost to get married in Vermont?

A Vermont marriage license costs $90, which includes purchase of the license as well as a certified copy.

Can non-residents get married in Vermont?

Yes! You don’t need to be a Vermont resident to get married here—and you can apply through any town clerk in the state.

Do I need witnesses to get married in Vermont?

Nope! No witnesses are required for a marriage ceremony in Vermont, which is great news for couples who want to elope in private.

Can you get married the same day in Vermont?

Vermont doesn’t have a mandatory waiting period, so yes, you can technically get married the same day as you get your license if you really want to. I recommend getting your license earlier, though, so that you don’t have to worry about it day-of. Just note that you’ll have to get married within 60 days of getting your license or else it’ll expire, and you’ll have to go through the process (& pay the fee) allll over again.

Vermont Elopement Packages & Pricing

I’m dying to hear what you’re thinking after reading through all of that. . . what Vermont elopement location are you considering? Which of the endless resorts are you thinking about staying in? How do you want to fill your time? My Vermont elopement packages include personalized recommendations, planning advice, and timeline creation, so don’t worry about figuring it all out alone!

And as a seasoned Vermont elopement photographer, I’ve got all sorts of tips and tricks up my sleeve that I save exclusively for my booked couples—which you can become by inquiring here. The ball is in your court. . . what do you say we start planning the Vermont elopement of your dreams together?

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Still deciding what you want your Vermont wedding or elopement to look like? I’ve got a couple other resources I think you’ll find helpful!

9 Common Vermont Wedding Timeline Mistakes (+ Solutions)

How to Plan Your Vermont Wedding: A Step-By-Step Guide

Top 12 Best Vermont Wedding Venues in 2025-2026