The only think I could think to say after Jess and Andrew’s Shelburne Farms elopement was, “take me to Shelburne Farms or lose me forever.”

Shelburne Farms has everything… from lakefront views and formal gardens to rolling hills and hidden, tree-lined roads. Add in the mountain overlooks and aged brick barns and you have yourself a recipe for a Vermont elopement with tons of variety that celebrates the beauty of the landscape and the history of such a special place.

Jess and Andrew chose Shelburne Farm’s Inn as their elopement ceremony location and decided not to have photos taken during this intimate part of their day. I met up with them right after and we moved into the Formal Garden’s directly behind the Inn for family photos. It was WINDY! But, we made it work, had fun and did the best we could with what the unpredictable VT weather threw at us!

Then, Jess, Andrew and I hopped in my car to drive around the 3,800-acre agricultural estate to explore (and take hundreds of pictures) together! You can learn more about the history of Shelburne Farms HERE.

Lake Champlain Overlook

Since we started in the gardens, a sweeping lake and mountain shot was definitely in the cards to kick off their Shelburne Farms elopement photos. I love giving couples a bit of time after their ceremony to just BE together without a camera in their face. So, they started off with a little alone time looking out at Lake Champlain while I just did my thing a bit farther away!

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Walking & Warm-Ups

Before showing up to meet Jess and Andrew post-elopement ceremony, I drove around the farm to pick a few pretty places to offer as photo locations based on what the light and weather were doing. I knew this road was (much more) lightly traveled compared to some others so we wouldn’t have to deal with dodging cars while we shot. It was the PERFECT place to do some walking and warming up in front of the camera.

Jess and Andrew quickly fell into step together (literally) and I didn’t have to say much as they walked, joked, kissed and laughed together.

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A Stop At the Lake

After spending time walking (and spinning) on the road, we hopped back in my car and were headed to the Coach Barn when we spied a spot on the beach! A few more pics for elopement gallery variety? YES PLEASE! I wanted to snag more in-between moments for them here as well. These are my very favorite pictures to take (and edit) because of the raw emotion and storytelling they convey.

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Elopement Pictures at the Shelburne Farms Coach Barn

Before an elopement, wedding or engagement shoot, I send a questionnaire to my couples to learn a bit more about them. One of my favorite questions to ask is “do you have a favorite/special song together?”

Sometimes I use this info, sometimes I don’t. But, moments like this are the reason I ask. Because Jess and Andrew didn’t have a “first dance” opportunity, we created one for them. I pulled up my car, put on their favorite song (Starting Over by Chris Stapleton) and blasted it through open windows so they could have another special, quiet moment together.

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Back at the Shelburne Farms Inn

Our hour and a half flew by and we ended back at the Inn so I could drop them by their car! But, before they headed into Burlington to celebrate together, we snagged a few more pictures in front of the Inn!

Shelburne Farms is one of my very favorite places for elopements and engagement shoots. There is so much variety and for many Vermonters, it is a special location that pulls on heartstrings and brings us back to memories of chasing chickens in the farmyard, middle school field trips, first jobs and firework picnics.

Because Jess grew up on a farm, it held a special place in their hearts as well. It was such a gorgeous day!

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