The Best Vermont Elopement Venues: George and Mirela

 

I work with couples from all over the country who either have personal connections to VT, or have seen photos of it (or a famous Vermont elopement venue) on the internet. Viral photos of the snowy mountains in the winter or the extremely picturesque foliage in the fall have inspired many of my couples to choose Vermont even if they’d never been here before! Vermont is a dream destination for couples looking to elope in a stunning, intimate setting that feels tucked away and romantic.

There are a plethora of quaint and gorgeous inns to choose from, so my advice is to first decide whether you envision a mountaintop, lakeside, or indoor spot for your ceremony. There are many inns that are a short drive to breathtaking views, so I always recommend a local park for the ceremony and a small private dinner to celebrate afterward. Though I don’t plan elopements, I often help my couples choose a picturesque ceremony spot offsite if they’re wanting a different look than the venue provides.

Why Elope in Vermont?

Elopements are attractive to those who want adventure (and a built-in vacation). But they also appeal to people who crave a cozy, intimate experience that may involve luxurious small-batch treats and a fireplace. When I think about eloping, I don’t necessarily envision Elvis in Vegas like I did 10 years ago. Now, “elopement” conjures peace, a lack of stress, nature, romance. Vermont provides scenic beauty, since there are many lakes and rivers, historic charm, and rolling hills. We have gorgeous flora that are often in season all year long (evergreen trees are so perfect for winter elopements). There are historic sites and quirky museums (the Northeast Kingdom, where I grew up, will soon be a coveted elopement destination). The seasons are all very unique and different from each other, which is fun for those who want a specific type of season and corresponding weather. (To that end, I recommend booking a very experienced Vermont elopement photographer, since the weather changes from one minute to the next some days!)

From charming countryside inns to stylish farm-to-table restaurants, there are plenty of venues that cater to small, heartfelt ceremonies.

Best Vermont Elopement Venues

If you’re searching for the perfect elopement spot, consider these top Vermont venues:

Romantic Inns & Cozy Retreats

• The Tillerman, Bristol – My personal favorite due to its amazing food, gorgeous scenery (it’s close to a swimming hole!), and its interior design that makes it perfect for cold wintery weddings. The Tillerman is a beautiful farmhouse offering an intimate setting with farm-to-table dining, making it perfect for a small, elegant elopement. The far corner of the inn features a long farmhouse-style table with a fireplace that is absolutely perfect in the winter. It also has an ice-skating rink! The river in its backyard is perfect for summer vows.
• The Grafton Inn, Grafton – A historic New England inn with timeless charm, cozy indoor spaces, and scenic outdoor settings for a romantic, intimate ceremony. The grounds are perfect for a newlywed portrait session, and it is dog-friendly!
• Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe – A stunning alpine-inspired lodge with panoramic views of the Green Mountains, perfect for a storybook elopement.

Rustic & Scenic Outdoor Locations

• The Round Barn Farm, Waitsfield – A quintessential Vermont barn venue surrounded by rolling meadows and gardens, offering an idyllic countryside setting.
• Waterworks, Winooski – A chic, industrial-style venue with a private back room that overlooks the Winooski River, ideal for an intimate gathering. This venue is my personal favorite for elopements that include a small-to-midsized party, because the elegant back room can fit quite a few guests. The food is phenomenal, and the brick walls make for a gorgeous backdrop. This venue is featured in the latter half of the photos below from George and Mirela’s day. They opted to get married in a nearby park that had a lot of significance to them as a couple. We got a gorgeous sunny day for this, so it worked out beautifully!

How Elopement Photography is Different than Wedding Photography

It’s important to book a Vermont wedding photographer who is familiar with elopement photography pacing, and who is familiar with the local venues. My business, Anne Mientka Photography, focuses on capturing documentary-style, unscripted moments with warmth and creativity. I specialize in what I have dubbed “hybrid shooting,” where I pose you and then gently guide you with activities and prompts that elicit genuine emotions. This style is perfect for those who might be a little camera-shy, or unsure of what to do.

Elopement photography requires quick thinking, since typically your photography coverage will be from 1-4 hours. At the same time, the entire POINT of elopements is to not feel rushed– to not feel pressured, to not do any single thing you DO NOT want to do. I communicate with my couples and make sure that the captures I get are exactly what they’re envisioning, and I give them the space via documentary shooting when they want a more hands-off experience.

When to Start Planning your Vermont Elopement 

I recommend booking 18 months ahead of time to ensure that you get the exact season you are envisioning. If you are wanting a more spontaneous, stress-free planning process, I HGIHLY recommend booking your Vermont elopement venue and your Vermont elopement photography during a weekday. This means you can get the season you want, and you can usually get the vendors you want– even if you’re booking with short notice. Vermont wedding vendors– Anne Mientka Photography included– book up 24 months in advance, so this hot tip is something to remember!