Massachusetts Elopement Photographer | New Hampshire Elopement Photographer | New England Elopement Photographer | How to Elope | Elopement Planning Tips | Massachusetts Elopement Ideas | Boston Elopement Photographer 

In this post, you will learn about:

1. The steps needed to elope in Massachusetts
2. Helpful Massachusetts elopement planning tips
3. A sample timeline
4. A gallery of a Boston Massachusetts elopement (the sweetest couple ahh!)

First: What does an elopement mean in 2022?

(I feel like a broken record with this, but if you’re new here, HELLO!) EVERY person is entitled to their own definition. For ME, elopements today are: authentically celebrating one’s marriage. Elopements are  freedom from traditional wedding experiences, and they center on the priorities of the couple. Be it hiking, a Boston experience, or a weekend in the mountains, elopements are for the PEOPLE and not about tying a couple to an experience that is not true to them. Sure, they can be adventure elopements in the White Mountains, OR they can be a two-day long retreat with family in a beautiful accommodation with activities, dinner, dancing, kayaking, napping, and everything you FEEL like doing.

 

PLEASE KNOW: I love EVERY love story, and full sized traditional weddings are AMAZING for those who feel drawn to them! This is in no way a “bash” on full size weddings, but more so information for those who may be curious about eloping. To learn more, head to my site for why I chose to become a New England Adventure Elopement Photographer. 

 

Looking to elope? Want more info? Let’s connect. I walk you through every step in a personalized, calming, authentic way. All my info becomes your info and I’m here to serve you. CONTACT ME 

How to Elope In Massachusetts

• First, book your date, decide your guest list, pick your top priority vendors (i.e., photographer, planner, florist, your favorite bakery, etc.) – make sure all the people who feel best suit your vision are free for your day and book them 🙂 

• Then, decide on a location most authentic to you– what do you enjoy MOST?

1. 1. 1. Boston: city, south end Italian food, live music, excitement
      2. Maybe you prefer the South Coast: water, less crowded
      3. Cape Cod: a classic
      4. MAYBE you want to hike
      5. Maybe you want a secluded forest
      6. Botanical gardens
      7. Massachusetts has SO much more variety than people think

• Third: throw out traditions and ideas that don’t serve you– give yourself permission to make this day about YOUR love and story, and breathe a sigh of relief knowing you made a beautiful choice in eloping

• Important: get that paper– head to your local Town Clerk and grab that marriage license 🙂 Every Town Clerk’s a) hours and b) wait time are different. The process takes about 30 minutes. Once you get your license, it is valid for 90 days 🙂 Then it’s time to get married!

• Remember: bring proof of identity– every Town Clerk requirements may slightly vary, so literally type in your town of Massachusetts into google, and the town clerk office will list everything you need. For instance, Boston, MA requirements are found with this link: click here.

• Pick your officiant – whether a Justice of Peace, a loved one, or your elopement photographer (like me! I’m ordained. For those who want that privacy, I’ve got you!), make sure they are ordained in the state of Massachusetts specifically. There are MULTIPLE ways of doing this. I became ordained online and received my credentials and elopement officiating materials in the mail after certification 🙂 Click here for officiating specifics and non-state resident officiant paperwork 🙂 

• Does your location need a permit? Most MA State Parks welcome marriage ceremonies. For specifics, click here.

• Lastly: do what you want. Literally. Elopements are liberation from tradition and an embrace of who you are as people. Start with what YOU desire, pick your top priorities of your day (maybe it’s a gourmet  chef experience, maybe it’s an epic hiking adventure, maybe it’s a dog-friendly relaxing day as a family) and the rest will beautifully fall into place. 

A Full-Day  Massachusetts Elopement Timeline 

•  11 AM – 1 PM: getting ready in local Boston hotel

•  2 PM – 3 PM ocean ceremony

•  3 PM – 4PM family and friend portraits, couples portraits, a walk on the water

•  4 PM – 5 PM appetizers and drinks at waterfront restaurant

•  5 PM – 7 PM dinner, live music 

• 7 PM – 9 PM sunset walk on the beach, bike in the city 

For more planning tips, head to my blog where there are TONS of resources, inspiration, and galleries. If you are interested in booking, know that my clients get ALL this:

1. 1. A full elopement guide that walks you through everythingggg
   2. Location, wardrobe, packing, hiking guides 
   3. Planning walk-throughs with me and as much communication needed! I’m a text/call/zoom away, and I’ve got you covered. 
   4. A customized timeline to ensure your day is beautifully organized so that you can just enjoy your day 
   5. A 24-hour sneak peek of images
   6. 4-week delivery date of images.
   7. 4-week delivery date of a client favorite: my music slideshows! Click for a slideshow example. 
   8. A professional, fine art printed album. Curated by me and shipped straight to your door.

Final Thoughts

New England Elopements are each unique and you will be SO happy you decided to embrace the nature of our region and celebrate your authentic love. Massachusetts is dear to me because I was raised here. Although I now call New Hampshire my home, Massachusetts is where my family lives and I do many elopements here, too 🙂 

A Boston Elopement Gallery

 

 

 

 

 

Happy adventuring:) 

Love,

Kayla | Babel Photos

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