Why Vermont and Upstate New York Elopements Are the Top Wedding Trend for 2025 - 2026

Over the past few years, elopements in Vermont and Upstate New York have experienced a major rise in popularity—and it’s easy to see why. For many engaged couples planning weddings in 2025 and 2026, eloping is no longer a quiet escape; it’s a thoughtful, intentional way to celebrate love in a beautiful, stress-free setting.

The Appeal of Eloping: Intimate, Meaningful, and Affordable

Modern elopements are all about creating an intimate, romantic experience without the overwhelming logistics of a large traditional wedding. Couples are choosing to elope to:

• Take back control of their day

• Focus on each other instead of managing guests and vendors

• Let go of traditions that feel outdated or impersonal

• Keep things stress-free and meaningful

Whether it’s a mountaintop elopement in Vermont or a charming Upstate New York lakeside ceremony, these smaller celebrations provide flexibility, intimacy, and deep connection.

Costs & Simplicity: Why Elopements Just Make Sense

Financially, eloping can be a smart decision. While the average traditional wedding in the U.S. still hovers around $35,000, it’s not uncommon for couples to spend upwards of $100,000. Elopements, on the other hand, can be significantly more budget-friendly without compromising on beauty or meaning. In fact, many couples choose to splurge on a dreamy location, stylish outfits, and stunning photography—while still saving tens of thousands.

Our Vermont Elopement Packages Start at $1500

We offer affordable elopement photography packages in Vermont starting at just $1500, which includes:

• Up to 90 minutes of professional wedding photography

• A custom bridal bouquet 

• An experienced officiant

Whether you’re planning a private elopement in the Green Mountains, a cozy ceremony with just a few loved ones, or a scenic getaway surrounded by fall foliage, we’re here to help you create something unforgettable.

I am currently working on a list of some of my favorite local Vermont elopement destinations. Since I live in Woodstock, Vermont all of the venues I recommend will be an easy drive for me and no travel expenses will be required for your elopement photography. I will be adding to the list often, so be sure and check out this blog frequently or contact me for more information.

Where to elope in Vermont

Why Eloping Might Be the Best Wedding Decision You'll Ever Make

So, what are the real perks of eloping—besides saving money? Honestly, the benefits go way beyond the budget. As a Vermont and Upstate New York elopement photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how elopements give couples something truly priceless: freedom.

With an elopement or small family wedding, you get to:

• Ditch the pressure of entertaining 150+ guests

• Skip the stress of rigid timelines and endless seating charts

• Reclaim your wedding day and make it all about you two

No big production. No awkward traditions. Just a day that feels authentic, intimate, and deeply meaningful.

Your Wedding, Your Way—No Apologies

Whether you envision exchanging vows in a secluded forest, barefoot on a lakeside dock, or with snowflakes falling on a mountaintop—eloping gives you the power to do it your way.

And let’s be real: not every couple dreams of a huge wedding. Some want a “just us” experience that feels wild, romantic, and real. Elopements are perfect for couples who crave something more intentional and deeply personal. It's your love story, and you get to write it.

Dream Locations? Yes, Please!

With a smaller guest list (or no guests at all), the world becomes your wedding venue. Some of our favorite elopement locations in Vermont and Upstate NY include:

• Flower-filled meadows and botanical gardens

• Quaint village inns and historic churches

• Five-star hotel balconies with epic views

• Forest trails, waterfalls, and mountaintop lookouts

Since your overall costs are lower, you can splurge on the location that speaks to your hearts—or even turn your elopement into a destination adventure.

Planning a Vermont elopement? Let’s chat! I offer thoughtfully curated elopement packages that include photography, floral design, officiant services, and local lodging—all designed to keep things stress-free and stunning.

mobile: 518 577 4147

email: sallycarpenter27@gmail.com

Elopements Let You Be Exactly Who You Are

One of the best things about eloping? Your wedding can be a true reflection of you—your love, your style, your vibe.

Let’s face it: traditional weddings can feel like one-size-fits-all. Some couples find that the real reason they’re getting married gets lost somewhere between the giant guest list, the color-coded seating chart, and the Pinterest-perfect expectations. It’s easy to lose sight of what matters when you're trying to please everyone but yourselves.

That’s where elopements come in.

Elopements = Total Freedom to Be Yourselves

When you choose to elope, you're giving yourself permission to throw out the rulebook. You’re not doing it for the Instagram likes or because your cousin wants chicken instead of fish—you’re doing it for the love, the meaning, and the connection.

Elopements are perfect for:

• Couples who crave authenticity over tradition

• Those who want to feel relaxed and present in the moment

• Adventurers who prefer hiking boots over high heels

• Free spirits who want to dance under the stars, not under chandeliers

Your elopement can look like anything you want it to. Bring your dog. Take a scenic road trip. Say your vows at sunrise, then picnic in the forest. Or stay up late and dance by firelight to your favorite playlist.

It’s Not Just a Wedding—It’s Your Story

When it comes down to it, your elopement should reflect who you are and what you love. No cookie-cutter moments. No fake smiles. Just the two of you, celebrating in a way that feels 100% true.

Looking for an elopement photographer in Vermont or Upstate New York who gets your vibe? I specialize in creating photography experiences that are as unique as your love story. Let’s make it unforgettable.

Eloping = Stress-Free, Joy-Filled, Totally You

If there's one thing I hear over and over from the couples I photograph—it’s this:

“We felt so relaxed. So present. So in love.”

That’s the magic of elopements.

When you ditch the big, high-pressure wedding day and opt for a Vermont or Upstate New York elopement, you’re choosing to celebrate your love without the stress, without the chaos—and with all the joy.

No Stress. No Drama. Just Love.

Big weddings aren’t for everyone—and guess what? That’s more than OK. You don’t have to do things the traditional way. You can plan a day that’s:

• Fun and full of meaning

• Laid-back but beautiful

• Centered entirely around the two of you

Imagine spending your wedding day feeling calm, connected, and completely in the moment—not rushing from one event to the next or worrying if Aunt Susan found her table.

Want to Keep It Simple? We’ve Got You.

Yes, there’s still a little planning involved—but the beauty of eloping is you get to decide how much (or how little) effort you want to put in.

Better yet? With our full-service elopement packages in Vermont and Upstate NY, we can take care of everything for you—including:

• Photography

• Florals

• Officiant

• Lodging and more

We make it easy for you to focus on what truly matters—starting your marriage with joy, freedom, and deep connection.

Ready to plan your stress-free Vermont elopement? Let’s create something magical, meaningful, and full of love.

For more information on your Vermont or Upstate New York elopement please contact me. I cannot wait to hear all about the two of you, your elopement plans and your true love story.

Other elopement pages you might find interesting:

• Vermont Elopements
• Where To Elope
• Elopement Love Stories

Most recommended wedding photographer in Vermont     Vermont Elopement Photographers     Destination Elopement Photographers

Sally Carpenter is one of the top wedding and elopement photographers in Vermont. She is based in Woodstock, Vermont and serves all of Vermont, Upstate New York and work wide wedding destinations. Wedding Wire Couple's Choice Award for 2018, 2019 and 2020.