It’s hard not to fall in love with Vermont. So why not celebrate your love here? With rugged mountains, rivers and lakes, open fields and rolling hills, Vermont offers a wide variety of landscape to explore. So let’s dive in on how to elope in Vermont.
When you’re throwing the rule book out the window, it’s hard to know where to start. How exactly does this whole elopement thing even work? Honestly, it’s suuuper simple to elope in Vermont. All you have to do is pick a season, choose a location and decide on activities. But let me break it down for you even more. Keep reading to learn more about how to elope in Vermont.
- When to Elope in Vermont
- Where to Elope in Vermont
- What to do on your Elopement Day
- How to Legally Get Married in Vermont
First thing’s first, choosing to elope can be a big decision. It’s not always something you choose to do on a whim when you’re fed up with thinking about wedding logistics and expenses and suddenly choose to switch directions all willy-nilly (although that certainly CAN be the case). It’s something the two of you should take the time to discuss. Elopements aren’t about running away and hiding it from your loved ones anymore either. They are a way to celebrate the unique relationship the two of you have formed. So sit down and think about what special pieces of your relationship you’d like to celebrate on this big day!
What Do You Want Your Day to Look Like?
Plan a date night to start thinking about what you might want your day to look like. Cozy up on the couch and ask yourselves a few questions. What activities do you love to do together? What kind of scenery speaks to you? Is there something you’ve wanted to do (or somewhere you’ve wanted to go) together that would be a fun to do on your wedding day? Talk about the reason you two are choosing to elope and make a plan for how to tell your friends and family (if you choose to do so). If you’re looking for ways to include your loved ones, check out my post on How to Include Friends and Family in your Elopement Day.
Before diving into Vermont’s four seasons, there are a few things to take into account as you plan out your elopement day. In order to keep things as stress-free, intimate and memorable as possible I suggest the following:
- Elope in a climate that both of you really enjoy.
- Consider eloping at off-peak times like weekdays and shoulder seasons when you’ll experience less crowds.
- Make sure it fits in with your work and personal life – don’t elope during your own busy season.
When to Elope in Vermont
If you’re having a hard time deciding when would be a good time to elope in Vermont, think about what season you’d be most attracted to.
01. Winter
Winter temperatures range from single digits to the low 30s with occasional cold snaps dipping into the negatives. Covered in glistening snow and icy cliff faces, Vermont is absolutely stunning in the winter months and a great time for sleigh rides, snuggling up by a fire and (my personal favorite) skiing.
02. Spring
The flowers begin to blossom and the hills become lush with forests of ferns – so many beautiful ferns! Like many places, spring can often be a little wet, but the fog brings a dramatic feel to your photos and typically clears to reveal the most epic view just at the right time. Spring is also the only time of year when sugar farmers are making maple syrup!
03. Summer
Of course, summer is popular no matter where you are, but you can always find a quiet corner down by the river or high up on a hill. Vermont summers are typically in the 70s (though can reach into the 90s), but a cool mountain breeze keeps it comfortable. Summer is a great time for hiking, biking, paddling and horseback riding.
04. Fall
The foliage is unbeatable in Vermont, but it’s also the most popular time to visit. Plan for sunrise or sunset and you’ll be golden. Fall temps vary but typically bring crisp morning and evening air paired with warmer days. Be sure to dress in layers so that you’re prepared for all of it. And don’t you think about leaving town without having some of VT’s famous cider donuts!
Where to Elope in Vermont
The Green Mountains are filled with beautiful locations for your elopement. From rolling hills to rocky mountain tops, riverbanks and waterfalls. There is no shortage of beauty in this wonderful state. When deciding where to elope, think about how you want to spend not only your elopement day, but the rest of your time here. Do you want to be tucked away in the woods, in a quiet little town, or closer to a more urban area? Here are a few favorite elopement locations:
01. Burlington
02. Stowe
03. The Northeast Kingdom
04. Central Vermont/Woodstock
05. Southern Vermont
What to do on Your Elopement Day
There’s more to an elopement day than a ceremony and a few pictures. Fill your day with some fun activities that you love. Maybe it’s a hike at sunrise or sunset, a picnic by the lake, or going to your favorite brewery. Maybe you’ve always wanted to ride in a hot air balloon or head out on a guided day of fishing!
Vermont is absolutely beautiful all year round, but some activities might be unavailable or harder to do depending on when you plan to elope. But with each season comes something pretty special. Here are a few activity suggestions based to help give you a bit of inspiration:
- Snowshoeing
- Skiing
- Sleigh Rides
- Go Fly Fishing
- Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Boat Ride on Lake Champlain
- Hiking
- Blueberry Picking
- Enjoy a Maple Creemee!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, head on over here: my favorite elopement activities.
How to Get Married in Vermont
Vermont is one of the easier states to get married in. No witnesses needed – just an officiant. Unlike many popular places out west or in National Parks, you can pretty much pick any public space you want for your elopement without needing reservations or permits.
In case requirements have changed, I recommend cross-checking with the Vermont.com website here.
how to get a marriage license
For both residents and out-of-towners, getting a marriage license is easy.
If both of you are Vermont residents, head to the town clerk in either of your towns of residence. If just one of you resides in a Vermont town, you must buy the license in that town. Non-resident couples can go to any town or city in Vermont to apply for a marriage license. The license costs $60, and is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. During that time an authorized person must perform your wedding ceremony —otherwise, the license is void.
By law, you both must sign the license (make sure it’s in black ink) and deliver the license to the person who will conduct your wedding ceremony before the marriage can be performed. After the ceremony, the person who performs the ceremony (officiant) will complete the sections concerning the date, place and officiant information, and sign your license. At that point, the license becomes a marriage certificate.
The officiant must return the certificate to the town clerk’s office where it was issued within 10 days after the wedding, so that your marriage can be officially registered. If the officiant has registered with the Secretary of State as a temporary officiant, a copy of the certificate of authorization issued by the Secretary of State should be attached to the signed certificate and returned to the clerk’s office. The certificate is not a complete legal document until it has been recorded in the town clerk’s office where it was purchased.
WHO CAN MARRY YOU
- Justice of the Peace
A Supreme Court justice, a superior court judge, a district judge, a judge of probate, an assistant judge, a justice of the peace, or an ordained or licensed member of the clergy residing in Vermont can perform your wedding ceremony. - A Member of the Church
A clergy person residing in an adjoining state or country can marry you if his or her church, temple, mosque, or other religious organization lies wholly or partly in Vermont. A clergy member residing in some other state or in Canada can marry you if he or she first obtains a special authorization from the probate court in the district where the marriage will take place. - A Temporary Officiant (this is your phone a friend option)
Any person who is over the age of 18 may register with the Secretary of State to become a temporary officiant to a marriage. A person who has filled-out the registration form and who has paid the registration fee of $100 will receive a certificate authorizing the person to solemnize a specific Vermont marriage. The individual’s authority to solemnize that marriage will expire at the same time as the corresponding license.
