There’s often a misconception that eloping takes the meaning out of your wedding day. But, in reality, choosing to elope means choosing to focus on what matters most to you. You get to decide exactly how you want your wedding day to feel. You’re not bound by traditions or expectations that don’t align with your vision. And when it comes to incredible places to elope, Boston truly has something special to offer. If you’ve ever thought about holding a small, yet meaningful Boston elopement, here are my top tips on where to go and how to plan your experience from start to finish!

Decide What Kind of Elopement You Want

One of the first steps in planning your Boston elopement is deciding what kind of experience you’re dreaming of. This is your chance to get inspired and really lean into the vision you have for your day. Do you want something simple, like a City Hall ceremony? Or are you imagining something a little more scenic and set in nature? This is also the time to consider your guest list. Elopements are naturally more intimate, so my elopement package covers up to 30 people. If it’s just the two of you, though, that’s perfect too.

Decide Where You Want Your Boston Elopement to Take Place

Once you’ve created a vision for what you want your Boston elopement to look and feel like, it’s time to think about where you want your elopement to take place. Here are a few of my favorite places to elope in Boston:

Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden is one of the city’s most iconic elopement spots. With its weeping willows, a peaceful six-acre pond, and statue-lined paths, it’s full of charm and beauty. It’s also super walkable. After your ceremony, we can stay in the park for portraits or stroll to Beacon Hill or Back Bay for a change of scenery. If you’re considering this Boston elopement location, you can take a look at Cleo and Sara’s Boston Public Garden elopement for inspiration!

Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is truly one of my favorite elopement locations in the city! On select Mondays, they offer 1-hour ceremonies in the Guastavino Room for couples with 12 guests or fewer. It’s only $200 to rent, making it an affordable way to have a stunning and memorable setting for your ceremony.

Boston Seaport

If you’re picturing city views and waterfront vibes, the Boston Seaport is worth considering. You’ll have the skyline in the background and can explore the area together after the ceremony.

Pro Tip: plan your ceremony around sunset for the prettiest light! 

City Hall

City Hall is a classic choice for an easy, stress-free elopement in Boston. It also has incredible architecture and plenty of great photo opportunities. We can head to nearby Beacon Hill afterward for portraits in one of the city’s most storied neighborhoods.

Hire Your Vendors: What Vendors Do You Actually Need?

You don’t need to hire any vendors to have a beautiful elopement. If you’re looking to add a few special touches, certain vendors can help bring your vision to life. Alongside your photographer, here are a few to consider as you plan your Boston elopement:

• Elopement Videographer
• Elopement Planner
• Florist
• Hair and Makeup
• Officiant

Choosing an intimate elopement doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a bigger celebration. Many couples choose to have a small ceremony, followed by a larger reception in Boston with their friends and family. 

Plan Your Boston Elopement Timeline: 3 Tips to Help You Design Your Day

When to Book Your Boston Elopement Photographer 

If you’re still shaping your vision, consider booking your photographer early on. As a local Boston elopement photographer, I can help guide location ideas and create a timeline that fits the kind of day you’re imagining. But if you’ve already sorted out most of your plans, you can hold off a bit and book your photographer a little later. Whether you’re looking for hands-on support or a more independent approach, I’m here for whatever works best for you.

What Your Elopement Day Can Look Like

Your elopement is all about crafting a day that feels true to who you are. To make sure things go as smoothly as possible, I recommend setting aside a couple of hours before the ceremony to get ready. We can also take some time to explore different portrait locations throughout the city. I’ll help guide you toward spots with the best light or most meaningful backdrops. From there, the rest of the day is yours! Maybe it’s dinner at your favorite restaurant, or just spending time together doing something you love. The beauty of eloping is that it’s completely up to you.

Example Boston Elopement Timeline

As your photographer, I’ll take a strategic but relaxed approach to your elopement. I want to make space for the natural moments to unfold. One recent City Hall elopement I photographed followed this kind of flow perfectly. It started with a quick 20-minute ceremony. We then spent the next few hours wandering through Boston. We visited their favorite places like the Public Garden and the Seaport for portraits. Finally, we ended the day with a small luncheon to celebrate. The day was beautiful, meaningful, and fully them.

Apply for Your Massachusetts Marriage License and Permits

If you’re eloping in Boston, you’ll need a marriage license to make everything official. 

It’s fairly simple to get your marriage license in Boston. You’ll start by making an in-person appointment through the city’s online booking portal. Your confirmation email will include a link to fill out the application ahead of time. At your appointment, both of you must be present with IDs and ready to pay the $50 fee. When that’s finished, you’re all set! Your license is valid from 3 to 60 days after you apply. If you’re visiting from out of town, make sure to take the three-day waiting period into consideration when making your travel plans. For more information, you can visit Boston’s marriage webpage.

Massachusetts also requires you to have an officiant, but no witnesses are needed. You can hire someone to officiate your ceremony or have a friend or family member become ordained.

Additional Permits and Considerations

Some elopement locations in Boston require permits or have specific guidelines. For example, if you’re getting married in the Boston Public Garden, you’ll choose a designated spot in the park for your ceremony. As your photographer, I’ll help guide you through the permit process. If possible, I’ll even handle filling out the application for you so you have one less thing to worry about. I’m also happy to offer tips on timing and location to help make the most of your day.

Select your Boston Elopement Package

When planning your Boston elopement, be sure to choose a package that suits your day and guest count. I offer both 3 and 4 hour elopement packages for weddings with 30 guests or fewer. You can learn more about all the details here!

I hope this guide has been helpful as you start dreaming up your Boston elopement. I truly love being part of these meaningful moments and am here to support you however I can. If you’re leaning toward a slightly bigger celebration, don’t miss my post on the best micro wedding destinations in Massachusetts. I’d love to be part of your story. Reach out anytime and let’s create some magic.