Yvonne Niemann Photography based in St. Louis
Today elopement is no longer the rebellious impulse of young love running away together. In fact, many responsible adults choose to elope, and bring a few friends and family along! No you don’t have to fly to Vegas (although you sure CAN if you want). There are some really nice options for elopements and intimate weddings right here in New England.
Check out intimateweddings.com to see real life weddings for some inspiration. If this sounds appealing, do some research. Bed and Breakfasts are a great place to start. bnbfinder.com is a useful tool. Here are some other options:
Massachusetts: Boston, Cape, and Islands
Odyssey Cruises Boston, MA – A beautiful and unique wedding venue, so long as there are no hurricanes churning the water! A Boston Harbor dinner cruise of 19 people or less will cost $89+ each. There is also The Spirit of Boston and Elite Yacht Chaters. These ships also offer full weddings, but can be quite expensive if done this way.
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Land’s End Inn Provincetown, MA – Many different options with varying prices. However minimum stay is required, and you may have have to reserve the entire inn, but guests can pay for their own rooms. This place has a panoramic ocean view and I LOVE the free spirit of Provincetown. One of the best perks of this place: They have pet-friendly rooms! So if you want your doggie with you on your special day, you can!
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Captain’s House Inn Chatham, MA – Elopement packages available at around $2,000 give or take depending on the season. This is a the charming and historical home of Chatham’s own Captain Harding. There are gardens with adirondack chairs, white picket fences, and it is surrounded by Chatham, one of the most beautiful towns in the Cape. Another cute perk: they offer a classic English afternoon tea.
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White Elephant Nantucket, MA – Intimate wedding of 60 guests has a food and beverage minimum of $6,000 plus a $1,000 room rental fee. (If the ceremony is performed there, add on another $1,000). It could easily add up, but come on, it’s Nantucket. Note: The White Elephant can accommodate bigger groups if you are in love with this for a full wedding, but it will cost you.
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Hob Knob Boutique Hotel Martha’s Vineyard, MA – This hotel is a 19th century gothic revival home, which has 17 rooms. It is an eco-friendly hotel located in Edgartown, MA. Elopement packages start at $2,700 with other options available.
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Rhode Island: Newport
Hotel Viking – Elopement packages start at $2,900. This is a historic hotel located in the heart of Newport with fun nightlife and great restaurants located just nearby. Hotel Viking will also host full weddings, but will cost much more.
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Castle Hill Inn – This is one of Newport’s most beautiful hotels. No published price points, but they offer special elopement packages for 2. Contact them for more details. (This is one of my ‘dream’ wedding locations. Just look at it!)
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The Chanler at Cliffwalk – I would say this is Newport’s most upscale luxury hotel. They have elopement packages for two that start at $4,000. If you decide against a big wedding but still wanted to feel like royalty, this might be an option for you.
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New Hampshire: North Conway and Jackson
The White Mountain Hotel – This place has a gorgeous view of the White Mountains. Weekend elopement packages for two start at $880. This area of NH is beautiful. Cute shops, skiing, hiking, etc.
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The Inn at Ellis River – This is a cute inn in Jackson, NH that has elopement packages for two starting at $759. Great location, and very relaxing. Depending on the time of year, the Town of Jackson often has cute community activities such as Pumpkin People in the Fall, Fourth of July Fireworks, and the Duck River Festival in Spring.
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WEDDING PLANNER? Bernadette Smith plans gay and lesbian Boston/Provincetown wedding packages at about $1850. (I assume she will do straight weddings as well.) There are also many other wedding planners around Boston who I am sure would be happy to plan your elopement or intimate wedding. More on wedding planners to come!
Wed In Boston 
