The Ultimate Connecticut Elopement Guide
What is an elopement?
The meaning of eloping has changed in the past few decades. The original meaning of the word was for when two lovers ran away to get married, usually without parental approval. A modern-day elopement is an intimate wedding that focuses on you as a couple over the traditions of a wedding with a 300-person guest list.
Some elope without any guests at all. Other couples invite their closest family and friends for a micro-wedding. And many have a combination of an elopement and a wedding, by eloping alone first — then throwing a big party for everyone to celebrate at a later date. Micro-weddings and intimate gatherings are synonyms of modern-day elopements.
CT Elopement Packages
Are you looking for the best elopement or micro wedding packages in CT? Are you dreaming of an intimate experience for you, your boo, and maybe a select few? Did you just start the planning process?
There are so many amazing spots in Connecticut to elope at, from the gorgeous Eolia Mansion on the water in Waterford to the cozy vibes of the Mayflower Inn in Washington, CT.
My local elopement photography packages start at $1,250. Get in touch to book!
Scroll down to learn more about everything from how to get your marriage license to selecting a location or a venue, and everything else. Let’s start planning your dream Connecticut elopement!
How to elope in Connecticut
Marriage License
Getting the license is pretty easy but the process can vary between counties so be sure and check in with the county clerk in the location you want. In Connecticut, you need to get your marriage license in the town where you’ll be having your ceremony, so keep that in mind. But on the brighter side, there is no waiting period as it can be in other states.
Here’s how to get your license:
You must make an appointment, and both appear with all the required documentation
A fee is to be paid, usually around $40-$50
Get married before the license expires in 65 days
Mail in the signed license and you’re done!
Officiant
Anyone can be your officiant, as long as they’re certified! It can be a friend or a family member. In Connecticut, you only need one witness.
I am a registered officiant and can sign your license if you’re looking for the most intimate experience, or if you’d like to save a few hundred dollars!
Other vendors
An elopement allows you more freedom to decide which vendors are the most important ones. Here are the most popular vendors eloping couples go with.
Photographer
Videographer
Hairstylist
Makeup Artist
Florist
Baker/Cake Artist
Permits
Depending on the location, there may be some additional paperwork and permits needed. I can absolutely help you in getting those permits to make sure your day goes on without a hitch.
The best time to elope in Connecticut
There are a few things to think about when deciding the best time and season to elope. We’re pretty lucky to get all four seasons here in CT. If you have a season you absolutely love, it can be extra special to choose that time of year to get married. Whether that’s in the blooming spring, the cozy fall, or the snowy winter!
Fall
It’s no wonder fall is such a popular season, the mild weather and stunning fall foliage create a beautiful backdrop for your day. The colors of the leaves give us a contrast to your wedding attire. The sweater weather temperatures also make it comfortable for outdoor ceremonies, with most venues offering indoor options as well. You can include some of your favorite fall activities on your elopement day, like apple picking, pumpkin patches, or hiking. If you’re considering a fall elopement — make sure to book early as this is usually the busiest season for venues and vendors.
Winter
Even though winter is the harshest season, it can be a magical time to elope in Connecticut. One of my favorite photography quotes by Ansel Adams is “bad weather makes for good photography.” If you are planning a winter elopement, make sure to have a plan b for an indoor ceremony and reception — and to prepare and dress warmly for any outdoor photos.
Spring
Spring, from March to May, with blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures is usually a popular time for elopements and weddings in Connecticut. The landscape comes back to life and is lush again, and all the CT waterfalls are flowing! We do see plenty of rain in spring, so it is important to take that into account. If tulips are your thing, then spring is probably your season!
Summer
Lastly, Summer — with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s, this is the easiest time for an outdoor elopement. Summer is perfect for couples who want to have an outdoor ceremony and maybe have their elopement portraits on one of the beaches on Long Island Sound. The only thing to take into account is the humidity, as we all know, New England summers are humid! This means that ceremonies closer to sunset make more sense.
Where to elope in Connecticut
I will divide this section in two. One for outdoor adventure elopements and one for venues, hotels, and BnBs who offer elopement packages. Let’s go!
Adventure elopement locations in connecticut
For all the outdoorsy couples who’d like to elope outside in nature, whether that’s on a mountaintop, on a beach, or deep in the woods.
Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth, CT
Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, CT
People’s State Forest in Barkhamsted, CT
Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, CT
Deer Lake in Killingworth, CT
Devil’s Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, CT
Topsmead State Park in Litchfield, CT
Killiam Point in Branford, CT
Intimate venues that offer elopement packages
Eolia Mansion in Harkness Memorial Park
Cornwall Inn in Cornwall Bridge, CT
The Mayflower Inn + Spa in Washington, CT
DCA Meadowlands in Darien, CT
The Lighthouse Museum in Stonington, CT
The Lace Factory in Deep River, CT
Tamarack Lodge + Glamping Resort in Voluntown, CT
The Spa at Norwich Inn in Norwich, CT
My elopement packages range from $1,250 to $2,250 — please feel free to get in touch to book!