vermont intimate wedding and elopement photography

Designing Your Dream Day: How Eloping in Vermont Gives You the Freedom to Make It Yours

When you strip away all the expectations—of family, tradition, Pinterest boards, and social media—what do you really want your wedding day to feel like?

That’s the question more and more couples are asking. And that’s the beautiful thing about eloping in Vermont: it gives you the freedom to answer honestly.

Whether you’re dreaming of hiking boots instead of heels, vows exchanged on a mountain ridge, or an intimate dinner in a rented cabin with your dog curled up at your feet—your elopement can be anything you want it to be. It doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. And it shouldn’t.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what it means to design a wedding day that’s truly authentic to you—and why eloping in Vermont is one of the most powerful ways to make that vision a reality.

What Does It Mean to Have an “Authentic” Wedding?

“Authentic” gets tossed around a lot, but here’s what I feel like it means in the context of your wedding or elopement day:

It’s a celebration that reflects you—your values, your story, your vibe, your comforts. It’s a day that feels comfortable ( I've had brides tell me before that they are so uncomfortable being the center of attention... and that's ok!), joyful, and aligned with your relationship, not a performance for someone else.

Authentic weddings aren’t about pleasing the crowd or stressing about hitting all the wedding traditions. They’re about crafting an experience that feels grounded, soulful, and 1000% yours.

And when you elope—especially in a place as naturally beautiful and heart-centered as Vermont—you give yourself full permission to do just that.

The Freedom to Write Your Own Rules

One of the best parts of eloping is that there are no rules unless you make them.

There’s no one saying you need a wedding party, a cake cutting, or a dance floor (unless you want them). You can toss the garter, the bouquet, and the timeline stress.

Want to start your morning with coffee in your cabin and a journal entry before hiking to your ceremony spot? Let’s plan for it.
Thinking about exchanging vows on a mountaintop and then heading back for a backyard BBQ with your closest friends? We’ll make it happen.

Feel like jumping into a lake in your dress? Honestly, I’ll bring a towel and cheer you on.

You’re not limited by tradition. You’re led by meaning.

Vermont: The Perfect Canvas for Your Unique Elopement

There’s something about Vermont that naturally encourages couples to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect with what truly matters.

From the Green Mountains to hidden waterfalls, forested trails, and charming small towns, Vermont offers the kind of setting that doesn’t need much “decor” to be breathtaking. Whether you're planning a foliage-season elopement in October or a misty spring ceremony in the rain, this state offers a quiet kind of magic you just can’t manufacture.

Plus, with a strong community of local creatives—chefs, florists, officiants, and yes, photographers—Vermont is the kind of place where your off-the-beaten-path elopement ideas are not only welcome, they’re celebrated.

Ideas to Make Your Vermont Elopement Feel Like You

Need some inspiration? Here are just a few ways my couples have made their elopement days deeply personal:

Write your vows on the trail. Bring a journal and find a quiet spot during your hike to jot down last-minute thoughts before your ceremony.
Include your dog (or cat!). So many Vermont elopement spots are pet-friendly. I’ve photographed dogs wearing flower collars and even “signing” the marriage license with a paw print.
Make a meal together. Instead of a formal dinner, cook something meaningful together at your Airbnb. A homemade pasta dinner, a picnic spread, or local takeout can be intimate and beautiful.
Bring your favorite music. Dance to your favorite record on a portable speaker in the middle of a meadow. No audience, just joy.
Add a creative twist. Paint a landscape during the day, carve your initials into a walking stick, or create a ceremony ritual that honors your ancestry or spiritual path.
Honor your story. Include letters, photos, or heirlooms in your ceremony. One couple read letters they wrote to each other in high school. Another wore family wedding rings passed down for generations.

Your wedding day is a chapter in your love story. Let it read like you wrote it.

What If You’re Not Outdoorsy? That’s Okay Too.

Eloping in Vermont doesn’t have to mean summiting a mountain at sunrise. While many of my couples love the outdoors, adventure doesn’t always have to mean hiking boots and headlamps.

Your version of adventure might look like:

Renting a quirky, art-filled Airbnb and getting married on the porch
Hosting an ultra-intimate dinner in a greenhouse, bookstore, or brewery
Strolling through a small town like Woodstock or Stowe, with photos along covered bridges and cobblestone streets
Saying your vows under twinkling lights in your own backyard

It’s not about the activity. It’s about the intention. That’s what makes it yours.

As Your Photographer, I’m Here for the Real Stuff

At Owl’s Iris Photography, I specialize in photographing intimate weddings and elopements that are rooted in emotion, creativity, and connection.

I’m not here to pose you stiffly or rush through a checklist. I’m here to guide you through a day that feels like a deep breath, to help you stay grounded in the experience, and to document it in a way that’s honest, beautiful, and true to your story.

That means helping with location ideas, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations, and even reminders to pause and take it all in. (Seriously. I’ll build in time for you to eat snacks, hug your people, and be present.)

Let Go of Expectations. Lean Into Meaning.

At the end of the day, eloping in Vermont isn’t just about skipping the big wedding. It’s about choosing you. Choosing your love. Choosing a celebration that prioritizes intimacy, intention, and joy.

You have full permission to throw out the rulebook and create a wedding day that feels like home.

So go ahead. Walk barefoot. Laugh too loud. Wear a black dress. Bring your favorite people—or no one at all. Let the trees be your witness and the wind your soundtrack.

This is your day. And I can’t wait to help you make it yours.

Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement in Vermont?

I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Explore my elopement photography packages, check out recent stories on the blog, or reach out so we can start dreaming together. I’m here to help you build a wedding day that feels true, tender, and totally you.