You’re Choosing the Wrong Time To Elope in the White Mountains

Sunset this and sunset that, but why is no one talking about SUNRISE?! If you are choosing to elope in the White Mountains any other time than sunrise, then You’re Choosing The Wrong Time To Elope in the White Mountains.

Okay, thats a little bit of a harsh take, but have you even seen what sunrise can look like at the top of a mountain in New Hampshire?

Lucky for you, L+J can be your inspiration. Im going to walk you through their Sunrise Elopement in the White Mountains and by the end you’ll be itching to make this your timeline too!

A Sunrise Start in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Planning a sunrise elopement requires a little more planning on my end (as your photographer and planner) and a little more discipline on your end. Not everyone is a morning person, so deciding to willingly wake up at 3am is not everyones cup of tea, but let me tell you its worth it for a view like this.

Hitting the Trail Head Before the Sky Lights Up

L+J arn’t avid hikers, but when they got to the trail head they were ready for the ascend to the top after prepping with my packing lists and prep guides! Armed with their headlamps, because 4am means zero light, we were ready to move up the 1.3 mile trail.

Some couples choose to wear their wedding attire on the hike up, but if im being honest, being comfortable is WAY more forgiving.

Trails in the White Mountains are mostly well maintained which makes for an easy hike up, but taking it at your own pace is what matters most. No rushing and no worry about whether you’re doing it fast enough. My job is to account for breaks and an ease up the mountain with a necessary amount of wiggle room.

Exploring the Summit While its Still Quiet

Now that you did the hard part, getting up the mountain, you get rewarded with a summit to yourselves. Like L+J, there wasn’t a soul in sight when we made it to the top.

Choosing a sunrise elopement in the White Mountains means less crowds, more calm and a more intimate atmosphere.

Getting Ready With The Best View In New Hampshire

After exploring a bit, still with blue hour in the sky, its time to get dressed! A common question I hear all the time is “Can we still do a first look?”. This is where the planning comes in. Because the answer to that question is always YES!

Equipt with my handy dandy popup tent, you can change without a worry of seeing each other. Huge plus too is that the mountain is massive, having you separate isn’t all that challenging.

A First Look at Sunrise in the White Mountains

The answer is always YES to a first look, if thats what you want! Especially when you are above the clouds with a killer sunrise coming up behind you. This was a big deal for L+J and they wanted to be sure they stayed apart to really be able to feel the moment and thats exactly what they did.

With the sunrise almost up over the mountains peaks, L+J saw each other for the first time in their wedding attire. The dress was perfection, the suit was dapper and the scenery? Well that speaks for itself.

Private Vows at Sunrise in the White Mountains

Now, it was time for a part in the day that really brings the meaning. Their vows. Something that all eloping couples wonder how it will play out. Who talks first? Where do we even stand? How will we know what to do?

First things first, lets all take a deep breathe. This should not be stressful. It should be fun and carefree. Some couple rock paper scissors to see who goes first or they plan that out before hand. Vows are personal to you. You dont have to follow a rule book, but what you do have to do is worry about the moment and not all the small things that don’t have any weight on the day you’re having.

The Best Part of a Sunrise Elopement in New Hampshire

Believe it or not they haven’t even seen the best of the sunrise. I know I know, you’ll believe it when you see it, so here you go.

Choosing a Sunrise White Mountain Elopement is choosing intention, intimate and adventure. L+J were able to explore some more of the mountain top while the sun still moved up in the sky and nothing will ever top that feeling of being newly married with that kind of view.

Now Lets Add A Little Bit Of You To The Day

The hike is done, the sunrise was witnessed, the vows were said, so now youre probably wondering… what now? Some couples plan quick elopements. My couples plan experiences. L+J decided on a picnic to bring their morning to a close. The hiked up with cupcakes in their backpacks (yes I was completely impressed! Not even squished!) and a few other things that were personal to the two of them.

L loves her film camera and snapped a few polaroids and J surprised L with a custom engraved watch because HOW COOL.

Time to make it all official

When you are eloping in New Hampshire you do have to keep a few things in mind. There’s some legalities that have to take place in order to be sure the ceremony and marriage is legal. Check out this guide to find out more on how to elope in New Hampshire. L+J chose to have a true elopement with no one else present. In New Hampshire, no witnesses are required, so this was easy to navigate!

The Descend Down as Mr. and Mrs.

Wrapping up their elopement in the White Mountains, L+J soaked in more of the sunrise and scenery before slipping back into their hiking clothes and making their way down the mountain. Seeing the trail during the day time is fun since the hike up was in complete darkness, so plan for some extra time for some stops along the way!