A two-day elopement in the White Mountains of New Hampshire

Day One: Welch Island

Shannon and Ryan’s love story is a perfect blend of two landscapes. On one hand, they feel drawn to the water, and Lake Winnipesaukee holds a special place in their hearts Every summer, they trailer their jet skis and head north from their home in Connecticut to embrace the vast beauty of New Hampshire’s largest lake. Life on the water has always been a part of them, making it essential to include in their wedding celebration. But just as much as they cherish the lake, they also enjoy time in the mountains and knew they wanted both to be part of their big day—creating a bit of a planning challenge. That’s where TheWildBunch stepped in! Shannon proposed the idea of a two-day elopement, and we were immediately all in..

Lakeside Elopement with family

For the first part of their elopement, Shannon, Ryan, and their families rented cabins on Welch Island, a charming mid-sized island in the heart of Lake Winnipesaukee. This offered the perfect home base for a week filled with celebration, adventure, and quality time together. Both families had the unique opportunity to share in the experience while still enjoying their own space—a balance that made the week even more special.

On the big day, Shannon and Ryan each got ready in their separate cabins, radiating an effortless sense of calm. They took their time, soaking in the moment—listening to music, sipping drinks, and embracing the excitement of the day ahead.

Their ceremony took place at the end of the pier, with the stunning lake as their backdrop. Ryan’s dad officiated, making the intimate vows even more meaningful. The ceremony was short, sweet, and filled with love, followed by heartfelt family portraits and, as the sun dipped below the horizon, breathtaking sunset photos of Shannon and Ryan, capturing the magic of their island elopement

Jet skis make elopements more fun

Jet skiing has always been one of Shannon and Ryan’s favorite summer pastimes, so including it in their elopement wasn’t just a fun idea—it was a must. They wanted their day to be a true reflection of who they are, and what better way to celebrate than by embracing the thrill and freedom of the open water?

We’ve all heard the classic saying, “ride off into the sunset,” but Shannon and Ryan gave it a whole new meaning. With their heartfelt ceremony and stunning portraits behind them, they swapped formalities for adventure, hopping onto their jet skis and speeding across the shimmering waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. The golden hues of sunset reflected off the waves as they carved through the lake, laughing, splashing, and soaking in every exhilarating moment. It was the perfect way to cap off their day—just the two of them, the open water, and the endless sky.

The scenic ride to dinner

As dusk settled over the lake and the last streaks of sunlight faded into the horizon, Shannon and Ryan reluctantly docked their jet skis, their adrenaline-fueled adventure giving way to the comforting pull of a good meal. With appetites growing and laughter still echoing from the day’s celebrations, they joined their families aboard the pontoon boat for the next chapter of their evening.

The group set off on a leisurely 30-minute cruise across the calm waters, the boat gently gliding under a sky now dusted with twilight. The ride was filled with easy conversation, the occasional splash of water against the hull, and the shared warmth of a day well spent. Their destination? A beloved local dockside spot, where they could pick up some well-earned food—and, of course, ice cream.

As they pulled up to the dock, the glow of string lights and the distant hum of summer night chatter welcomed them ashore. It was the perfect way to wind down—a simple yet meaningful moment, sharing a meal under the stars, surrounded by the people they love most.

Day 2: Sandwich Range Wilderness

A swim at Big Pines Conservation Area

The second half of Shannon and Ryan’s two-day elopement kicked off the way every great summer adventure should—with a refreshing dip in a secluded, shady river. There’s something magical about starting the day with cool, clear water rushing around you, and this was exactly the kind of moment they wanted to soak in.

We chose the Big Pines Natural Area as our swimming spot, not only for its peaceful seclusion but also for its convenient location near the trailhead for our afternoon hike. Nestled beneath a towering canopy of trees, the area offered a natural escape from the midday heat, with dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves and dancing on the water’s surface. The river itself was full of hidden gems—small pools perfect for floating, smooth boulders ideal for sunbathing, and winding little channels just waiting to be explored.

Shannon and Ryan waded in, letting the crisp water wake them up for the adventures ahead. They splashed, laughed, and took their time simply enjoying the moment—two people in love, fully present, immersed in the beauty of nature. It was the perfect, unhurried start to another unforgettable day.

Hiking up Mount Paugus

During the planning process, Shannon and Ryan made one thing clear—they dreamed of golden-hour photos on a mountain. They were more than willing to put in the effort to reach an epic viewpoint, so we knew we had to find the perfect spot to bring their vision to life.

After some careful scouting, we landed on the Sandwich Range, a hidden gem offering breathtaking views of the southern White Mountains. Unlike some of the more crowded peaks to the north, this range provides a peaceful, immersive experience in nature, allowing Shannon and Ryan to fully embrace the beauty of their surroundings without distraction.

As we made our way up the trail, anticipation built with every step. The late afternoon light filtered through the trees, casting a golden glow on the winding path. When we finally reached the summit, we were met with a view that made every step worth it—rolling mountain ridges bathed in soft light and, in the distance, the sparkling expanse of Lake Winnipesaukee.

One of the most special surprises? From our vantage point, we had a clear, unobstructed view of the lake and could almost make out Welch Island, where Shannon and Ryan had exchanged vows just the day before. If we’d brought a bigger zoom lens, we might have even spotted their families out on the pontoon boat, still celebrating. It was a full-circle moment—a breathtaking reminder of the love, adventure, and wild beauty that had defined their elopement

Pizza + Wine on the summit

Our hike to the summit was just under four miles one way, and by the time we reached the top, saying we were famished would be an understatement! But we came prepared—because what’s an epic mountain adventure without an equally epic meal to match?

Between our morning river swim and hitting the trailhead, we made a crucial stop at a local restaurant to grab a fresh, piping-hot pizza. The challenge? Getting it to the top in one piece. We took turns carrying it along the climb, but let’s be real—Ryan was in beast mode, setting the pace while hauling the ‘za for a good chunk of the hike (a true MVP move and as of the writing of this blog is still the CR for this hike!).

As the sun dipped lower, Shannon and Ryan set up their well-earned mountaintop feast. Alongside the pizza, Shannon had packed a bottle of wine, making this dinner feel even more like a celebration. Sitting on the summit, surrounded by golden light and sweeping mountain views, they shared bites of their meal, sipped wine straight from the bottle, and soaked in the moment—just the two of them, on top of the world.

And let’s not forget the pizza itself—absolutely delicious. If you know TheWildBunch, you know how much we love a good sunset pizza dinner, and this one? This one was legendary.

Sunset portraits

After finishing their well-earned dinner, Shannon and Ryan took a quiet moment to soak in the beauty around them before slipping back into their wedding attire. (We wisely waited until every last drop of red wine and red sauce had disappeared before even thinking about bringing out the wedding dress—no risks were taken!)

As the evening unfolded, we were gifted with what can only be described as a dream of a sunset. The golden summer light filtered effortlessly through the trees, casting long, dappled shadows along the rocky terrain. The sky transformed into a canvas of soft pinks, fiery oranges, and deep purples, creating the most magical, cinematic backdrop for their portrait session.

Shannon’s dress caught the light beautifully, the delicate fabric glowing in the warm hues of dusk. Ryan stood beside her, completely in awe—not just of the view, but of her. Every moment felt effortless and full of emotion, from the quiet, intimate glances to the joyful, laughter-filled twirls as they embraced the adventure of their two-day elopement.

And then came the grand finale—the sun dipping perfectly behind the distant peaks, illuminating the landscape in a breathtaking final glow. It was the kind of sunset you dream about, the kind that seals a moment in time, making it unforgettable. And for Shannon and Ryan, it was the perfect ending to the most incredible adventure.

Happily Ever After

As the last light faded from the sky and a gentle mountain breeze swept across the summit, Shannon and Ryan took one final look at the breathtaking view before them. Hand in hand and with headlamps on, they began their descent, their hearts full and their spirits soaring. Their two-day elopement had been everything they dreamed of—an unforgettable blend of wild adventure, deep love, and the landscapes that meant the most to them.

With tired legs, full hearts, and the echoes of laughter still lingering in the air, they made their way back down the mountain, knowing that this was only the beginning. Their greatest adventure was just getting started.

If you’re starting to think about how you want to build your elopement day, this White Mountains elopement timeline guide shares a few things to keep in mind as you start shaping the day.

If you’re starting to picture what your own White Mountains elopement could look like, we’d love to help you plan something that feels true to you.