Most couples who reach out to us about eloping in New Hampshire already know they want to be somewhere in the White Mountains. What they usually need help with is narrowing down the actual location. There are a lot of solid options here, and the right one depends on the season, time of day, and what you want the day to look like. Some spots are great for sunrise, some for sunset, some work better in winter, and some are easier if you’re bringing guests along. Below are some of the best places to elope in the White Mountains and what to know about each.

Best Elopement Locations in The White Mountains

The White Mountains are made up of several notches and towns that are all fairly close together but offer different types of locations. Below are some of the areas couples most often consider and what to know about each.

Franconia Notch: Big mountain views and easy access

If you’re drawn to big mountain scenery, Franconia Notch is one of the most well-known areas to elope in the White Mountains. With high peaks, lakes, and several overlooks close together, it’s easy to build a day around this area. It works well for sunrise or weekdays if you’re hoping to avoid crowds, and there are a few different types of locations nearby depending on how much hiking you want to do.

• Artist’s Bluff – A short hike with wide views of Cannon Mountain and Echo Lake. This is one of the most popular overlooks in the area, so timing matters, but it works well for sunrise or sunset ceremonies with a strong mountain backdrop.
• Lonesome Lake – A moderate hike leads to an alpine lake surrounded by forest and views of Franconia Ridge. It’s a good option if you want something quieter and are open to putting in a bit more effort to get there.
• Echo Lake – An easy-access lakeside location with mountain reflections and space to move around. Works well if you’re bringing guests or want a ceremony spot without hiking.

Pinkham Notch: Alpine views & Waterfalls

Pinkham Notch sits near Mount Washington and has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the region. There’s a mix of easy-access spots and short hikes that lead to big views, along with waterfalls and alpine terrain. Weather can change quickly in this area, so it helps to stay flexible, but it’s a strong option if you want a more epic mountain-focused setting.

• Mount Washington – The highest peak in the Northeast, with wide views from the summit. You can hike, drive, or take the cog railway, which makes it one of the more flexible options depending on your plans and the weather.
• Square Ledge – A relatively short hike to a rocky overlook with sweeping views into the notch and toward Mount Washington. Works well for couples who want a bit of movement without committing to a long hike.
• Crystal Cascade – A two-tiered waterfall located close to the road. It’s a good option if you want a quieter ceremony spot that’s still easy to access.

Crawford Notch: Cliffs, waterfalls, and big notch scenery

Crawford Notch has a good mix of overlooks, waterfalls, and shorter hikes, all within a relatively small area. It’s easy to move between locations here, which makes it helpful for building a flexible timeline without a lot of driving. Some spots work especially well for sunset, and overall it can feel a little less busy than some of the more well-known areas depending on the day and season.

• Mount Willard – A shorter hike with one of the more well-known views in the area. It’s a good option if you want a mountain overlook without a long hike.
• Arethusa Falls – The tallest waterfall in New Hampshire, with a wide, open base area that works well for ceremonies. It’s a moderate hike but feels tucked away once you’re there.
• Sugarloaf Mountain – A short but steeper hike that leads to an open summit with views of the Presidential Range. Works well for sunrise or sunset.

Kancamagus Highway: Scenic stops and flexible options

The Kancamagus Highway runs through the White Mountains and connects a lot of scenic areas, trailheads, and overlooks. It’s a good option if you want to move between a few different locations during the day without driving far. Some spots are right off the road, while others require a short hike, so it works well for a range of plans.

• Sabbaday Falls – A short, easy walk leads to a multi-tiered waterfall tucked into a rocky gorge. It’s one of the more popular stops along the Kanc, but with the right timing it can still work well for a quieter ceremony.
• Boulder Loop Trail – A moderate hike that leads to open ledges with views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a good option if you want a bit more privacy and are open to putting in some effort to get there.
• Mount Chocorua – One of the more recognizable peaks in the area, with wide summit views once you reach the top. This is better suited for couples who are comfortable with a longer hike and want a more summit-focused location.

Charming Towns & Other Scenic Elopement Locations

The towns surrounding the White Mountains offer just as many options as the landscapes themselves. Each has its own mix of mountain views, rivers, and nearby trails, and can work well for an elopement depending on what you’re looking for.

•North Conway – One of the most popular mountain towns, North Conway offers a mix of adventure and convenience. Cathedral Ledge is a great drive-up elopement spot with stunning views, while Diana’s Baths provides a magical waterfall setting just a short walk from the parking area.

• Jackson – A charming New England village known for its iconic red covered bridge and nearby waterfalls. Jackson Falls, right in town, is an easy-access waterfall perfect for an intimate ceremony. Jackson is also a great base for exploring Pinkham Notch and Mount Washington.

• Lincoln & Woodstock – These neighboring towns sit at the western entrance to the Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch. They offer cozy lodges, great restaurants, and easy access to hikes like Mount Pemigewasset and Lonesome Lake. The Flume Gorge, with its towering rock walls and rushing waterfalls, is another beautiful spot nearby.

• Gorham – Nestled along the Ammonoosuc River, Gorham offers easy access to scenic hikes without the crowds of more popular areas. The Mount Surprise trail provides stunning views of the Presidential Range, while the lesser-known Rattle River Trail follows a beautiful stream with cascades along the way.

• Waterville Valley – A quieter mountain town surrounded by scenic trails and incredible vistas. The Welch-Dickey Loop is a top pick, offering panoramic views with a relatively short hike. For a more secluded option, the Waterville Cascades trail winds through a peaceful forest to a hidden cascade.

• Sandwich – A hidden gem with charming New England vibes and breathtaking mountain views. Rattlesnake Mountain offers a short but rewarding hike with a stunning overlook, while the nearby Beede Falls provides a peaceful waterfall setting for your ceremony.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, check out these cozy Airbnbs in the White Mountains for a unique and comfortable stay close to your elopement adventure!

Ready to Plan Your Elopement?

With its mountain peaks, waterfalls, and lakes, the White Mountains are one of the best places to elope on the East Coast. These White Mountains elopement locations offer a mix of scenery and flexibility, without the stress of complicated permits or crowded locations. Whether you want to hike to a summit or say your vows beside a waterfall, there are plenty of options depending on what kind of day you’re planning.

As elopement experts living and working in the heart of the White Mountains, we’ve spent years exploring the area and getting to know the places that feel quieter and more private. We know the hidden spots and less-crowded locations where you can exchange vows with a little more space. As part of our packages, we offer detailed planning guidance, so whether you’re looking for a secluded waterfall, a tucked-away overlook, or a trail that’s a bit off the main path, we can help you find a place that fits your day. Let’s start planning your unforgettable mountain adventure!

Want to explore even more of what The White Mountains have to offer? Check out Visit NH and Visit White Mountains.