How to Plan a Salem, MA Elopement
November 5, 2024
Known for its rich history and iconic Halloween season, Salem is a town full of character, charm, and an eerie vibe that’s perfect for adventurous couples looking for a unique elopement day. From cobblestone streets to centuries-old haunted houses, there’s no place quite like Salem!
Wondering how to plan the perfect Salem, MA, elopement? As a Massachusetts elopement photographer, I’ve got you covered! From beautiful elopement locations and places to stay to fun activities and all the legalities, this guide will have ALL the tips you need to plan your day.
Why Elope in Salem?
When you choose Salem for your elopement, you’re choosing a place with an unforgettable story. Known for the infamous 1692 witch trials, Salem’s history is a mix of both spooky lore and New England charm. The historic architecture, enchanting coastal views, and autumn vibes draw in people from all over, especially in October when the town goes all out for Halloween.
The town’s haunted past and colorful present make it such a unique elopement location! Whether you’re both fans of the paranormal or simply drawn to Salem’s classic New England atmosphere, eloping here will be one of the best experiences of your life!
Best Places to Elope in Salem, MA
Salem has a mix of iconic, scenic, and also spooky locations to make your elopement day unique! These are some of the best places to elope in Salem, MA!
Salem Common
Salem Common is a classic outdoor space surrounded by historic buildings and towering trees, creating a quintessential New England vibe. In the fall, the trees turn vibrant shades of red and gold, making it an especially magical setting. The open space, iconic gazebo, and charming pathways are ideal for an intimate ceremony and stunning photos with historic architecture as your backdrop.
Salem Willows Park
For a more relaxed seaside vibe, Salem Willows offers gorgeous water views, grassy areas, and a seaside promenade. Its ocean views, especially during sunset, make it a dreamy place for those looking for coastal vibes without the crowds you’ll find in central Salem. Here, you can also hit the arcade for some fun and games to celebrate your day!
Satanic Temple
If you’re looking for something really bold and unique, I recommend checking out the Satanic Temple aka Salem Art Gallery. The venue is really fascinating, with a beautiful, art-filled interior. This venue is definitely anything but traditional and is a great option if you’re looking for something that’s dark and thought-provoking.
It operates every second Saturday of the month from 6 pm to midnight, so it’s a rather limited availability spot for your elopement. Book in advance! Learn more about it here!
Winter Island Park
Just a few minutes from Salem’s downtown, Winter Island offers stunning coastal scenery with historic ruins, a lighthouse, and ocean views. It’s a bit off the beaten path, giving you a quiet, scenic escape for your ceremony. Afterwards, you’ll need to find somewhere else to celebrate or we can roam around longer for more photos, of course!
Ropes Mansion Garden
This enchanting garden, part of the historic Ropes Mansion (yes, the one from Hocus Pocus!!), offers a lush, intimate setting. It’s got nice seasonal blooms and shaded pathways for your elopement day. There’s no charge to have your ceremony there, which is nice, however, note that the space will still be available to the public!
Mahi Harbor Cruise
If you want to elope in Salem AND also elope on a boat, consider Mahi Harbor Cruise. You’ll get scenic views of the Salem coastline, ocean breeze, and a dose of adventure as you sail along the harbor. You can choose from day, sunset, or evening cruises, each offering a different but equally romantic vibe. And then you can hit the town for more Salem-y adventures!
Best Time of Year for Your Salem, MA Elopement
Salem is beautiful all year round. If you’re a fall and Halloween lover, this is Salem’s peak season, bringing in visitors from all over for the foliage and festivities. October in Salem is particularly magical, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s and streets decorated for the season. It’s THE BEST!
Spring in Salem is charming, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to 60s. The town is quieter, making it ideal for couples looking for a more private experience. You can also enjoy cherry blossoms and spring flowers sprouting in the gardens!
Summer is warm (70s to 80s) and lively, though not as busy as October. The coastal breeze makes it perfect for beachside elopements, especially at places like Salem Willows Park or Winter Island. You’ll find local events and a relaxed, vacation-like vibe during these months.
Winter is Salem’s quietest season, with occasional snow and temperatures ranging from the 20s to the 40s. The town is calm and cozy, making it perfect for couples looking for a private, intimate vibe. The holiday season brings festive lights and decor, which is so cute!
Where to Stay
Haunted Houses
- Hawthorne Hotel – A classic choice for history and hauntings! The Hawthorne Hotel is one of Salem’s most haunted hotels and has hosted famous guests like past presidents. It’s central to everything and has cozy, elegant rooms.
- The Salem Inn – This historic inn offers fireplaces, antique decor, and a hint of spookiness. Well, maybe a bit more than a hint because it is one of THE spookiest hotels in MA.
- The Daniels House B&B – Built in 1667, this historic B&B is one of the oldest in New England. It’s perfect for couples wanting an intimate, atmospheric stay with antique rooms, fireplaces, and a haunting vibe.
- The Merchant – This is one of the first brick homes built in the city and has some of the most chilling history, being the place where many people were held for torture and interrogations. It’s a beautiful hotel, though!
Other Places
Walking Tours & Fun Activities
There are many fun and unique experiences you can have in Salem! Here are some options, both – paranormal and ‘normal’.
- Go on the free Salem Heritage Trail walking tour.
- Go on a haunted ghost tour – here are some suggestions – History and Hauntings, Mysteries and Murders of Salem, and Salem Witch Trials Historical Walking Tour.
- Get a psychic reading
- Visit one of many Salem witch museums
- Go on a Salem trolley tour
- Check out the Essex Street Pedestrian Mall – it’s a cozy cobblestone street filled with shops, artisans, and cafes!
- Visit the Halloween museum!
There are plenty of things to do here, and as your Salem, MA, elopement photographer, I’d be happy to give you specific ideas that fit your dream elopement day!
Best Places to Eat
Salem is a great place for foodies! Here, you can enjoy cozy diner vibes and more upscale dining options.
- Finz Seafood & Grill – A waterfront gem, perfect for seafood lovers. Enjoy fresh oysters, clam chowder, and New England seafood classics with stunning ocean views.
- Ledger – Known for its farm-to-table New England fare, Ledger is located in a historic bank building and serves up everything from steak to vegetarian dishes.
- Turner’s Seafood – Set in the old Lyceum Hall, this spot is beloved for its warm, rustic ambiance and delicious seafood options.
- The Tavern at Hawthorne Hotel – Perfect for couples staying at the Hawthorne, the Tavern offers a cozy atmosphere and classic American dishes. It’s especially romantic in the winter with its dark wood and intimate lighting.
- Flying Saucer Pizza Company – For a casual meal with quirky vibes, try Flying Saucer Pizza. They offer unique, themed pizzas!
- Gulu-Gulu Café —A hip café with eclectic decor, Gulu-Gulu serves craft beer, coffee, and hearty sandwiches. It’s perfect for a relaxed brunch or lunch with a local, artsy feel.
Legal Requirements to Get Married in Salem, MA
Get Your Marriage License
To make your elopement official in Massachusetts, you’ll need to grab a marriage license.
You can apply for your marriage license at any City or Town Clerk’s office in Massachusetts—it doesn’t have to be the one where you’re getting married. There is a Salem City Clerk’s office for your convenience, though. Both of you need to be present to apply, and there’s a three-day waiting period before you can use it, so plan ahead.
Hire an Officiant
To make it legal, your marriage ceremony must be officiated by an authorized individual to be legally recognized. You can get an officiant, an Ordained Minister, a Justice of Peace, or have a friend or family member get a One-Day Marriage Designation to perform your ceremony. This allows them to legally perform your marriage ceremony on a specific date. Applications should be submitted online or by mail from 6 months to 1 week before your wedding date.
Also, the Massachusetts statute does not require witnesses to be present at your ceremony, so it is the perfect state for eloping without any guests—if that’s what you’d like, of course!
Book Your Salem, MA Elopement Photographer!
I hope that this blog will help plan your perfect Salem, MA, elopement! And if you’re looking for someone to help you create your dream day and document it while we’re at it, I’d LOVE to help!
Whether you’re looking for a two-day epic adventure or an intimate, heartfelt ceremony, my Salem elopement packages are designed to capture the magic of your day. Each package includes an elopement how-to guide, custom timelines (hello, plan A, B, and C!), and local vendor recommendations to make planning stress-free and exciting.
The Two-Day Adventure is perfect for couples who want to stretch their experience across multiple days, capturing memories through photography, videography, and even drone coverage. For those seeking a balanced day, the Partial Day Experience is the most popular package, providing 8 hours of coverage to capture your vows, explore local attractions, and wrap it up with a sunset first dance. The Mini Day Experience offers 4 hours of photography, ideal for couples looking for a more intimate, cozy celebration.
No matter which package you choose, I’m here to make sure your elopement is nothing short of cinematic, romantic, and totally kick-ass!
You can learn more about my Salem elopement packages here! And if you’d like to learn more about what I can do for you, just reach out to me here!
