From coastal towns and mountain views to cute, cozy towns, Massachusetts is a total vibe for couples who want a mix of romance, adventure, and kick-ass scenery for their elopement day.
Whether you’re dreaming of a beachside elopement on Cape Cod, a spooky fall ceremony in Salem, or a mountain escape in the Berkshires, this Massachusetts elopement guide will help you plan your epic day!
How to Get to Massachusetts?
If you’re traveling from out of state, you’ll likely be flying into Logan International Airport (BOS) in Boston. It’s the largest airport in Massachusetts and serves as a convenient gateway whether you’re heading into the city, the coastal regions, or the mountains. From Logan, you’re about a 2-hour drive to Cape Cod and about the same to the Berkshires.
For those heading to the western part of the state, Bradley International Airport (BDL), located just across the border in Connecticut, is another great option. It’s much closer to the Berkshires and can save you an hour of driving time if you’re planning a mountain elopement.
You can check out more travel information here!
How to Get Around Boston?
Can’t talk about traveling to Massachusetts and not mention getting around Boston since it is one of the more popular elopement destinations here.
Boston is one of the most walkable cities in the U.S., so if you’re staying downtown or in areas like the North End, Beacon Hill, or Back Bay, you’ll be able to explore many elopement-worthy spots on foot. It’s easy to reach iconic landmarks like the Boston Common, Boston Public Garden, and the Charles River Esplanade this way.
Boston is well-served by rideshare services, so if you prefer not to navigate the city’s notoriously confusing streets or deal with parking, this is a great option.
While renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore beyond the city, driving in Boston can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. Between one-way streets, heavy traffic, and limited parking, it’s often easier to stick to public transportation or rideshares unless you’re heading to a more distant location like Cape Cod or the Berkshires. If you choose to rent a car, be mentally prepared for the potential hassle AND plan for traffic in your elopement timeline.
Ferry Boats
Massachusetts is known for its coastal charm, and one of the most fun ways to get around is by ferry. If you’re thinking of eloping on Cape Cod or visiting places like Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard, hop on one of the ferry boats. It’s a scenic and romantic way to travel! Plus, you’ll get some epic views of the coastline on your way!
City, Ocean, or the Mountains?
When planning your Massachusetts elopement, the first big decision is choosing the type of scenery you want. Even though Massachusetts is one of the smaller states in the US, it makes up for it in the variety of landscapes and nature. Want to get married with coastal views or maybe somewhere in the mountains? You’ve got it! Or maybe you’re into artsy neighborhoods, historic buildings, and cozy cabins? There’s something for everyone here!
Here are some of my favorite places to visit in Massachusetts, which are perfect for your elopement, as well:
City Vibes in Boston
If you’d like to explore the city, Boston has the best vibes for an urban elopement with a bit of history. You could exchange your vows in the Boston Public Garden! Or, if waterfront views are more your thing, check out the Charles River or the Seaport, where the ocean and city landscapes blend in one.
The best time to elope in Boston is late spring and early fall. You’ll avoid the harsh winter cold and the sticky summer heat. Early mornings are often quiet, making it a great time for more intimate ceremonies at the more iconic spots of the city.
There are also so many fun things to do here to really make the most of your elopement. You could go sailing on Boston Harbor, soak up some history along the Freedom Trail, or check out Fenway Park!
Coastal Views in Cape Cod
Picture this: barefoot on the sand, ocean waves in the background, and endless dunes setting the scene. If that’s what you’d like for your elopement, Cape Cod is where it’s at. Cape Cod is perfect for those laid-back, romantic vibes. Say your vows on a quiet stretch of beach, then hit up a seafood joint for some fresh lobster rolls or take a private whale-watching tour for the ultimate post-ceremony adventure. Plus, the Cape’s charming towns like Chatham and Provincetown? Absolute gems.
Summer is the busiest time, with tourists flocking to the beaches. Weekdays in early summer or late August/September offer a quieter experience. But if you’d like to keep things really low-key and private, then Fall could be the best fit, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Pro tip: If you’re heading to Provincetown or one of the nearby islands, consider taking a ferry from Boston. Ferries are a scenic way to travel and allow you to avoid the notorious Cape Cod traffic during peak season.
You can learn more about planning your Cape Cod elopement here!
Mountains at the Berkshires
If mountains are calling your name, the Berkshires in Western Massachusetts are where you’ll find those epic backdrops. We’re talking rolling hills, dense forests, and cinematic views for days.
Fall is hands down the best time to elope in the Berkshires. From late September through mid-October, the hills are ablaze with fall colors, offering some of the best foliage in New England. But summer is equally stunning with wildflowers and green fields!
Here, you could hike up Mount Greylock or Monument Mountain or kayak on a peaceful lake! And if you’re into artsy stuff, the Berkshires have plenty of that, too, with galleries and festivals that bring the culture.
Get Your Spook on in Salem
For couples who are into something a bit offbeat, Salem is your spot. Known for its witchy history, Salem has a cool, mystical vibe that’s perfect for couples wanting something different. Fall is the time to elope here, especially if you want to tap into that Halloween energy when the whole town goes all out. However, fall can get VERY busy here, so you could consider eloping here any other time of the year. It will still have the witchy vibes, but you’ll spend less time standing in queues.
During your elopement getaway in Salem, you could go around exploring the town’s history, take a ghost tour, or simply grab a cup of coffee!
Getting 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. 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.
Once issued, the license is valid for 60 days, so you’ve got a little wiggle room. Depending on the town, the marriage license cost ranges between $35 to $50.
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!
Elopement Packages in Massachusetts
I hope that this blog will help you plan your perfect Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts 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.
I have a package ready to go for whatever you’ve dreamed up for your big day. 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 Massachusetts elopement packages here! And if you’d like to learn more about what I can do for you, just reach out to me here!
