Connecticut Elopement Photography Guide

Connecticut Elopement Photography Guide

Everything you need to know to plan a beautiful, stress-free Connecticut elopement

Planning an elopement is all about crafting a day that’s meaningful, intimate, and 100% you. Whether you're dreaming of vows at a quiet beach, a mountaintop view, or a cozy backyard ceremony, Connecticut offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and charming venues.

As a Connecticut elopement photographer, I’ve helped couples plan unforgettable elopement experiences, and I’m here to help you do the same.

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Why Elope in Connecticut?

Connecticut is full of hidden gems — from scenic state parks to peaceful coastal towns and romantic gardens. Here’s why couples love eloping here:

• Diverse landscapes: Beaches, forests, waterfalls, and historic estates
• Easy access: Centrally located in New England with lots of options for travel and lodging
• All four seasons: Each offers a unique backdrop — from fall foliage to spring blooms

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Best Elopement Locations in Connecticut

Here are a few of my favorite spots that are perfect for elopements:

1. Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)

• Ideal for sunrise or sunset ceremonies
• Beautiful dunes and ocean views

2. Topsmead State Forest (Litchfield)

• Peaceful, romantic, and full of greenery
• Stone cottage and open fields for a rustic vibe

3. Wickham Park (Manchester)

• Formal gardens, scenic overlooks, and wooded trails

4. Gillette Castle State Park

• A whimsical and unique backdrop with castle architecture

5. Private Airbnbs & Family Homes

• Perfect for laid-back, personal elopements with total privacy

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How to Legally Elope in Connecticut

Here’s what you need to do to make it official:

• Get your marriage license from the town hall in the town where your ceremony will take place
• No waiting period — you can marry the same day you get your license
• License is valid for 65 days
• You’ll need an officiant (Justice of the Peace, ordained friend, or even your photographer if they’re registered!)
• Only one witness is required in Connecticut

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Tips for a Meaningful Connecticut Elopement

• Time it right: Early morning or golden hour = the best light
• Dress for the outdoors: Be comfortable, especially if walking/hiking
• Make it personal: Write your own vows, bring a meaningful item, or include a symbolic ritual
• Have fun: Pack a picnic, pop some bubbly, or plan a mini adventure after you say “I do”

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Let’s Plan Your Connecticut Elopement Together

Your love story deserves to be told in a way that feels real and relaxed. If you’re planning an elopement in Connecticut and looking for a photographer who can help you with more than just photos, I’m here for you every step of the way.

Contact me today to start dreaming up your perfect elopement day.

The Beauty of Summer Weddings in Connecticut

Embracing the Beauty of Summer Weddings in Connecticut

Summer is the season of warmth, love, and unforgettable celebrations, making it one of the most popular times to get married in Connecticut. From lush green fields to charming rustic barns, the state offers countless picturesque backdrops for your special day. As a Connecticut-based wedding photographer, I love capturing the magic of summer weddings, where golden light, vibrant colors, and heartfelt moments come together in stunning harmony.

Whether you're planning a grand outdoor celebration or an intimate ceremony at a venue like The Barns at Wesleyan Hills, your summer wedding deserves photography that tells the full story of your day.

Why Summer Weddings Shine in Connecticut

Connecticut comes alive in the summer with vibrant greenery, blooming flowers, and long daylight hours perfect for celebrations. Couples love summer weddings for their relaxed and joyful vibe, where the outdoors often takes center stage. Here’s why summer weddings in Connecticut are so special:

• Lush Landscapes: Summer provides the perfect setting for outdoor ceremonies, with gardens, fields, and waterfront venues in full bloom.

• Golden Hour Glow: Longer days mean more opportunities for photos in the soft, golden light of sunset.

• Seasonal Styling: From airy, flowing dresses to bright floral arrangements, summer weddings bring a refreshing and colorful energy.

First Look on the lawn at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

Why Choose a Professional Photographer for Your Summer Wedding

Capturing the essence of a summer wedding requires an understanding of natural light, the flow of outdoor events, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. As your Connecticut wedding photographer, I’ll ensure your day is beautifully documented, from candid moments during the ceremony to sunlit portraits with your loved ones.

Here’s what you can expect when you work with me:

• Pre-Wedding Planning: We’ll discuss your vision, venue, and timeline to make sure every important moment is captured.

• Venue Expertise: Whether you’re at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills or a beachside location, I’ll scout the best angles and lighting for your photos.

• Natural, Joyful Images: My photography style is relaxed and focused on authenticity, ensuring your photos truly reflect your day.

Celebrate Your Love Story This Summer

Summer weddings in Connecticut are unforgettable, with their lush settings, radiant light, and joyful energy. Whether you’re celebrating at a venue like The Barns at Wesleyan Hills or a hidden gem in the countryside, your wedding deserves photos as vibrant and timeless as your love.

Let’s work together to create a gallery of images that captures the essence of your summer wedding. Contact me today to discuss your plans and start the journey to preserving your most cherished memories.

Looking for inspiration? Explore my portfolio of Connecticut summer weddings and follow me on Instagram for tips, trends, and ideas to make your day picture-perfect!

The Barns at Wesleyan Hills: A Summer Wedding Dream

One of the standout summer wedding venues in Connecticut is The Barns at Wesleyan Hills. Known for its rustic elegance and sprawling grounds, this venue offers endless opportunities for breathtaking photos. Whether you’re exchanging vows under the willow trees, dancing in the rustic barn, or posing by the tranquil pond, the charm of this location is undeniable.

While The Barns at Wesleyan Hills is an amazing spot, summer weddings across Connecticut—from vineyards to gardens—are equally enchanting. Whatever your venue, my goal as your photographer is to highlight the beauty of your location while capturing the emotions and details that make your wedding uniquely yours.

White rose bouquet details

Wedding Ceremony at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown Connecticut

Makeup: Two Spa Girls
Hair: Image Hair Studio
Florist: In Bloom Event Designs
DJ: Power Station Events

Sarah + Robin | The Barns at Wesleyan Hills Wedding

A Summer Wedding day in Middletown, Connecticut at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

Sarah and Robin celebrated their wedding day at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills located in Middletown, CT.

The Barns provides a beautiful location for an outdoor wedding ceremony with big beautiful willow trees adding greenery to your ceremony. Inside, The Barns provides a rustic wooden style with beautiful string light detail in the reception space.

This Summer wedding day began with the Bride getting ready with her family and friends inside of the bridal suit at The Barns. After their hair and makeup was completed by Two Spa Girls and Image Hair Studio, Sarah got on her dress with the help of her Mom and then did a First Look with her girls. It was such an emotional moment watching the bride reveal her final look on her big day to her bridal party.

Following the getting ready portion of their wedding day, we headed outside and the bride had a First Look with her Father and then with her Fiancé. Both moments were so special to everyone.

We had a lot of fun during the wedding party portraits, kicking it off with the bridesmaids surprise “icing” the groomsmen. It was such a fun way to kick off the formal images.

Sarah and Robin’s ceremony was officiated by their good friend and Robin’s best man, Mike Shaw. Mike’s familiarity with the bride and groom provided the perfect balance of humor, love, and personalization that can only come from someone who knows them so well.

Doing the bulk of the formal images before the ceremony allowed Sarah and Robin to enjoy the majority of cocktail hour with their guests. I love being able to capture lots of candid moments during cocktail hour of the bride and groom with their family and friends. Cocktail hour is the perfect time for brides and grooms to be able to have the time to mingle with their loved ones, and I love when brides and grooms work their timeline with me to be able to be at cocktail hour with their guests.

Following cocktail hour the reception was filled with first dances, amazing food, and a super fun dance floor.

Makeup: Two Spa Girls
Hair: Image Hair Studio
Florist: In Bloom Event Designs
DJ: Power Station Events

First Look on the lawn at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills.

White rose bouquet details

Wedding Ceremony at The Barns at Wesleyan Hills in Middletown Connecticut