There’s something truly magical about a winter elopement in the White Mountains—the crisp air, snow-covered landscapes, and quiet intimacy of New Hampshire during this time of year makes for the perfect elopement destination. For Samantha and Eric, their elopement in the White Mountains was all about being in the moment and their time together: no guests, no big production, just the two of them and a day designed to feel like their own.
If you’re planning a winter elopement in the White Mountains or anywhere in New England, I’d love to be there to capture your day. Head here if you’d like more info on my pricing and services, or here to read more about my style as a documentary wedding photographer who shoots film. I have limited availability in 2026 and 2027—get in touch now to book your date!
A Cozy Hotel Ceremony for a Winter elopement in the White Mountains
January in Jackson, NH is cold. We knew this, but the warmth of the fire in the hotel was so welcoming that it made leaving difficult. Samantha and Eric got ready together and were married by a JP in front of the fire during a ceremony that felt natural and true to their relationship. It was the perfect, cozy backdrop for them to share their vows.
Snowy Portraits for a winter elopement in the White Mountains
We didn’t need to go far to capture the magic of the White Mountains in Samantha and Eric’s wedding portraits. Typically, when I take portraits of couples on their wedding day, I ask that they not do anything they wouldn’t do if I wasn’t there. This means essentially going for a walking, taking in the landscape or sights, and occasionally stopping to take a photo in a guided way that feels effortless and natural. No cheesy, forced posing, just real moments together photographed with an observational approach. We found a red covered bridge that felt like the perfect spot for a handful of photos and ran back to the warmth of the car after about 10 minutes.
Capturing Moments by the Franconia Notch Train
After their ceremony, we took a drive to the Conway Scenic Railroad station in North Conway. This was just a few minutes away from Jackson and we arrived at the perfect time to capture golden hour. In the winter in New Hampshire, the sun goes down early, so this is something I would recommend keeping in mind to not miss. We spent about 20 minutes walking around, capturing some candid portraits and documentary-style moments between Samantha and Eric. The next day, they planned to ride the train, so it was awesome to make these photographs of the two of them in their wedding attire.
Dinner and Intimate Celebration
Samantha and Eric planned to have dinner at Thompson House Eatery in Jackson, NH before going on a horse-drawn sleigh ride through a snowy, winter landscape at Nestlenook Farm. Sadly, Thompson House Eatery has since closed, but this was one of the best farm-to-table, local New England restaurants I have ever been to. I’m thankful we were able to celebrate Samantha and Eric there because they also felt a connection to this restaurant that served real, unprocessed food sourced locally in New Hampshire. The sleigh ride was the perfect, cozy way to end what was an unforgettable winter elopement in the White Mountains.
Why Winter Elopements in New England Are Magical
Winter in New England offers unique light, quiet landscapes, and a pace that allows couples to truly focus on being in the moment with each other. From snowy portraits at iconic landmarks to cozy indoor moments, a winter elopement in the White Mountains is perfect for couples seeking a documentary-style experience that feels authentic and personal. There’s really no need to plan a big timeline or shot list here because everywhere you go has a subtle beauty that is hard to find these days. Plus, a winter elopement in New England offers the chance to take advantage of a slower season without as much competition to book your favorite vendors.
If you’re dreaming of a winter wedding or elopement in New England, I’d love to help capture your story in a natural, documentary style. Contact me to start planning your day!
