Boston Elopement Guide by Alex Gordias, a local wedding photographer. Since the Pandemic, Elopements have become an increasingly popular choice for couples looking to tie the knot in an intimate and memorable way. Boston, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic and unforgettable elopement. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of eloping in Boston, where couples can elope, take photographs, and celebrate with some of the best restaurants in the city.
What is an Elopement?
An elopement is an intimate and private wedding ceremony that typically involves only the couple, an officiant, and a few close friends or family members. Unlike traditional weddings, elopements often take place in a location that holds significance for the couple, and the focus is on the couple and their love for each other rather than on a large, formal celebration. Elopements are perfect for couples who want a simple, stress-free wedding ceremony that’s tailored to their unique tastes and preferences.
Where to Elope in Boston?
Boston is full of beautiful and romantic locations that are perfect for eloping. Here are a few of the best spots to consider:
1. Boston Common Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States, and it’s a beautiful location for an elopement. The park is surrounded by historic buildings and has stunning views of the city skyline.
2. Public Garden The Boston Public Garden is a stunning location for an elopement, with its iconic swan boats, colorful flowers, and serene lagoon.
3. The Charles River Esplanade The Charles River Esplanade is a popular spot for outdoor activities, and it’s also a beautiful location for an elopement. The park has stunning views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline.
4. Fenway Park For baseball fans, Fenway Park provides a unique and memorable location for an elopement. The park’s iconic green walls and historic architecture make it a perfect spot for a sports-themed wedding ceremony.
5. Beacon Hill Beacon Hill is one of Boston’s most picturesque neighborhoods, with its charming brick row houses, gas lamps, and cobblestone streets. It’s a beautiful location for a romantic elopement that captures the essence of Boston’s historic charm.
6. Boston City Hall is another popular option for couples looking to elope in Boston. Boston City Hall offers a simple and efficient ceremony for couples who want to make their union official without a lot of fuss. Couples can choose from a range of available dates and times, and the ceremony typically takes only a few minutes.
To get married at Boston City Hall, couples must bring the following documents:
A valid marriage license issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Valid government-issued identification (such as a driver’s license or passport) for both individuals
A fee for the marriage ceremony is typically paid at the time of application for the marriage license.
Couples should also arrive early to allow time for any necessary paperwork and to ensure a smooth and stress-free ceremony.
While a City Hall wedding may not offer the same level of grandeur as other locations, it can be a practical and efficient option for couples looking for a simple and affordable way to tie the knot in Boston. And with the city’s many beautiful locations, couples can still capture stunning photographs of their special day, whether it’s at City Hall or one of the many other locations throughout the city.
Where to Take Photographs After the Ceremony?
After the elopement ceremony, the newlyweds will undoubtedly want to take some stunning photographs to capture the memories of their special day. Here are a few of the best locations for photographs in Boston:
- Acorn Street Acorn Street is one of the most photographed streets in the United States, and it’s easy to see why. The charming brick-row houses and cobblestone streets make it a perfect location for romantic photographs.
- The North End The North End is Boston’s oldest neighborhood, and it’s full of narrow streets, historic buildings, and charming shops and restaurants. It’s a beautiful location for photographs that capture the essence of Boston’s old-world charm.
- The Boston Public Library The Boston Public Library is a stunning location for photographs, with its grand staircase, beautiful murals, and ornate architecture.
- The Seaport District The Seaport District is a trendy and modern neighborhood with stunning views of the harbor and the city skyline. It’s an excellent location for couples looking for a more contemporary and urban feel to their photographs.
Best Restaurants to Celebrate in Boston
After the elopement ceremony and photographs, the newlyweds will undoubtedly want to celebrate with a delicious meal. Boston has some of the best restaurants in the country, with a wide range of cuisines and styles to choose from. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Boston to celebrate an elopement:
- The Capital Grille is a classic steakhouse located in the heart of Boston’s financial district. It offers an elegant and sophisticated atmosphere with an extensive wine list and a menu featuring high-quality cuts of meat and fresh seafood.
- Oleana Oleana is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant located in the vibrant Cambridge neighborhood of Boston. It offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with a menu featuring creative and flavorful dishes made with fresh and local ingredients.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar For seafood lovers, it is a must-visit destination. Located in Boston’s vibrant Fenway neighborhood, it offers a fresh and contemporary seafood-focused menu with an extensive selection of oysters and other raw bar offerings.
- Park No. 9 Park is a fine-dining restaurant located in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. It offers an elegant and refined atmosphere with a menu featuring creative and contemporary takes on classic New England cuisine.
- Troquet on South is a French-inspired restaurant located in Boston’s Theater District. It offers an intimate and cozy atmosphere with a menu featuring classic French dishes and an extensive wine list.
- Mamma Maria is an Italian restaurant located in Boston’s historic North End neighborhood. It offers an authentic and cozy atmosphere with a menu featuring traditional Italian dishes made with fresh and local ingredients.
- Row 34 is a seafood-focused restaurant located in Boston’s Seaport District. It offers a modern and trendy atmosphere with a menu featuring fresh and creative takes on classic New England seafood dishes.
- Toro is a Spanish-inspired restaurant located in Boston’s vibrant South End neighborhood. It offers a lively and energetic atmosphere with a menu featuring flavorful and creative tapas dishes and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
- Contessa Restaurant – Amazing Place with a Private WineCellar Room with a Spectacular Boston Panorama View
Explore more options on Google Maps to find the Best Place.
Boston offers a wide range of beautiful and romantic locations for eloping couples, from historic parks to trendy urban neighborhoods. After the ceremony and photographs, couples can celebrate their special day with some of the best restaurants in the city, offering a diverse range of cuisines and styles to suit any taste. Boston’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture make it a perfect location for a memorable and unforgettable elopement experience.
Let me know if you’d like to schedule a consultation. My Name is Alex, I am the founder and the Lead Boston Wedding Photographer.
