It’s hard to accept this fact: As much as we want to understand why things happen the way they do, as much as we try to figure out the why, we will never truly know. This thought can keep you up at night, or you can surrender to the not knowing. Hurricane Helene brought chaos and change into the lives of so many people. Asheville and surrounding areas on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina became impassable. For us, and Jackie and Dave, this meant a last minute change of elopement plans.
After the initial shockwave of thinking, “Oh shit, this is really happening and we have four days to pivot to another plan!”, we started researching locations that checked all of their boxes—an adventurous hike to panoramic mountain views with an easy access ceremony site for their family. What was originally a serendipitous plan at Black Balsam Knob became a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Stowe, Vermont for 20 people.
No matter how an elopement unfolds, we know that we are always given exactly what is meant for us. Rather than expectations, we chase our intentions and how we want to feel during an experience, and that is what drives the creative process of helping couples plan adventures. Our job as your photographer and videographer team is not only to capture the day, but guide you into being fully present. Connection is the fundamental principle of our art.
As much as we want to control where we get married, weather, the energy of a space, and whatnot, all we can actually do is choose how we move through each moment in time. Plan B for Jackie and Dave carried the same energy as North Carolina; for better or for worse–but is there really worst when all the commotion led us to where we felt destined to be?
Fall Elopement in Vermont
For the couple, the morning began at Wildebrook rental home in the mountain town of Stowe. For Colin and Julie, we started a ferry ride away in New York with the couple’s extra vehicle because there were no accommodations or rental cars available within the Burlington area. We woke up early that day, Julie popped some anti-nausea meds for the boat, and we headed to scout for the ceremony site 30 minutes before we were supposed to meet Jackie and Dave. Why were we scouting last minute?
Let us back up the story to give a full concept and how we are committed to creating the best elopement despite what is put in our path. The whole experience was fast-paced from the beginning:
- Figuring out what state we were all traveling to just days before leaving.
- Running through the airport with all of our gear like contestants in the Amazing Race due to a delayed flight and almost missing our connecting plane in Washington DC.
- And what caused having to find a ceremony site last minute… Getting kicked out of a public area while scouting the planned ceremony spot the night before because a woman told us it was her private land. Being advocates for Leave No Trace and obviously not wanting to trespass, we had no choice but to believe her and immediately leave the area. Funny enough, the next morning, the nail salon told the bride the woman is actually known around town as the crazy lady trying to keep people away even though the land is actually accessible to the public.
- The list could go on.
Despite all the frantic happenings, when it came down to what actually manifested, we could not have dreamed of better timing and location. When working with us, we understand how to navigate these types of situations and, at the core of it all, are skillfully passionate about making sure your experience is amazing without adding extra stress to the couple. We have the ability to put our minds together and create moments to feel deeply connected regardless of the circumstances.
After Jackie and Dave dressed separately at the house, Colin and Julie coordinated a first look in the open grounds of the neighborhood. To no surprise, this particular spot was chosen minutes before it happened. Keeping it truly on brand, between Colin placing Dave in position and Julie bringing Jackie to the area, a man weed-eating shows up (literally not even 5 minutes of time had passed). Nonetheless, it was a beautiful and happy moment for the couple. At this point, they were able to navigate the rest of the day hand-in-hand, and that is all that really mattered.
How To Get Married in Vermont
Vermont is an incredible place to get married, especially in the heart of an Appalachian fall when the colors feel almost unreal. For Jackie and Dave’s elopement, Sterling Pond Trailhead offered the perfect setting for their ceremony. With easy parking and just a short walk to a semi-private space tucked between the boulders, Colin led them through their vows while their family and close friends stood nearby to witness the moment.
Step-by-step for filing a marriage license in Vermont
- Submit your application at the town or city clerk’s office in Vermont where one of you resides. If you’re coming from out of state, you can apply at any Vermont town or city clerk’s office, regardless of where your ceremony will take place. The couple will pay the $80 fee, and the marriage license is typically issued immediately after the clerk reviews the application.
- Marriage licenses cannot be issued by mail, and proxy marriages are not permitted.
- Both parties must sign the application and provide basic personal information, including full names, towns of residence, places of birth, and dates of birth. You’ll also need to include your parents’ names—along with your mothers’ maiden names—and their places of birth.
- There is no waiting period between when the license is issued and when the ceremony can take place.
- The marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. Your ceremony must be performed by an authorized officiant; otherwise, the license will not be valid.
- The state of Vermont does not require witnesses for a marriage ceremony.
- For more information, visit: healthvermont.gov
Who can perform the ceremony?
Vermont requires that your ceremony be performed by an authorized officiant, such as a Supreme Court justice, superior court judge, district judge, probate judge, assistant judge, justice of the peace, or an ordained or licensed member of the clergy who resides in Vermont.
One especially unique option is the temporary officiant process, which is the route we personally used as non-resident ordained officiants. In Vermont, any person over the age of 18 can register with the Secretary of State to officiate a specific marriage. After paying a $100 registration fee, they receive a certificate that authorizes them to solemnize that one designated Vermont marriage. This permission is tied directly to the specific couple and ceremony, meaning the details must match the marriage license exactly. Once completed, they are only authorized for that single event.
More information can be found through the Vermont Secretary of State at https://sos.vermont.gov/ or by calling 802-828-2363.
Kind words from the couple:
“Julie and Colin were all we could have asked for and more!! Due to unforeseen circumstances, our wedding plans had to completely shift 5 days before the event. Julie and Colin were there with us every step of the way. They suggested other options for us and were willing to completely switch their travel plans.
To top that, they even found us our ceremony location…THE MORNING OF OUR WEDDING after more setbacks out of our control. It was perfect and we literally couldn’t have done it without them.
We’re so happy with how our photos turned out and everyone who sees them is blown away. They are genuinely good people and made our wedding unforgettable. We can’t recommend them enough.”
Mount Mansfield Hiking Trails
There are many trails leading to the Mount Mansfield summit, the highest peak in Vermont. We chose The Nose to The Chin via Long Trail that originates at the Mount Mansfield Visitor Center. To reach the area, you take the Auto Toll Road managed by Stowe Mountain Resort. They charge $35 per vehicle/driver and $13 for each additional passenger. This choice is available from the end of May through mid-October and is open 9:30am-4:30pm. You can remain on the mountain after the gate closes to enjoy sunset over the vast hills and Lake Champlain.
After much research and scouting the day before Jackie and Dave’s elopement, we discovered this to be the easiest way to the top. Other options we found were taking the gondola at the Stowe Ski Resort and hiking the short, but extremely scrambled trail to the top (AllTrails: The Chin via Cliff House). You can opt to do the entire hike by foot and not have to purchase tickets. Those include the Hellbrook Trail and the Profanity Trail, though the names alone should indicate these are the hardest routes.
