A PRIVATE SUNRISE HIKE & A FAMILY CEREMONY: CAMPTON NH ELOPEMENT

13 minutes ago
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couple on hiking elopement in new hampshire holding hands on a mountain

Every elopement day can look so different and that's what makes it so fun to build out a day that's unique to you. Some couples want it to just be the two of them. Some want their whole family standing beside them. Ariel and Colby wanted both — and their Campton, NH elopement is one of the best examples I can point to of what that actually looks like, and honestly a perfect way to do it!

Couple walking around a mountain top at sunrise before saying vows on elopement day in campton nh

A Private Sunrise hike, Just the Two of Them

Ariel and Colby's day started early, in the dark, on a quiet trail in Campton with sweeping mountain views waiting at the top. It was just the two of them, and me of course, just a hike up together as the sky slowly started to change color and light started to make its appearance through the trees as we climbed.

One of my all time favorite things about these early days is that moment when all the birds start to sing. It's still dark but getting a little brighter and once the birds sing, you know sunrise is right around the corner. It's kind of a magical moment it going from dark quiet woods to the birds singing up the sun.

At the top, they poured some coffee and soaked in the views while they cooled down from our hike up. Overlooking a castle in the distance and the stunning views, just really taking in the fact that this is their wedding day.

Once they had time to just relax, we got them set up in different parts of the summit tucked in to the trees for getting ready. I bounced between both of them helping them get ready and capturing these early morning moments.

They chose to do a first look right there on the summit with sweeping mountain views all around them. It was just as epic as you'd imagine with the skies getting brighter and the pink color from sunrise off in the distance.

Their nerves built up as they enjoyed the sunrise coming over the ridge line in anticipation of their vow exchange. When they were ready they shared a very intentional and emotional exchange of vows in this stunning spot soaking it all in. They explored and celebrated and relished in the moment before changing and heading back down the mountain to clean up, relax, and and get ready for part two of their day.

A Few Hours to Breathe

Rather than packing the whole day back to back, Ariel and Colby built in a real break — a few hours to rest, eat, and reset before the second half of their day began. It's a detail I love including in a timeline whenever it makes sense, because an elopement doesn't have to mean rushing from one moment straight into the next. Sometimes the best gift you can give yourselves is a little breathing room in between, this can really allow you to just be as present as possible for each part of your day.

Family looking at bride walk down the aisle on wedding day in campton nh

Getting Ready with Family for a Campton NH Elopement

When the break ended, Ariel and Colby's families joined them, and the day shifted into its second chapter. This time, getting ready wasn't a quiet, private moment — it was full of the people who love them most, there to help them dress, laugh with them, and share in the excitement building toward the ceremony.

small ceremony at an airbnb in campton nh for white mountains wedding day ceremony with trees and river behind them

A Riverside Ceremony in Campton

Their ceremony took place at an Airbnb in Campton, with a river running behind them and trees framing the whole scene — simple, beautiful just the way they wanted it to be. Surrounded by their closest family, Ariel and Colby exchanged another set of vows, this time with loved ones watching. Ariel's sister officaited their ceremony. It was intimate without ever feeling small — proof that a short, focused guest list can still hold every bit of the emotion of a much bigger wedding.

Brides sister bringing champagne to the couple on wedding day after ceremony

Cocktails, Snacks, and Dinner Together

After the ceremony, everyone celebrated together with a cocktail hour, a toasts, and a spread of snacks, relaxing together as a family before heading out for a dinner together to close out the day. It was fun, layed back and intentional just like they imaged it to be.

kids and grandma standing watching ceremony for campton new hampshire elopement day

What This Day Shows About Eloping with Family

Ariel and Colby's day is a real example of something I talk about often: eloping doesn't have to mean choosing between an intimate, private experience and having your family there to celebrate with you. You can have both. A private sunrise vow exchange, just the two of you, followed by a second, smaller ceremony or celebration with family later in the day, gives you room for both kinds of meaningful moments.

If you're weighing how to structure a day like this for yourself, I've put together a full breakdown of ways to include family in your elopement — worth a read if this kind of day sounds like what you're picturing too.

Dreaming of a day that blends a private ceremony with time for family, like Ariel and Colby's? I'd love to help you plan it. Get in touch to start planning your Campton, NH elopement.