Rachel and Kenny currently live in Pennsylvania, but since Rachel had previously lived in Boston, they chose to celebrate their elopement in New England. All their official paperwork and the legal aspects of their marriage would be taken care of in Pennsylvania while celebrating their summer elopement in Boston. They found me online and immediately knew I was the perfect photographer for them (I love when that happens!). So, if you’re looking for elopement ideas in Boston, this is the blog for you!
Plan Your Elopement in Boston!
When to Elope in Boston
Spring (April through May): If you love cherry blossoms and lilacs, this is your time of year to elope! Beacon Hill and the Charles River Esplanade are filled with beautiful cherry blossoms during this time of year! The average high temp is 62 degrees and the average low temp is 47 degrees. This is also a very popular time of the year for rain, so I always recommend a plan B due to the unpredictable weather!
Summer (June through August): You will find beautiful flowers throughout the city, sailboats in the water, and busy streets as this time of year is the most popular for tourists! The average high temp is 82 degrees and the average low temp is 66 degrees.
Fall (September through November): A personal favorite season of mine is a New England fall. The fall foliage is so incredibly beautiful as the trees change colors and Beacon Hill is lined with pumpkins. The average high temp is 65 degrees and the average low temp is 50 degrees.
Winter (December through March): This time of year is bitterly cold, so expect to bundle up! I find that elopements during the winter months are beautiful when there is snow on the ground. However, we cannot waive our magic wand and wish for snow, so if there is no snow on the ground, I always recommend pivoting to locations where the city skyline can serve as the scenic background. The average high temp is 40 degrees and the average low temp is 27 degrees.
Rachel and Kenny chose to host their celebration at the beginning of the summer season in June. The weather was absolutely perfect: a bright, sunny day with clear skies and a comfortable temperature. To top it off, we were greeted with a gentle cool breeze that blew throughout the day, adding a refreshing touch. It was like the ideal blend of spring and summer!
How to Decide on Your Elopement Timeline
Elopements are all about freedom and flexibility! There are no rules or expectations to follow. We can simply do whatever brings you the most joy.
When Rachel and Kenny inquired with me, they were uncertain about how they wanted to spend their day following their ceremony at the Ames Mansion. To help them decide, I asked more questions to learn about them and their story. After considering various suggestions, they chose to include dance parties, photos, bubbles, games, and ice cream. With these activities in mind, I helped create their elopement timeline, ensuring that everything took place in a meaningful and beautiful location perfect for their celebration.
Make Your Elopement Day Meaningful to You
Elopements are a favorite of mine, because of those flexible and intentional ways that couples can be on their day. There are no expectations, rules, or anything limiting you from doing what you want, and I believe that is the beauty!
Celebrating Rachel and Kenny in one of Boston‘s Mansions
Rachel and Kenny joyously celebrated their summer elopement in Boston alongside their four beautiful children, treasuring a day filled with love, family, and cherished memories.
The day began with a first touch, followed by a brief, traditional ceremony at the Ames Mansion. Rachel and Kenny led the ceremony themselves, exchanging sweet words and sharing their first kiss. It was incredibly sweet! After the ceremony, they kicked off a family dance party, enjoyed bubbles, and played giant Jenga together.
This allowed Rachel and Kenny to fully embrace this joyful moment and share it with their children.
While the children played, I had the pleasure of whisking Rachel and Kenny away for some lovely bridal portraits to commemorate their marriage.
Exploring Queset Garden and Capturing Cherished Moments
Next, we headed to our second location, the Queset Garden + Queset House (adjacent to the Ames Library, which held special meaning for Rachel). Here, we allowed the kids to explore and enjoy the surroundings before capturing both family and additional bridal portraits.
A Sweet Summer Elopement in Boston’s Bertie’s Ice Cream Shop
But the magic and fun continued! After capturing enough photos and letting the kids explore, we moved to our third location: Bertie’s Ice Cream shop to extend the celebration. To our delight, the manager had reserved a section for the family inside and generously treated everyone (even me! haha) to free ice cream sundaes. It was the perfect way to conclude such a wonderful day. Laughter filled the air as we all enjoyed delicious scoops, savoring the simple joy of being together. At that moment, I felt immense happiness capturing a love that transcended the traditional wedding day. It was an honor to help plan an elopement day that was truly unique to Rachel, Kenny, and their beloved children.
For newly engaged couples considering an elopement but unsure how to make it uniquely special, let Rachel and Kenny’s story inspire you. Your day can be as personal and joyful as you envision. Whether it’s incorporating meaningful locations, fun activities, or shared experiences with loved ones, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the freedom to create a celebration that truly reflects your love story and brings you the most joy.
New England Wedding & Elopement Photographer | Paula Milena Photography
For the romantics who cherish genuine, unscripted moments and are deeply in love. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, I’m passionate about capturing your unique story just as you envision it. You deserve a photographer who’s as enthusiastic about your day as you are. Think we’d make a great team? Reach out through my contact form to reserve your date!
Boston Elopement Vendors:
Ceremony + Family Celebration: Ames Mansion | Bridals + Family Portraits: Queset Garden + Queset House | Elopement Celebration: Bertie’s Ice Cream shop in Westwood | Boston Elopement Photographer: Paula Milena
