If you’re dreaming of an elopement surrounded by towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in New England, a Kancamagus Highway elopement is the perfect choice. Known as one of the most scenic drives in the country, the Kancamagus Highway (or “the Kanc” for short) stretches 34 miles through the heart of the White Mountains, offering endless opportunities for adventure-filled elopements.
Whether you’re envisioning a mountaintop sunrise ceremony, an intimate vow exchange by a waterfall, or a laid-back day exploring multiple scenic spots (like the elopement pictured in this blog), eloping on the Kanc means embracing nature and celebrating your love in the most epic way possible.
Why Elope on the Kancamagus Highway?
A Kancamagus Highway elopement is perfect for couples who want a mix of adventure, accessibility, and jaw-dropping scenery. Here’s why it’s one of the best places to elope in New Hampshire:
• Unreal Scenic Views – The Kanc is packed with stunning overlooks, rugged mountain peaks, and stunning wilderness, making it a dream location for elopement photos.
• Variety of Locations – From waterfalls and rivers to mountain hikes and quiet forest trails, you can customize your day with multiple backdrops.
• Easily Accessible Spots – No need for an intense hike (unless you want one!). Many breathtaking locations are just a short walk from the road which makes a scenic drive to fit in multiple different view points so fun and easy!
• Year-Round Beauty – Whether it’s peak fall foliage, a snowy winter wonderland, lush summer greens, or misty spring waterfalls, the Kanc is beautiful in every season. One thing to keep in mind if you're planning a winter elopement along the Kancamagus highway is some of the pull offs don't get plowed. This is a plus of booking with me, a local who can location scout ahead of time so we know what to expect.
• It's dog friendly! – Most stops along the Kanc are dog friendly which means you can bring your furry friend! There's tons of fun spots to go for a little walk or a bigger hike along the Kancamagus highway.
Best Locations for a Kancamagus Highway Elopement
With so many incredible spots along the highway, choosing the perfect elopement location can be overwhelming. Keep in mind the following locations can be popular spots to visit depending on the time of year and time of day. It's important to do your own research or book with someone that can help you avoid the crowds if you're looking for seclusion. Here are some of my favorite places to elope on the Kancamagus Highway:
Sabbaday Falls – A Magical Waterfall Wedding
Sabbaday Falls is one of the most stunning and easily accessible waterfalls along the Kanc. A short, easy walk brings you to a series of cascading falls surrounded by moss-covered rocks and towering trees. It’s an intimate and magical place for a vow exchange, especially in the morning when it’s quiet. This spot can get busy especially in the warmer months so knowing when to plan for this spot is key, this is something I help you with when booking with me. (Sabbaday falls on all trails)
This beautifully wooded area also has a lovely little picnic space tucked into the woods. Can you imagine doing a little cake cutting here and celebrating with a few loved ones.
Sugar Hill Overlook – Stunning Mountain Views
If you want sweeping mountain views without a hike, Sugar Hill Overlook is the perfect spot. This scenic pull-off offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks and is especially breathtaking at sunrise or sunset. There is not a ton of room to roam around here but it is great for a few epics photos.
Lincoln Woods Trail – Rushing river and woodland feel
The Lincoln Woods trail is beautiful trail tucked into the woods that runs along part of the Pemi river. There is a stunning drawbridge here that is so picturesque. This area also offers some areas to walk out down on the rocks by the river.
Otter Rocks Picnic Area
The perfect river rocks to explore and exchange vows on! Or venture over to this end of the Kanc for a little picnic to celebrate after your vows!
Albany Covered Bridge – Classic New England Charm
For a touch of classic New England charm, the Albany Covered Bridge is a beautiful and historic spot for an intimate ceremony. It’s surrounded by forest and offers a unique rustic backdrop.
A Real Kancamagus Highway Elopement Day
One of my favorite elopement days ever was spent exploring multiple locations along the Kancamagus highway with an adventurous couple who wanted a relaxed yet fun-filled day.
After getting ready with their loved ones, and a first look in a near by location to their stay, we started the day at Beaver Pond for their beautiful ceremony. They celebrated with loved ones and enjoyed an adorable father daughter dance.
Next, we drove down the highway, stopping at river spot for their personal vows and stopped at Loon for more river side exploring. After we explored some mountain look outs along the Kanc.
To wrap up the day, we visited the Lincoln Woods trail before they headed back to celebrate with dinner with their families.
If this sounds like your kind of wedding day, let’s make it happen! – Let's chat!
The Best Time of Year for a Kancamagus Highway Elopement
Fall Elopement on the Kancamagus Highway
There’s a reason the Kancamagus Highway is one of the most famous foliage drives in the country—fall is absolutely stunning here! If you want those iconic autumn colors, plan for early to mid-October. Just be prepared for crowds and aim for a weekday elopement. The best way to experience this drive for foliage is hitting it at off times, so right before peak foliage at the end of Sept would be ideal to avoid crowds. You can also plan for sunrise, this cuts back on crowds but also allows you to enjoy quite morning golden hour.
Winter Elopement on the Kancamagus Highway
A winter elopement on the Kanc is pure magic. Picture snow-covered pines, frozen waterfalls, and peaceful, quiet trails. You can even incorporate winter activities like:
• Cross-country skiing on exclusive trails with jaw-dropping mountain views.
• Snowshoeing to a secluded spot for your ceremony.
• Ice skating at a nearby outdoor rink before cozying up by a fire.
One thing to keep in mind when planning for the winter is what trailheads and pull off are plowed, and how much snow we currently have. This will help indicate if you need snowshoes, or spikes to get around easier.
Spring & Summer Elopements
Spring and summer bring wildflowers, lush greenery, and flowing waterfalls. It’s the perfect time for a sunrise or sunset elopement, followed by a canoe ride, hike, or even a refreshing swim in the Swift River. Spring and summer are also prime time for hiking elopements. Planning for early mornings or later evenings will give you some relief from the humid summer heat.
Places to Stay Near Kancamagus Highway
Lumen Nature Retreat – This place is the coziest glamping retreat that's dog friendly and located right in Lincoln NH.
Green House Getaways – These are cozy mini homes nestled into the woods of Woodstock NH. Located just outside of downtown Woodstock.
The Launchpoint Lodge – Located right in Lincoln, this lodge offers a community stay or the option to rent out the whole lodge to accommodate multiple people.
The Kancamagus Swift River Inn – If you're looking for a place to stay on the Kancamagus highway, this is the Inn for you.
hotels near Kancamagus highway
If you're looking for a more traditional stay here are some of the best hotels near Kancamagus Highway:
Best Hikes on Kancamagus Highway
Mount Chocorua – This is difficult 7.2 mile RT hike with the ultimate epic White Mountain views. This could be such a stunning hike for your adventure elopement if you're up for a good hike!
Sabbaday Falls – This is a very easy 0.7 mile RT hike to a stunning waterfall nestled into the woods. This area also have a large and very pretty picnic area.
Lincoln Woods Trail – This trail connects to a handful of bigger mountains in the pemi wilderness, but also offers a beautiful walk through the woods along the river.
Ready to Plan Your Kancamagus Highway Elopement?
A Kancamagus Highway elopement is perfect for couples who want a stress-free, adventure-filled wedding day surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whether you want to explore waterfalls, hike to a secluded vista, or just soak in the beauty of the mountains, the Kanc offers endless possibilities.
If this sounds like your dream elopement, let’s start planning! Reach out today, and let’s create an epic day that’s 100% true to you.
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