As a Boston elopement photographer, I’ve learned one important truth: your love story isn’t defined by the size of your guest list.

Whether you’re celebrating with 200 people in a ballroom or just a handful of your closest family and friends, your marriage deserves to be captured beautifully. Even the smallest weddings become part of your legacy, creating heirlooms that will one day be passed down to your children and grandchildren.

Recently, I had the joy of photographing Molly and Jack’s celebration — a fun, intimate wedding that reflected exactly who they are.

They wanted their marriage to feel relaxed, lighthearted, and filled with the people who mattered most. Their day was proof that when you strip away the pressure of tradition and production, what you’re left with is what truly matters: love, connection, and joy.

If you’re considering an elopement or a small wedding in Boston, here’s why I think it’s one of the most beautiful choices you can make.

Why choose an elopement or small wedding in Boston?

Elopements and small weddings allow you to focus on what matters most: the two of you and the people closest to you.

Without the weight of a massive guest list or strict timelines, you gain flexibility and freedom.

Boston in particular offers a unique blend of historic charm, urban energy, and natural beauty — giving couples endless ways to make their day personal and memorable.

For Molly and Jack, this looked like an intimate celebration surrounded by family, plenty of laughter, and a laid-back atmosphere. Their personalities — fun, silly, and deeply in love — came through in every part of their day. That’s the beauty of a smaller wedding: it reflects you, not tradition for tradition’s sake.

What makes Boston elopements so meaningful?

Elopements often strip away the pressure and stress of a large event, leaving space for genuine moments.

You can exchange vows without feeling like you’re performing for a crowd.

You can actually be present with the people around you. And you can celebrate in ways that feel authentic, whether that means a brewery toast, a picnic in the park, or dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Molly and Jack’s wedding is a perfect example.

Instead of worrying about a rigid timeline, they focused on each other. Their day was filled with laughter, little glances that spoke volumes, and time spent with the people who have shaped their lives.

It was a reminder that when the focus is on love, the day becomes unforgettable — no matter the size.

Where can you elope in Boston?

One of the best parts about choosing Boston for your elopement is the variety of backdrops. From historic landmarks to quiet gardens, the city offers endless possibilities.

A few favorite options include:

Boston Public Garden

Perhaps the most iconic elopement spot in the city, the Public Garden is a dream for couples who love classic romance. The footbridge, swan boats, and flower-lined paths make for timeless portraits.

If you’re planning a ceremony here with guests, you’ll need to apply for a permit through the Boston Parks & Recreation Department.

Permits also help ensure you have a reserved space and time, which can be important in a busy public park.

Post Office Square

Tucked into the heart of downtown, Post Office Square offers an elegant urban feel with manicured greenery and surrounding skyscrapers.

It’s a blend of city energy and intimate charm. Like the Public Garden, a permit is required if you want to hold a ceremony or reserve space.

Charles River Esplanade

For couples who love water views, the Esplanade is perfect. With pedestrian bridges, sailboats drifting by, and tree-lined walkways, it captures both the vibrancy of the city and the calm of the river.

Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park

This waterfront park near the North End is known for its trellis, rose garden, and views of Boston Harbor. It’s especially beautiful in spring and summer when the roses are in bloom.

Arnold Arboretum

For nature lovers, the Arboretum offers stunning seasonal variety: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and fiery foliage in the fall. It feels like an escape from the city while still being accessible.

Larz Anderson Park

Just outside Boston in Brookline, Larz Anderson Park provides rolling lawns, gardens, and ponds — a more secluded feel for couples who want privacy while still being close to the city.

Boston City Hall

If you’re planning a true elopement with just the two of you (and a couple of witnesses), City Hall is an easy option. You’ll schedule your ceremony through the City Clerk’s office, then head out for portraits around Boston afterward.

Massachusetts State House

The State House, with its golden dome and grand steps, makes a striking backdrop for elopement portraits.

Combine it with a stroll through Beacon Hill, and you have a quintessentially Boston gallery of images. It’s open to the public, so while you can’t reserve it in the same way you can a park, it’s a beautiful spot for photos.

How to make your Boston elopement feel personal

The beauty of eloping is that you can design the day however you’d like.

Some couples choose a courthouse ceremony followed by dinner at their favorite restaurant. Others plan a small ceremony in the park and then hop on a harbor cruise. A few ways to personalize your elopement include:

• Write your own vows and read them in a location that feels meaningful.
• Include family heirlooms like jewelry, a veil, or even handwritten letters from loved ones.
• Celebrate afterward in your style — whether that’s a five-course dinner, a brewery toast, or grabbing cannoli in the North End.
• Document the day fully with professional photography so your story can be preserved and shared with generations to come.

This last piece is something I care deeply about.

Elopements may be small, but they are still part of your family’s legacy. Your wedding photos become heirlooms that tell your love story long after the day is over. Just as Molly and Jack’s laughter and love were captured in their images, your story deserves the same care — because love is never “too small” to remember.

How to choose the right Boston elopement photographer

Finding the right photographer for your elopement is about more than just style — it’s about trust.

You want someone who can document your day with honesty, capture fleeting moments, and guide you through the process so you feel relaxed and supported.

As a Boston elopement photographer, I approach each wedding with empathy, intuition, and experience.

My goal is for you to feel fully present, knowing that your story is being told in a way that will last for generations.

Whether you’re exchanging vows in the Public Garden, climbing the steps of the State House, or saying “I do” in City Hall, your love story is worthy of timeless, beautiful documentation.

Final thoughts

Molly and Jack’s wedding reminded me that elopements aren’t about what you leave out — they’re about what you choose to keep. Laughter, love, and the people who matter most.

If you’re planning a Boston elopement or small wedding, I would love to walk alongside you. Together, we can create photographs that capture not only your day but your legacy — heirlooms you’ll treasure now and pass down for years to come.

Contact me here to start planning your Boston elopement photography.

Boston Elopement Vendors:

Photographer: Christine Hazel Photography

Planning and Coordination: Extra Kyle Events

Photobooth: New England Photo Booth

Bridal Dress: Lace and Liberty

Hair and Makeup: Beauty Boston

Want to see more of my recent work? Click below!

Erin and Matt’s Cape Cod Seaside Wedding

Taylor and Griffin’s Chatham Bars Inn Engagement

Kailyn and Brent’s Cambridge Anniversary Photos

Mike and Kaylee’s Fourth of July Fireworks Proposal

Danelle and Tyler’s Wingaersheek Beach Maternity Photos