All-Inclusive Elopement Packages in New England: What’s Actually Worth It?
A heartfelt guide to curated simplicity, soulful celebrations, and the investments that matter most
Why All-Inclusive Elopements Are on the Rise
Planning a wedding—or even a small event—can quickly become overwhelming. And for couples who value presence over pressure, the idea of booking everything separately, managing logistics, or endlessly coordinating vendors defeats the purpose of eloping in the first place.
That’s where all-inclusive elopement packages come in. But not all are created equal.
This guide breaks down what “all-inclusive” really means, what you should look for (and avoid), and how to ensure your investment reflects what matters to you.
What Is an All-Inclusive Elopement Package?
An “all-inclusive” elopement package is a bundled offering of key services and support—often designed to create ease and cohesion in your elopement planning. But while some packages genuinely simplify your experience, others overpromise, overcharge, or underdeliver.
At its best, an all-inclusive elopement package offers:
Handpicked locations and permitting support
Photography, officiating, and timeline design
Optional floral styling, hair/makeup, and celebratory touches
Lodging or vendor suggestions (sometimes bookings included)
A trusted creative team who actually understands elopement energy
At its worst, it’s generic, overpriced, and designed for volume—not connection.
What Should Be Included (And What Can Stay Optional)
Let’s start with the essentials for most New England elopements:
🎯 Must-Haves:
Photography – This isn’t just coverage. It’s direction, story, and atmosphere. Your photographer should know the terrain and the light, and guide the entire experience with ease.
Officiant or Legal Ceremony – A spiritual, non-denominational, or deeply personalized ceremony matters. Whether it’s a notary, celebrant, or your photographer (me!), this role shouldn’t be robotic.
Location Guidance – From national park permits to private Airbnb rules, location planning is crucial—and often overlooked.
Timeline Creation – Elopements have a flow. A real elopement pro will guide you with mood, light, and emotional pacing in mind.
Vendor Coordination – No spreadsheets, no stress—just stylists, florists, and creatives aligned with your aesthetic and budget.
✨ Optional but Meaningful:
Hair & Makeup
Floral styling (bouquet, boutonniere, tablescape)
Lodging recommendations or booking support
Ceremonial elements (candles, music, handfasting, vow books)
Video documentation
Post-ceremony experience: picnic, private chef, boat ride, etc.
Wardrobe styling or rentals
Marriage license application help
What’s the Difference Between “Inclusive” and “Intentional”?
This is the real question.
A big-box elopement package may technically include everything, but it might not reflect anything about you.
Here’s what I believe:
“All-inclusive” should never mean “all the same.” It should mean everything you need, nothing you don’t,and a ceremony experience rooted in beauty, intimacy, and truth.
When we work together, we start with your vision:
Are you craving a foggy mountaintop or an orchard ceremony at golden hour?
Do you want to wear a lace gown, a velvet suit, or barefoot linen?
Will you bring your pup? Invite your grandmother? Exchange vows in secret?
And we build from there.
How to Vet an All-Inclusive Elopement Package
Here are 5 questions you should always ask:
Is the photographer familiar with the location and lighting?
Do I get to personalize the ceremony?
What’s the backup plan for weather?
Do I choose my own vendors, or are they pre-selected?
Is there room for quiet, for creativity, and for us to be ourselves?
If you feel rushed, pushed, or processed—you’re not in the right hands.
New England vs. National Packages
Some national elopement companies operate on volume: copy-paste timelines, impersonal vendors, and remote planners who’ve never stepped foot on your trail. Be cautious.
In contrast, working with a local New England-based elopement artist means:
Deep knowledge of tides, foliage, light, and season
Real relationships with venues, vendors, and permit offices
Artistic alignment with the feeling of New England—moody, romantic, raw, refined
Real Examples of Soulful All-Inclusive Elopements
🕊 A Two-Person Cliffside Sunrise Elopement in Acadia
Photography, officiating, florals, handfasting, and brunch picnic
6 hours of coverage across 3 locations
Custom vow books and herbal tea service
Cost: $5,900
🍂 A Cozy Orchard Elopement in Turner, Maine
10 guests, vintage farm tables, and homemade cider toast
Photography, planning, florals, tent rental, and dinner catered on-site
Cost: $9,200
🌊 A Private Island Sailboat Elopement
Couple-only; vows exchanged on deck at sea
Photography, floral accents, boat rental, charcuterie picnic
Cost: $7,400
Closing Thought: Choose Clarity, Not Chaos
If the thought of one more seating chart makes you shut your laptop and cry—pause.
If your heart lights up at the idea of marrying in fog, on rock, under stars—listen.
All-inclusive doesn’t mean you’re giving up control. It means you’re choosing grace.
It means someone else is carrying the weight so you can carry the moment.
Want a Package That Feels Like Poetry?
🧭 Explore Top Elopement Locations in Maine
🗓 Inquire About Custom Elopement Packages
Let’s craft an experience that’s beautiful, intentional, and fully you.
