Despite being the seventh smallest state in the union, New Hampshire is home to hundreds of memorable, unusual wedding venues that are sure to please almost every taste, style, and budget. With its dramatically changing seasons and picturesque mountains, forests, lakes, and historic villages, the state offers a wide range of gorgeous, natural backdrops for a wedding that you and your guests are sure to remember.
About the State
New Hampshire law allows couples, including same-sex and non-resident couples, to get married anywhere in the state--church, backyard, beach, mountain top--you name it. You have all the freedom and flexibility to choose a location that truly suits you. Another wonderful convenience about New Hampshire is that marriage licenses do not require blood tests or waiting periods, so you can plan your wedding well in advance, or simply do something spontaneous!
Summer Weddings
Summer in New Hampshire often brings to mind the sun and the water. An interesting alternative to a traditional waterfront- resort-style wedding is a ferry or boat ride to one of the quiet outer islands off the eastern coast, followed by a private ceremony on land. Star Island, for example, has a gorgeous 200-year old stone chapel available during select weeks of the summer for wedding ceremonies.
If a waterfront wedding isn't for you, consider one of the state's many small and charming wineries, many of which produce cider and mead in addition to local wine. Another unique summertime option is a ski resort, where you and your guests can take a lift ride to a scenic spot for your ceremony.
Autumn Weddings
New Hampshire boasts some of the most scenic autumn vistas in all of New England. If you love the idea of fall foliage, consider using it as the backdrop for your wedding by letting your guests see it in a whole different way. Several local train companies in the White Mountains region host private parties aboard their rail cars, and some even rent out space in their stations for ceremonies and receptions.
If you're planning a very simple ceremony with only a justice of the peace and a witness, consider exchanging vows during a spectacular hot air balloon ride while soaring over the changing autumn landscape.
Winter Weddings
One of the great advantages of winter weddings is that they're typically cheaper than those scheduled in the autumn, spring, or summer. A winter wedding in New Hampshire may require you and your guests to don your warmest coats, but the snow that blankets the state from early December through late March will provide a beautiful backdrop for your event.
Make the most of it by hosting your wedding at a Christmas tree farm, or ferrying your guests to your ceremony site with a sleigh ride. Remember that you can find excellent deals at charming inns throughout the state, many of which will already be decked out for the holidays, which will help reduce your decorating budget.
Spring Weddings
Instead of a traditional New England farm wedding, why not host your ceremony at one of the state's many working orchards? Springtime is a particularly lush season for fruit growers in the state, whose fields will be blooming with fragrant and eye-pleasing fruit blossoms.
If an orchard doesn't appeal to you, how about a tiny sea-swept village with a real working port? In the Seacoast region, located on the southeastern side of the state, you'll find several 100-year old villages on the water with quaint ports, charming bed and breakfasts, as well as sandy beaches.
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