Hey there! I’m DiAnna, your neighborhood-friendly Berkshires elopement photographer! There’s something about the Berkshires that I melt into with such an obsession and appreciation. No matter the season or location, this Western Massachusetts area offers a little to everyone. From historic villages to sweeping mountain ranges, this entire area is enchanting.

If you’re planning a Berkshires, MA elopement, I’m happy to say I’ve created a guide to planning the elopement that should have endless information—well, not entirely endless—that will definitely help you get a step-up in the planning process.

What are the Berkshires

Let me tell you about the Berkshires in Massachusetts! It's like stepping into a dreamy wonderland tucked away in the western part of the state. Think of it as a picturesque paradise with rolling hills, charming towns, and a cultural scene that'll make your heart sing. Whimsical! Yes! I am just yelling that word without a proper sentence.

The Berkshires are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike along scenic trails, where every turn unveils breathtaking views. And when fall rolls around, oh my, you'll be treated to a stunning display of vibrant colors that'll take your breath away. If you're into water activities, grab a kayak and paddle in peaceful lakes or cast your fishing line in meandering rivers. The beauty of nature here is simply awe-inspiring.

But wait, there's more! The Berkshires are a hub of artistic and cultural delights. You'll find incredible art museums like Mass MoCa (omgosh set aside a whole day for this one alone it’s my personal favorite!) the Clark Art Institute, where you can immerse yourself in fascinating collections. Smith College and the plethora of smaller galleries sprinkled around North Hampton are *chefs kiss*

Music lovers, hold onto your hats because the Tanglewood Music Center hosts amazing music festivals, including the renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra's summer residency. Bishop’s lounge, The Drake, Mass MoCa (again), and places like Tree House Brewing have sick shows by awesome bands all the time.

Now, let's talk about the towns. They're like something out of a storybook. Great Barrington and Williamstown are two of the cutest little towns you'll ever encounter. Picture historic buildings, charming shops, and cozy cafes where you can grab a cup of joe and soak up the friendly vibes. Oh, and don't be surprised if you stumble upon a local theater that'll whisk you away to a world of enchantment. I am for sure partial to North Hampton, East Hampton and the surrounding rural magic that hold them!

The Berkshires are a true gem where you can indulge in outdoor adventures, soak in cultural wonders, and experience the warmth of charming communities. It's a destination that's straight out of a fairytale, and I promise you'll fall in love with every inch of it.

Best Season to Elope in the Berkshires

While Massachusetts’ seasons are all unique, that’s what makes it so special. First, you’ll need to decide what kind of backdrop you want for your wedding photography. You’ll also want to decide if any form of outdoor adventure is required. You aren’t going to want to visit an iced-over lake if you dream of green leaves.

Eloping in the Winter

There can be something truly special about winter in the Berkshires. If you elope in the winter, this can be even better, as who wouldn’t want to have snowflake-tipped kisses and the crisp scent of snow? Of course, there are some things to consider.

Tips for a winter Elopement in the Berkshires

If you have to hike, make sure to wear appropriate clothing.
Bring hand warmers! In fact, invest in a heated jacket. They’re absolutely worth it!
Fill a thermos with something tasty and hot. How cute would those photos be?
Consider getting a permit to light a fire somewhere. Also, hella cute photos!

Eloping in the Spring

Like anywhere else nowadays, spring is unpredictable. Is it going to be cold today? Hot? Maybe both? If you’re comfortable with getting married with the possibility of undesirable weather, you might want to consider waiting until summer. But if you do get that dreamy, perfect day, it’ll all be worth it!

Tips for a Spring Elopement

Bring an umbrella
Make sure to pack towels, just in case
Waterproof makeup for afternoon showers!

Eloping in the Summer

Summer on the east coast can be so dreamy, with perfect temps and long summer days. Summer months are June, July, and August. Since we get four distinct seasons, mostly, it’s definitely a good idea to keep that in mind. A downside to summer, though, is that tourist season begins at the end of May. If you’re looking for a scene with less crowds and onlookers, you might want to avoid this season.

Tips for a Summer Elopement

Wear sunscreen - even if you don’t wear makeup a sunscreen makeup setting spray is great to carry with you!
Hydrate!
Consider sunrise for your ceremony—far less people at most places
A change of clothes because personally I have a 5+ year wish list of seeing one of my couples jump into a body of water. Okay okay fine. This one isn’t really part of the list.

Eloping in the Fall

It’s an explosion of color! Yellows, oranges, reds, and browns. Crisp air to fill your lungs. Plus, all of the festivities that fill the weekend calendar, like apple picking or going to a harvest festival. Sure, the days can definitely be unexpectedly chilly, but the scenery is to die for!

Tips for a Fall Elopement:

Bring a jacket in case it’s unexpectedly chilly
Fill a thermos with hot apple cider, to really sink into the experience
Consider going to do something festive, like a festival, for a unique backdrop

Getting your marriage license in Massachusetts

When it comes to getting married, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First off, you'll want to be ready to share some important documents like your birth certificate or passport to prove your age. You'll also need to provide your Social Security number. Oh, and if you and your partner are planning to change your last names, don't forget to let them know what your new name(s) will be. If you’re LGBTQ+, or just more feminist leaning, consider creating your own last name together! Some people do this and love it.

Now, let's talk about the paperwork. There's a license fee involved, but don't worry, it varies depending on where you are, usually falling somewhere between $25 and $50. It's good to have that budgeted in advance.

One thing to note is that there's often a little waiting period after you apply for your license. It's typically around three days, but hey, you might be able to skip it if you fill out an extra application. Still, it's always a good idea to plan ahead and not leave things to the last minute.

Once you get your hands on that precious license, it's valid for a nice 60-day period. So, make sure you schedule your big day within that timeframe.

TL;DR on Getting Hitched in the Berkshires

Head down to the city or town clerk and apply
Make sure you and your boo are there together
Pay around $50-$100 on the license
Wait three more days (the horror!)
Find an officiant

Do you need a witness at your Berkshires wedding?

Thankfully, so things are easier, you don’t!

Who Can Officiate an Elopement in the Berkshires?

You can totally find a local wedding officiant, a Justice of the Peace (JOP) or find an ordained Minister. If this ain’t your thang, then a friend can step in and apply for a 1-Day designation license. Need more info? Head over the the Mass.gov site for more information and guidelines.

(I work with a small group of really amazing officiants that would rock this for you!)

Best Spots for Getting Married in the Berkshires

Finding the perfect elopement location in the Berkshires will be daunting, simply because there are so many options! You have the options of lakes, endless trees on the Appalachian Trail, mountain tops, sanctuaries, and even quaint historic towns that will tempt you.

Berkshires Elopement at a Waterfall

When it comes to waterfalls in the Berkshires, take your pick! Nothing represents love like the roaring, demanding pulse of rushing water. The air tastes and smells like moss, wood, and fresh air. Imagine taking a deep breath and feeling nothing but nature in and around you. So dreamy!

Some waterfalls in the Berkshires:

Campbell Falls
Bash Bish Falls
The Cascade

Eloping on A Lake in the Berkshires

Bobbing piers. The lapping of water at the land’s edge. Birds flitting and singing. Getting married on a lake in the Berkshires will be a memorable experience. Some lakes even offer overnight accommodations, allowing you to create even more memories at the lake you decide to get hitched at.

Some lakes in the Berkshires:

Silver lake
Lake Garfield Beach
Big Pond

Mountain Elopements in the Berkshires

You’ll already feel on top of the world—why not make that literal? Getting married on a mountain in the Berkshires will be a perfect experience for you and your partner. Even though some mountain tops require a hike—bring a change of clothes!—it’s all worth it at the end. With the quiet breeze and lazy hawks watching from above, you can’t beat this experience.

Some mountains in the Berkshires:

Mount Greylock (90 miles of views up top!)
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation (you can drive straight to the summit with beautiful 360 views)
Stony Ledge Trail
Cheshire Cobbles
Mount Holyoke
Skinner State Park
Mount Sugar Loaf

How Long Can an Elopement Day Be?

Honestly, this is really up to you. How long do you want to spend having the best day ever? On average, for just two people (plus photographer and officiant), you can keep it to less than three hours. With guests, you’ll probably want to plan a dinner afterward, so expect around five hours (not including getting-ready time).

Planning a wedding in the Berkshires can be such a wonderful experience. No matter the season or location you pick, you’re bound to have a memorable day. And, of course, if you hit me up to chat about photographing and helping plan your Berkshires Elopement here in Western MA. Let’s do this thing!