Best Places to Elope in Connecticut
While it’s easy to elope and sign your marriage license in town halls across the state, there are also many beautiful places to make an intimate ceremony more special. From stunning waterfront locations to charming parks and historical landmarks, Connecticut offers an abundance of options to suit your style. Looking for an indoor option? Many restaurants feature small private rooms to host a short ceremony followed by a celebratory meal with your guests—GrayBarns in Norwalk and Biagio's Osteria in Stratford are just a couple of great options.
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In 2024, I had the privilege of officiating an elopement for a couple at Mohawk Overlook in Litchfield during the eclipse. It was a magical moment with breathtaking views, demonstrating the unique and memorable settings Connecticut has to offer.
As you search for the place that's right for you, keep in mind that some state parks may require a permit or small fee to have your ceremony on their property. Always best to ask first before getting penalized and ruining your moment! But whether you’re looking for serene waterfronts or lush gardens, here are some of the best places to elope in Connecticut.​
Get Married by the Water
Get Married in a Park
​Short Beach
1 Dorne Drive, Stratford, CT 06615
I may be a little biased to this beach destination, because it's so close to my home in Stratford, but Short Beach is a great option for an elopement anytime of year. Winter couples huddle close as they exchange vows against a clear blue sky and summer couples have been joined by family who take advantage of the pavilions for a little party afterwards.
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Silver Sands Beach
1 Silver Sands Pkwy, Milford, CT 06460
One town over from Stratford, where I grew up, Milford has some nice beaches for a private ceremony. At Silver Sands enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk before or after you tie the knot!
The perfect setting for pictures, so bring your photographer!
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​Lighthouse Point Park
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2 Lighthouse Point Rd, New Haven, CT 06512
With its historic lighthouse and sweeping coastal views, this is quintessential New England. This venue is perfect for couples who want a maritime-inspired elopement. The Carousel house can also be rented for wedding receptions.
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Hammonasset Beach State Park
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1288 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
Hammonasset Beach is the state’s largest shoreline park, featuring over two miles of sandy beaches. It’s ideal for couples who want a spacious and tranquil beachfront ceremony.
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Harkness Memorial State Park
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275 Great Neck Rd, Waterford, CT 06385
A historic estate with sweeping lawns, colorful gardens, and stunning views of Long Island Sound, Harkness Memorial State Park is a favorite spot for seaside ceremonies. A photographer's dream — so many options for intimate post ceremony portraits!
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Mystic Seaport
75 Greenmanville Ave, Mystic, CT 06355
With local charm and a maritime theme, exchange vows surrounded in this quaint coastal village. Visit the whales at the aquarium. Stop by Old Mistick Village and celebrate your nuptials with a baked treat from Deviants Donuts!​
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Madison Beach Hotel
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94 West Wharf Rd, Madison, CT 06443
What I love about Madison Beach Hotel is that it has it all. Stunning ocean views, a private beach for an intimate elopement and amazing sunsets! And it's a hotel! Book yourself a room or make a reservation for dinner to celebrate!
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Essex Park
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Main Street, Essex, CT 06426
One of my favorite weddings of 2024 took place in Essex Park and while that was a full wedding event, it's also absolutely perfect for a simple elopement. Tucked off the main road in Essex, this peaceful park features lush greenery and a lovely water view. It’s a hidden gem for couples seeking an intimate and tranquil ceremony setting. ​
Elizabeth Park
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1555 Asylum Ave, West Hartford, CT 06117
The first time I officiated at Elizabeth Park I knew I had to come back and bring my husband for our anniversary. Aside from the its world-renowned rose garden, the property is also home to
The Pond House Cafe, an excellent option for a post ceremony lunch or dinner.
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Gillette Castle State Park
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67 River Rd, East Haddam, CT 06423
While I haven't officiated here yet, it's definitely on my wish list!
Just one visit to this medieval-style castle with my family one summer and I fell in love! Overlooking the Connecticut River, surrounded by woodlands and scenic views, I could immediately visualize a few places for an intimate ceremony.
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Kent Falls State Park
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462 Kent Cornwall Rd, Kent, CT 06757
Another one for my officiant wish list. My husband and I loved day trips to Kent when we were first dating and I've heard quite a few proposal stories that have happened here. You'll love the waterfall and green fields. Hiking aficionados can take the stairs to various viewing platforms or all the way to the top of the falls.
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Wickham Park
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1329 Middle Tpke W, Manchester, CT 06040
With themed gardens, woodlands, and open fields, Wickham Park provides a variety of enchanting spots for a tailored elopement.
It's the type of place that, as soon as you visit, you want to take everyone you know to see it. The park’s Hilltop Garden offers panoramic views overlooking the city below.
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Binney Park
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15 Wesskum Wood Rd, Greenwich, CT 06830
This peaceful park in Greenwich features ponds, bridges, and lush greenery. It’s a quiet and picturesque choice for couples looking for an intimate outdoor ceremony. I had the honor of officiating for a co-worker and we even recorded the ceremony so her daughter wouldn't miss it!
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Waveny Park
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677 South Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840
With expansive gardens, open fields, and a charming castle-like building, this idyllic park is perfect for a serene and picturesque ceremony. Lots of little nooks to choose from and a favorite destination for proposals, engagement shoots and family pictures!




The roses and water fountain inside the garden at Boothe Park

Essex Park: Ceremony Set up for Roz & Tony's wedding
A Pretty City Hall
​​​Hartford City Hall
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550 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103
Hartford City Hall is an architectural masterpiece with grand staircases, marble interiors, and dramatic lighting. Whether it's a quick elopement or a full scale event, it’s an elegant choice for couples looking for a unique venue.​ Every time I go there, it's like stepping back in time and I love every visit!
Boothe Memorial Park
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5800 Main St, Stratford, CT 06614
Just on the other side of town from me in Stratford is Boothe Memorial Park. With a few great options for a private ceremony, the most popular being the Rose Garden, filled with an array of blooms year round. With a number of historical buildings on the property, you could also choose to stand in front of Putney Chapel for your simple ceremony. ​
More Elopement Recommendations from Fellow Officiants
Bryan Anderson, from Milford, recommends Milford City Hall with the duck pond waterfall behind the building as your back drop. He also likes Waterbury City Hall, Naugatuck River Waterfall in Seymour and Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
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Becky Wilson, from New London, loves Barn Island in Stonington. She's say it's for the adventurous couple who don't mind a 1/2 mile hike to find just the right spot! A beautiful location but check the tide schedule before you go! She also likes the Arboretum at Connecticut College and she and her husband Scott, who is also a JP, have officiated many ceremonies there.
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Allysha Szamier, from Meriden, recommends Hubbard Park, especially in the spring when millions of daffodils are bloom but she says that December is one of her favorite times in the parks because they have beautiful light displays!
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Sal Fiore is a Justice of the Peace from Enfield. His favorite spots to perform elopements for his couples are the
Falls at Wadsworth State Park in Middletown and the grounds at Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington.
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Jeanine Valente, from Danbury votes for the beautiful Tarrywile Park as one of her favorite spots for elopements.
The mansion is also a great option for your full-scale wedding event!
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Sandra Gabriel is from Monroe but one of her favorite spots for a private ceremony is Topsmead State Forest in Litchfield. Featuring an English-Tudor style cottage and beautiful gardens, it's a unique and special option!
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Katherine Christopher recommends The Stonington Lighthouse. Standing at the entrance to the harbor for over 170 years, this unique stonework and gorgeous sunsets will be everything you need for post ceremony pictures!​​​