As more couples find themselves navigating the balance between a larger celebration and something more intimate and intentional like a mountain elopement, it can often feel like a choice has to be made. But Emily and Ben chose a different path with their mountain elopement and wedding at the Barn at Smuggler’s Notch, creating a two-day experience that gave them everything they wanted. By trusting their instincts, they created a two-day experience that gave them everything they wanted: a joyful, traditional wedding surrounded by loved ones, and an adventurous, deeply personal day reserved just for the two of them.Their wedding photographer, Amelia Marie Photography, was there to capture every moment and we can’t wait to share with you all the details below!
The Best of Both Worlds: Traditional Celebration Meets Mountain Elopement Adventure
Emily and Ben have been together for nearly a decade, building a relationship rooted in exploration. Vermont has long been their happy place, a second home where they’ve spent years hiking, traveling, and chasing new experiences side by side. Their story began one summer in college while lifeguarding. Even while attending different schools, summer after summer brought them back together, laying the foundation for a relationship that has stood the test of time. When it came time to plan their wedding, Vermont was an easy choice. But they also knew they wanted something more, a way to weave in the sense of adventure that defines their relationship. So, they created a two-day celebration: one day to soak everything in with loved ones, and another set aside just for the two of them to explore the wild woods on their mountain elopement in Vermont.
A Joyful Celebration at the Barn at Smuggler’s Notch
For their larger wedding day, the couple fell in love with the Barn at Smuggler’s Notch, one of Vermont’s most scenic mountain wedding venues. Nestled in the mountains, the Barn at Smuggler’s Notch offers a perfect setting for couples who want a wedding that feels both elevated and connected to nature. Emily and her bridal party spent the morning getting ready with the talented team at Heather Garrow Studios, setting the tone for a relaxed and joyful start to the day.
Before the ceremony, the couple shared a quiet first look at their venue, one of those moments that felt both grounding and unforgettable. Their ceremony space was beautifully brought to life by Snaps and Sunflowers, with thoughtfully designed aisle markers and a stunning arbor that complemented rather than competed with the beautiful mountain scenery. Surrounded by friends and family, the atmosphere was relaxed and heartfelt. Their vows were especially moving. Through long-distance seasons (Emily working as a nurse during COVID and Ben traveling the country as a pilot), their commitment never wavered. Hearing them reflect on that journey made for one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of the day for guests!
Thoughtful Vermont-inspired details, like lawn games, wildflower elements, and Ben and Jerry’s for dessert, brought the effortless feeling of a Vermont summer into every part of the celebration. But what truly stood out was the overwhelming sense of love in the room. This was a day centered on togetherness, where every guest felt like an essential part of their story.
A Sunset Elopement Adventure at Stowe Pinnacle
The following evening, Emily and Ben slipped back into their wedding attire and set out for something a little different with their wedding photographer, Amelia Marie Photography, an adventure session! Hiking up Stowe’s Pinnacle Mountain at sunset, Emily and Ben exchanged quiet moments together overlooking Vermont’s sweeping landscape. It was the perfect contrast to their wedding day: intimate, adventurous, and entirely their own.
“We wanted to enjoy our wedding day with friends and family, but also have intentional time with each other without the pressure of a timeline,” the couple shared. “We wanted to capture the importance of our wedding by doing something untraditional with an activity we love doing together.”
This two-part celebration beautifully captured the essence of their relationship and is a reminder that you don’t have to choose just one way to celebrate. You can have the dance floor and the mountaintop. The party and the pause. The people you love, and the quiet moments that are just for you. You can have the mountaintop elopement and the beautiful Vermont barn wedding.
Congratulations, Emily and Ben, on your beautiful wedding weekend!
Vendors
Venue: The Barn at Smugglers’ Notch, Photographer: Amelia Marie Photography, Beauty: Heather Garrow Studios, Entertainment: Green Mountain Sound & Entertainment, Florals: Snaps and Sunflowers, Catering: Sugarsnap Catering, Dessert: Ben & Jerry’s, Videographer: Ben Willis Videography.
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