02
Sep
Hey everyone! Happy Monday and welcome back to the blog. It’s rapidly approaching that time of year here in Salem and that means I am getting wedding inquiries and emails left and right. Folks plan trips here to Salem in the fall and then as a secondary thought decide they should get married while they’re here. This includes vow renewals, elopements and handfastings as well. As a result, I get a ton of photography inquiries for dates that are often 1 to 2 months away. Over the last few years I have noticed a trend in the advice I am sharing each time with these couples and today’s blog post is a roundup of that advice.
Book quickly
First and foremost, book your officiant and photographer quickly. Even if it’s just you and your partner at the wedding, you’re still going to need someone to do the ceremony and someone to take photos for you. Send out your inquiry emails quickly to secure these two key vendors.
Consider a location just slightly removed from downtown Salem
My favorite spot for this is Winter Island. It’s just slightly removed from the chaos downtown so you’re actually able to do your ceremony and take photos without massive crowds around you. Winter Island will still have people around, but not nearly to the degree of the immediate downtown area.
If you want the downtown vibes, I’d suggest the gardens behind the Ropes Mansion. This is a gorgeous spot and I have photographed tons of couples here.
The three day wait
Keep in mind there is a three day wait to get a marriage license here in Salem unless you apply for a waiver. So if you’re only here for 2 days and want to get married, you’ll need the waiver. Please also note that city hall closes at noon on Fridays.
Book Salem based vendors
I know there are tons of amazing vendors all along the north shore and in MA. However, navigating Salem in October requires a certain level of know-how and experience. Booking a Salem resident means they will be well versed in this.
Do you need photos?
You know I have to pitch my own photography services!! You can view my work at PhotographybyThingstodoinSalem.com and please send all inquires to info@thingstodoinsalem.com. I have a bit of remaining availability for 2024 dates and am already booking into 2026 and 2027.
Or a wedding planning guide?
I am also the creator behind SalemMAWedding.com which features a Salem, MA wedding planning guide. Check it out!
Prepare to go with the flow
Each fall Salem sees hundreds of thousands of visitors each week. You’re going to need to be flexible, willing to go with the flow and able to adjust to last minute changes in plans.
Overall, planning a last minute elopement here in Salem is doable. You just need to act quickly, be flexible and go with the flow.
Have fun! <3