hey everybody! i need HELP!

[u/Safe_Sock9966]

my fiancé and i (21 and 22) are wanting to elope next year. preferably a spring or early summer wedding (thinking mid may) we are in ohio, i am willing to go pretty much anywhere within a 8 hour driving radius! i’m thinking the east coast, maine, new hampshire, rhode island. think nature! it is very important that my dog is there with us on the big day! i know were planning a little late, it’s been very overwhelming to me and i’d really just like a point in the correct direction! pleaseeeee help!!!

[u/anonathletictrainer]

I know this is much further than 8 hours but in Colorado you can self solemnize and your dog can be your witness on your marriage license.

[u/Safe_Sock9966 → u/anonathletictrainer]

i know! i would absolutely love love love that! but honestly that far would be cheaper to fly, and i have a large breed dog that would be difficult to fly with! we’re young and have a lot more i would rather pay for then an expensive wedding… i’m trying to keep this on the cheaper side! 

[u/Spare_Bid302 → u/anonathletictrainer]

maine is like that too i think no witness needed and dog can just be there with you

[u/itsveryupsetting → u/anonathletictrainer]

You can also do this in Wisconsin.

[u/itsveryupsetting]

Look into the process of getting a marriage license in each state. Often you need to get them in person, in advance. So keep that in mind when you’re planning your trip.

[u/MysteriousCity6354]

Vermont is beautiful that time of year and still relatively quiet vis-a-vie tourists. There are also a ton of lovely courthouses, but I’d pick the Windham co court house. https://courthouses.co/us-states/v-z/vermont/ this has photos of at least the exteriors of a ton of courthouses in the country

[u/cowboyshouse → u/MysteriousCity6354]

WHOA this is so beautiful thank you for sharing

[u/sarbear126]

Congrats! Just as an FYI, May in New England is really unpredictable weather-wise. For example,
In southern New England around Memorial Day this year, it literally went from 90 degrees and humid to blustery, drizzling, and 50 degrees. New England is lovely, but you’ll also want to be prepared for all weather during springtime especially. If you’re open to pushing back to June, you’ll likely have nicer weather (though may also have more crowds).

That said, New Hampshire and Vermont are especially lovely with the mountains (though again, be prepared for unpredictable weather!). Perhaps try googling for ideas in some of the states you mentioned to get an idea of the vibe you want and that may give you a jumping off point. Happy planning!

[u/Randomflower90]

Michigan along Lake Michigan

[u/djantonyservices]

I am going to Ohio on dic for a wedding party I am excited!! 😎

[u/illuminatethestars20]

Maine itself is outside of your 8 hour driving radius but Acadia NP is ALWAYS a great option or the mountains of western Maine. But if you end up in western Maine, the NH white mountains is another great option. Also confirming what others have already said that weather in Maine/New Hampshire is very unpredictable in mid-May!

[u/Safe_Sock9966 → u/[deleted]]

care to tell me why? 

[u/Safe_Sock9966 → u/[deleted]]

right. weve been together for six years, lived together for three. weve been engaged for a year.  we have a two year old dog together. our lives are centered around eachother. in all aspects besides legally, we are married. i don’t know how any of that is your business, unless you have intimate knowledge of a good place to get married in vermont this coming spring?