Chocorua Lake is one of the most peaceful places to elope in New Hampshire. Located in Tamworth, NH, and cared for by the Chocorua Lake Conservancy, the lake is known for its calm water, mountain reflections, and quiet atmosphere—especially compared to some of the busier White Mountain elopement locations.
For couples looking for a meaningful, low-key wedding day that feels connected to nature, a Chocorua Lake elopement is hard to beat. Katie and Earl’s day was a perfect example of how simple plans can still feel incredibly intentional.
Getting Ready + Starting the Day Slow
Katie and Earl began their elopement day getting ready at the hotel they stay at every time they visit the White Mountains. Choosing a familiar place helped the day feel relaxed right from the start.
After getting ready, we headed to White Mountain Cider Co—one of their favorite local spots—where they decorated their wedding cake together. Instead of rushing into a ceremony, they built their day around activities they genuinely enjoy. From there, we stopped by the Saco River to dip our toes in the water before heading toward Chocorua Lake in Tamworth, New Hampshire.
A Chocorua Lake Elopement Ceremony
Once we arrived at Chocorua Lake, Katie and Earl found a quiet spot near the shoreline. They wrote their own vows, shared a picnic, and then stepped into the lake to say “I do.”
Getting married in Chocorua Lake felt fitting for them—simple, intentional, and fully present. After the ceremony, they jumped into the water in their wedding outfits and swam as the sky slowly turned pink. Ending the day splashing around the lake was the perfect way to celebrate.
Why Chocorua Lake Is a Beautiful Elopement Location
Chocorua Lake is a popular choice for elopements and small weddings in Tamworth, NH, but it still manages to feel quiet and grounded.
Why couples love eloping here:
- Calm water with reflections of Mount Chocorua
- Easy access without a long hike
- A peaceful alternative to more crowded White Mountain wedding venues
- The iconic narrow bridge at Chocorua Lake, which makes a great photo backdrop
The area near The Grove at Chocorua Lake Conservancy is especially beautiful and well cared for, making it a great option for couples who want a nature-forward ceremony without heavy logistics.
What to Know Before Eloping at Chocorua Lake
If you’re planning a Chocorua Lake elopement, there are a few important logistics to keep in mind.
Permits and Planning
Chocorua Lake is maintained by the Chocorua Lake Conservancy, and weddings or elopements here require advance approval. The Conservancy allows only one wedding per day, which helps protect the space and keep it peaceful. Dates are approved on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to plan ahead—especially for summer and fall dates.
Once your date is approved, there are a couple of additional steps, including completing a Town of Tamworth waiver and notifying local officials. The process is straightforward, but not something you want to leave until the last minute.
Additional Logistics to Know:
- Parking: There is a designated parking area near Chocorua Lake, but it can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Privacy: Early mornings and weekday evenings tend to be the quietest.
- Footwear: If you plan to step into the lake, water-friendly shoes or sandals are helpful.
- Leave No Trace: This is a protected area, so keeping things simple and respectful is essential.
Chocorua Lake works best for couples who want a relaxed ceremony and are comfortable sharing a public space with nature lovers passing through.
Making Your Chocorua Lake Elopement Your Own
One of the best parts of eloping at Chocorua Lake is the flexibility. Katie and Earl chose to:
- Decorate their own wedding cake
- Visit places they already loved in the White Mountains
- Share a picnic instead of hosting a formal reception
- Swim in the lake in their wedding clothes
Elopements don’t need a strict timeline or traditions that don’t feel right. The best days are built around what actually matters to you.
A Reminder That Simple Days Can Be the Best Days
Chocorua Lake in Tamworth, NH is a beautiful option for couples looking for an intimate wedding or elopement location in the White Mountains. With thoughtful planning, respect for the Conservancy’s guidelines, and a flexible mindset, it’s a place where wedding days can feel calm, personal, and meaningful.
Katie and Earl’s Chocorua Lake elopement was a reminder that some of the best celebrations are the simplest ones—good company, a meaningful place, and a willingness to jump in.
Unsure if Chocorua lake is the right New Hampshire elopement spot? Check out my blog post on the best places to elope in NH.
