Planning your elopement in Salem but you aren’t quite sure what location might be best for you and your fiancé? I’ve created a list of my favorite locations I have photographed elopements at in the city over the years. For those who are here for the rich history Salem has to offer, or if you are looking for a dark and enchanting, magical elopement be sure to keep these in mind while you are planning.

Ropes Mansion & Garden

The Ropes Mansion a beautiful location for a wedding any season. From late spring to early October the garden is in full bloom. If you are looking for a darker elopement, there are multiple locations in the garden that fit this aesthetic. You can have your ceremony in the center of the garden, taking in all of the beauty and hard work done by The PEM. Whether you are into the beauty of the garden beds or here for your love of Hocus Pocus, The Ropes Mansion is one of the best places to have your elopement ceremony.

Greenlawn Cemetery

If you are planning to elope in the fall, Greenlawn Cemetery is the perfect backdrop for it. With backdrops like the beautiful cemetery chapel, the large staircase with views of the water, or the pond, this arboretum has plenty to offer with its 100 acres. If you love history, this is the place for you. It was founded in 1807 and is the second arboretum in Massachusetts.

Salem Commons

The Salem Commons is another fantastic place for your elopement in Salem. If you are a fan of Hocus Pocus once again, this is another shooting location from the film. And close by you’ll find the school from the film just outside the iron fence. You do not need a permit to have a small ceremony on the common itself, but if you plan to celebrate on the bandstand, you will need to have a permit ready to go beforehand. You can find more information on that here. The Common is great location due to it being central to downtown. It is easy access for you and your guests, and if you have time for photos after your ceremony you can easily walk to places like the wharf, the iconic Essex Street, and even as far as the Witch House.

House of Seven Gables

If you want a blend of history, beautiful gardens, and a water backdrop, the House of Seven Gables is the perfect spot for your elopement in Salem. Depending on what type of package you book with them, you can have offerings from private space in the Hooper-Hathaway House for getting ready as well as an indoor ceremony, a tent on the lawn for up to 150 people, or the Plumstock-Holyoke Room for your reception and dinner. If you are looking to keep it just between you and your close friends or a large party to dance the night away, the House of Seven Gables has something for everyone. You’ll also have an on-site day of coordinator, which helps so much for when it’s time to take photos all around the grounds. Have an elopement Nathaniel Hawthorne would be dying to write about when you book your venue here.

The Hawthorne Hotel

Did you know the Hawthorne Hotel offers many different wedding packages to fit your needs? You can say “I do” in the library downstairs- perfect for book lovers and history buffs, the 1925 room, or in the grand hall. They offer wedding packages with guests between 20 to over 125. You can have it all at the Hawthorne Hotel, where guests can stay, eat, and celebrate you on your big day all in one place.

Salem City Hall

This one is extra special as this is where my husband and I got married ourselves! You have plenty of options to chose from to exchange vows and say “I do”, from upstairs in the council chambers, to any one of the offices of the officiants on staff. For more information on how to schedule your elopement check this out.

And if you are still looking for a photographer to document your special elopement reach out here to book with me! I’ve photographed plenty of elopements and weddings at all of these venues in Salem Massachusetts and am happy to help figure out which would be the perfect fit for your day.