Burlington, VT Rooftop Elopement Pro-BAM!

*My first post will not attach photos…I’m working on it*

We didn’t even bother looking at other venues for elopements because we knew for a fact we wanted to get married in Burlington at Hotel Vermont on the rooftop- no exceptions. The package Hotel Vermont offered included accommodations for 1 night in a variety of different room types, services of an in-house officiant, a 6-inch cake from local bakery, a bouquet and boutonniere from a local florist, and a bottle of champagne! The rate for the 1 night was $649 plus taxes. We chose a king bedded room with a whirlpool tub and a crème brulee cake! The flowers were seasonal and just simply beautiful, and our officiant was named Cameron and he was just a super cool dude. We stayed for a total of 3 nights and the other two nights I got a deeply reduced rate as I was working for another property at the time that allowed me to have a Friends & Family rate. We came in right around $1,350 for our total stay including the elopement.

Our photographer and makeup artist, Lyndsie Lord, of La Boutique Makeup Artistry & Photography did an absolutely amazing job. She was also technically our only guest. I sometimes wondered if I would feel alone getting ready since we did not have wedding parties but with Lyndsie around, I never felt alone. She was so encouraging throughout the process of taking photos and truly made us feel confident and comfortable. She is also hysterical so that helps! For those that are curious, we paid $1,035 for 4 hours of photography coverage and makeup application for me.

We spoke to all of our “VIPs” before making the final decision to elope. It was very important to us that those particular individuals supported our decision and we are so grateful that everyone did. The only person that was “upset” was my cousin, and she wasn’t even really upset. She supported our decision, but was very much looking forward to being my Matron of Honor (because she absolutely would have been) and celebrating with me the way I did with her when I was her Maid of Honor last year. She and my mom threw us a very casual couples shower, which was wonderful because it did give us chance to see our VIPs before eloping. I still went dress shopping with my mom, cousin, and aunt and bought (well my momma did) a “real” bridal gown (Wtoo by Watters “Catherine” in Rose Gold), we made announcements and sent them to everyone the day of the elopement so most people had them by the end of that week, I bought a hair piece and DH got some Captain America cufflinks and a tie clip.

My advice to anyone considering eloping seriously is to do it. I know it’s not as easy for some to make that decision firmly due to friends and family not being supportive, but even though it was important that our VIPs supported us, we were going to do it anyway because it is what we wanted and what we thought would work best for us. I have a very demanding family and I was extremely concerned that my aunts were going to make a big deal of us not inviting them to our wedding, that my grandmother was going to hate me even more even though she hasn’t spoken to me in 5 years but I eventually just stopped caring and said, “this is what we need to do.” DH and I were literally fighting over a wedding. We weren’t even married and we were fighting over a wedding. We are not about that life so we threw in the towel, gave up on the drama, and did it OUR way and it was PERFECT. I totally understand worrying about what your family and friends think in a situation like this, but if they are petty enough to get upset about how YOU choose to get married then to hell with that. Sorry for the blatant response but in my opinion it’s real talk.

Pick an awesome location, hire a great photographer (or videographer), have a bomb elopement and share the story through photos and videos with your friends and family. I highly doubt you will regret it.

I'm trying...

Not even on mobile and I can only do 1 at a time..

My favorite.

You look gorgeous! So lovely!! And so happy!! Congrats!

Oopsie I duplicated! Sorry!

So awesome! Congratulations. You guys look amazing and your gown is gorgeous!

It was a wee bit windy on the rooftop

I love your dress! congrats!

This was an attempt to recreate my grandparents' wedding photo in which my 4'11" grandmother had to stand on a crate to get anywhere near my 6'3" grandfather.

Champagne poppin!

Last one for now. Our cake!

Beautiful

Thank you!!!

I love this, congrats!

Beautiful! I pitched this idea to FH but he wasn't interested I am so glad it worked out for you!

Congratulations! You looked beautiful!

Aww you guys look great! Congrats!!!! I adore your dress

Thank you!!!

You looked gorgeous!! Congrats