FAQ
Planning the trip
Why are you having a wedding at a vacation rental?
When we sat down to think through our ideal vision for a wedding, we both wanted something outdoors and loved the idea of a fall wedding. We also wanted to keep it smaller to focus on quality over quantity. Finally, we valued making an experience that brought our support systems and communities together.
The White Mountains during peak foliage are one of the top fall destinations in the US – many of our guests already regularly make trips to the area. We plan to lodge a number of guests on the 3 houses on the property (e.g. wedding party, family). And we are willing to play the travel agent role as needed to help the rest of our guests find comfortable and accessible lodging options.
Where should I plan to stay?
We have a 6 room hold at Carlson’s Lodge in Twin Mountain, NH for two nights (Friday 9/23 to Sunday 9/25). Depending on the room, the rate varies from $142 to $157 per night and are subject to NH state tax. Please call (603) 846-5501 to make your reservation and be sure to mention you are with the Begansky / Fitton wedding.
We also have a set rate on available rooms at the Hampton Inn in Littleton, NH for two nights (Friday 9/23 to Sunday 9/25). The rate is $269 per night and are subject to NH state tax. Note that these are first come, first served. Please call (603) 444-0025 to make your reservation and be sure to mention you are with the Begansky / Fitton wedding.
Otherwise, we recommend that you explore other options on Airbnb or VRBO (many of these are dog friendly), and aim to have that set before May. We can help here if you need it.
What’s the situation with dogs and kids?
There will be 4 dogs staying on the property (2 in the Lodge, 2 in the Yurt), and they will be crated for the majority of the ceremony and reception. If they come out, they will be leashed and it will be for bathroom breaks or photos. While we know many of our guests are dog lovers, we expect the day to be overwhelming for them, so we ask that you leave them be.
If you have a dog and are staying on the property, unfortunately we won’t be able to host your pup in addition with our own. If you have a dog and are staying elsewhere, there are plenty of dog-friendly Airbnb’s in the area.
As for kids, we have indicated all individuals who are invited directly on the invitations. We will have 2 kids as part of the wedding party; otherwise, this will predominantly be an adult-only event.
Will I have cell phone service?
If you have Verizon Wireless as a carrier, you will likely have service. Otherwise, you will likely not have service when not connected to WiFi. We can provide WiFi information upon request.
Where are the closest amenities (e.g. restaurants, groceries, shopping)?
Littleton and Bethlehem have a number of locally owned restaurants (see this article) and shops we’d recommend (see this other article). There are several great places in Lincoln and Woodstock too. Finally, North Conway has some chain restaurants for creature comforts. Littleton also has a Walmart, Shaw’s, and Co-op (like a Whole Foods) for groceries.
Not listed in those articles that we’d especially recommend: Littleton Freehouse Taproom, Super Secret Ice Cream, and Lonesome Woods (shopping).
Where can I go hiking? Where can I see good views?
We’re glad you asked! There’s some truly incredible hikes in the area, and many are not necessarily up a 4000-footer. This site has many great suggestions for all levels (and gets bonus points for listing the 10 essentials), but we’d also recommend hikes to/around Arethusa Falls and Ripley Falls.
If you’d rather skip the hiking but not the views, a drive along Kancamagus Highway won’t disappoint.
What is the dress code for the wedding?
We’re looking to keep things semi-formal / dressy casual, but please also come as you are. The wedding will take place on a lawn; if you plan to wear heels, aim for ones with a chunky heel.
Feel free to incorporate nice sweaters, flannel, or jackets with your outfit, as we expect temperatures to drop in the evening.
What kind of weather should I expect?
The wedding is, after all, in the White Mountains, so it will likely be colder than you’d expect in southern New England. Highs average in the 60s and lows at night average in the 40s. A frost, though unlikely, is possible. We will be heating the tent but we want everyone to come prepared.
A general layout for the event
The ceremony
Where is the ceremony taking place?
At Moose Lodge & Cabins! Specifically, overlooking the Presidential range behind the Lodge (pictured above).
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
Please plan to arrive 15 to 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, so that you may be parked and seated.
Where should I park? Will transportation be provided?
We have capacity for about 50 cars along the main driveway of the property. If you can carpool, we encourage you to do so. If you have any mobility restrictions, please let us know and we can make sure there is a spot available for you close to the Lodge.
As for transportation – due to the number of guests staying on the property and the smaller number of invitees, we currently do not plan on providing transportation. Please plan accordingly.
Can I take pictures during the ceremony?
We will have a very talented professional photographer joining us, and we’d rather you be present in the moment with us. If you still want to take a photo, please try to do so quickly – we’d love our day to have photos filled with your faces and not your devices.
How long is the ceremony? What happens after?
The ceremony should take no longer than 20 minutes. The cocktail party will start after in the same location, so you’re free to grab a drink and apps and explore the beautiful property!
The reception
Where is the reception taking place?
At Moose Lodge & Cabins! Specifically, in the tent behind the Lodge (similar to the one pictured above). Note that we will have the whole property to ourselves.
Will there be an open bar?
We will provide beer and wine for our guests to self-serve throughout the evening (possibly without a formal drink service). If you would prefer something else, you may bring it and keep it within the bar area, but we cannot guarantee that it won’t inadvertently be shared with others.
Note that with self-serve power comes self-serve responsibility. We want everyone to celebrate the day to the fullest but we ask that you celebrate responsibly.
I have dietary restrictions / allergies. What’s the best way to let you know?
Please indicate this on your RSVP or reach out to Katie directly at kfitton528@gmail.com. She will coordinate with you and the caterers.
Will it be cold at night?
Please be advised that the temperatures will likely drop to the 40s at night. We will be heating the tent and will have fire pits going, but we want everyone to come prepared.
What time will the reception end?
The band will wrap up at 10:30, but we will keep the party going until around midnight. From there, a handful of volunteers will help with decoration cleanup for 15-30 minutes.
Will there be an afterparty?
Technically, we are not planning a specific after party event. With that said, we expect a number of guests will still be down to hang. Any after party activities can happen outside near the fire pits or in the Lodge basement. Again, we have the property to ourselves but at this point we should be considerate with noise.
COVID
What are your rules on vaccination and testing?
We currently do not have rules on this, both in accordance with local rules and in the spirit of trusting our guests to use their best judgement. We can say that most of our guests have shared that they are vaccinated and boosted (this was shared with us generally and not in connection with the wedding). We encourage everyone to be up to date on COVID vaccines and boosters, particularly as we have some guests with higher risk factors.
How will you take precautions on the day?
COVID precautions will align with the local ordinances at the time of the wedding. We intentionally designed a smaller, predominantly outdoor celebration to mitigate risk of spread and to prioritize the health and safety of our guests. If required, we will send out details closer to the event.