Flying from uncontrolled to uncontrolled airport, a distance of about 15 miles.......

Ovc 1500 vis 2 in light snow.

Could you take off ifr and ask (and expect to receive) a contact approach? , in the hopes of flying just below clouds (and icing) to destination also 1500oc vis 2 light snow?

Second question is about altitude.......

Say for example atc clears u for contact approach at or below 3000.....

My interpretation is u can climb descend as needed to fulfill contact approach requirements. How low can u go? Assuming I am familiar with area and comfortable descending to say 1700, does atc require radar contact?