Eloping in Ohio can give you a winter wonderland, a fairytale forest or even rushing waterfalls and unique ledges like no where else in the world. Let's be honest, Ohio isn't necessarily popular for its' scenery, but the truth is, Ohio withhold so many secret beautiful locations, it just takes you a bit longer to discover.
When I think of an Ohio elopement, I think of adventurous hikes with amazing rewards, unique places to stay and delicious locally sourced foods, I might wanna throw in a fun campfire or hanging in a hammock while witnessing a sunset, and best of all, bring my pet along - because the majority of Ohio's trails are pet friendly!
Let's discover the best locations to elope in Ohio.
1. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
I feel super lucky to live near Cuyahoga Valley National Park and get to hike it almost every weekend! I discover new beautiful things every time I visit this park, and it gets me to go back and explore more every time.
Permit Fees: $75+
Blue Hen Falls
I know the name sounds funny, but an Ohio elopement right by the unique Blue Hen Falls will feel like you are exploring a fairytale book setting. Ceremonies are not allowed at the falls, so plan to visit this spot for some beautiful elopement photos or read letters to each other with the rushing sound of the waterfall in the background! Hike a bit further and you'll discover a second waterfall, Buttermilk Falls but be prepared to cross a few creeks getting there. Bring your pet along for the 3-mile adventure elopement too!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Wedding Permits are not issued for Blue Hen Falls, so you won’t be able to hold your ceremony here but that does not mean you cannot explore the waterfall and take beautiful photos here on your elopement day.
Length: 3.0 Miles
Elevation Gain: 580 ft
Route Type: Out & Back
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
My favorite time to go: Early morning and on a weekday during Spring, Winter or Fall.
Brandywine Gorge Falls
Brandywine Gorge Falls won't disappoint! Expect a huge rushing waterfall, hiking trails, creeks and breathtaking sceneries. Access to this waterfall is easy, so expect less privacy here during busy season.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Wedding Permits are not issued for Brandywine Falls on weekends, holidays, or during the month of October. So, you won’t be able to hold your ceremony here but that does not mean you cannot explore the waterfall and take beautiful photos here on your elopement day.
Length: 1.4 Miles for the Gorge Trail
Elevation Gain: 164 ft
Route Type: Out & Back from the parking lot to the falls and a loop for the Gorge Trail.
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
My favorite time to go: During spring in the early mornings for a rushing waterfall and during fall to walk alongside the creek.
The Ledges Overlook
Facing west this overlook hangs above the trees, perfect for the most magical sunset elopements with a beautiful view of the sun setting above the trees.
Length: 2.3 Miles
Elevation Gain: 209 ft
Route Type: Loop
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
My favorite time to go: Snowy winter mornings on this trail is truly magical, be prepared for ice on the trail and large icicles on the ledges.
2. Cleveland Metroparks
The Cleveland Metroparks has over 18 reservations, 100 hiking trails, and ample places to choose from to elope. If you have set your sights here, consider some of these spots to elope.
Permit Fees: $100
Squires Castle
If you want to feel like you are standing next to a stunning castle in Scotland, Squires Castle is for you! Built in the 1890s, Squires Castle is a place of historical value and has become a popular place for couples wanting an adventure wedding. A 2 min walk from the parking lot with a wonderful trailhead right behind it.
Length: 2.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 213 ft
Route Type: Loop
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
My favorite time to go: Weekdays on a snowy day during winter or a peak fall foliage day in fall.
Rocky River Reservation
You will see a beautiful gorge, lush, and scenic natural environment with plenty of places to explore and hike through. If you want to see some of the best mother nature offers, visit the Rocky River Reservation.
Length: 2 - 7 Miles
Elevation Gain: +- 275 ft
Route Type: Loop
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
My favorite time to go: These trails are closer to larger cities so it can get busy on weekends, I recommend eloping here on an early morning weekday.
3. Hocking Hills State Park
With 25 miles of hiking trails and magnificent waterfalls, Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful place for couples to elope in Ohio. One of my all time favorite hiking and camping spots in Ohio, the beauty of this park will never cease to amaze you no matter how many times you visit! During winter you'll discover frozen waterfalls, in spring, rushing waterfalls and in fall the magnificent beauty of fall foliage.
Permit Fees for Ohio State Parks: $40 - $90
Ash Cave
Ash Cave is a shallow cave with its rim appearing like a horseshoe and spans an impressive 700 feet with a beautiful runoff waterfall. The valley floor is usually full of wildflowers in every season.
Length: 0.5 Miles
Elevation Gain: 111 ft
Route Type: Loop
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Cedar Falls
Considered to be wild and lonely, Cedar Falls has views of steep rocks, caves, and waterfalls. This is a special place to see and a beautiful place to elope – alone or with family.
Length: 0.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 157 ft
Route Type: Out & Back
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Rock House
Rock House is a unique tunnel-like corridor in rock situated in the middle of a 150-foot cliff. With seven gothic-arched windows and sandstone columns, this is every exploring couple's dream destination.
Length: 0.9 Miles
Elevation Gain: 203 ft
Route Type: Loop
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
Old Man's Cave
Old Man's Cave has five parts: The lower gorge, lower falls, middle falls, upper gorge, and upper falls. The gorgeous gorge cuts through 150-feet of the Backhand sandstone. The whole distance of the gorge is half a mile.
Length: 0.6 Miles
Elevation Gain: 42 ft
Route Type: Out & Back
Pet Friendly: Yes, on leash.
4. Headlands Beach State Park
Headlands Beach State Park consists of the famous 35-acre Lake Eerie for perfect sunrise elopements. While this is a popular spot for tourists, consider eloping in the early morning to get the perfect beach view and privacy.
Lighthouses
Absorb the history of Lake Eerie with a variety of Lighthouses to view. Every beacon and tower are different from the next, making this a fun game to play with your partner traveling along from one lighthouse to the next.
5. Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is a wonder! Consisting of waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and beautiful natural landscapes, you won't be disappointed with the views. A place for exploring couples wanting a real adventure for their Ohio elopement.
Cascade Falls
Seeing the vegetation growing out of the rocks and a massive flow of water roaring down to the bottom of these falls is out of this world. If you decide to elope in Ohio, I highly recommend taking a trip to see Cascade Falls.
Minnehaha Falls
From Cascade Falls to Minnehaha Falls, expect a short two-mile hike with stunning greenery and forest trees, making it the perfect place for elopement photographs. Bring your dog along for this one!
Secret Waterfall at Nelson Kennedy Ledges
A little secret hidden gem and a serious adventure to get to, this spot is another great elopement location in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park. Expect a lot of scrambling to get here!
Ohio is unique in its' own way for sure, eloping in Ohio can be a great adventure for you and your partner!
Thinking of eloping in Ohio and not sure where to start?
Reach out to me, Shan, Elopement Photographer in Cleveland Ohio.
I adore to help couples create a wedding day that not only is adventurous and fun but also true to them.
As a Cleveland Ohio Elopement Photographer I know all the amazing spots and legalities when it comes to eloping in Ohio.
Feel free to reach out and we can chat or simply follow along on my adventures with incredible eloping couples on Instagram.
Happy Adventuring ;)
