The weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes that feels especially so in Ohio. But a little rain doesn’t have to ruin your elopement day (it’s even supposed to be good luck!). It also doesn’t have to feel stressful. As your elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan the best backup locations and activities so you can enjoy your day, rain or shine.

Learn more about my Ohio Elopement Photography services!

Check out these steps you can take ahead of time to be prepared.

Embrace the Rain: A Rainy Elopement Day Can Still Be Amazing

If it’s not thundering, lightning, or tornado-ing outside (safety first, friends!), a rainy day elopement can be a really cool opportunity for several reasons: 

1. It’s a chance to let go and have fun together. If your day is more on the adventurous side with hiking and spending time in nature, rain is an opportunity to just embrace the reality of the day and have some laughs. You might be in rain jackets, hiking muddy trails together, or frolicking in the rain – just embrace it. Spending your day in the city? Don’t let the rain get you down either. We can break out the clear umbrellas and get some fantastic photos of you two cozied up underneath them. 
2. There may be fewer crowds. People often cancel plans to hike or do anything outside when it’s raining. That’s an advantage if you are eloping! Busy trails might be deserted, and you might have popular spots all to yourself.
3. Water = Reflections & Rainbows. Water on the ground after rain clears out is one of my favorite things. We can capture you reflected in pools of water, and rainbows might emerge at the perfect moment. 

Best Rainy Day Indoor Elopement Locations in Ohio (For couples who want a dry option!)

If you are planning an outdoor elopement but would like a back-up indoor location for your vows or simply some indoor locations for portraits just in case, you can always reserve a rain location. 

But a few disclaimers before we begin:

• I recommend being completely honest with the spots that you are booking. If you plan to have your ceremony inside, make sure to tell them you are planning to say your vows there so they can let you know if that is possible or not. Some locations may only allow you to have wedding portraits taken vs. doing an actual ceremony.
• Some of the locations I list will probably want to be THE location, not just a backup. Make sure to let them know that you are booking this as your inclement weather location.

Okay, back to the regularly scheduled programming! Here are some of my favorite indoor location options!

Greenhouses

Greenhouses are a beautiful backdrop for your elopement ceremony and they offer a touch of nature even if you are indoors. 

If you know of local greenhouses and garden centers in your area, don’t be afraid to reach out to them to see if they’ll let you take elopement portraits there or say your vows among their plants. It never hurts to ask!

Here are some greenhouse recommendations throughout Ohio:

Grown by Grace in Dover

One of my favorite local greenhouses is Grown by Grace in Dover, Ohio. This greenhouse is also located in an area with a lot of unique Airbnbs nearby. You can message Grown by Grace on Facebook to book.

Rockefeller Park Greenhouse in Cleveland

Another option is Rockefeller Park Greenhouse in the heart of Cleveland. 

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus

Columbus also has the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory which would be a gorgeous backdrop for an elopement ceremony. 

Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati

If you’re in Southern Ohio, Krohn Conservatory could be another great option for elopement photos. 

Historical Buildings & Museums

Many libraries and museums around Ohio allow wedding photography. As you are investigating some back-up locations, just be sure to tell them you might be saying your vows in the space so everything is on the up and up.

Cleveland Public Library

The Cleveland Public Library is a gorgeous historical building in the heart of downtown Cleveland. You can take photos in the entrance, on the staircases, in the garden, and among the stacks. 

Severance Hall Cleveland

This Cleveland Orchestra concert venue is a stunner. The Grand Foyer has red marble pillars lining the space and the floor features beautiful patterns. Severance Hall would be a beautiful backdrop for your elopement photos.

Akron Art Museum

Located in downtown Akron, the Akron Art Museum has extremely photogenic indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. Their booking process is easy and straightforward. 

Ohio Statehouse in Columbus

The Ohio Statehouse is another stunning location for elopement photos. The exterior has huge pillars and the interior has a gorgeous atrium, stately staircases, and beautifully patterned floors. 

Squires Castle

This one is a bit of a different vibe than the others in this list! Squire’s Castle is an old gatehouse from the 1890s that’s now part of the Cleveland Metro Parks system. I recommend this location for a weekday since it is a popular spot for photos in general.

Cabins & Airbnbs

This is probably the easiest rain alternative to arrange! You may already need to book housing in your elopement location, so why not find a charming Airbnb or cabin that you wouldn’t mind also saying your vows in? 

Here are some interesting ones throughout Ohio:

• Brick Loft in Historic Downtown Canal Fulton
• The Acacia in Sugarcreek
• The Alder in Sugarcreek
• Treehouse Village – The Box in Dundee
• Treehouse Village – The Arrow in Dundee
• Historic Downtown Wooster Victorian Apartment
• The Lake House in Lakewood
• Acadia Cliffs Treehouse Cabin #2 in Cutler
• The A-Frame at Creekside Dwellings in Beach City
• The Alto – A Modern Elevated A-Frame in Logan
• Tower in Pleasant Hill
• The Cliffs at Hocking Hills
• Dunlap Hollow A-Frame in Rockbridge
• The Haven Scenic A-Frame Cabin in Sugarcreek

Disclaimer: I have not personally stayed in these locations, I just think they’d make beautiful spots to stay for your elopement day!

Other Locations

This is by no means an all-inclusive list of indoor locations in Ohio. There are many other indoor or covered back-up spots we can brainstorm for your elopement. We can also call around to local businesses like breweries, wineries, and coffee shops to see if they’ll let you do your vows there. 
As part of my elopement services, I offer a list of customized location and activity recommendations for you to choose from, and we’ll think of potential back-ups so we are prepared for inclement weather.

Best Rain-Ready Outdoor Elopement Locations in Ohio (For couples who don’t mind a little rain!)

Wooded Trails

Wooded trails are never far off when you are eloping outdoors in Ohio. If it starts to rain, we can try to find cover under the trees.

Covered Pavilions & Gazebos

Many trailheads have covered pavilions where we could move your elopement ceremony if needed. A lot of Ohio towns also have scenic gazebos and covered bridges we could take advantage of. 

Lake Erie Beaches

What’s a little extra water when you’re already on the water? If you’re tying the knot on Lake Erie, it can be easy to embrace the rain and just go with the flow. 

Parks along the lake also often have gazebos or covered pavilions that we can move to.

Tips for Staying Comfortable in the Rain

Here’s a quick list of tips to help you stay comfortable in the rain on your elopement day:

• An umbrella or two: it never hurts to be prepared! Stash a clear or color-coordinated umbrella or two in your car for the day of your elopement if rain is in the forecast. 
• Raincoat: make sure you bring a waterproof raincoat that you wouldn’t mind wearing with your suit/dress.
• Waterproof shoes: if you’re planning to hike during your elopement day, it’s an easy step to make sure the boots you choose are waterproof. Luckily, many come with that feature already! If you are having a city elopement, think about how waterproof your shoes are and consider bringing a back up pair so that you can stay comfortable throughout the day. 
• Quick-dry towels: pack a couple of quick-dry camping towels in your backpack or car just in case.
• Decor that can stand up to the rain: consider if the details and decor you are bringing with you are waterproof or how you can protect the things you bring from potential rain. Maybe that means bringing a waterproof backpack to stash things in or opting for a wooden “we eloped!” sign or choosing flowers based on how well they do in rain (yes, that’s a thing!). 

TL;DR: Have a Backup Plan and Be Flexible

Rent a Back-Up Location

It never hurts to be prepared just in case. Rent a beautiful indoor back-up location where you wouldn’t mind saying your vows, taking couples portraits, and spending some quality time on your elopement day.

Schedule With Flexibility

Be flexible with your elopement day’s timeline so that you can have the freedom to wait out passing rain showers without stress.

Trust Your Photographer

Just because it’s raining or the weather is a bit crazy doesn’t mean you won’t still get beautiful photos of your experience. They might even be more beautiful and dramatic than they would have been on a sunny day. Embrace the unexpected, trust your photographer, and have the best day of your life.

Final Thoughts: Rain or Shine, Your Day Will Be Perfect

As someone who eloped on a rainy day, trust me. A bit of rain doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and it can lead to unforgettable memories with your love. 

Whether you want to roll with the weather or move your party inside, the key is being prepared. Need help planning your elopement? I specialize in full-day Ohio elopements – rain or shine! Reach out for a chat here!