Wondering where to elope in Ohio? This Ash Cave elopement guide can help!

Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s top elopement destinations – and for good reason! The state park is a beautiful hidden gem in central Ohio and features diverse landscapes including caves, forests, and waterfalls. If you are wanting to opt for an adventure elopement, you really can’t go wrong with Hocking Hills and, particularly, Ash Cave! 

Looking for a Hocking Hills elopement photographer to help you plan and capture your day? Learn more about how I can help.

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Why Choose Ash Cave for Your Elopement?

It’s One of the Most Beautiful Elopement Destinations in Ohio

Ash Cave is unlike any other area I’ve seen in Ohio. The walk to the cave is relatively quick from the parking lot – maybe 10 minutes down an unassuming path. And then you round a corner and see a massive recess cave with a waterfall coming off the side. There are sandstone cliffs all around and you are surrounded by trees. It’s a little oasis of beauty. 

It’s Accessible for Couples and Guests

This is one of my top recommendations if you are looking to have a nature elopement but don’t want to have a lot of hiking involved either for your own preference or on behalf of your guests. The path to the cave and falls is paved and relatively flat. While you can’t go all the way through on the paved trail, it is definitely long enough to be able to view the cave and waterfall from.

Learn more about how I can help you plan and photograph your Ash Cave elopement.

Best Time of Year to Elope at Ash Cave

Spring Elopement at Ash Cave

Spring is one of the best times of year for an Ash Cave elopement! Spring rains typically mean the waterfall will have more flow to it and be more impressive for your elopement day. There are also fewer people around in the spring, so if you aim for early morning or a weekday, you will have more privacy for your vows. 

I know you’re also probably now thinking… spring rain??? Ash Cave has the unique feature of being a recess cave, so this is actually a location that’s pretty sheltered from a rainy day!

Summer Elopement at Ash Cave

Unless you are an extreme early bird with availability on a weekday, I might suggest aiming for another time of year for your Ash Cave elopement. Summers in Hocking Hills – and especially at Ash Cave – tend to be busy, so you’ll need to aim for a time when there won’t be as many other folks around. Pros for this season are that the greenery of the forest is beautiful and temperatures are warm, but a con could be low or no waterfall flow. 

Learn more about why you shouldn’t choose summer for your Ash Cave elopement.

Fall Elopement at Ash Cave

Fall is a great season for eloping at Ash Cave. If you have your elopement in the early morning or at sunset on a weekday, you’ll have more privacy, but keep in mind that once the leaves start changing, it becomes peak leaf-peeping season in Ohio and trails can get more crowded.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the waterfall may be dry or at a very low flow during this season.

Winter Elopement at Ash Cave

Dare I say it? Winter may be my favorite time of year for elopements at Ash Cave. Yes, you have fewer daylight hours. Yes, there may be snow on the ground. But, you may also have stunning icicles all around and a frozen ice cone at the base of the waterfall. I mean, it’s just really stunning! Added bonus? It’s also less busy! You’ll just want to dress warmly and potentially wear some ice spikes for the trail depending on conditions. 

Let’s get started planning your Hocking Hills elopement.

Permits and Regulations

Getting Your Special Use Permit

Most national and state parks require permits for wedding ceremonies, elopements included. Hocking Hills State Park is no exception. No fear though, Ash Cave elopement permits are super simple. 

General tips:

• You can call the park office at 740-385-6841 for more information. 
• You may wish to think of some back-up dates before you call just in case another elopement or wedding is already scheduled for that date/time. 
• There is no fee for the permit.

Leave No Trace

We always want to be sure to be respectful of our outdoor spaces to help preserve them for generations to come. As part of this, I seek to follow the Leave No Trace Principles for all outdoor elopements and hope you will try to do the same. 

Some quick ways you can help leave no trace on your elopement day at Ash Cave:

• Stay on established trails
• Pack any items or waste out (that also means avoiding things like confetti)
• Do not carve anything in trees or on rocks
• Do not take any souvenirs such as a bottle of sand or a rock out of the park
• Ensure any pets you bring are on leash and be sure to clean up after them

Let’s start planning your elopement in Hocking Hills.

Ready to Plan Your Elopement at Ash Cave?

If you’ve been dreaming of a nature-filled, intimate elopement in one of Ohio’s most stunning locations, Ash Cave might be the spot for you. Between the sandstone cave, the peaceful waterfall, and the quiet of the forest, this location truly has it all. Whether you’re ready to hike in your wedding attire or cozy up in a nearby cabin after your vows, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels like you.

I’m here to help you every step of the way – from finding the perfect ceremony time to navigating permits and capturing every beautiful moment. Let’s make your Ash Cave elopement a day you’ll never forget. Contact me here to start planning your Ash Cave elopement!