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Headlands Beach State Park Elopement Guide

Elopement couple dancing on Lake Erie's Headlands Beach.

Wondering where to elope in Ohio? This Headlands Beach State Park elopement guide can help!

Headlands Beach State Park is one of my favorite elopement destinations for couples who want to include Lake Erie in their elopement plans. This state park and the neighboring nature preserve have a long gorgeous beach, trails, and a scenic lighthouse. It also happens to be located right next to Cleveland and Ohio’s wine country region, so you could easily incorporate either one into your elopement day or explore all three during a multi-day elopement celebration. Keep reading for more advice on this stunning location!

Looking for a photographer to help you plan and capture your day? Contact me here.

Eloping couple walking in Headlands Beach State Park.

Why Choose Headlands Beach State Park for Your Elopement?

It’s One of the Most Scenic Destinations in Ohio

Headlands Beach is one of those locations that just makes me feel like I’ve been transported. As someone originally from Tennessee, I would have never expected this landscape in Ohio, and I’m just continually impressed by the amount of variety the state has to offer eloping couples! Headlands Beach is the perfect little coastal getaway.  

It’s Easily Accessible

This is a great location if you are looking to have a nature elopement but don’t want to have a lot of strenuous hiking involved. You’ll park at the far right parking lot which has direct access to a boardwalk to the beach, then there are short hiking trails through the dune are and up to the lighthouse. 

The Variety of Scenery is Unmatched

Another perk for this location is the variety of its scenery. You go from a forested area to a boardwalk to dunes to a beach to a lighthouse. This location is truly a heavy hitter if you are looking to add variety to your elopement day. 

Birding Opportunity

Are you a birder? This could be the perfect touch to your elopement day. Headlands Beach’s Nature Preserve area, especially during fall and spring, is a hot spot for migrating birds.

Eloping couple embracing in front of the Headlands Beach State Park lighthouse.

Best Time of Year to Elope at Headlands Beach State Park

Spring Elopements at Headlands Beach State Park

When I say spring, I mean late spring – because I don’t want y’all to be expecting balmy temperatures and end up freezing cold! The lake area does tend to hold the cold a little longer than further inland, so I’d recommend aiming for May. This is also a good way to have a perfect sunset elopement without the crowds that summer can bring.

Summer Elopements at Headlands Beach State Park

Headlands Beach is a popular location for swimming and photos in general in the summer, so it can get busy during the day and around sunset. To get some privacy, you’ll want to aim for a time when there won’t be as many other folks around, so either near sunrise or on a weekday. Pros are that the beach is nice and warm during the summer months, and you can play in the water together. Cons are that the bugs are out, folks – so wear your bug spray!

Fall Elopements at Headlands Beach State Park

Fall would be another great time to elope at Headlands Beach State Park. If you’re okay with a bit of chill in the air and water, you’ll encounter fewer crowds than in the peak summer months. September is also a peak time for birding and there is even an annual festival!

Winter Elopements at Headlands Beach State Park

Winter on Lake Erie is not for the faint of heart, but it could be a drop dead gorgeous time to elope at Headlands Beach State Park as long as you don’t mind the cold! The lake could start to freeze, and there could be snow. If you bundle up, this could make for a beautiful and unique elopement destination.

Eloping couple running down Headlands Beach.

Permits and Regulations

Getting Your Special Use Permit

Most national and state parks require permits for wedding ceremonies, elopements included. Headlands Beach State Park is no exception. No fear though, elopement permits are something I help my clients with, and I’ll call ahead to make sure you know exactly what you need to do. You can get started planning with me here.

General tips:

  • You can visit the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Special Use Permits website here. 
  • You should apply for your permit at least 30 days in advance of your preferred date. They recommend 60 days to give yourself enough time.
  • You may wish to include some back up dates in your request just in case another elopement or wedding is already scheduled for that date/time. 
  • The fee for a special use permit is $40 at the time of my writing.

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 Headlands Beach State Park:

  • Stay on established trails (this is especially important if you are in the nature preserve area)
  • 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 you do not bring any pets with you (they are not allowed at this location)
  • Pop champagne only outside the park (no alcohol is permitted)
Elopement couple standing on the rocks at Headlands Beach State Park.

What to Expect on Your Elopement Day

As you are planning your Headlands Beach State Park elopement experience, I want to make sure you know exactly what to expect. 

  • Trail information: there is the State Park beach to the left, and the Headland Dunes Nature Preserve and lighthouse to the right. There are a few short trails through the nature preserve area, and some of the paths are soft sand while others are more packed sand or rocky sand. 
  • Hours: the park is open ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset.
  • Amenities: there are restrooms available at the Headlands Beach State Park area.
  • Parking: it’s typically easy to find parking nearby. There are multiple parking lots nearby. It might be a bit tight in the summer though.
  • Finding Privacy: this is a popular area, so there may be other folks around during your elopement. However, if you would like to maximize your chances at privacy, you can schedule your elopement for an early morning or on a weekday. 
  • Prepping for Bugs: you are going out into nature, so I recommend taking steps to prevent ticks and other bug bites depending on the time of year you will be going out (spring – fall).
Eloping couple skipping rocks on Lake Erie.

Sample Timeline for A Headlands Beach State Park Elopement

You might be wondering what an elopement day incorporating Headlands Beach State Park could look like. Here’s a quick sample timeline to help you get started:

  • Write vows in your pjs at a cozy cabin or while taking in Lake Erie’s coast
  • Get ready
  • Have a first look outside your cabin or along Lake Erie’s shore
  • Head to a winery for a meal and some wine tasting fun
  • Head to the beach
  • Explore the state park and nature preserve before saying your vows
  • Go back to your cabin and light a fire for some s’mores and/or end the day in a hot tub

As your Ohio elopement photographer, I’m super hands on during the planning process. I’ll help you brainstorm and come up with the perfect elopement day plan! You can get started here.

Eloping couple kissing while eating s'mores.

What to Bring and Wear

To prepare for your Headlands Beach State Park elopement, here is a quick list of elopement day essentials:

  • Wedding attire
    • You could incorporate some of the natural colors of the beach into your clothing so you complement the surroundings.
    • Number one rule is keep your clothes and bodies away from the long grass – we are practicing tick prevention, my friends! So if you are looking at dresses, this may be a consideration as you choose whether to have a larger fluffier one vs. something more streamlined and closer fit.
    • If eloping in the winter, be sure to wear extra warm base layers and bundle up.
  • Your favorite accessories and sentimental items
  • Hiking boots or shoes you don’t mind walking in sand in. It can also be difficult to walk in soft sand, so be sure to consider your footwear accordingly.
  • Bouquet and/or boutonniere
  • Your rings
  • Written vows
  • Water bottles
  • Bug spray 
  • Sunscreen
Eloping couple sitting on a log on the beach.

Where to Stay Nearby

Headlands Beach State Park is near Cleveland, on Lake Erie, and close to Ohio’s wine country area. I’ll break it down by location so you can pick your preference!

On Lake Erie:

Wine Country:

Cleveland:

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

Eloping couple sitting at the fire of their Airbnb.
Wine Country Woodland Retreat Airbnb

Ready to Plan Your Headlands Beach Elopement?

If you’ve been dreaming of a beachy, intimate elopement along Lake Erie’s shores, Headlands Beach won’t disappoint. With it’s stunning location and wide variety of things to do nearby, this could be the perfect location to center your elopement day on. Whether you’re ready to stroll the beach in your wedding attire or cozy up in a nearby cabin or winery after your vows, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels like you.

As a local Ohio elopement photographer, 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 Lake Erie elopement a day you’ll never forget.

Contact me here to start planning your Headlands Beach elopement!

Eloping couple about to kiss at Headlands Beach State Park.

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