Lake Erie Elopement Location Guide
Much of Northern Ohio directly borders the beautiful Lake Erie, and there are several stunning locations where you can plan your intimate elopement. From beautiful beaches and nature preserves to charming lighthouses and beach towns to one of Ohio’s largest cities, there’s something for everyone.
Planning a Lake Erie elopement? I’m an Ohio elopement photographer who helps couples plan their dream full-day elopements. You can learn more about my Ohio elopement services here.
Why Choose Lake Erie for Your Ohio Elopement?
- Sunset Views: First and foremost, Lake Erie is Ohio’s best, BEST sunset location. The sun sets right on the lake and on a clear or partially cloudy evening, is one of the most stunning views around.
- Beach Vibes: If you’re wanting those coastal, beachy vibes on your wedding day, Lake Erie is one of Ohio’s best options. There’s everything from cute beach towns to grassy dunes to crashing waves.
- Easy Access: Most of Ohio’s beaches and Lake Erie viewpoints are easily accessed. They aren’t far from major cities and towns where you can plan a fun getaway.
Where to Elope on Lake Erie
Headlands Beach State Park
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. You can learn more in this blog on eloping at Headlands Beach.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park
I’m really just plugging all the good lighthouse locations here! Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is home to one of the most scenic lighthouses in Ohio. It really gives that classic coastal lighthouse vibe and is situated on a rocky shore in the state park. It would make a beautiful backdrop for vows or portraits. A stop here can also easily be paired with exploring nearby Kelley’s Island, Catawba Island, or Put-In-Bay.
Put-In-Bay
For couples looking for a bit of nature and fun – this Ohio tourism hotspot could make for a super unique elopement day! You could say your vows in one of the island’s parks, travel around in a golf cart, explore a winery, and rent a lakeside condo.
Edgewater Park
This is a great location if you are planning a city elopement in Cleveland. Just outside the city with a view of the skyline, this makes a really scenic sunrise or sunset elopement spot. There are some short trails to explore, a Cleveland sign, and a nice flat area if you’d like to have a picnic.
Tips for Planning a Lake Erie Elopement
How to Get Permits for Your Lake Erie Elopement
Most of the locations you’d likely be looking at for your elopement ceremony are state parks. You’ll want to check in with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and/or local towns if needed.
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.
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 currently $40
When to Elope on Lake Erie
Unless you’d like to brave the cold (which can be totally cool too!), you’ll want to look at late spring through early fall for chances at the best weather for your elopement day.
As for time of day, I always recommend sunrise for fewer crowds. However, for a Lake Erie elopement, you may want to go for sunset to get those dreamy colors and lighting off the water. You can also always get both with a multi-day elopement!
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 a nature preserve area)
- Pack any items or waste out (that also means avoiding things like rice and 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 parks
Ready to Plan Your Lake Erie Elopement?
If you’ve been dreaming of a beachy, intimate elopement along Lake Erie’s shores, let’s get started on planning your dream day.
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 Lake Erie elopement!
