You want to have an epic, private, and peaceful elopement day. I hate to break it to you, but Hocking Hills in the summer is the exact opposite. From an elopement photographer who wants you to have an amazing day, don’t elope in Hocking Hills in the summer.

Help me plan my Hocking Hills Elopement

Yes, the weather is warm, the sun is shining. In theory, it’s a wonderful time to elope. But not at Hocking Hills, I promise. Truly, the vibes are not great – think full parking lots, traffic, and crowds of people exploring the trails. You don’t want to be stared at by passersby as you say your vows or to be fighting for a spot near a dried up waterfall (summer is dry season!). It’s just not giving “best day of my life,” you know?

When you first started thinking of eloping in Hocking Hills, I bet you were imagining intimate vows next to a stunning waterfall, seclusion and privacy as you explore the trails and caves, and the ability to enjoy your time together in peace. You want a day that’s about doing what you love with the one you love, and actually enjoying it (there’s a reason you left the big wedding behind, afterall!). 

And you probably decided on summer because you were drawn to the weather, maybe you or your guests have more time off during that season, it seemed like a good idea. I bet the idea of hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of other people being around at the same time didn’t cross your mind – and I don’t blame you, because everyone knows summer is a pretty good time to be out in nature.

But between you and me? There’re better seasons (with far fewer people around), and those seasons will even allow you to catch Hocking Hills’ beauty at its finest. Let’s dive in on why I recommend you don’t elope in Hocking Hills in the summer.

Let’s plan and photograph your Hocking Hills Elopement

A Winter Elopement in Hocking Hills is for the Winter Wonderland Lovers

Okay – between you and me (and please come closer so no one else overhears), winter is hands down the coolest time to elope in Hocking Hills. I’m so serious. Please see Exhibit A:

The waterfalls start to freeze over, you get that awesome cone effect at the base, you may even get a snowy background. It’s the perfect winter wonderland backdrop for your elopement day. 

And when you’re not exploring nature? You’ll have no regrets about splurging on a rental cabin with a hot tub to warm up in and a fire pit to cozy up near.

Elope in Hocking Hills This Winter

A Spring Elopement in Hocking Hills is for the Waterfall Chasers

Spring in Hocking Hills is truly magical. Snow melt and more frequent rains mean the waterfalls flow consistently and at a high volume. It’s the season of finding a waterfall around every corner, and you’ll be all the more lucky if it’s raining because even more waterfalls emerge (and I don’t say that lightly!). 

And the best part? Even if it’s raining, Hocking Hills has several large recess caves where you can stay totally dry and still have your ceremony in an epic location.

Plan your spring elopement in Hocking Hills

A Fall Elopement in Hocking Hills is for the Cave Explorers

Fall in Hocking Hills comes with some caveats. Peak foliage season is another busy time in Hocking Hills, but it’s not nearly as crowded as in the summer. Still, you’ll want to proceed with some caution if you’d like to include more popular trails like Ash Cave in your day – aim for times outside of peak hours. There are also some beautiful, off-the-beaten path trails I’ve explored that offer great views of the foliage without the crowds. 

Outside of peak foliage season, I love Hocking Hills for a fall elopement. September especially offers fewer crowds and you’ll still have a lot of green on the trees. It’s also often still warm enough to enjoy being outside in the early fall. The only thing to consider is that if there hasn’t been a lot of rain, the waterfalls may be dry. However, Hocking Hills has a ton to offer outside of waterfalls and fall can make for an awesome time to have your elopement based around one of the park’s epic caves.

Get started planning with your Hocking Hills elopement photographer.

Tips for If You Decide to Have a Summer Elopement in Hocking Hills

Okay, I know summer is probably still quite appealing in a lot of ways even though I’m telling you not to elope in Hocking Hills in the summer. I totally get it. There are definitely still ways to find privacy and enjoy your time to the fullest in Hocking Hills. Some quick tips to avoid crowds are to aim for a weekday, start early in the day (I’m talking sunrise!), and choose lesser known trails during your day. Lucky for you, I’ve explored a lot of spots in Hocking Hills that don’t get the usual summer crowds!

Learn more about my Hocking Hills elopement packages.

Your Elopement Photographer

Hey, I’m Desiree! I’m an elopement photographer for Hocking Hills who has explored the main trails and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems. That means I’m not going to steer you wrong when it comes to planning your Hocking Hills elopement, and it also means I’ve got tons of great location recommendations for you (in addition to my sage advice on when to elope, of course). Learn more about my elopement packages in Hocking Hills.