Best Elopement Locations in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Dreaming of an elopement featuring waterfalls, forests, and scenic views? Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of the best places in Ohio to say “I do” in nature. But with over two million visitors per year, you might be wondering how to find private and scenic locations for your intimate elopement. No fear, your Ohio elopement photographer is here with all the good tips on how to get the best locations without the crowds!
Where to Elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
Virginia Kendall Ledges: Overlook & Trail
Why You’ll Love Virginia Kendall Ledges
The Virginia Kendall Ledges area is a stunner. There’s a rocky overlook with beautiful views, classic wooded trails, interesting rock formations (… and ledges), and a large open meadow that’s perfect for frolicking and romantic picnics.
View the Virginia Kendall Ledges Trailhead on Google Maps.
Best Time of Day to Elope at Virginia Kendall Ledges
You might be thinking to yourself, “but isn’t that the most popular trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park?” It sure is. But, I truly believe you can have the intimate elopement of your dreams at Ledges. My top tip for this location? Plan for a weekday and/or elope at dawn.
Accessibility & Amenities at Virginia Kendall Ledges
Need more reasons to love this spot?
- Ledge’s has public restrooms.
- The beginning areas of the trails are relatively accessible. There are not paved paths, but it is a mostly flat walk to the Overlook area and there is a flat wooded path to explore.
- There is a huge parking lot (and multiple access points if there’s no parking in the main one), so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.
Kendall Lake
Why You’ll Love Kendall Lake
You can say your vows lake-side or at the end of the dock in this beautiful location. And once you’ve said “I do!”, hike the trail around the lake and have a celebratory picnic.
View the Kendall Lake Trailhead on Google Maps.
Best Time of Day to Elope at Kendall Lake
This is another popular spot in CVNP, so aim for the early morning hours on a weekday for maximum privacy. The morning could also mean some fog on the lake if you’re lucky!
Accessibility & Amenities at Kendall Lake
Need more reasons to love this spot?
- This location has public restrooms.
- A lot of parking is available, so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.
- The area around the lake is flat and wheelchair accessible.
Brandywine Falls
Why You’ll Love Brandywine Falls
Another iconic CVNP spot, Brandywine Falls would be a gorgeous backdrop for your elopement. It’s a huge waterfall that you can get quite close to on the overlook path. The trail also takes you downstream from the falls if you want an after-ceremony adventure.
View the Brandywine Falls Trailhead on Google Maps.
Best Time of Day to Elope at Brandywine Falls
Fair warning, Brandywine Falls is POPULAR. During peak hours it can even be difficult to find parking. With that said, I would only recommend this location on a weekday. The overlook onto the waterfall tends to get pretty crowded, so this may be the only way to avoid other people in your photos.
Accessibility & Amenities at Brandywine Falls
Some things to be aware of:
- There is a small parking lot, so you may need to arrive early to find parking.
- The path to the overlook and the Gorge Trail itself are not wheelchair accessible. There are many stairs and steep inclines.
Station Road Bridge
Why You’ll Love Station Road Bridge
This is a really interesting and versatile location. Not only is there the historic bridge, but there is also the old station house, trails leading under the larger overpass, and the river along the trails. If you want to incorporate more adventure into your day, this trailhead also has Cuyahoga River access for kayakers.
View the Station Road Bridge Trailhead on Google Maps.
Best Time of Day to Elope at Station Road Bridge
The Station Road Bridge trail does tend to get popular with folks running, walking, and biking, so I’d recommend this spot for a weekday as well!
Accessibility & Amenities at Station Road Bridge
Other reasons to love this spot:
- This location has public restrooms.
- A lot of parking is available, so finding a spot shouldn’t be a problem.
- This is a very accessible trail, it is paved and relatively flat.
Permit Information for Eloping in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Permit Information for Those Saying “I Do” in the Park
Okay, time for the slightly less fun stuff: permits. Wedding ceremonies in CVNP require a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service.
As you are choosing a location and date, there are some important things to consider.
- There are stipulations on when you can get a Special Use Permit in CVNP. You’ll want to consult their official website for the most up-to-date information, but as of early 2025, some of those restrictions include no permits on the Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day weekends. Permits are also not issued for the popular Brandywine Falls & the Brandywine Gorge Trail on weekends, holidays, and any time in October.
- Some sites and on-trail locations are also not eligible for Special Use Permits. CVNP has a list of excluded and eligible locations here.
Wedding ceremony permit applications must also be received at least 30 days before the event date, so you’ll need to be sure to apply with plenty of time ahead of your elopement.
Permit Information for Those Just Taking Photos in the Park
Just looking to take photos in Cuyahoga Valley National Park or hike during your elopement day? Good news, no permit needed! You’ll only need a permit if you are having your ceremony in the park (…but again, check the CVNP website for the most up-to-date guidance just in case things have changed!).
Ready to Plan Your Elopement in Cuyahoga Valley National Park?
As a local Ohio elopement photographer, I’ll be there to help you through the planning process, scout the best locations, and provide advice for the permit process. Let’s start planning today!
