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Want to elope in Ohio but not sure when the best time of year, week, or even day would be? Ohio’s seasons offer everything from beautiful fall foliage to sprawling flower fields, and the time of the week and day of your elopement can determine levels of privacy. That can be a lot to consider and think through, but this guide on when to elope in Ohio will help you choose the best timing for your special day!

Need an elopement photographer who specializes in planning and photographing intimate elopements in Ohio? Check out my Ohio elopement services here.

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Choosing the Best Time to Elope in Ohio

As you are deciding when to elope in Ohio, there is one important question to keep in mind: What matters most to you on your elopement day? Is it the weather, scenery, privacy, activities, availability? Thinking through this question will help immensely as you decide when to elope!

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A Seasonal Breakdown: Pros & Cons for Eloping in Each of Ohio’s Seasons

Spring (March – May): Wildflowers, Fresh Blooms, Mild Temps

Pros:

• Spring in Ohio often has warmer weather than the winter season, but isn’t quite as hot as it can get at the height of summer. If you’re looking for more mild temperatures on your elopement day, spring may be the answer!
• My favorite part of spring in Ohio is all of the flowers! You have a lot to choose from between wildflowers, cherry blossoms, tulips, daffodils, and more throughout Ohio.
• There are many seasonal waterfalls in Ohio, and spring is when many of them are flowing.
• Spring is not as popular a time to elope. If you are looking for more privacy on trails and popular overlooks, spring is the way to go.

Cons:

• Spring weather in Ohio can be unpredictable. There could be snowy days as late as April or early May, and Spring is a rainy season. If you are eloping outdoors in Spring, I recommend brainstorming some backup indoor locations or prepping for rain. If you need inspiration, check out my guide on What to Do If It Rains On Your Ohio Elopement Day. 
• Because Spring in Ohio means recently melted snow and more frequent rain showers, some trails could be muddy. If you are planning to hike, be sure to bring boots you don’t mind getting dirty!

Best Locations For a Spring Elopement in Ohio:

• Hocking Hills State Park (waterfalls galore!)
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ledges Overlook)
• Greenhouses or Botanical Gardens (a rain-proof backup!)
• Local Flower Farms & Fields (blooms!)

Spring-Specific Activity Ideas:

• Take in cherry blossoms
• Visit a local flower farm or flower field
• Chase waterfalls

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Summer (June – August): Long Days, Greenery, Warm Weather

Pros:

• There’s nothing quite like a summer sunset. Have an outdoor adventure during the day and then say your vows with the setting sun as your backdrop. 
• Warm weather means more comfortable temperatures for your outdoor elopement adventures. You can more easily hike, do water sports/activities on the lakes or rivers, and just generally spend time outdoors. 
• Lush greenery will make for a vibrant landscape during your elopement day.
• Long daylight hours can help you have an extended elopement day. You’ll have plenty of time to explore everything you want to see without worrying about limited daylight.
• There are a lot of interesting festivals in Ohio during the summer months – think hot air balloons, food festivals, and more.

Cons:

• While the temperatures are warmer in the summer, that also means it can be downright hot and humid out, especially in July and August.
• Warmer weather means more people will be enjoying the great outdoors. This may mean you could encounter more crowds at popular parks and lakes. Having a sunrise ceremony could help alleviate some of this.
• You’ll need to contend with bugs (especially in wooded areas), so be sure to pack your bug spray!

Best Locations:

• Lake Erie beaches (sunrise or sunset ceremonies)
• Mohican State Park (waterfalls & wooded trails)
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ledges Overlook, Kendall Lake)
• Hocking Hills State Park (hiking, though waterfalls may be less full in summer)
• Urban elopements in Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati

Summer-Specific Activity Ideas:

• Spend a day on the lake
• Kayak
• Paddle board
• Visit local flower farms
• Chase waterfalls
• Have fun at a county fair
• Stop at a hot air balloon festival
• Rent a hot air balloon
• Check out an alpaca farm
• Have a romantic picnic

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Fall (September – November): Peak Fall Foliage, Cooler Temperatures

Pros:

• It goes without saying, but fall in Ohio is one of the most scenic times of year. It changes year to year, but you can look up predictions for the peak fall foliage to try to gauge when the perfect peak leaf change will be happening. This can make for a romantic and colorful backdrop for your elopement. 
• Fall often brings cooler and more comfortable weather to Ohio.
• If you time your elopement in early fall (September to early October), you can get more privacy than in peak leaf-peeping season.

Cons:

• Peak foliage time (weekends especially!) can get crowded in the most popular spots (Hocking Hills State Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park). If you would like your elopement during this time, I’d recommend going at sunrise. 
• This is the peak wedding and elopement season in general so there may be limited availability for vendors and lodging. You’ll need to be sure to book early. 

Best Locations:

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ledges Overlook, Kendall Lake)
• Hocking Hills State Park (Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave)
• Mohican State Park (waterfalls & wooded trails)

Fall-Specific Activity Ideas:

• Admire fall foliage
• Navigate a corn maze
• Visit a pumpkin patch
• Go apple picking

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Winter (December – February): Snowy, Cozy, & Intimate

Pros:

• It’s never a guarantee, but an Ohio snow day virtually guarantees a dreamy, snow-covered landscape for your elopement. No snow on the ground? No worries – the stark trees and landscape can make for an equally stunning backdrop.
• Colder temperatures and snow mean fewer crowds. This could make for the private elopement of your dreams even at the most popular locations.

Cons:

• I’m not going to lie to you, Ohio in the winter can be cold, like really cold (especially in January and February). If you are not craving the cold on your elopement day, it’s best to have some cozy indoor plans at the ready for your winter elopement day.
• Some locations may be difficult to access in the winter due to snow and ice-covered trails. You may need to wear spikes on your hiking boots if you are planning outdoor activities. 
• There is less daylight available during the winter months. Some of your activities may be after dark (but that can be fun too! Think s’mores, cozy firesides, etc.).

Best Locations:

• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (snow-covered waterfalls & trails)
• Hocking Hills (frozen waterfalls & cozy cabins)
• Cozy indoor locations (historical libraries, museums, greenhouses)

Winter-Specific Activity Ideas:

• Go ice skating
• Sled
• Snowmobile
• Snowshoe
• Explore a Christmas tree farm
• End your day with a holiday light display

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Year-Round Activities

You may have noticed some notable things were left off of the season-specific activity lists for when to elope in Ohio. No fear! There are many things you can do in Ohio year round, no matter the season:

• Hike
• Visit a winery or brewery
• Stop in at a botanical garden
• Book a helicopter ride and explore from the sky
• Check out a museum
• Visit a zoo
• Go horseback riding
• End the day with a bonfire and camping

Something I help eloping couples do is plan up the perfect fun activities for their day! Learn more about my Ohio elopement photography services here.

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Best Days & Times to Elope in Ohio

• Weekdays vs. Weekends: For couples wanting privacy during their elopement, I always recommend opting for a weekday. It is virtually guaranteed to be less crowded at popular spots on a weekday than it will ever be on a weekend. 
• Best Times of Day: There are similar considerations for the time of day that you are doing your elopement ceremony. If you opt for sunrise, there will be very few people around. This can make for a quiet and intimate ceremony even in the most popular locations. Sunset can be more popular, but you may get the bonus of a beautiful sunset during your elopement day.
• Avoiding Crowds: If you are determined to avoid crowds on your elopement day, I highly recommend opting for a weekday and/or sunrise ceremony.

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What’s the Best Season for When to Elope in Ohio? Take this quick quiz!

• Want adventure & waterfalls? → It’s going to be Spring!
• Love golden light & warm weather? → It’s going to be Summer!
• Dreaming of fall foliage & crisp air? → It’s going to be Fall!
• Want snowy romance & cozy vibes? → It’s going to be Winter!

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Moral of the Story: No Matter When You Elope, It Will Be Perfect!

Every season and time of the week/day in Ohio offers something unique for your elopement. Whether you want a sunlit summer ceremony or a golden fall adventure, I’m here to help you find the best time and place for your Ohio elopement day!

Need help planning your Ohio elopement? Let’s chat about finding the perfect season, location, and details for your unique celebration!