Dreaming of a romantic city elopement? Look no further than Cleveland, Ohio! Situated on the scenic Lake Erie, Cleveland has no shortage of beautiful and romantic locations to elope in. From historic architecture to scenic parks, Cleveland has a variety of locations and activities for every couple. 

As an Ohio elopement photographer, I’ve scoped out all the best elopement spots in Cleveland so you don’t have to! Read on to learn more about some of my favorites!

Best Places to Elope in Cleveland

With so many incredible spots to choose from, how do you find the perfect one for your elopement? Here are some of my favorite outdoor and indoor locations in Cleveland!

Outdoor Elopement Locations

• Squire’s Castle – Squire’s Castle is an old gatehouse from the 1890s that’s now part of the Cleveland Metro Parks system. I recommend this location for a weekday since it is a popular spot for weddings and photos.
• Edgewater Park – This is an incredibly scenic park that is most beautiful at sunset. You can take pictures with the Cleveland sign and then say your vows with the city and the lake behind you. 
• Cleveland Cultural Gardens – The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are a gorgeous outdoor location with a lot of variety. Some of the gardens feature elaborate pavilions and statues and would be a beautiful backdrop for your elopement. 
• Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – How fun would it be to get married at the zoo? Whether you’d like to have your ceremony there or just take photos, be sure to reach out to learn more about their packages!
• Cleveland Botanical Garden – If you’re wanting to be surrounded by gorgeous greenery and gardens during your elopement, look no further than the Cleveland Botanical Garden. This location can be reserved for a ceremony and/or reception, as well as just photos.
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (just outside Cleveland) – Whether you are looking for waterfalls, scenic lakes, or beautiful overlooks, CVNP has it all! You can find my guide on where to elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park here!

Indoor Elopement Locations

• Rockefeller Park Greenhouse – You can rent this beautiful botanical location for your elopement ceremony and say your vows among the greenery. 
• Cleveland Public Library – The Cleveland Public Library has fun rotating special exhibits as well as a variety of beautiful areas you can explore. You can take photos in the entrance, on the staircases, in the garden, and among the stacks. You can definitely take elopement photos here, but you will need to check with the library to ensure they are okay with you saying vows there as well. 
• The Arcade Cleveland – A breathtaking indoor venue with historic architecture and a glass ceiling. You can take elopement portraits here if they do not have a special event happening. If you would like to have your ceremony here, you will need to check in and reserve with the Hyatt Regency. 
• Severance Hall – This Cleveland Orchestra concert venue is stunning. The Grand Foyer has red marble pillars lining the space and the floor features beautiful patterns. Severance Hall would be a beautiful backdrop for your elopement ceremony or photos.
• Cleveland City Hall Rotunda – Another beautiful historic Cleveland location, the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda is a great spot to rent for a small elopement ceremony.  

Keep in mind that these lists are not comprehensive! There are a ton of great locations in and around Cleveland where you could have your elopement ceremony or go during your elopement as a fun activity. As you brainstorm potential locations, think about your favorite local parks, museums, libraries, greenhouses, hotels, wineries/breweries, and restaurants and reach out to see if you can have your elopement ceremony or take photos there!

Elopement Activity Ideas in Cleveland

No elopement day is complete without some fun activities to celebrate with! Here’s a quick list of potential activities in Cleveland:

• Go for a helicopter ride over the city
• Have a sunset picnic at Edgewater Park
• Get matching tattoos at a local parlor
• Eat at a local food truck
• Head to a board game cafe
• Explore a garden or greenhouse
• Take in flowers at a nearby farm
• Grab drinks and food at a winery or brewery
• See a show at Playhouse Square
• Go to the zoo or aquarium
• Explore one of Cleveland’s many museums
• Attend a concert downtown or at nearby Blossom Music Center

Best Time of Year to Elope in Cleveland

You can elope in Cleveland year round, but each season will have its different pros and cons. It’s just a matter of what you are looking for in an elopement day!

• Spring: if you’re looking for gorgeous flowers (cherry blossoms!), greenery, and mild weather. 
• Summer: if you’re looking for greenery, warm weather, and longer days with plenty of daylight.
• Fall: if you’re looking for gorgeous foliage at the parks and mild weather.
• Winter: if you’re looking for coziness and snow-covered scenery.

Want more details on the best time to elope in Ohio? Check out my guide on when to elope in Ohio here.

Additional Elopement Planning Tips for Cleveland

Marriage License Requirements

With elopements, you have two options for taking care of the legal marriage side of things:

1. If you’re not from Cleveland and don’t want to do the legal side of things there, you don’t have to. You can opt for a civil ceremony in your location instead. For example, I eloped in Iceland, but my husband and I did our legal ceremony in Ohio afterwards – it was just easier.
2. You can do the legal marriage on your elopement day in Cleveland. If you are opting for this, check with the court in the county where your ceremony will take place for the most up-to-date guidance and requirements. Here is the guide for Cuyahoga County. 

Permits & Rules

Many locations require a permit either for photography or for using the location for your elopement ceremony. I’ve linked the relevant permit websites for each of the locations above so you know exactly where to look for the best information.

Ready to Tie the Knot in Cleveland?

Cleveland is a super fun elopement destination! There are a lot of cool and unique locations where you can hold your ceremony and take elopement photos together. There are also a ton of different activities you can do to celebrate your day. 

Want a stress-free and beautiful elopement in Cleveland? I’ll help you plan the perfect day and capture every unforgettable moment. Let’s chat about your vision—reach out today!