Where to Elope in Hocking Hills: Ash Cave Elopement Guide
Wondering where to elope in Ohio? This Ash Cave elopement guide can help!
Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s top elopement destinations – and for good reason! The state park is a beautiful hidden gem in central Ohio and features diverse landscapes including caves, forests, and waterfalls. If you are wanting to opt for an adventure elopement, you really can’t go wrong with Hocking Hills and, particularly, Ash Cave!
Ash Cave is one of Hocking Hills’ most iconic locations, so I’ve created a comprehensive Ash Cave elopement guide to help you plan. A short and accessible path (it is paved!) will lead you to the beautiful cave area with a waterfall running off the side. From there, you can say your vows near the falls or take advantage of the unique backdrop of the cave.
Looking for a photographer to help you plan and capture your day? Contact me here.
Why Choose Ash Cave for Your Elopement?
It’s One of the Most Beautiful Elopement Destinations in Ohio
Ash Cave is unlike any other area I’ve seen in Ohio. The walk to the cave is relatively quick from the parking lot – maybe 10 minutes down an unassuming path. And then you round a corner and see a massive recess cave with a waterfall coming off the side. There are sandstone cliffs all around and you are surrounded by trees. It’s a little oasis of beauty.
It’s Accessible for Couples and Guests
This is one of my top recommendations if you are looking to have a nature elopement but don’t want to have a lot of hiking involved either for your own preference or on behalf of your guests. The path to the cave and falls is paved and relatively flat. While you can’t go all the way through on the paved trail, it is definitely long enough to be able to view the cave and waterfall from.
Best Time of Year to Elope at Ash Cave
Spring Elopements at Ash Cave
Spring is one of the best times of year for an Ash Cave elopement! Spring rains typically mean the waterfall will have more flow to it and be more impressive for your elopement day. There are also fewer people around in the spring, so if you aim for early morning or a weekday, you will have more privacy for your vows.
I know you’re also probably now thinking… spring rain??? Ash Cave has the unique feature of being a recess cave, so this is actually a location that’s pretty sheltered from a rainy day!
Summer Elopements at Ash Cave
Unless you are an early bird with availability on a weekday, I might suggest aiming for another time of year for your Ash Cave elopement. Summers in Hocking Hills – and especially at Ash Cave – tend to be busy, so you’ll need to aim for a time when there won’t be as many other folks around. Pros for this season are that the greenery of the forest is beautiful and temperatures are warm, but a con could be low or no waterfall flow.
Fall Elopements at Ash Cave
Fall is a great season for eloping at Ash Cave. If you have your elopement in the early morning or at sunset on a weekday, you’ll have more privacy, but keep in mind that once the leaves start changing, it becomes peak leaf-peeping season in Ohio and trails can get more crowded.
Winter Elopements at Ash Cave
Dare I say it? Winter may be my favorite time of year for elopements at Ash Cave. Yes, you have fewer daylight hours. Yes, there may be snow on the ground. But, you may also have stunning icicles all around and a frozen ice cone at the base of the waterfall. I mean, it’s just really stunning! Added bonus? It’s also less busy! You’ll just want to dress warmly and potentially wear some ice spikes for the trail depending on conditions.
Permits and Regulations
Getting Your Special Use Permit
Most national and state parks require permits for wedding ceremonies, elopements included. Hocking Hills State Park is no exception. No fear though, Hocking Hills 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 call the park office at 740-385-6841 for more information.
- 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
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 Ash Cave:
- Stay on established trails
- Pack any items or waste out (that also means avoiding things like 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 park
- Ensure any pets you bring are on leash and be sure to clean up after them
What to Expect on Your Elopement Day
As you are planning your Ash Cave elopement experience, I want to make sure you know exactly what to expect.
- Trail information: the trail is a .5 mile hike, so definitely short and sweet! The main trail leading to the cave and falls is paved and wheelchair accessible. Once you reach the cave though, the remainder of the trail is not paved.
- Hours: the park is open from dawn to dusk
- Amenities: the trailhead has restrooms but no running water in the sinks.
- Parking: it’s typically easy to find parking at the trailhead. There is a large parking lot.
- Finding Privacy: this is a popular trail, so there may be other folks around during your elopement. However, if you would like to maximize your chances at privacy, you can schedule your elopement for an early morning or on a weekday.
Sample Timeline for an Ash Cave Elopement
You might be wondering what an elopement day incorporating Ash Cave could look like. Here’s a quick sample timeline to help you get started:
- Get ready
- Write vows in your pjs at a cozy cabin
- Have a first look outside your cabin
- Head to Ash Cave to say your vows
- Have a quick snack at the picnic tables near the trailhead
- Head to the nearby Cedar Falls trail for another hike and more waterfalls
- Head back to your cabin and enjoy a favorite meal
- Light a fire for some s’mores or end the day in a hot tub
What to Bring and Wear
To prepare for your Ash Cave elopement, here is a quick list of elopement day essentials:
- Wedding attire
- I recommend flowy dresses for brides and standard suits for men. You could also incorporate some of the natural colors of the cave into your clothing so you complement the surroundings.
- If eloping in the winter, be sure to wear warm base layers
- Your favorite accessories and sentimental items
- Hiking boots
- Bouquet and/or boutonniere
- Your rings
- Water bottles
- Bug spray
Where to Stay Nearby
Where do I even start? Hocking Hills has SO MANY beautiful places to stay nearby. Here’s a quick list of some of my favorites:
- The Pinnacle A-Frame
- Secluded A-Frame Hocking Hills
- Creekside Hocking Hills Cabin
- Glenwood Cabin in the Woods
- Luxury Couples Cabin
- Idyll Reserve 1
- Idyll Reserve 2
- The Rohe Block
- The Alto
- Dunlop Hollow Cave
Disclaimer: I have not personally stayed in these locations, I just think they’d make beautiful spots to stay for your elopement day!
Ready to Plan Your Ash Cave Elopement?
If you’ve been dreaming of a nature-filled, intimate elopement in one of Ohio’s most stunning locations, Ash Cave might be the spot for you. Between the sandstone cave, the peaceful waterfall, and the quiet of the forest, this location truly has it all. Whether you’re ready to hike in your wedding attire or cozy up in a nearby cabin after your vows, I’d love to help you plan a day that feels like you.
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 Hocking Hills elopement a day you’ll never forget.
Contact me here to start planning your Ash Cave elopement!
