Where to Elope in Ohio: The Best Locations for Your Elopement
Ohio is a hidden gem for eloping couples. Home to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the gorgeous Lake Erie coastline, Hocking Hills State Park and a multitude of fun cities and towns, there are a lot of options to choose from to ensure your big day is amazing and unique to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a hiking adventure, a lakeside ceremony, or exploring a unique cityscape, this guide will help you find where to elope in Ohio!
And if you’re looking for a photographer to help you plan and capture your day, check out my Ohio elopement photography services here.
Best Places to Elope in Ohio if You Want Nature
Hocking Hills State Park
Hocking Hills is one of Ohio’s top elopement destinations. 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 elopement that involves nature, hiking, and waterfalls, you really can’t go wrong with Hocking Hills.
Old Man’s Cave
Old Man’s Cave is the most popular trail in Hocking Hills and is home to a variety of interesting landscapes. There is a one-way loop trail which you can take to see most of the major sights at Old Man’s Cave including the Upper Falls, Devil’s Bathtub, Lower Falls, and Old Man’s Cave itself. There are also some off-shoots to things like Broken Rock Falls.
Ash Cave + Waterfall
Ash Cave is one of Hocking Hills’ most iconic locations. A short and accessible path (it is paved and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers!) 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. Check out my full guide on eloping at Ash Cave here.
Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls, as the name may suggest, is home to a beautiful little waterfall that is only available seasonally (most often in spring, fall, winter). This trail is short, but can feel a bit strenuous with stairs and steeper terrain.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Virginia Kendall Ledges + Overlook
The Virginia Kendall Ledges area is simply beautiful. It’s one of the most popular trails at CVNP and for good reason. There’s a rocky overlook with beautiful views of the valley below, classic wooded trails, interesting rock formations (… and ledges), and a large open meadow that’s perfect for frolicking and romantic picnics. If you’re into rock formations and good views, this might be the spot for you.
Brandywine Falls
Another very popular trail, Brandywine Falls is a 60 foot waterfall that can be viewed from a platform built into the side of the gorge. Ceremonies here are a bit limited (permits aren’t given for the month of October, weekends, or holidays), but it could be the perfect location for a weekday elopement. There is also a scenic trail that circles the gorge and leads back up to the waterfall if you are up for a hike.
Virginia Kendall Lake
Virginia Kendall Lake would be an ideal sunrise or sunset elopement location. This area is accessible (there is a paved, flat path to the lake from the parking lot), and it offers a peaceful backdrop for an elopement ceremony. There are also trails leading to other nearby parks and one looping the lake if you would like to hike after your ceremony.
Check out my full guide on where to elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park for more details and locations.
Lake Erie
Edgewater Park
Edgewater Park is the sunset go-to spot in Cleveland. Located just a short drive from downtown, the sprawling park and beach have an excellent view of Lake Erie and Cleveland in the distance.
Headlands Beach + Lighthouse
Headlands Beach State Park would make a gorgeous location for a summer elopement. You can hike the beach trail to a beautiful white lighthouse.
Geneva State Park
Geneva State Park is another gorgeous beach location, and bonus, it’s in the heart of Ohio’s wine country. This is the perfect location for couples who want to enjoy a beach location, do water activities or hike, and stop by a winery or two during their elopement day. This is another state park, you can find Ohio Department of Natural Resources permit information here.
Best Places to Elope in Ohio if You Want a City
Cleveland & Akron
Akron Art Museum
If you’re looking for a modern art space to say your vows, the Akron Art Museum is it. The museum has beautiful galleries with rotating exhibits, a modern atrium space, and a beautiful summer garden. Learn more in my guide on the Akron Art Museum.
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. This location is most ideal in late spring, summer, and fall.
Squire’s Castle
Squire’s Castle is an old gatehouse from the 1890s that’s now part of the Cleveland Metro Parks system. And, as the name suggests, it really looks like an old castle! This could be a great location if you are looking for historic or fairytale vibes on your day.
Stan Hywet Gardens
This one requires some advanced planning as bookings fill quickly, but it is so, so worth it. While access is not permitted to the Hall during your ceremony, you’d reserve access to a garden. Stan Hywet has a variety of scenery to choose from so you can find the perfect spot for your ceremony.
Severance Hall
This Cleveland Orchestra concert venue is simply 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.
Check out my full guide on where to elope in Cleveland for more details and potential locations.
Columbus
Franklin Park Conservatory
Columbus has the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory which would be a gorgeous backdrop for an elopement ceremony. Nothing beats a greenhouse for beautiful scenery!
Columbus State House
The Ohio Statehouse is another stunning location for elopement photos and potentially your ceremony as well. The exterior has huge pillars and the interior has a gorgeous atrium, stately staircases, and beautifully patterned floors.
Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center
The Priscilla R. Tyson Cultural Arts Center is a beautiful art gallery and courtyard where you can say your vows in style.
Ready to Elope in Ohio?
Whether you are thinking of saying your vows in by a waterfall, along Lake Erie, or in a beautiful historic building, I’m here to help you have an unforgettable day that’s true to you. When you book your elopement photography with me, I’ll be by your side every step of the way from location scouting to activity ideas, timeline assistance, and even officiating if you need it!
Get in touch here and let’s start bringing your elopement vision to life!
