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Planning a spring elopement in Ohio? This Spring Ohio Elopement Guide will take you through the best locations, activities, and stays for eloping in Ohio during this beautiful season!

Need help planning your Ohio elopement? As an Ohio elopement photographer, I help couples just like you through the planning process! Reach out here to get started. 

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Why Elope in Ohio During the Spring?

1. Spring Blooms: Spring is one of my favorite times in Ohio because everything starts to come back to life! We tend to have later springs with the season really taking off around mid-April through mid-May. It’s a short period for all of the blooms, but it’s stunning!
2. Waterfall Season: With spring rains come flowing waterfalls! If you aim to chase waterfalls during your elopement, spring is the season for you!
3. Shoulder Season: Spring is my favorite time to recommend if you are eloping somewhere more popular. This tends to be the shoulder season in most of Ohio’s more popular parks like Cuyahoga Valley National Park or Hocking Hills, so you can get all the beauty without the crowds that summer can bring. 
4. Warmer Weather: If you want to try for a day that isn’t as hot as summer and isn’t as cold as winter, spring may be the perfect fit! We do sometimes get late snows though, so just be prepared to be flexible if you are aiming for any time before mid-April!

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Best Spring Elopement Locations in Ohio

Best Outdoor Spring Elopement Locations

Hocking Hills State Park

Spring is my favorite time for elopements in Hocking Hills because you’re likely to see the waterfalls flowing at their best. It’s also not nearly as crowded as it tends to get in the summer!

Some spots to consider are Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Old Man’s Cave.

Cleveland’s Wade Lagoon

Wade Lagoon during cherry blossom season is something to behold! Keep in mind that it can get quite popular during evenings and weekends if it’s in peak bloom.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park is beautiful in any season, but since this is in Northern Ohio, I recommend this location for a late spring elopement (mid-April or later) so that you have plenty of leaves on the trees.

My favorite spots for a spring elopement are the Ledges Trail or Brandy Wine Falls. You can find my guide on Where to Elope in CVNP here.

Local Flower Farms

See what’s in bloom around Ohio during your elopement. There may be local flower fields that you could say your vows in.

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INDOOR & HISTORIC ELOPEMENT SPOTS

Cleveland Public Library

If you’re looking for a stunning indoor location for elopement portraits, the Cleveland Public Library is an easy choice. The staircases and special collections rooms are a beautiful backdrop for book-loving couples. 

Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus has the beautiful Franklin Park Conservatory which would be a gorgeous backdrop for an elopement ceremony and can add a touch of nature to your day even if it’s still cold out.

Akron Art Museum

Located in downtown Akron, the Akron Art Museum has extremely photogenic indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from. Their booking process is easy and straightforward. 

Check out my guide for booking elopement photos at the Akron Art Museum. 

Ohio Statehouse in Columbus

The Ohio Statehouse is another stunning location for elopement photos. The exterior has huge pillars and the interior has a gorgeous atrium, stately staircases, and beautifully patterned floors.

Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati

If you’re in Southern Ohio, Krohn Conservatory could be another great option for elopement photos. 

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Unique Spring Elopement Activity Ideas

Eloping in the spring means you have some unique activities you could do! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chase waterfalls
• Hike
• Check out whatever is in bloom (think wildflowers, cherry blossoms, daffodils)
• Stop in at a botanical garden
• Book a helicopter ride and explore from the sky
• Check out a museum
• Visit a flower farm

Are you looking for more elopement activities? Check out my guides on Outdoor Elopement Activities and Unique Activities.

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Where to Stay for a Spring Elopement in Ohio

The key here? Pick somewhere scenic where you can view the emerging foliage! Here are some interesting options throughout Ohio:

• The Pinnacle A-Frame in Logan
• The Alder in Sugarcreek
• Treehouse Village – The Box in Dundee
• Acadia Cliffs Treehouse Cabin #2 in Cutler
• The A-Frame at Creekside Dwellings in Beach City
• The Alto – A Modern Elevated A-Frame in Logan
• The Cliffs at Hocking Hills
• Dunlap Hollow A-Frame in Rockbridge
• The Haven Scenic A-Frame Cabin in Sugarcreek

Disclaimer: I have not personally stayed in these locations, I just think they’d make beautiful spots to stay for your elopement day!

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Ohio Spring Elopement Tips

Check When Peak Bloom is Happening for Your Elopement Location

If catching blossoms is important to your elopement experience, there are ways to best ensure you catch them. Start with online trackers for peak bloom. Just search online for your location and “peak bloom (insert flower name)” and you should be able to see the prior year’s timeline or predictions for the coming year.

Best Times of Day For a Spring Elopement

Aim for afternoon and golden hour for the warmest lighting, and go for a weekday or morning elopement for more privacy if you are considering popular locations.

Prep for All Kinds of Weather

The weather is still changing in the spring and you could either have a pretty warm or cold day (snow after mid-April is not totally unheard of!). The answer? Prepare for both the heat and cold so you have outfits prepped for both scenarios.

For the cold: plan to dress in warm layers (think thermal underlayers, wool-lined leggings under dresses, wraps, warm jackets, boots). Bring hand warmers & thermoses with hot drinks.

For the heat: this is pretty simple, but you can probably just plan to go without the extra layers! Just be sure to pack some sunscreen and extra water to stay hydrated.

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Let’s Plan Your Spring Elopement in Ohio

If you’re having a spring elopement in Ohio, why not have an experienced elopement photographer and planner on your side? I specialize in Ohio elopements and am here to make your day stress-free and unforgettable. I’ll help you find the perfect location, plan your timeline, and capture your love story. Contact me here to get started!