---

Looking for potential waterfall elopement locations in Ohio? Ohio is home to stunning waterfalls, from secluded hidden gems to dramatic falls in state and national parks. Whether you want an adventurous hike-in ceremony or an easy-access location, this guide will help you find the perfect spot.

Looking for the perfect photographer for your day? I’m an Ohio elopement photographer who specializes in helping couples plan and capture their day. Learn more about my Ohio elopement photography here.

---

Why Choose a Waterfall for Your Elopement Ceremony?

Waterfalls are one of my favorites for elopement ceremonies. There’s just something so mesmerizing about the cascading water and they make for beautiful backdrops for couples’ vows. 

• Romantic & Scenic: Waterfalls are one of my favorites for elopement ceremonies. There’s just something so mesmerizing about the cascading water – they make for the perfect romantic scenery. 
• Great for Photos: Waterfalls are often in shaded, forested areas that make for great photos. Think soft mist, lush greenery, and beautiful natural lighting.
• Adventure: Chasing waterfalls on your elopement day often gives a sense of adventure and excitement to the day. 

---

Best Waterfall Elopement Locations in Ohio

Brandywine Falls (Cuyahoga Valley National Park)

• Why it’s great: Brandywine Falls is an iconic CVNP spot and it’s one of the most impressive waterfalls in Ohio at 60 ft in height. 
• Accessibility: There is a short walk to an overlook of the falls; however, the path to the overlook and the Gorge Trail itself are not wheelchair accessible. There are many stairs and steep inclines.
• Best time for elopement: This spot is extremely popular and has a small parking lot. Aim for sunrise or weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Bonus Tip: Head out on the Brandywine Gorge Loop trail for an after-ceremony adventure.

View the Brandywine Falls Trailhead on Google Maps.

Cedar Falls (Hocking Hills State Park)

• Why it’s great: Cedar Falls is a beautiful and strong waterfall that empties into a creek with surrounding tree-covered cliffs. The walk down is a beautiful forest leading to the creek and waterfall.
• Accessibility: The trail is a moderate 0.4-mile loop. There are many stairs leading down and out, but once you reach the creek it is relatively flat.
• Best time for elopement: You’ll want to aim for spring for the best waterflow and early morning for the most privacy.
• Bonus Tip: Pair this location with Ash Cave for variety in your elopement photos.

View the Cedar Falls Trailhead on Google Maps.

Ash Cave (Hocking Hills State Park)

• Why it’s great: Ash Cave is just so impressive – it truly makes me feel transported to somewhere in the Western US. There is a short trail that opens up to an enormous recess cave with a cascading seasonal waterfall off the edge. Stunning. 
• Accessibility: I love this location for couples who are looking for an accessible location. There is a wheelchair-friendly paved path from the parking lot to the recess cave. The path doesn’t extend completely to the waterfall, but it is visible from it.
• Best time for elopement: Spring or after heavy rain for a stronger waterfall flow. Aim for early morning again for maximum privacy.
• Bonus Tip: Check out some of the other trails in the area and go waterfall hunting around Hocking Hills!

View the Ash Cave Trailhead on Google Maps.

Lyons Falls (Mohican State Park)

• Why it’s great: There is a peaceful and scenic trail lining the river towards the falls. The trail has two low-flow waterfalls: Big Lyons Falls and Little Lyons Falls. Big Lyons Falls is definitely the star of the show with a small but tall recess cave and cascading flow off the edge. 
• Accessibility: This waterfall takes a bit of a hike to get to. The full trail has uneven surfaces and many stairs. If accessibility is a concern and you’d like to avoid the stairs, you could do an out and back hike from the Covered Bridge to Big Lyons Falls, but there are definitely still some uneven surfaces and inclines/declines along the way.
• Best time for elopement: Spring or after heavy rain for a stronger waterfall flow.
• Bonus Tip: There are several fun nearby trails to explore or you can take advantage of Mohican State Park’s many outdoor activities.

View the Lyons Falls Trailhead on Google Maps.

Looking for more waterfall elopement locations in Ohio? I’ve got recommendations! Learn more about my elopement photography and planning services here.

---

How to Choose the Best Waterfall Elopement Location in Ohio

• Privacy Level: You likely don’t want a crowd watching you say your vows if you’ve chosen to elope. As you choose which waterfall to elope at, consider how popular it is and the best timing to maximize your privacy. 
• Hiking Difficulty: Consider your and any guests’ hiking ability. Some waterfalls are easy drive up locations whereas some take more of a journey to reach.
• Best Season: The only season I wouldn’t necessarily recommend for a waterfall elopement is the summer (with a few exceptions!). Every other season will probably be more impressive for your waterfall elopement: spring has increased water flow, fall brings beautiful foliage and sometimes an increase in flow, and winter gives us impressive frozen falls.
• Permit Requirements: Some parks may require elopement or photography permits. Be sure to check with the park office to make sure you are following their regulations. Need help with this? That’s part of my Ohio elopement photography and planning services.

---

Tips for a Stunning Ohio Waterfall Elopement

• Time it Right: If you want the classic flowing waterfall and greenery behind you, aim for a late spring elopement.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Even easy trails can be slippery near waterfalls and you want to make sure you are staying safe and comfortable. I do not recommend heels or any sort of dress shoe – wear those hiking boots!
• Bring a Waterproof Layer: Mist from waterfalls can make your clothing damp. Consider bringing waterproof outer layers just in case.
• Consider a Backup Plan: Some waterfalls dry up in summer or after droughts. Make sure the general location you choose has some back up vows spots in case the waterfall is not flowing.

---

Let’s Plan Your Dream Waterfall Elopement!

Ohio’s waterfalls offer some of the most beautiful, adventurous, and intimate spots for an unforgettable elopement. Whether you want an iconic waterfall or a hidden gem, there’s a perfect spot for you!

Looking for the perfect Ohio waterfall elopement location? As an Ohio elopement photographer, I know all the best spots & timing for stunning photos. Let’s start planning!