Desiree Dube

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3 Ohio Elopement Locations that Feel Like the Mountains

You’ve decided to elope in Ohio, and now you’re trying to find the perfect location. You want fun hiking, epic views, and adventurous mountain vibes for your day. Look no further, this guide will take you through three awesome elopement locations in Ohio that are so epic, they can make you feel like you’re in the mountains. 

Want a photographer who helps you plan and captures your day with beautiful photos? Check out my Ohio elopement services here

Eloping couple in Cuyahoga Valley National Park with towering rock formations near them during an Ohio elopement.

Elope in Hocking Hills State Park at Conkle’s Hollow

Okay, this Ohio elopement location may technically be IN the mountains. Hocking Hills is part of Ohio’s Appalachian foothills area and it definitely shows with Conkle’s Hollow. The highest cliffs are around 200 feet up and both the Rim and Gorge trails make you feel like you’re hiking in the mountains. There are stunning views of the trees and cliffs in the surrounding gorge, and deep crevices and waterfalls in the gorge itself. 

Find Conkle’s Hollow on Google Maps

Helpful Tips for Eloping at Conkle’s Hollow:

  • Accessibility: The Gorge Trail is wheelchair accessible to a point. At the very end, there is a small trail that has more rugged terrain and steps. The Rim Trail is not wheelchair accessible and is strenuous. It starts with a lot of stairs up and ends with the same coming down. Much of the hike requires high steps up or down and is along the cliff edge. It is essential to remain on trail for your safety.
  • Amenities: There is a mid-size parking lot at the trailhead. They are building restrooms and a water refill station at the front of the parking lot as well, but as of this writing they are not fully open. Try to snag a spot at the back of the parking lot for the best proximity to the trail. 
  • Permits: To elope in any of the Hocking Hills State Park locations, you’ll need a permit from the State Park (Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, etc.). It is a simple process and no fee is associated. Conkle’s Hollow is a state nature preserve though, so it has different regulations. The good news is that as long as you stay on trail, you do not need a permit.
  • Bonus tip: Hocking Hills is quite strict with off-trail hiking and entering the creeks – especially at the nature preserves. Be sure to leave no trace with your Ohio elopement and follow all park regulations to avoid fines.

Want more Hocking Hills elopement locations and advice? Check out my blog on Where to Elope in Hocking Hills.

In need of a Hocking Hills elopement photographer who will help you capture beautiful photos and plan your day? Check out my Hocking Hills elopement photography services.


Elope in Mohican State Park at the Gorge Overlook

If you’re eloping in the Mohican area, the Gorge Overlook trail is a must-see. The best part? The best views of the hike are right at the top near the parking lot. Just head to the viewing areas for epic views of the surrounding gorge. If you’d like to hike, the trail will lead you down to the river running through the gorge. You’ll find a fun suspension bridge and a peaceful forest hike along the river. 

Find the Gorge Overlook trail at Mohican State Park on Google Maps

Helpful Tips for Eloping at Mohican State Park

  • Accessibility: The overlooks at the trailhead are moderately accessible. They may involve a few stairs, but otherwise are on the same plane as the parking lot. The trail itself is not wheelchair accessible. It involves steep inclines and declines. The trail to the right is a bit sketchy – there is a wooden ladder and a bit of a rock scramble. If you’d like something less strenuous, take the trail to the left and head back the way you came after you reach the suspension bridge. 
  • Amenities: There is a mid-size parking lot at the trailhead. There are restrooms at the trailhead. 
  • Permits: To elope in Mohican State Park, you’ll need a special use permit from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. This is something I help couples with as their Ohio elopement photographer. Learn more about my services here.
  • Bonus tip: This spot is especially beautiful in fall with the changing leaves!

In need of a Mohican State Park elopement photographer who will help you capture beautiful photos and plan your day? Check out my Ohio elopement photography services.


Elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park at Ledges

Ledges is my favorite trail in Northeast Ohio. It’s one of those trails I go back to over and over and still love every time. The main trail starts with the Bat Caves area (you can’t go in, but there are cool ledges and rock formations nearby) and continues around to the Overlook. Along the way, there are beautiful cliffs and rock formations. On other parts of the trail, there are tree-lined paths and streams. There is also a wide meadow near the Overlook. You can also make your hike as short or as long as you’d like as there are several cut throughs along the way.

Find the Ledges trail at Cuyahoga Valley National Park on Google Maps.

Helpful Tips for Eloping at Ledges in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

  • Accessibility: There is a relatively flat trail to the Overlook, but it is not wheelchair accessible. The rest of the trail is more rugged with several sets of stairs. 
  • Amenities: There is a large parking lot at the trailhead. There are flush restrooms available. 
  • Permits: To elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you’ll need a special use permit from the National Park. This is something I help couples with as their Ohio elopement photographer. Learn more about my services here.
  • Bonus tip: This trail is most scenic from late spring to fall; however, even if leaves aren’t on trees, it’s still beautiful! All of the rock formations and ledges truly make it a great spot no matter the season.

Want more Cuyahoga Valley National Park elopement locations and advice? Check out my blog on Where to Elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

In need of a Cuyahoga Valley National Park elopement photographer who will help you capture beautiful photos and plan your day? Check out my Cuyahoga Valley National Park elopement photography services.

Bride walking up to groom on the overlook at Cuyahoga Valley National Park during an Ohio elopement.

Planning Your Epic Ohio Elopement

Now that you’ve got some locations in mind that will make you feel like you’re eloping in the mountains, it’s time to plan your Ohio elopement! As a local Ohio elopement photographer, I’ll be there to help you throughout the planning process, scout the best locations, and provide advice for the permit process. Let’s start planning today!

Couple dancing at Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave during their Ohio elopement.

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As your elopement photographer and someone who's done it myself, I'm here to help guide you along the way so you can have a fun-filled, epic, and stress-free day all about celebrating your relationship.
 
I'll be your dream big cheerleader, off-the-beaten-path location finder, day-of sidekick, and adventure planner.

Your elopement photographer, PLanner, & adventure buddy

Hi,  I'm Desiree!