What is an Elopement, and Why Should I Elope in Ohio?
An elopement is a great way to avoid the extravagant planning and skyrocketing costs associated with modern-day weddings. While traditional weddings host 50 to 200 (and sometimes more) guests, elopements typically only have a few guests, usually not more than 20. Elopements are an excellent way to have a small, intimate celebration with your closest family and friends! There are many great places to elope in Ohio, from state parks to gardens to castles. Whether you want to immerse yourself in nature or find a venue with historical significance, there’s sure to be a spot in Ohio that is the ideal location for your elopement.
6 Fantastic Locations to Elope in Ohio
Rockefeller Greenhouse
750 E. 88th Street
Cleveland, OH 44108
The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse and Botanical Garden is a beautiful location for an elopement. This enchanting oasis of trees, flowers, and sprawling lawns is the perfect venue for your special moment.
This greenhouse was built over a century ago with the goal of city beautification. Since then, the grounds have evolved into a botanical garden filled with specialty plant collections, seasonal floral displays, and themed gardens, including the Latin American Garden, Japanese Garden, Willott Iris Garden, All-American Selections Display Garden, and more.
Different spaces are available to use for weddings and require a permit.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
6947 Riverview Road
Peninsula, OH 44264
Not far from Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a world of its own. The park stands as a refuge for wildlife and native plants, rolling hills, deep forests, historic trails, and open farmlands. There are so many activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, from hiking trails to scenic train rides.
The scenic overlook at Blue Hen Falls is a beautiful place for an elopement. Although the 3-mile hike can be steep in some areas, the view at the end is worth it! The trek includes steep ridges, staircases, a footbridge, and a river crossing. It ends with a glorious view of this 15-foot waterfall that is lovely at any time of year.
Mohican State Park
3116 State Route 3
Loudonville, OH 44842
Mohican State Park contains thousands of wooded acres and wild landscapes. Mohican State Park would be an excellent venue for an elopement with stunning views of both land and water. A few popular attractions are Clear Fork Gorge, Lyon’s Falls, and the Mohican State Scenic River.
The park’s beauty and natural features are primarily due to glacial meltwaters from thousands of years ago, which created cliffs and bedrock outcroppings. The park contains:
- Oak, maple, and pine trees.
- Beech, ash, and tulip trees.
- Sycamore, willow, buckeye, and dogwood trees.
In addition to the greenery, many animals are at home in this park, including deer, foxes, tree frogs, and wild turkeys.
Hocking Hills State Park
19852 State Route 644 S
Logan, OH 43138
With seven major hiking trails, Hocking Hills State Park has many unique areas for an elopement you’ll never forget. The park is open year-round, from dawn to dusk, and is a great spot for hiking, fishing, camping, archery, and picnics.
There are several areas for weddings, with a minimal fee. These areas include Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Old Man’s Cave. Ash Cave is one of Ohio’s most romantic wedding destinations, with the privacy of the cave’s entrance near a cascading waterfall. Cedar Falls is a fantastic spot for a gorgeous waterfall backdrop. Old Man’s Cave is filled with natural wonders, an enchanting place for all who visit.
Couples must apply for a wedding permit ahead of time, hire their own officiant, and limit their event to 30 minutes or less.
Headlands Beach State Park
9601 Headlands Road
Mentor, OH 44060
The highlight of Headlands Beach State Park is the 35-acre Lake Erie Beach which provides exceptional sunbathing, swimming, glass hunting, picnicking, and sunset viewing. The park also contains rare lakeshore sand dunes home to unique plants, birds, foxes, and monarch butterflies. On cool mornings in August and September, beautiful monarch butterflies can be seen drifting across the lake and taking refuge in the park’s trees.
A medium-sized shelter house pavilion is available for reservation and can hold up to 40 guests. It has electricity, picnic tables, a preparation table, and charcoal grills.
The fabulous Lake Erie Beach would be a great spot for a sunset elopement ceremony by the water.
Squire’s Castle
North Chagrin Reservation
Willoughby Hills, OH
Squire’s Castle is a beautiful old gatehouse from the 1980s that was modeled after German and English baronial castles. The open expanses in front of the castle and inside the castle itself are popular venues for weddings. Squire’s Castle is open to the public and can be reserved for weddings with no fee.
Elope in Ohio
There are many spectacular locations to elope in Ohio for a beautiful, intimate ceremony. From hiking trails, waterfalls, historic buildings, and greenhouses, many different venues would make unique backdrops for a couple’s special moment of saying “I Do!”
Looking for more Ohio wedding content? Then click on the blog links below! While you’re here, view more of my Cleveland wedding photography portfolio, and let’s chat about capturing your day!
