Anne & Ryan’s Intimate Adventure at Ash Cave and Lower Falls in Hocking Hills

Some mornings are made for magic, and Anne and Ryan’s Hocking Hills elopement was wrapped in exactly that kind of enchantment. As dawn broke over Ohio’s most beloved state park, a mystical fog rolled through the ancient sandstone formations, creating the perfect backdrop for an intimate “I do” that would rival any fairytale.

With the expert guidance of photographer Elizabeth Nihiser, this adventurous couple discovered that eloping doesn’t mean compromising on beauty—it means choosing authenticity over expectations and creating memories that are genuinely yours.

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Meet Anne & Ryan

Anne and Ryan aren’t your typical wedding couple, and that’s exactly the point. From their first conversation with Elizabeth, whom they found through Wandering Weddings, it was clear these two were after something completely different from the traditional wedding path. Their hearts called for adventure, intimacy, and a celebration that reflected their authentic selves rather than societal expectations.

As Elizabeth recalls, “Their playful and laid-back personalities made capturing their love story effortless and joyful.”

That easygoing energy and genuine connection made them an absolute dream to work with. They knew what they wanted, came prepared with their date and cabin already secured, but remained open and collaborative throughout the planning process. These are two people who understand that the best celebrations happen when you stay true to who you are.

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Their Vision and Planning

When Anne and Ryan came to Elizabeth, they had a clear picture of what would make their elopement perfect: trees, interesting rock structures, water features, and a secluded ceremony area accessible by a short hike. It was a wishlist that painted a portrait of natural wonder and intimate adventure.

“Anne and Ryan arrived with a date and cabin secured, so my role was to guide them through Hocking Hills State Park, pinpointing locations that aligned with their vision,” shares Elizabeth.

After reviewing galleries of potential spots throughout the park, two locations stopped them in their tracks: Ash Cave and Lower Falls. The dramatic rock formations, cascading water, and lush forest canopy were exactly what they’d been imagining.

Their choice wasn’t just about stunning scenery; it was about finding a place where they could experience genuine intimacy while nature provided the most magnificent cathedral imaginable. Working together on permits and logistics, they crafted a day that balanced thoughtful preparation with the flexibility to embrace whatever surprises the natural world might offer.

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Permits & Leave No Trace in Hocking Hills

Planning to say “I do” in Hocking Hills State Park? Here’s what you need to know to make it official while protecting this stunning natural space for generations to come.

Getting Your Permit

If you’re just taking portraits, you’re good to go—no permit needed. However, if you’re planning an actual ceremony within the park, you’ll need to secure a Special Activity Permit. Call the park office at least 30 days before your date at (740) 385-6842 extension 250 to get the process started.

Respecting the Space

Hocking Hills State Park remains open to the public during your ceremony, which means your elopement needs to work in harmony with the natural environment and other visitors. Think of it as sharing this incredible cathedral with the hiking community. Here’s what that means practically:

Keep pathways clear so hikers can pass through without disrupting your moment. Leave the decorations at home—no altars, chairs, or anything that blocks the natural views everyone comes to see. Stick to designated trails (those cliff edges might look dramatic, but they’re off-limits for safety). And while the waterfall pools are gorgeous, wading and swimming aren’t allowed.

The golden rule? Pack out everything you brought in. If it’s not native to the forest, it goes home with you. Anne and Ryan embraced this approach beautifully, letting the raw beauty of Ash Cave and Lower Falls speak for itself without any added fuss.

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Inside Their Elopement Adventure

A Foggy Morning in the Forest

Some mornings are made for magic, and Anne and Ryan’s elopement day delivered exactly that. When Elizabeth arrived at the Ash Cave trailhead in the early morning hours, the entire forest was draped in a thick, enchanting fog—the kind that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world entirely.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

“The early morning allowed us to have the cave entirely to ourselves for their intimate ceremony,” Elizabeth recalls.

Beneath the massive stone overhang of Ash Cave, with autumn’s rich colors intensified by the previous day’s rain, they exchanged their vows in complete solitude.

Well, almost complete solitude. Their friend officiated the ceremony, but in a moment that captured the thoughtfulness of the entire day, he stepped back under the cave’s overhang during their private vows. It gave Anne and Ryan a pocket of intimacy within an already intimate celebration—just the two of them, the forest, and promises meant only for each other.

Portraits in the Mist

Following their heartfelt vows, Anne and Ryan explored Ash Cave’s unique landscape with Elizabeth. The sandy floor beneath their feet proved perfect for barefoot photos, and the morning fog transformed every frame into something ethereal. Some of Elizabeth’s absolute favorites came from this time—particularly the shots of the couple walking into the park across the road, fog swirling around them like a dream.

Into the Gorge

A short ten-minute drive brought them to their next adventure: Lower Falls, part of the Old Man’s Cave trail system.

The hike down into the gorge presented a moderate challenge, but as Elizabeth notes, “it rewards with diverse backdrops: dramatic cliffs, mossy boulders, stone bridges, multiple waterfalls, and tunnels.”

The landscape shifted dramatically from Ash Cave’s soft, misty atmosphere to something wilder and more rugged.

Anne and Ryan embraced every moment, hiking through the gorge and discovering new perspectives for their love story.

“The end of their elopement felt truly special,” Elizabeth shares. “It was a release, a chance for us all to simply enjoy the magic of the woods together.”

By then, the ceremony was done, the portraits were taken, and what remained was easier to feel than describe. Three people in the woods, grateful to be exactly where they were.

Final Reflection

There’s something profound about watching two people choose themselves over tradition. Anne and Ryan didn’t just plan an elopement—they created space for what actually mattered. No guest list politics, no timeline dictated by vendors or venues. Just two people, a trusted friend, and a forest that’s been standing long before any of us arrived.

Elizabeth puts it simply: “Genuine joy translates beautifully into photographs.” But it’s more than that, isn’t it? When you strip away everything that doesn’t serve you, what remains is the truest version of your story. For Anne and Ryan, that meant morning fog clinging to ancient cliffs, the sound of their voices echoing under a stone cathedral, and the freedom to simply be present with each other.

Their elopement wasn’t about rejecting tradition, it was about honoring something deeper. The intimacy of private vows. The adventure of hiking through a gorge on your wedding day. The quiet joy of ending the morning not exhausted, but released, standing together in the woods and feeling exactly where you’re meant to be.

If you’re reading this and wondering whether an elopement could be right for you, consider this: What would your day look like if you designed it only for yourselves? Anne and Ryan asked themselves that question, and they found their answer in the hills of southeastern Ohio, surrounded by waterfalls, fog, and the kind of peace you can only find when you’re brave enough to do things differently.

Vendor Team

• Photography | Elizabeth Nihiser Photography | Instagram