Elopement Packages

Ohio Elopement Packages

Ohio is one of the states you may not immediately think about when planning your elopement (which makes it an amazing option). While Ohio isn’t known for mountains, beaches, or deserts, there are so many gorgeous areas to explore together, including forests and waterfalls. Our comprehensive Ohio elopement package covers everything from locations, vendors, and tips for your Ohio elopement.

* While we don’t offer bundled elopement packages in Ohio, we do provide you with all of the information and resources you will need to create your perfect elopement package. Our Wandering Weddings members are also amazing vendors to ask questions. These members have plenty of experience curating awesome elopement experiences for couples.

How to Elope in Ohio

This is a long resource packed with awesome tips and inspiration. Use the links below to jump right to the section you’d like to check out.

Vendors to Build your Perfect Ohio Elopement Package

When putting together your Ohio elopement package, you want to consider your overall elopement budget. Whether you’re planning an elopement in a state park or private property, your budget is everything when planning! Elopements have a pretty big range when it comes to an average price because it all depends on what vendors you decide to include on your wedding day. Please note that you are not required to include every vendor type in your package.

Are you ready to start planning your Ohio elopement?

Check out our vendor categories to consider when thinking about your elopement package:

Photographers

These vendors are where most of your elopement budget will be going towards, but for good reason. On average, our photographers will charge $1,500-$5,000 per elopement. This depends on how many hours of coverage (half-day versus full-day) a couple is looking for their Ohio elopement package.

Featured Ohio Elopement Photographers

Videographers

Like elopement photographers, videographers are going to be a great investment for your elopement day to document your adventures together. On average, our videographers will charge $1,500-$6,000 per elopement. Keep in mind, this depends on how long you want your elopement footage to be. For example, a full-day video coverage would cost more versus covering just your elopement ceremony.

Officiants

On average, our officiant members will charge $500-$800 per elopement. Officiants are great to orchestrate your favorite traditions and wedding vows. It’s also important to note that some other vendors are also officiants, so we recommend always asking.

Elopement Planners

You don’t necessarily always need a wedding planner for your elopement adventure, but having a planner does help if couples have a very clear elopement vision. The average price for our planner members is $1,000-$3,000. Planners are also great for couples who don’t want to DIY or worry about anything, or couples who live far from their elopement destination.

Check out why you should hire an elopement planner for your wedding adventure.

Florists

Since you’re planning an elopement, you’ll need fewer floral arrangements than your average traditional wedding in Ohio. If you aren’t down to DIY your own bridal bouquet, then a florist in Ohio can average $300 to $600.

Venues

Are you looking to elope near Yellow Springs, Cambridge, Columbus, or Cleveland? Even though there are plenty of public land options to consider eloping to in Ohio, there are also some pretty neat private venues in Ohio too to include in your elopement package. Our team loves private venues because they do offer you more privacy and flexibility when you two are going to elope. Private venues, on average, will charge $300 to $4,000, depending on the location.

 

Places to Elope in Ohio

As you put together your Ohio elopement package, one of the most important steps is to include an epic place to elope. While we are going to mention some of our favorite places to elope in Ohio below, it’s important to note that connecting with one of our members who specialize in Ohio elopements will allow you to have your elopement at secret locations and trails not many people know about.

As professionals in the elopement industry, it’s our goal to provide you with all the tools and information you need to plan an epic elopement, but it’s also our goal to keep these areas protected. Our list of elopement locations in Ohio should give you a good idea of where you would love to have your ceremony together. Once you know what areas you two are loving, then connect with our members to start planning your adventure!

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Ohio’s national park, Cuyahoga Valley, is known for its deep forests, rolling hills, open farmlands, and waterfalls. There are several waterfalls to explore, along with a bunch of trails. This park is perfect for adventurous couples because there’s a lot to explore and do here. There are also some pretty picturesque overviews to have your ceremony too. A permit fee ($75) is required along with an application to be able to take your elopement portraits here.

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park

Are you looking for a little bit of history and something scenic as the backdrop for your portraits or ceremony? Marblehead Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the United States side of the Great Lakes (how amazing is that?!). This can be a gorgeous spot at sunrise or sunset but plan with a professional to ensure you’re avoiding most of the crowds.

Hocking Hills State Park

Probably one of the best elopement spots in Ohio has to be Hocking Hills. Known for its huge sandstones and deep gorges, you’ll see some epic waterfalls and forests in the area. Explore caves and unique trails during your adventure here. This spot is also perfect for couples who are looking for something dramatic, picturesque, and romantic.

If you’re thinking about having your elopement ceremony here, then you’ll have a couple of areas to choose from including Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and Old Man’s Cave. Please keep in mind that none of these areas will be completely closed down for your ceremony, meaning hikers will be passing through. The best way to plan is to team up with a professional in the area to figure out what date and time will work best.

You’ll have to submit a permit for the site you’ll want, and you’ll have 30 min for your ceremony. If you’re planning on having floral arrangements, please pick them up after yourself once your ceremony is done and no decorations can be placed on trees, rocks, or any natural features.

Headlands Beach State Park

Perfect for couples looking for a simple beach ceremony, Headlands Beach is the longest natural beach in Ohio. Since it’s the longest, it’s also the most popular, so it’s essential you plan during low season, weekdays, and sunrise, if possible. This area is most popular during the Summer.

Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park

If you’re looking for a whimsical setting for your Ohio elopement, then Nelson-Kennedy Ledges is a good option to consider. From waterfalls to unique rock formations, you’ll actually feel like you stepped into a storybook. This spot is also perfect for couples looking for shorter hiking trails. You really don’t have to walk far to be surrounded by moss-covered ledges and glistening waterfalls.

If you’re thinking about eloping here, then you’ll want to apply for a permit at least 60 days before your big day. The permit fee is $40 (but that can change), and you’ll want to know where in the park you’ll be having your ceremony.

When to Elope in Ohio

Are you thinking about eloping in Ohio? You’ll want to think about when to elope in Ohio.
June-August is the busiest time to visit Ohio. The summer months not only bring lots of tourists, but it does get rainy during the summer too. The best time to plan your elopement in Ohio would be September and October.

This is the best time to visit Ohio in general because the summer storms are finally ending. You’ll also be able to enjoy cooler weather and beautiful fall foliage. If you aren’t looking for fall foliage, then aim to elope during late spring or very early summer for gorgeous blooms and lesser crowds.

Permits and Marriage License in Ohio

When it comes to planning an Ohio elopement, you want to make sure you have the permits you need. Some places don’t require any permits to elope, but other places do. It’s important to always double-check with the location before or ask your elopement vendors for advice. Another important thing to remember is to also follow the rules and regulations set in place at your elopement destination. It’s our duty to leave no trace (LNT) when we visit public lands. Let’s all do our part and stay on the trail and respect the lands we are visiting.

Importance of LNT

Since Ohio has a lot of forest areas, LNT is even more important to protect these areas. One thing you’ll always want to remember is to stay on the trail at all times. Please don’t walk through mud. Another big reason why you want to stay on the trail is because of poisonous plants, so stay on the trail for the environment and your own safety.  Rock climbing is also not allowed on many of the ledges in parks. If you both want to rock climb together, then team up with an Ohio vendor, and they will help you pick out a spot. If you want to elope with your pets, most trails are pet-friendly, but they have to always be leashed.

Obtaining Your Marriage License

Getting a marriage license in Ohio is super easy! The license itself costs $36-$76 (it varies by county), and there’s NO waiting period once you apply for your license. This is perfect for couples who want to apply for their license the day before their adventure if they aren’t from Ohio.

If you don’t decide to tie the knot immediately after getting your license, you do have 60 days to make it official before your license is no longer valid. Just make sure to bring your marriage license with you on the day of your wedding ceremony!

In Ohio, witnesses are not required to sign the marriage license. This is a big win for couples planning to elope on their own without any guests. However, you do need an officiant to make things official.

Are you ready to start planning your elopement in Ohio?

 

Are you still looking for the best place to elope and not set on eloping in Ohio? Look into elopement packages in some of our favorite locations:
Washington – New England – Oregon – North Carolina – Colorado – Hawaii