Tips On How To Elope In Ohio for a Perfect Outdoor Wedding

Your wedding day should be all about what makes you happy, and if what makes you happy is an intimate elopement celebration in the wilderness side by side with the love of your life, then DO IT!! I’m here to tell you that an outdoor elopement can be every bit as special as any other wedding celebration, if not more, since you’re doing it for yourself. But where do you say, “I do?” Whether you’re a native Buckeye or simply looking for an exquisitely beautiful place to elope, Ohio has some of the most picturesque parks and nature scenes for an elopement. I’ve put together Your Ultimate Guide on How to Elope in Ohio. So keep scrolling to learn all about how you can have the elopement of your dreams! 

Your Ultimate Guide on How to Elope in Ohio!

When You Should Elope in Ohio & How to Pick Your Date

Ohio’s Midwestern location gives us beautiful, dynamic seasons. Summers are hot and humid, so if you’re planning an outdoor elopement, you may want to pick a milder season. Fall brings stunning autumnal foliage, more moderate temperatures, and fewer crowds. Spring is also a beautiful season when everything is coming back to life, but the weather can be rainy and unpredictable. We get a lot of snow in the winter, too, so unless you’re aiming for a Winter Wonderland vibe, you may want to stick to a different time of year! 

Ohio Elopement Locations

Need a little inspiration for where to host your elopement? Here are a few of my favorite spots to elope in Ohio!

Hocking Hills: Incredible caves, waterfalls, hiking, canoeing, and camping make Hocking Hills a beautiful and versatile location for outdoor elopement! 

Headlands Beach State Park: On the banks of Lake Eerie, Headlands Beach provides everything from great swimming and sunbathing to unique beach glass hunting and incredible sunset views. 

Cuyahoga Valley National Park: This spectacular park offers stunning natural views of rushing waterfalls, deep canyons, and lush forests. 

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park: Known for its spectacular rock formations, rugged cliffs, and waterfalls, this is a great spot for hikers and adventurers! 

Mohican State Park: This park is home to thousands of wooded acres and beautiful riverside settings that are perfect for a quaint, romantic ceremony. 

How to Get an Ohio Marriage License & Permits

There are a few official details to keep in mind when you elope in Ohio. First, you’ll need your marriage license. If you’re an Ohio resident, you can visit the County Clerk’s office in your county of residence to apply. If you don’t live in the state, you’ll need to get a license from the county in which you intend to get married. 

Secondly, you’ll need to have an officiant to make everything legal, although you don’t need witnesses. You can hire someone to perform your ceremony for you, or you can have a friend or family member get ordained pretty easily with the Universal Life Church. 

Also, if you’re planning to get married in a state park, you’ll need to apply for a special use permit ahead of time. You can figure out the details and get in touch with the right people using their website! 

Must-Have Ohio Elopement Vendors

While you certainly don’t need to go all out with other Ohio vendors to elope, there are a few to consider as you plan your special day. First and foremost, you’ll need your officiant to make everything…well, official! You may also want to hire a florist for a few sweet details, like a bouquet or a boutonniere, for an extra pop of color. And, since you’ll be having your photos taken for a good chunk of time, you may want to invest in a hair and makeup artist to add that little extra glam to your look. It is your wedding day, after all! 

Hiring an Ohio Elopement Photographer

While your elopement may just be the two of you (plus your officiant), it’s still your wedding day and hopefully one of the best days of your life (with many more still to come!) Be sure that you capture every smile, memory, and moment with photos that you can treasure for years to come. As your elopement photographer, I’ll make sure you have an album full of incredible photos to commemorate this incredible day. Take a look at some of my other work to see how I can make your elopement look as stunning and magical as you deserve it to be!

I Hope This Helps You Figure Out How To Elope In Ohio For Your Dream Wedding

I hope this Ultimate Guide on How to Elope in Ohio has been helpful! Still have questions? Reach out and ask! I’m happy to answer as much as I can or put you in touch with the right person. Let’s bring your dream Ohio elopement to life!

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