Newly engaged and looking for the perfect adventurous location for an elopement in Ohio? Eloping in Hocking Hills offers a wide range of beautiful landscapes for any adventure seeking couple.
With multiple amazing locations such as Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Conkles Hollow, Cantwell Cliffs, and many more.
Table of Contents:
- Best Locations to Elope in Hocking Hills
- Permits and Legal Requirements
- Things to do in Hocking Hills (My Recommendations)
- The Best Time to Go
- Additional Hocking Hills Venues
- Real Elopement Example
Best Locations to Elope in Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills offers a variety of locations you can elope at. Ash Cave, Old Man’s Cave, and Cedar Falls are the most popular areas where you can obtain a permit for.
Ash Cave
This is a beautiful ceremony location with a short, accessible walk and no incline. The cave is the highlight of this space, making it an especially great choice in the off-season when there’s less greenery.
Old Man’s Cave | Upper Falls
You can marry at Upper Falls, just a short downhill walk from the parking lot. Access requires walking up and down stairs, but the full trail loops back to Old Man’s Cave, providing a variety of scenic backdrops for post-ceremony portraits. If you stop for portraits along the hike, plan for it to take approximately 1.5 to two hours.
Cedar Falls
This is another excellent ceremony spot with a moderately easy trail from the parking lot. You’ll walk downhill to reach it and uphill to return. After rainfall, a small waterfall often appears at the base.
Permits and Legal Requirements
Obtaining all of the documentation needed for Eloping in Hocking Hills is a lot less intimidating than it may sound. Ohio residents that are not in Hocking County will need to obtain a marriage license in their county. However, travelers from out of state will need to get their license through the Hocking County Probate Court.
Please keep in mind that you will have to hire your own officiant.
Time slots are 30 minutes and the park remains open to the public so you will want to be conscious of the time of year, time of day, and day of the week when determining the ideal time to hold your ceremony.
In Addition, you will have to submit your permit form to the park office including your date, backup dates, time of day, and which park you are inquiring for. You can click here for more information on Hocking Hills permits.
Outside of being one of my favorite Ohio locations to photograph at, it was also the place where I got engaged and spent many years visiting with my Husband. That being said, here is a list of my personal favorite places in the area outside of hiking trails.
Please see below for my recommendations on where to stay and eat!
Things to Do in Hocking Hills:
Tp start, for lodging I can’t say enough about the Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls. From cabins to yurts this place is absolutely incredible. The on site restaurant Kindred Spirits is exceptional and offers good company and a relaxing atmosphere.
Obviously a trip to Hocking Hills wouldn’t be complete without a trip to a winery. Without a doubt these are my two top favorite locations: Hocking Hills Winery and Le Petit Chevalier Vineyards and Farm Winery.
And If you’re like me and need a cup of coffee for your morning routine you will love the Oasis Coffee Shop. There are two locations, one in Rockbridge and one in Lake Logan. This is the first coffee shop I went to that offered coffee flights so it is well worth the visit. I also recommend the Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium.
Last but not least, a few other places worth visiting are the Millstone BBQ, Pizza Crossing, and the Hocking Hills Diner.
All coming together with the perfect setting for your ceremony, trails for the adventure seekers, cozy lodging, and delicious eateries. Eloping in Hocking Hills provides the whole package for an amazing adventure!
The Best Time to Go
I’ve experienced this park in all four seasons and each one brings it’s own unique setting.
- Spring: Rain brings vibrant greenery and flowing waterfalls, all while keeping the atmosphere cool and quiet.
- Summer: The hottest season, yet the park is full of lush, colorful landscapes. You can expect larger crowds during the morning hours.
- Fall: Leaves begin to turn auburn and fall all around, complementing the naturally warm caverns
- Winter: Waterfalls begin to ice over, and things grow quiet. I don’t recommend going after heavy snowfall unless you have proper hiking gear, but this place becomes a true winter wonderland.
Additional Venues in the Area
Having a larger celebration or want a bigger venue to host your event at? Check out a few of these venues:
- Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabins
- Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel
- The Seventy Five Venue
- Crocketts Run – Logan Ohio
Real Hocking Hills Elopement Examples & Inspiration
Wondering what an actual elopement day in Hocking Hills looks like? Every couple experiences the landscape differently depending on the season, weather, and vision of their day. You can see Julia and Adam’s moody Hocking Hills elopement here for real inspiration while planning your own.
As an expert in the Hocking Hills area and having captured many amazing elopements and weddings here, I’d love to connect and be a part of your celebration! See information on my packages here.
Lastly, click here to return to my blog page.
Email: dwp@daniellewilliamsphotography.com
Website: Daniellewilliamsphotography.com
