Elope in Cleveland, Ohio | A Lake Erie Elopement Story

The word "Erie" is fitting for Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio. It is filled with wonder – especially during the winter months when the lake becomes a large white sheet of ice, and the layer of fog gives a sense of mystery. The remarkable sunsets and sunrises are like stepping into a dream with sights so beautiful.

Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, is a popular local and tourist spot. It draws travelers from around the world, and people can bring their pets (leashed) to sunbathe, have a campfire, or hike. Some couples will elope on Lake Erie because there are secret nooks and lesser-known beaches to find a private location to say their vows.

Eloping on Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio is a magical experience – let's explore how you can elope here too!

Gay couple embracing one another on the rocks alongside the beach with a lighthouse behind them during their sunset cleveland elopement at headlands beach state park

How to Elope in Cleveland, Ohio

Eloping in Cleveland does not have to be limited to a quick courthouse elopement when there are so many beautiful places surrounding Cleveland. From lush, wooded forests to beautiful large beaches and even waterfalls between trees and alongside Lake Erie, you will quickly discover the best Lake Erie elopement location for you.

Where to Elope in Cleveland, Ohio - Allowed Ceremony Locations

Cleveland has more than just Lake Erie to drool over. Take a hike into the Cleveland Metroparks and find rewards like overlooks, waterfalls, and amazing scenic hiking trails!

Approximately 40-minutes away from Cleveland, you can elope in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, where you can choose from various scenic locations, all with their own uniqueness. Elope at one of the waterfalls, among the tall pine trees or overlooking the streams and rivers. You can have a genuinely amazing Ohio elopement day in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Expect to do some hiking to get seclusion and privacy for your big moment with your partner.

Plan a day trip or multi-elopement day and make your Ohio elopement adventurous by including kayaking on one of the many rivers in Ohio or discover new hiking trails. The options are endless!

An elopement on Lake Erie has never disappointed. There are so many unique beach elopement locations all around Cleveland, and one of my favorites would be Headlands Beach State Park. This unique beach is very close to Cleveland, with huge boulders and rocks stretching into Lake Erie, an enjoyable spot to journey to and take beautiful portraits.

Gay couple dancing on the beach of headlands beach state park to the sounds of bagpipes cleveland elopement at headlands beach state park

Cleveland Elopement Permits

Once you have picked the perfect place to elope in Cleveland, Ohio, you need to apply for an elopement permit. Go on the website of the exact location; for instance, if you are eloping in a state park, you will need to apply on the Ohio State Park website. The same applies to national parks and private properties. The price is different for each area and can cost anywhere from $40 to $200+.

Get in touch with the park ranger's office as the rules can change rapidly, and each event is unique and handled differently.

Leave No Trace on Your Cleveland, Ohio Elopement Day

Cleveland Metroparks and all State and National parks are truly hidden gems here in Ohio. We have to strive to keep these places clean and beautiful so that you can revisit them on your 5th anniversary or more!

Most of Ohio's trails allow pets, but they have to be leashed at all times. Ohio does have a trail policy; you need to stay on the trail and avoid going off the trail at all times. Not only is it dangerous to you, but it is also destructive and destroys a beautiful area permanently.

Although it is tempting to pick beautiful flowers, leaving no trace means leaving it as it is. We will also not stack rocks or cut branches.
Bring a trash bag to hang on your backpack to ensure nothing gets left behind.
Respect all the wildlife and don't disturb their existence.

Lake Erie Cleveland Ohio Elopement

I believe that nothing can tell a story better than images, so here's a beautiful 8-hour Cleveland Ohio Elopement story to inspire you!

Garrett & Michael started their Cleveland Elopement at their Airbnb among the woods. The day kicked off with a relaxing moment in a hammock to having a delicious full-course meal made by a private chef who sourced local foods the morning of their elopement day. The stunning couple said their vows on Lake Erie during sunset, with the sound of bagpipes as their first dance. The day ended with delicious local donuts and a warm campfire.

This elopement day with this incredible couple was indeed one for the books, with so many incredible local vendors a part of it - local foods and so much more! An Ohio Elopement might be perfect for you if you want to embark on a unique journey of good food, forest and/or beach adventures and making memories not too far from home.