Easily one of the most magical Ohio elopement locations, this Ohio Elopement Location has so many great shorter hiking trails and amazing spots for a beautiful ceremony backdrop. You don’t have to walk far to be completely surrounded by moss-covered ledges, something straight out of an Outlander episode (one of the more scenic ones ;).
You can’t go wrong eloping in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park, there are great activities surrounding the park too! Let's look at some of the logistics to a Nelson Kennedy Ledges Elopement!
How to Elope in Nelson Kennedy Ledges.
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is not a very popular park in general so the possibility of having a more secluded elopement here is much better than most elopement locations in Ohio.
As a local Ohio elopement photographer and avid hiker, I also feel that this is one of the most scenic elopement locations in Ohio. Nothing can quite beat the fairytale forest feels when it comes to moss covered ledges that surrounds you and unique caves that is a never-ending exploration when you visit, this park also has more than one waterfall, including a secret waterfall that very few people know how to get to – make your elopement into a day chasing waterfalls among large trees and trails between bulging ledges, a true adventure elopement for sure.
Pick a Date
Ohio has many different seasons, and the seasons are more intense than most other states, winters are cold and very snowy, fall is very chilly but has beautiful foliage. During spring the waterfalls flow at their very best. Picking a date for your Nelson Kennedy Ledges elopement is the first step to planning the perfect day.
Pick a Ceremony Location
Although Nelson Kennedy Ledges aren’t a very large park, it does help to establish a spot you would love to say your vows to your partner ahead of time. Keep reading for the best wedding ceremony spots in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park.
Secure Permits & Vendors
Once you have decided on a date you can start looking for the perfect vendors for your elopement day, applying for the wedding permit to elope in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is also an important next step. Rest assure, it’s a very easy process!
Nelson Kennedy Ledges Permits
It is highly recommended to apply for the permit at least 60 days in advance of your elopement date, you will also need the exact location of your ceremony spot and more.
Apply for your Nelson Kennedy Ledges Wedding Permit through this link:
Permit Price: $40.00 – subject to change at any date.
Nelson Kennedy Ledges has free parking, just remember during busy seasons and weekends this park can get pretty busy and so will the parking lot.
Leave No Trace on Your Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park Elopement Day
Avoid stepping on the moss-covered rocks and don’t climb on rocks that are covered in moss or other plants. Please don't pluck or eat any of the mushrooms!
Good news is that pets are allowed in this park but must stay on leash.
Please avoid the use of props, confetti and any items or accessories that could be destructive to Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park.
Ceremony Locations in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park.
Cascade Falls
Saying your vows to your partner underneath, next to or even overlooking Cascade falls can make for an amazing start to your adventurous elopement day. You can even end the day cooling down under this waterfall while exploring the really cool cave behind it.
Upper Minnehaha Falls
Another waterfall you can almost stand under, this waterfall can also be explored with a 360 degree view of it a ceremony on one of the overlooks or right next to it can be truly memorable. Just be reminded that getting up and down to and from this waterfall is a bit more of an adventure.
Between or on Top of The Ledges
Want to keep your ceremony a little bit more spontaneous? Consider exploring the park and go out to discover what spot might be perfect for the two of you to say your vows.
Inside or in Front of Tree Roots
You read that right, if you are a huge lover of tree roots, this location gives you the opportunity to read vows to your partner while standing inside tree roots! Pretty rad if you ask me!
When to Elope in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is pretty popular among the locals, consider an early morning weekday elopement here for the best possible seclusion. Remember that this park is free and very easily accessible so there will almost always be someone else exploring too.
Keep in mind that weather can change anytime, remind yourself that the weather can be unpredictable and have a few backup locations in mind or embrace the snow, rain or cold and enjoy the wonders of mother nature.
What to do During Your Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park Elopement
Wanna end your elopement day cliff jumping into a quarry then warming up by a campfire?
Right behind Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park you will find the Nelson Ledges Quarry - it is privately owned so there's a small fee to enter and camp here. Bring your own canoe and canoe out to the tiny island in the middle of the quarry for a fun little picnic, or take beautiful images from the cliffs on the scenic overlook!
Eloping in Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park is a Great Choice!
When it comes to Mother Natures' beauty, accessibility and seclusion this elopement location can be truly perfect for someone considering eloping in Ohio. Consider hiring Avonture - an expert in Ohio elopements and handcrafting elopement days for couples that makes them feel alive!
Check out the behind the scenes of this Nelson Kennedy Ledges Elopement by clicking on this image! >
Thinking of eloping in Ohio and not sure where to start?
Reach out to me, Shan, Elopement Photographer in Cleveland Ohio.
I adore to help couples create a wedding day that not only is adventurous and fun but also true to them.
As a Cleveland Ohio Elopement Photographer I know all the amazing spots and legalities when it comes to eloping in Ohio.
Feel free to reach out and we can chat or simply follow along on my adventures with incredible eloping couples on Instagram.
Happy Adventuring ;)
