Eloping is an intimate, personal, and incredibly special way to design your day to feel like your true best day ever – and this guide covers everything you need to know about eloping in Pennsylvania. Whether that involves going to your favorite Philly restaurant or heading out into the great unknown, eloping is the perfect way to celebrate your marriage in true peace, presence, and tranquility.
What is an elopement?
For a long time, elopements carried a lot of stigma as a shameful or secretive alternative to getting married. It has been such a joy to watch this term be reclaimed recently as the romantic, badass, intentional decision it truly is.
Elopements are an intimate, significantly more private way to get married. Typically, they involve anywhere from 2 – 20 guests (though it depends on who you ask), and they can take place anywhere. Elopements minimize stress, noise of outside opinions, costs (… sometimes), and guest counts. They allow you to be truly present through such a special experience, with people that you want by your side.
(Which is, in my humble opinion, priceless.)
What kind of elopement do you want to have?
The beauty and challenge of elopements is that they can really look however you want them to. On one hand, you have the freedom to fully design your day… and on the other hand, the limitless options can be overwhelming! It’s important to make sure you have a strong vision for how you want your celebration to feel. This requires intentional brainstorming. If you’re anything like me, it can be a challenge to set time aside, but it’s the best way to have a deep and all-encompassing understanding of your vision.
So, grab your beverage of choice, light a candle, and let’s get daydreaming with some guiding questions below:
- If you could have the perfect day (not thinking about your elopement or wedding at all), what would it look like? (think about your perfect Tuesday afternoon. Teleportation is allowed, there is no budget, and the sky is the limit.)
- What would you do?
- What would you see?
- What would you eat?
- When would you wake up?
- Where would you stay?
- What would you wear?
- Who else would be there? Would anyone else be there?
Inhale. Exhale.
Now that we’ve done some brainstorming, what elements of that perfect day are really achievable, within your budget and any other limitations you might encounter?
Is it possible that we can achieve the whole thing?
Step-by-Step Guide to Eloping in Pennsylvania
Now that we have at least a good shell of your vision, we can dive into a general overview of some of the logistics:
- Choose your time frame & date
- Choose your location
- Book your vendors, as needed and applicable (… hopefully this includes an elopement photographer, and if so – hello!)
- Apply for Location Permits
- Plan for travel (as applicable)
- Build a personalized timeline together (including weather plans!)
- Apply for your Marriage License
- Have the best day of your life 🙂
Choose your Time Frame & Date
This may be one of the easier prats of elopement planning, but some items to keep in mind are the weather and temperature of the locations you’re picturing for the time of year, as well as the sunrise / sunset times! For example, winter elopements are wonderful, but it’s crucial to remember how early the sun sets that time of year as you go through your planning.
Where to Elope in Pennsylvania
There is, by no means, any one-size-fits all answer to your elopement location. This needs to be personalized to you, whether it’s finding somewhere special that holds sentimental value for you or your partner, or if it’s a new experience that’s special to both of you! That can be in the city, or heading out into the Pennsylvania wilderness. Here are some of my favorite adventurous elopement locations in PA:
Eastern Pennsylvania
- Delaware Water Gap
- Trexler Nature Preserve
- Hawk Mountain
- Leaser Lake
- World’s End State Park
- Rickett’s Glen State Park
- Hickory Run State Park
Central Pennsylvania
- White Cliffs of Conoy
- the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
- Cherry Springs State Park
- Bald Eagle State Park
Western Pennsylvania
- Ohiopyle State Park
- Alelgheny National Forest
- Erie Bluffs State Park
- Presque Isle State Park
For an in-depth exploration of each of these locations, take a look at my blog post about the best Adventurous Elopement Locations in Pennsylvania!
Apply for Permits
Many elopement locations require a permit, whether they are state parks, national forests, or local parks. Some of these permits are free, and some are not (largely depending on where, how many people are involved, and more), but they are entirely worth going through the process of! If the park website doesn’t directly have information on weddings or elopements, a quick email to any point of contact through that park will likely be able to point you in the right direction and let you know of any restrictions or rules relating to your celebration.
As your resident Pennsylvania Elopement Guide, I’ll be walking with you through the permitting process for your location no matter where you decide to elope!
(Pro tip: take a look at permit requirements for each PA park listed on my Adventurous Pennsylvania Location Guide!)
Obtain your Marriage License
Whether you’re eloping or having a large wedding, marriage licensing is a huge part of the process!
Here’s a look at the City of Philadelphia website for more information on getting your license.
There are two different options for obtaining your marriage license:
Traditional Marriage License
A traditional marriage license requires you have an officiant, which can be anyone legally able to officiate your wedding. You can be married by a judge, justice, mayor, or clergy member (including ministers ordained online!)
As a proudly online ordained minister, I am legally allowed to sign your marriage license! This is a service included in all of my elopement packages.
If you’re still looking for a more traditional celebrant, Katherine Hunter is one of my favorites!
Self Uniting Ceremony
Pennsylvania is one of the only states that allows you to have a self-uniting ceremony. While this form of license stems from Quaker wedding traditions, there are no religious requirements to get married this way. The cost of this licensure varies by county, but it is typically a small amount more than a regular marriage license. Take a look at Brides magazine for more information on self uniting ceremonies! Self solemnizing ceremonies are a great way to have someone near and dear to you unofficially perform your ceremony without needing to be ordained, and they can also serve as a witness!
For More Information on Marriage Licenses
The local Register of Wills office or the Clerk of Orphans’ Court in any Pennsylvania county will have more information on where and how to apply, along with fees, legal requirements, and any timing considerations.
Witnesses
In Pennsylvania, you need one witness (typically just your officiant) to sign your traditional marriage license, and two witnesses to sign for a self-uniting ceremony.
(Fun fact: I am ordained in the state of Pennsylvania and can legally sign your marriage certificate, or serve as a witness!)
Best Pennsylvania Elopement Activities
Pennsylvania is a vast state with lots to do, and one of the perks of eloping is being able to incorporate your favorite activities into your experience! Personalizing your day around things you love to do together, or even checking off some bucket list experiences, are a special way to bring your dream day to life.
Timelines are a truly individualized experience, and each couple brings something completely unique to the table.
Here are some ideas of exciting activities to involve in your celebration:
- going for a hike or a walk to a scenic view
- set up a picnic (ideally with some wine and the most epic charcuterie board you can imagine)
- bring your pets along
- get ready together
- go your favorite restaurant or bar (props if it’s a brewery, winery, or distillery)
- build a campfire (and go camping)
- go skiing or snowboarding in the winter
- enjoy your beverage of choice (whether that’s coffee, an old fashioned, or a shot)
- hiring a private chef
- a boat ride
- watch the sunrise or sunset together
Pennsylvania Weather
Many elopements bank on an outdoor celebration that relies on the weather being beautiful, but reality doesn’t always follow our plans. Since Pennsylvania has all four seasons, there are factors to consider every time of year (from snow to rain to wind). It’s incredibly important to have plans in place for inclement weather, such as:
- Booking an Airbnb that can accommodate you and your guests
- Reserving a restaurant (that is fully aware of your plans & need for an indoor location)
- Booking a hotel room with interesting features, or great natural light
Best Time of Year to Elope in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania sees hot green summers and frigid white winters, and everything in between. Spring and fall tend to be the kindest seasons for outdoor weddings and elopements. Keep seasonal factors in mind for your elopement. In the summer, you’ll need to consider sweat and pack a secondary outfit, as well as make sure you have water and snacks to get you through the day. In the winter, prepare with layers, hand warmers, and sturdy shoes.
What to Wear for your Elopement?
Dressing for seasonal factors is just as important as dressing for the location of your elopement. If you’re eloping in the city or in a small town, you’ll probably be comfortable in more traditional wedding attire. If you’re heading out in the rugged Appalachian wilderness for your elopement, you may want to pack a change of clothes and especially comfortable shoes. Make sure you can move safely and comfortably in your elopement attire, and I’ll help with planning where and how to change into your formal clothes!
Looking for the perfect location for your Pennsylvania elopement?
Check out my blog on WHERE TO ELOPE IN PA.
Next Steps to Elope in Pennsylvania
Ready to start planning? As a traveling elopement photographer local to Pennsylvania, it’s my greatest honor to help couples plan their weddings in my home state of PA. Whether you want to head out on an epic adventure or stay local to your favorite city, I specialize in helping you plan a stress-free day that allows you to feel present and at peace.
Reach out here for more information!
I can’t wait to help you design your dream elopement celebration!
Want to see a real-life elopement in Philadelphia? Take a look at this springtime Love Park elopement!
