Adventurous elopements can take you anywhere, whether that’s across the globe, or to your favorite local hiking trails.
If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I will always be in favor of bare feet or hiking boots over heels or dress shoes – especially when it comes to elopements. Adventurous weddings and elopements can happen anywhere, but today I’m excited to spread some light on my home state of Pennsylvania. A hidden gem, bursting at the seams with interesting places to elope. Boasting everything from state parks to national forests to beachfronts, and even one of the best stargazing locations in the entire world, Pennsylvania is full of beauty, and it’s a pleasure to have all of this virtually in our own backyards.
Adventure elopements have a reputation for needing the most epic, west coast backdrop of cliffs or deserts or the northern rainforests of Washington State, but I’m making a strong case for the old and epic nature of the east. Adventurous elopements are for everyone, near or far, and you can find plenty of adventure right here at home.
These mountains are old. They are full of character, rolling hills, waterfalls, and rivers that take your breath away. You can feel the history in the Appalachian mountain range. These mountains feel like home.
The locations listed here are general parks and locations, but every wedding and elopement bring their own vision and factors to the table to make your day complete. As your photographer and elopement planning connoisseur, I am here to help you with permitting, timing, and finding the exact perfect location within each of these parks for your elopement.
Looking for more elopement planning resources? Take a look at this blog:
HOW TO PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT
Eastern Pennsylvania
Eastern PA is where I call home. From Philadelphia all the way up to the Poconos, there are so many adventurous locations for elopements in such a condensed area. This is incredibly easy access from the city, making for a simple weekend trip (or even a day trip) for any elopement).
Note: All state parks require a permit for weddings and elopements.
Delaware Water Gap
Spanning both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Delaware Water Gap is full of steep mountains, incredible views, and absolutely gorgeous streams and waterfalls. Despite being busy on some of the main trails, like Mount Tammany and Mount Minsi, there are plenty of hidden gems off the beaten path (such as Van Campen’s Glen, an easy out-and-back hike to a gorgeous waterfall tucked deep in the park). A permit is sometimes needed for commercial photography and film (take a look at the requirements here), and permits are required for weddings and elopements within the park (take a look at the application process here).
Trexler Nature Preserve
With an absolutely breathtaking view in the Lehigh Valley area, Trexler Nature Preserve is a popular photo location with rolling hills and the most dreamy fields you’ve ever seen. Their sunsets are unmatched and golden hour is truly gold. They also have an indoor educational center that can be rented for small weddings and elopements – which is always a great resource when it comes to weather considerations, as well as restrooms. Permits are required for any weddings or elopements in the park. Reach out for more information here!
Hawk Mountain
One of my absolute favorite hikes in the region is Hawk Mountain, a raptor conservatory that has a beautiful, well maintained trail up to a vast overlook. My favorite things about this location are a) the bathrooms, and b) that there are other overlooks right at the base of the trail that are wheelchair and handicap accessible (it is a dirt trail, but there are no steps to that point and the trail is well packed). Engagement sessions at Hawk Mountain are permitted for the cost of admission to the trail, and elopements for incredibly small groups should reach out to them here.
Leaser Lake
A hidden gem in the Lehigh Valley Park System, Leaser Lake is another wheelchair and handicap accessible location right along the lake, with views of the mountains in the distance. There are beautiful trees, incredible sunsets, and ample parking that goes right up to the lake and boat launch. Reach out for more information here!
World’s End State Park
True to its name, this rugged state park is off the beaten path and should allow you a very private elopement experience. There are cabins, camping, and hiking, and peak seasons are early summer (June specifically, for the mountain laurel bloom) and fall for the foliage. Take a look here for more information!
Rickett’s Glen State Park
If you’re looking for waterfalls (plural), Rickett’s Glen is for you! The definition of a glen is a “secluded, narrow valley”. From old growth trees to many, many waterfalls, Rickett’s Glen is the dreamy, enchanted elopement look of our collective dreams! Find more information on the permit process here!
Hickory Run State Park
With many trails leading deep into the trees and up to hidden waterfalls, Hickory Run State Park is an excellent elopement location in the Northeast, boasting trails such as Hawk Falls for a super intimate ceremony. There is hiking involved here, so this would be best suited for smaller groups or completely private elopements. They also have a chapel available to rent for small parties as well, which is enormous for weather considerations! Click here for more information on applying for permits.
Central Pennsylvania
Stretching for the vast majority of the state, Central PA is home to a wide variety of unique and picturesque parks. This portion of the state is more remote, more rugged, and holds unmatched beauty.
Note: All state parks require a permit for weddings and elopements.
White Cliffs of Conoy
Formed from the remains of a limestone and dolomite quarry, the White Cliffs of Conoy are a central-PA feature. A short, roughly 1.5 mile hike out a flat trail leads to the other-worldly clearing of the cliffs, overlooking the Susquehanna River. This location is best at either dusk or dawn, due to the lack of tree-coverage and direct light.
the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Whether your vision is eloping somewhere in the small town of Wellsboro or heading deep into Pine Creek Gorge, the PA Grand Canyon is one of the major features of the entire state. Featuring incredible views over the gorge, and beautiful river walks, this gorge is tucked deep in the northern-central region of the state and is bound to make your celebration truly epic. This location has a lot of different directions you can go, so be sure to check for permits in any specific location (and remember, I’m here to help with this!).
Cherry Springs State Park
Known as one of the best star gazing locations in the entire world (!!!), Cherry Springs State Park has options for camping, glamping, and cabin rentals in one of the more remote, rustic, and magical state parks in the country. Best for very intimate gatherings, this is a great spot to rent a cabin for up to 6 guests and enjoy the quiet privacy of the mountains of Pennsylvania, with one of the best views of the Milky Way in the world. Take a look at their website and inquire about permit information here.
Bald Eagle State Park
Featuring a sandy, lakefront beach, a gorgeous skyline trail, and views over the Central PA mountains, Bald Eagle State Park is a perfect location not far off the beaten path, with plenty of versatile options for your elopement. They also have the Nature Inn, which is a full-service wedding venue that can be rented out on weekdays and weekends, alike. This park near State College is a fantastic spot for all kinds of elopements and weddings, no matter the level of adventure you’re looking for. Click here for more information on applying for permits.
Western Pennsylvania
There is untold and unmatched beauty in all the areas surrounding Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania. These forests and state parks feature even more waterfalls, idillic shorefront ceremony locations, and picturesque Appalachian foliage and scenery.
Note: All state parks require a permit for weddings and elopements.
Ohiopyle State Park
Waterfalls, rivers galore, and views for days (oh my!) – Ohiopyle State Park is a hidden gem along the west coast of Pennsylvania. Whether you opt to elope at an easily accessible overlook or trade in your fancy shoes for hiking boots to explore behind truly enchanting waterfalls, Ohiopyle is one of the ultimate adventurous locations in the state. Click here for more information on applying for permits.
Allegheny National Forest
Dreamy rivers, pockets of sunlight, and ethereal woods make up this dreamy national forest. If you are a lover of ferns, this is the place for you! Lush greenery and tree growth make this forest truly magical. There are also plenty of local lodges and campgrounds to house you and any guests you might bring along to celebrate with you. Take a look at the Forest Service Website to get information on any applicable permitting and day use fees.
Erie Bluffs State Park
With 40-foot beach bluffs overlooking the Great Lake, Erie Bluffs State Park offers a certain wow-factor. This park also offers cobble beaches as well as a sandy shorefront, so there is a wide variety of landscapes throughout this park – not to mention the tree lined paths. Find more information on the permit process here!
Presque Isle State Park
This Erie, Pennsylvania beach overlooks Lake Erie in its ocean-like glory. A wooded trail out to the coast offers the best of PA forests, running right out to the sandy beach. This is a perfect location for intimate weddings and seaside elopements, alike! This location would be ideal at dawn or dusk for the softest light. Take a look here for more information!
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Please look at the state website for a comprehensive list of Pennsylvania state park wedding locations, capacities, and permit information.
