Pennsylvania Elopements: The Best Locations in PA and How to Plan Your Perfect Day
- Carly D'Angelo-Hall
- Jan 8, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 6
Pennsylvania is my home state, and I may be biased but it is one of the most beautiful, underrated destinations for adventure!
Everyone recognizes the state for Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, and Pittsburgh, known as the city of bridges (or the city of champions if you're a Yinzer!), but there's adventure to be found in between.
The mountains of the Laurel Highlands and Poconos region offer breathtaking views for days (especially in autumn!), along with numerous waterfalls. The shores of Lake Erie boast sunsets that rival those of the West Coast! "The Wilds" of Pennsylvania feature ancient, cozy forests and wooded canyons, as well as the Allegheny National Forest. Lakes and rivers meander beautifully throughout the state—ideal for a post-wedding float!
While there are many stunning venues in the state that cater to micro-weddings and elopements, I chose to focus on locations that are adventurous. I also aimed to select places that might offer more privacy and won't be overrun with tourists, though opting for a weekday is probably the best way to ensure that!
Where to Elope in Pennsylvania
The locations I have listed below are parks or general areas, so you'll want to hire an elopement planner or a photographer who doubles as a guide (like me!) to help you find exact locations for your ceremony and portraits. They'll do the research and find what you need for you and your guests.
Northeast
The Northeastern part of Pennsylvania is famous for the stunning Pocono Mountains! For those in New York City, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, it's the perfect quick and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With numerous vacation homes, the area buzzes with activity on weekends all year round. However, this popularity means many breathtaking mountain views, serene lakes, and lush forests have been transformed into ski resorts and weekend neighborhoods, limiting the ideal spots for elopements. Plus, they can get very crowded during the summer and fall. That's why I enthusiastically recommend the parks below, as they offer a bit of distance from the most touristy spots, ensuring a more peaceful experience!
My Favorite Elopement Locations Include:
Worlds End State Park
Rickett's Glen State Park
Hickory Run State Park
Elopement Inspo
Southwestern Pennsylvania
For an adventurous elopement in Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands region is the ultimate destination! This hidden gem is less crowded than the Poconos, offering breathtaking scenic views, serene rivers and lakes, and tranquil forests perfect for your wedding day. Plus you'll find plenty of historical sites, cute walkable towns, breweries, wineries, and great dining options.
My Favorite Elopement Locations Include:
Ohiopyle State Park
Linn Run State Park
Laurel Summit State Park
Laurel Hill State Park
Elopement Inspo
Northwestern Pennsylvania
The Northwestern part of Pennsylvania is bursting with diverse scenery! You can explore stunning beaches, breathtaking mountain overlooks, ancient pine forests, and colossal boulders all within this region. While the Erie area buzzes with vacationers, the forest parks become increasingly serene and peaceful as you venture toward central PA.
My Favorite Elopement Locations
Presque Isle State Park
Allegheny National Forest
Cook Forest State Park
McConnell's Mill State Park
Elopement Inspo
Central Pennsylvania
If you're seeking a magical spot brimming with seclusion and wildlife, the heart of Pennsylvania is the ultimate destination for your elopement day! Imagine escaping to a place where there are no bustling cities—just charming small towns and cozy campgrounds. You'll be captivated by stunning overlooks, tree-lined canyons, and some of the most incredible stargazing experiences. Plus, you'll have the chance to encounter majestic elk herds, all within a compact area!
Raystown Lake
White Mountain Wild Area
Bucktail Overlook
Elk Country / Benezette
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Sinnamahoning State Park
Cherry Springs State Park
Please note: ALWAYS follow the guidelines of Leave No Trace when visiting these locations. We want to keep our lands accessible and beautiful for a long time to come!
How to Elope in Pennsylvania
Securing Location Permits
Get ready for an unforgettable elopement day by securing a permit with the park or preserve office where you'll be tying the knot! They will want to know how many guests will be celebrating with you, the time, and the exact spot in the park for your ceremony. There might be a permit fee involved, but often they're no more than $50 unless you're renting a structure for the day. Plus, they’ll fill you in on any restrictions regarding decorations or specific ceremony locations.
Also, your photographer and other vendors might need to secure a permit and provide their business insurance, so make sure your vendors are on it too!
Note: I do all of the permitting research and can help with the forms for couples who book with Wild North Weddings.
Making the Marriage "Legal"
There are two options to get your wedding ceremony officiated in Pennsylvania. First, you can hire someone like an ordained officiant, local mayor, or judge—basically anyone who can legally handle the ceremony. There’s usually a fee involved depending on who you choose.
The second option is to do it yourself with a self-uniting ceremony! In Pennsylvania, you can get a self-uniting wedding license, which just needs signatures from at least two witnesses. Just let the courthouse clerk know you want this type of license and mail it back afterward, just like any other marriage license. This way, you can say your own vows and even have your guests join in with readings or other traditions.
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Note: I'm an ordained minister as well and provide complimentary officiating services for my couples if they'd prefer! Additionally, I provide resources to my couples to help them build a great self-uniting ceremony if they go in that direction.
Dress For The Occasion
Pennsylvania experiences all four seasons, sometimes within a single day, and the weather can be quite unpredictable. Therefore, when planning your wedding day attire, it's wise to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised if the weather is favorable. Here are some tips for selecting the right outfit for your wedding day in PA:
Opt for comfortable footwear - a common mistake couples make is wearing dress shoes on their elopement day. If you desire stylish shoes, carry them in a bag to wear during the ceremony, but choose shoes with good traction for the rest of the day. Wear waterproof boots if it’s going to snow or if it has been raining. If you'll be near water, bring water sandals. Going barefoot is an option, but be cautious as rocks can be slippery, and hidden hazards like glass or fishing hooks might be present.
If wearing a dress, consider bike shorts or leggings underneath. Leggings will keep your legs warm in winter, and a skin-tone pair will be discreet in photos. In the summer heat, bike shorts will prevent chafing during long walks.
When selecting a dress, ensure the material under your arms won't cause irritation over time. If it does, address this during alterations.
Regarding alterations, have a wide ribbon loop installed under your dress skirt to easily manage the train. Dresses may include a small loop, but a wide ribbon is more comfortable around your wrist and offers better control when customized.
If marrying in summer and wearing a long-sleeved shirt, consider bringing a second one in case you sweat through the first.
If marrying in cooler months, bring a proper winter coat and gloves, regardless of how they match your outfit. Never underestimate the cold when outdoors for extended periods, especially with the wind.
Plan Some Fun Into Your Wedding Day!
Elopement days aren't just for getting married! It's about sharing a new, exciting experience together. Planning a fun activity into the timeline will help make new memories together and add to the story of your wedding day. A few ideas for you to consider...
Brunch together or with your guests
Kayaking or River Tubing
Spend the morning at the spa
Hike for a sunrise or sunset view
Visit a brewery or winery
A luxury picnic
A UTV adventure
Rock climbing
An evening dance in front of the campfire
Dinner cooked at your rental by a private chef
A horseback ride
A pub crawl
Snowtubing
Ziplining
A boat ride
Ready to begin planning your dream wedding?
I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:
✓ Location Scouting & Research
✓ Vendor Recommendations
✓ Customized Timeline Building
✓ Activity Recommendations
✓ Assistance with Permits
✓ An exclusive elopement planning guide
If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!
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