How and Where to Elope in Pennsylvania
How and Where to Elope in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a state full of underrated natural beauty. It is home to an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, and versatile scenery. Add to it the self-uniting marriage laws and it makes for the perfect place to elope.
However, while elopements are not as tricky as big wedding celebrations, they still need some intentional planning. You still need to think about a few main details so everything goes smoothly. Along with the legal requirements, there are elements that will make your day unique and memorable.
In this blog, I have covered all elopement essentials, so you can plan everything with ease, from legally getting married to some of my favorite locations. I have included recommendations to help you get started planning an authentic celebration like you have always dreamed of. You can use this as a starting point but if you find you want more one-on-one help, simply reach out and we can get started helping you plan the best day yet!
Where to Elope in Pennsylvania
When it comes to wedding locations in Pennsylvania, we have so many beautiful areas to choose from. Each region has unique features, so coming to a decision might be overwhelming. To make choosing a location slightly easier, I have listed some of the most elopement friendly locations in each region.
Western PA Elopement Locations
The western side of Pennsylvania is perfect for couples looking for natural scenery that is within driving distance of Pittsburgh or Erie. The scenic locations in this area are abundant, with diverse landscapes. From open fields, mountain ridges, old growth forests and waterfalls, there is a bit of everything.
Most of these parks are less crowded during the week than other Pennsylvania regions. Therefore, you can easily have an intimate ceremony and commemorate your day privately.
Ohiopyle State Park
Linn Run State Park
Laurel Summit State Park
Bear Run Nature Reserve
McConnell's Mill State Park
Presque Isle State Park
Moraine State Park
Allegheny National Forest
Cook Forest State Park
Eastern PA Locations
Couples who decide to elope in this part of Pennsylvania not only love the scenery but also the convenience it offers. Those seeking tranquility from bustling cities such as Philadelphia can find peace in the Pennsylvanian mountains. The Pocono Mountains offer some really stunning views and make for the perfect getaway for an elopement.
The Eastern part of PA is full of vacation rentals where you can conveniently plan your elopement. However, you should keep in mind that these areas can get crowded because of their proximity to Washington DC and Philadelphia. Even though there are many secluded spots, crowds might be inevitable if you plan to elope in the peak season.
Worlds End State Park
Rickett's Glen State Park
Delaware Water Gap
Hickory Run State Park
Jim Thorpe - 100 Mile View
Poconos
The White Cliffs of Conoy
Central PA Locations
The central region of Pennsylvania might be ideal for you if you are determined to find a location with the ultimate privacy and solitude. There are no major cities around the central PA region. This area is famous for its rich wildlife and serene environment. You will find an abundance of overlooks, canyons, and even herds of elk in some areas.
Raystown Lake
White Mountain Wild Area
Bucktail Overlook (Top of the World)
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
Cherry Springs State Park / Elk County
Rothrock State Forest
Once you have narrowed down a general region and a park or two that interests you, that’s where I come in. I help couples find the best spots in the area they are hoping to elope in. Including trails, overlooks, accommodations, things to do and more. I factor in all of your location wish list items, drive times, amenities, scenery, accessibility and so much more when doing location research for couples. We truly build your ideal day within the region that you have chosen!
How to Plan an Elopement
As I mentioned previously, elopements might not be big events, but they still require careful, intentional planning. Even if you have envisioned a small union with only the two of you, you still need to follow particular steps to ensure your celebration turns out as you imagined. However, if you have the right guidelines and vendors, figuring out how to plan an elopement might not be such a challenging task!
Besides being the photographer, I like to play a bigger role for my couples. Along with capturing candid moments between two people in love, I strive to help during the planning process. I want to help as much as possible so they get the day they deserve.
I have included several steps you need to consider in your planning process, that way you will be prepared for everything that comes your way.
Get Location Permits
Once you decide where to elope in Pennsylvania, it is necessary to figure out what kind of permits you will need. Whether you opt for a natural preserve or a state park for your location, you will need to get the permits to make your special day possible.
Before you ask for a permit, you will need to know the exact number of people that will attend your celebration as well as the time of the ceremony. Some spots in Pennsylvania might require some kind of fee while others will allow you to get married for free.
Moreover, do not forget to ask about specific restrictions. It is no rarity for natural parks and reserves to have strict regulations about decor or other special elements you may want to include. Some places in Pennsylvania will also ask for your photographer to submit some business forms, so have everything prepared in advance.
I can assist will all of this, and often do the research needed for couples eloping in an area where a permit is required.
Legal Marriage Requirements
If you decide to elope in Pennsylvania, you should know that you can pick from two options to do so. One of them is the classic one, i.e., you can get an ordained officiant, judge, or local mayor to marry you and conduct the ceremony.
Another way is to opt for a self-uniting ceremony. This may seem strange, but Pennsylvania is one of the few US states that allows self-uniting marriages. If you do not want to have anyone else present besides your close friends and family, you can choose this alternative. You will just need to go to the courthouse and ask for a self-uniting license, which will be emailed to you. You will also need two witnesses for the event to be executed legally.
Once you have the license, you can conduct your union any way you want and put your signatures on it. This is a perfect option for couples who want to elope in Pennsylvania. I can always help you arrange all the details about this kind of event so you do not feel lost about what you are supposed to do.
Choose The Right Attire
The weather in PA can change several times in one day, so be prepared for different kinds of conditions. Also, if you decide to elope in natural surroundings, your attire needs to be adequate. That way, you can feel comfortable throughout the entire day.
The first thing you need to determine is footwear. You will need comfortable shoes with good tread. Also, keep in mind not to wear nice shoes as they are not suitable for natural surroundings! If you need your shoes to complement your entire look, then you can pack them in a bag and put them on for the photos specifically.
If you decide to elope in Pennsylvania in the colder months, you should definitely get a coat or several layers. If you decide on a long gown, you should put on leggings or thick thighs to protect your legs. They will not be visible under your dress, so you do not have to worry about that.
Consider Adding an Activity or Two for an Unique Elopement Experience
A romantic ceremony with a natural background will make your elopement special. However, you can make it even more unique if you plan some activities to elevate the overall experience of your special day. You will be able to commemorate your union authentically and have an memorable shared experience.
Pennsylvania offers conditions for an abundance of activities, so you can easily find the ones that suit you best. Here are some suggestions to spark your inspiration and creativity:
Spa Treatments Before The Ceremony: The perfect way to relax and connect together before the start of your elopement day.
A Sophisticated Picnic: You can pick a dreamy location with breathtaking views and enjoy fine beverages and good food (there are companies you can book that will set this up for you!)
Dinner Cooked by a Private Chef: Your elopement is the ideal occasion to do something out of the norm and elevated, and hiring a chef to cook for you is the ultimate luxurious experience.
Horseback Riding: Not into hiking far, why not explore the natural surroundings while on horseback?
Ziplining: If you want to get really adventurous, then ziplining is the ideal activity for you and your partner.
Brewery Crawl: Enjoying locals ales in different locations is a venture that many people can take part in. And, if you are with a bigger group, this might be a fun alternative to a reception.
A few other activity ideas include -
Hiking
Sightseeing
Taking a motorcycle ride
Soaking in a hot tub
Doing yoga together
Canoes or Kayaks
Fishing
Snowmobiling
Skiing (downhill or cross-country)
Ice Skating
Stargazing
Cozying up next to a campfire
First dance by firelight
Include your dog(s)
Choosing to elope in Pennsylvania can be an experience of a lifetime as long as you plan it properly. With the right guidance and one on one help, you will go through your planning process easily and will avoid feeling overwhelmed. The planning process should be just as exciting as the actual elopement, so make sure you enjoy this part as well! Was this post helpful? Couples who work with me get even more in depth tips and tricks when it comes to planning their elopement, thanks to my comprehensive elopement guide, exclusive for our couples!
Ready to elope but don't know where to get started? Hi, I’m Liz, I specialize in Pennsylvania elopement photography and planning. I help couples create an elopement day that’s intentional and stress-free by offering a supportive, knowledgeable and kind experience that includes vendor and location research, a comprehensive elopement guide and custom timeline curation, ensuring couples get beautiful photos while having an incredible time.