Hocking Hills has become one of the most popular wedding destinations in the Midwest. Thousands of couples say "I do" here every year — beneath the overhang of Ash Cave, beside the cascade of Cedar Falls, or on the private grounds of a cabin rental that serves as both venue and honeymoon suite. Here's how to plan it.
Getting Married in the State Park
You can hold a wedding ceremony at Hocking Hills State Park locations including Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Old Man's Cave, and Cantwell Cliffs. A Special Activity Permit is required. Apply by calling the park office at (740) 385-6842, extension 250 during business hours, or write to: Hocking Hills State Park, 19852 State Route 664 S, Logan, Ohio 43138.
There is a minimal fee for the permit. Have a few dates in mind when you apply, as your first choice may be unavailable. The permit may take up to two days to process.
Important: The park does not close for weddings. Trails remain open and hikers will pass through during your ceremony. The one-way trail system means your wedding party must follow the loop like everyone else. Plan for an audience of strangers, and embrace it — most hikers are charmed by a waterfall wedding.
Ash Cave is the most popular state park wedding location. The massive recess cave provides natural shelter (useful for unpredictable weather), dramatic acoustics, and a seasonal waterfall as a backdrop. The paved, wheelchair-accessible trail makes it logistically easy for guests of all abilities.
Cedar Falls offers a waterfall wedding with the park's most photogenic cascade. Old Man's Cave provides multiple scenic spots along the gorge. Cantwell Cliffs is more remote and less crowded but more physically demanding for guests.
Marriage License
Ohio residents must apply for a marriage license in the county where they live. Out-of-state couples getting married in Ohio must apply in the county where the ceremony takes place — that's the Hocking County Probate Court at 1 East Main Street, Logan, OH 43138. Both parties must appear in person with valid ID (driver's license or passport) and proof of social security number. There is no waiting period in Ohio.
Officiants
The Traveling Chapel, established in 2005, is the original traveling wedding business in Hocking Hills. Owners Derek and Lisa Mills have performed over 1,000 Hocking Hills weddings. They offer elopement packages starting at their private gazebo, with options for park ceremonies and honeymoon cabin packages. Photography included in most packages. Contact: (740) 385-1687.
At Boulder's Edge has officiated thousands of weddings with packages designed for elopements, vow renewals, and small ceremonies. Reverend Frank Marteney is available on-site or will travel to your chosen location for $175.
Hocking Hills Cabins offers complete elopement packages that handle all the details — officiant, photography, and honeymoon cabin — so you can focus on the moment.
Wedding Venues
Beyond the state park, the region has a growing number of purpose-built wedding venues:
Cherry Ridge Retreat specializes in luxury intimate weddings and elopements with a private setting in the hills. Heart of the Country Event Barn in Rockbridge accommodates up to 300 guests with on-site lodging. Above the Brewery 33 is an event space above the brewery, accommodating up to 100 guests with craft beer flowing downstairs. Valley View Cabins operates as both a lodging provider and a wedding venue with the Hocking Hills Wedding Chapel on-site. Raven's Retreat offers adults-only elopement and vow renewal packages on its 58-acre private preserve.
Glenlaurel's Scottish Inn provides an upscale setting for intimate ceremonies with their signature multi-course dining as the reception meal. Ravenwood Castle offers medieval-themed wedding experiences.
Seasonal Considerations
Fall (October): The most dramatic backdrop — peak foliage framing your ceremony. Also the most crowded and most expensive season. Book venue, cabin, and officiant 6-12 months ahead.
Spring (April-May): Wildflowers, flowing waterfalls, and mild temperatures. More affordable than fall. Some rain risk — have a backup plan or choose Ash Cave for natural shelter.
Summer: Lush green canopy and long days. Hot and humid — early morning or evening ceremonies work best. Peak tourist season means more trail traffic during park ceremonies.
Winter: Frozen waterfalls create an otherworldly backdrop. Fewest crowds and lowest prices. Cold — dress accordingly, keep ceremonies short, and warm up in a hot tub afterward.
Planning Essentials
Flowers: Darlene's Flowers is a family-owned operation serving the Hocking Hills area. Cake: Country Lane Cakes creates custom, one-of-a-kind cakes by order only. Photography: Multiple Hocking Hills wedding photographers specialize in park ceremonies — Captured Photography and others are listed through the Hocking Hills Tourism Association.
For guest lodging, several cabin companies have multiple properties on shared acreage, making it possible to rent a cluster of cabins for your wedding party. Bourbon Ridge Retreat has 2 cabins and 3 lodges all on the same property with pools.
Elopement tip: A weekday sunrise ceremony at Ash Cave or Cedar Falls — just the two of you, an officiant, and a photographer — can be arranged for well under $1,000 total and will be one of the most magical hours of your life.
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