How Do I Plan an Elopement in Pennsylvania?

Eloping in Pennsylvania offers a unique and intimate way to celebrate your love story. From breathtaking natural landscapes to charming historical venues, the Keystone State is the perfect backdrop for a memorable elopement.

As experienced elopement photographers, we not only document your special day but also assist with planning to make your dream elopement a reality.

Let’s take time now to explore eloping in PA and all the things you should know to make your dream a reality!

Elopement Planning Made Simple

Planning an elopement in Pennsylvania begins with envisioning the type of experience you want, choosing a location that reflects your relationship, understanding marriage license requirements, hiring the necessary vendors for your day.

Whether you want a short, simple ceremony or an all-day adventure, elopements offer unparalleled flexibility to celebrate your love in a way that feels authentic to you.

Why Choose to Elope?

Eloping offers couples the freedom to create a wedding day that is entirely their own.

Unlike traditional weddings, elopements strip away the stress of extensive guest lists, rigid timelines, and overwhelming logistics.

As wedding and elopement photographers, we actually love both the big events and the small, intimate ones – and it really comes down to your personal preference which one you end up going with. A lot of times, eloping will be attractive especially if you are more reserved types and don’t care to be the center of attention in a larger wedding event…

Couples choose to elope for various reasons:

Focus on Intimacy: It’s about the two of you and your love story, without the distractions of a large event. Some elopements you may also choose to bring some friends or family along, their is a range of flexibility here and it comes down to getting clear on what you are wanting!.
Flexibility and Freedom: With fewer constraints, you can exchange vows anywhere—from a mountaintop to your favorite city park. This flexibility is at it’s max when it’s just the two of you, with additional guests in tow you may have more restrictions due to permits and other requirements (but more on that later!).
Budget-Friendly: Elopements can be more affordable, allowing you to prioritize what truly matters to you, whether that’s a stunning location or an incredible photographer. In the USA, the average wedding costs $30,000+ and we have personally photographed weddings well into the six figures. By eliminating a lot of costs associated with a wedding you can save quite a bit, and put the money you do want to spend into higher quality vendors to work with.
Stress Reduction: Planning a traditional wedding can feel overwhelming. Elopements are often simpler and more manageable, ensuring a joyful experience that is uniquely your own!

Why We Love Elopements as Photographers

Elopements allow us to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of your relationship. Without the tight schedules and large crowds of traditional weddings, elopements give us time and space to document your love story authentically in ways that can’t always be done with a crowded timeline schedule.

We love that every elopement is unique—there’s no template or expectation to follow. Whether it’s a quiet sunrise hike to your ceremony spot or an afternoon spent exploring scenic locations for portraits, elopements give us the creative freedom to craft imagery that’s as personal and meaningful as your day.

The Most Custom Version of a Wedding

If your in the pursuit of having a unique wedding experience, eloping is the way to go about it…

Elopements offer the ultimate flexibility to design a day that reflects who you are as a couple. With minimal restraints, you can incorporate elements that might be impossible in a traditional wedding setting. Want to hike to a secluded spot? Host a cozy picnic with your closest family? Or exchange vows under the stars? Elopements allow you to do it all.

By eloping in Pennsylvania, you are also taking this deeper. With a surge in popularity in elopements since 2020, many people are drawn to major tourists destinations around the world to elope like the Colorado Rockies and Iceland (to name a few), and while beautiful, it’s worth making note of just how beautiful PA is in it’s own right – and eloping close to home has never been easier or more worthwhile!

Elopement Planning in PA – Things to Consider

Choose Your Elopement Location

Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes and charming towns make it an ideal place to elope. We have photographed elopements all over the state every where from secluded AirBNBs in the woods to state and national parks to even elopements in more seemingly traditional venues.

Here’s a breakdown of regions and their standout locations:

Eastern Pennsylvania
- Pocono Mountains: Known for its lush forests and waterfalls, places like Bushkill Falls or Hickory Run State Park offer beautiful natural backdrops.
- Promise Ridge: A venue specifically designed for elopements and micro-weddings, featuring breathtaking views of the mountains.
Central Pennsylvania
- Ricketts Glen State Park: Famous for its cascading waterfalls and serene hiking trails.
- State College: Combines charming countryside with vibrant small-town charm.
Western Pennsylvania
- Ohiopyle State Park: Perfect for adventurous couples who love kayaking, hiking, or waterfalls.
- Fallingwater: A unique architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright, surrounded by natural beauty.
Urban Settings
- Philadelphia: Elopements in the city can include iconic locations like Fairmount Park, the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, or charming Old City streets.
- Pittsburgh: Stunning city views from Mount Washington or Point State Park for an urban yet intimate vibe.

Elopement and Micro-Wedding Venues

Pennsylvania also has a range of venues specifically designed for intimate celebrations including:

Promise Ridge: A popular spot for couples seeking a romantic and nature-inspired setting.
The Ledges Hotel: A unique hotel in Hawley, PA with a cool waterfall backdrop.
The Farm Bakery and Events: Combines rustic charm with a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
Hickory Run Chapel: A small, picturesque chapel in the woods, perfect for elopements. This is an incredibly popular location to elope and one we are at frequently!

Want more ideas for where to elope in PA? Get in touch to learn more about how we can help you plan and document your elopement wedding!

Securing Permits for Your Elopement Location

If you’re planning an elopement, you should know that some locations will require permits.

Permits are typically (but not always) going to be required for elopements held on private property, on state/federal lands, and may also be needed (or not) depending on the number of people that will be involved.

In some circumstances, you may need a permit for the wedding itself, the photography, or both.

Getting permits is not particularly difficult but you may need to do some additional research or make calls as this information is not always posted publicly online. Key things to do:

Research the venue’s specific rules and regulations.
Apply for permits early, as they can take time to process.
Consider restrictions on group size, decorations, and other elements.

When working with us as your elopement photographers in Pennsylvania, we’re happy to assist in determining if permits are needed for your chosen location and guide you through the process.

Add Unique Experiences to Your Elopement Day

As we’ve talked about throughout this post, elopements can look many different ways. Think about the things that could make your elopement, the celebration of your marriage, that much more special. Things that will help you stay present in the moment and fall in love with your unique vision for your wedding, and things that will be fun to reflect back on in the years to come as you look back on the photos from your day.

Make your elopement more memorable by incorporating activities that you both love.

Here are just a few examples to get you started…

Picnics: Share a private meal with stunning views.
Adventure Activities: Hike to a scenic overlook, kayak a quiet lake, or even horseback ride.
Personal Touches: Exchange heartfelt letters, cook breakfast together, or include your pet in the celebration.
Starry Nights: Plan your ceremony for sunset and stargaze together to end your day.

Adding these elements allows you to make your wedding day an unforgettable experience!!

Wedding Officiation Options

Pennsylvania gives couples unique options when it comes to officiating their wedding.

Hire an Officiant: Many professional officiants specialize in creating personalized, meaningful ceremonies. This could be a church pastor or someone without a religious background – officiants like these are common both for elopements and traditional weddings.
Self-Uniting Marriage License: Unique to Pennsylvania, this option allows you to marry without an officiant. Perfect for couples who want an intimate, self-led ceremony.

For detailed steps on obtaining and using a self-uniting license, check out our Self-Uniting Marriage License Guide.

Weddings/Elopements