Pennsylvania, with its stunning blend of rustic charm and natural beauty, offers the perfect backdrop for an elopement. From the rolling hills and lush forests to the serene riversides, cities, and historic towns- the state’s diverse terrain offers a variety of scenery for you to choose from if you want to tie the knot in PA. Read along to get some insight on how to Elope in Pennsylvania.
Best Places to Elope in Pennsylvania
First things first, you are considering going all in on eloping in Pennsylvania- but where? With PA being a rather large state you certainly have options… But I have broken this down into sections for you on some really great options. Most of these locations I have personally been to and are amazing contenders for your elopement!
Western PA
McConnell’s Mill State Park
Moraine State Park
Presque Isle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park
The city of Pittsburgh
North Central PA (The PA Wilds)
Allegheny National Forest
Cook Forest State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park
Kinzua Bridge State Park
PA Grand Canyon
Bald Eagle State Park
World’s End State Park
South Central PA
Shawnee State Park
Eastern PA
Hickory Run State Park
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Rickett’s Glen State Park
Best Time of Year to Elope in PA
The best time of year to elope in Pennsylvania is truly anytime! But there are pros and cons to each season. In PA we are lucky to be able to experience all 4 seasons with such beauty. In my personal opinion, spring and fall are the best times!
Pennsylvania Spring elopement:
The trees and flowers are all starting to turn green again!
The weather is comfortable, not too hot and not too cold
Pennsylvania Fall elopement:
The fall foliage is immaculate! And so beautiful to view.
The weather is also comfortable. Not too hot and not too cold.
Where to Stay for your Pennsylvania Elopement
After choosing your date and location- all of the little details to planning begin. One of the details is lodging! Where you will stay for your elopement will be important. As your elopement photographer and planning expert, I help guide each of my couples with recommendations. I do research and will offer recommendations based on your hopes and vision.
Some couples opt to rent out an AirBNB, VRBO, or cabin. Pennsylvania has some stellar options on AirBNB and VRBO for rentals that offer a great homebase and vibe for your elopement.
Getting Your Marriage License in Pennsylvania
Great news! PA is a super easy state to get married and elope in, because we have 2 types of marriage licenses. One is the ‘self-uniting’ and the other is ‘traditional’. For the self-uniting, you do not need an officiant and the ceremony can be totally tailored to however you envision. A lot of eloping couples opt to go this route because of the flexibility that it offers. However, if something more traditional feels true to you, that is an option as well.
How to get your marriage license in PA?
How to get your marriage license will depend on which county you are getting it in. If you get your marriage license in one county, but would like to get married in another, that is totally okay! You can use your marriage license in any county in Pennsylvania. There is a 72 hour waiting period to get married once you receive your license, and it also expires 60 days from the date it is issued. So this is something to consider as well.
Pennsylvania Elopement Packages
Hi there! I’m Lindsay, your Pennsylvania Elopement Photographer. I travel all over the US documenting elopements and helping couples plan out their dream day. Pennsylvania is my home state and helping couples elope here is truly close to my heart. I have photographed love in all kinds of places, but truly the Pennsylvania is one of my most favorite.
Ready to elope in Pennsylvania?
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