Hocking Hills is one of my all time favorite places to photograph couples declaring their commitment to each other. Nestled within the stunning natural beauty of the hills of central Ohio, Hocking Hills offers an enchanting backdrop for intimate ceremonies and unforgettable moments. As a wedding photographer specializing in elopements, I understand the importance of creating a seamless timeline to ensure every moment is captured effortlessly. Whether you opt for a 2-hour whirlwind or a full-day adventure, here’s how to plan your dream elopement timeline in Hocking Hills.
No matter what timeline you choose, I highly recommend getting an early start to your day or saving the important moments until closer to sunset. At Hocking Hills, the cliffs and caves provide a decent amount of cover from harsh sun, but even in the deep canyons, midday sun can be quite harsh. I’m happy to provide insight from my many hikes and shoots on the trails of this beautiful Ohio state park.
2-Hour Hocking Hills Elopement Timeline:
- Meet at trailhead, hike to ceremony location (20 minutes)
- Ceremony (20 minutes): Exchange vows amidst the serene beauty of Hocking Hills. Choose a scenic spot like Ash Cave or Old Man’s Cave for an intimate ceremony.
- Portraits (30 minutes): Capture the magic of your love with stunning portraits against the backdrop of lush forests and majestic waterfalls.
- Celebratory Toast (10 minutes): Raise a glass to your new journey with a private toast in the heart of nature.
- Hike back to trailhead (20 minutes)
5-Hour Hocking Hills Elopement Timeline:
- Getting ready at the cabin (1 hour): begin our day together capturing intimate moments while you prepare your clothing, your hair, and your makeup together
- Travel to the ceremony location (20 minutes)
- Hike with time for portraits along the way (20 minutes): the relaxed pace allows us to create beautiful memories along the way
- Ceremony (20 minutes): a heartfelt ceremony at your chosen location, exchange rings and say your private vows
- Hike back to the car, travel to second portrait location (30 minutes)
- Hike to a Scenic Waterfall (2 hours): Embark on a picturesque hike to discover hidden waterfalls and secret gorges, capturing candid moments along the way.
- Picnic in the Woods (30 minutes): Indulge in a romantic picnic amidst the tranquility of the forest, savoring each moment together.
8-Hour Elopement Timeline:
- Sunrise Session at the Cabin (30 minutes): Start your day with an intimate photo session to embrace the soft, golden light of dawn.
- Getting ready and breakfast (2 hours): plenty of time for a relaxed pace and some delicious snacks
- Travel time (20 minutes)
- Hike to a Scenic Waterfall (2 hours): Immerse yourselves in nature’s splendor with a leisurely hike to a stunning waterfall, pausing to capture spontaneous moments along the trail. I recommend at least 2 hours to experience the Old Man’s Cave area
- Picnic in the Woods (1 hour): Enjoy a delightful picnic amidst the beauty of Hocking Hills, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature.
- Ceremony in a private wooded location (30 minutes): exchange your vows among a secret grove of tall cedars – this magical spot is not frequented by many hikers and is the perfect spot for those who wish to keep their vows very private.
- Travel time (20 minutes)
- Sexy hot tub session at the cabin (30 minutes):
- Dinner at the Cabin, cake cutting (1 hour 30 minutes): Retreat to a cozy cabin for a private dinner, relishing in the intimacy of your newlywed bliss.
No matter the duration, your elopement in Hocking Hills promises to be a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. As your dedicated wedding photographer, I’m here to capture every smile, every tear, and every cherished memory, ensuring your love story is preserved for a lifetime. Let’s embark on this magical journey together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
