First things first, CHEERS TO YOU FRIEND! I am so happy that you’re journeying into an elopement for your day. You’re saying goodbye to the traditions and doing this the way that YOU want. Eloping in Cincinnati doesn’t have to be a stressful task. You’re skipping the traditional wedding vibe for a reason, right?! Let me take some of the stress off of you and guide you through the elopement process. If your gut has been telling you, “just effing elope” – you’re in the right place. Let’s plan your dream Cincinnati elopement.
WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF “ELOPING”?
According to Merriam Webster, ‘elope’ has historically meant “to run away secretly with the intention of getting married usually without parental consent.” But it has also meant—and still means—”to escape.”
An elopement to me is truly not defined. Eloping could be going to the courthouse in Cincinnati with your love and the judge, getting a private cabin in Hocking Hills and reading private vows in the Cantwell Cliffs or doing full after party style and bar hopping through OTR. Eloping is skipping the pressure of big weddings and doing something that expresses your true love story in whatever way that looks like to you and your partner.
HOW DO I ELOPE IN CINCINNATI?
- The fee for the license is $75.00. Cash or credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover) are accepted. Checks are not accepted. There is an additional fee when paying with a Credit Card: See Credit Card Fees.
- Each applicant must each have a government issued photo ID (i.e., Driver’s License, State ID, passport, VISA, etc.).
- Ohio residents wanting to marry in Ohio, must apply in the county where they reside. Out of state residents getting married in Ohio, must apply in the county in which they are getting married. Ohio residents getting married in another state or country, must apply in the state or country in which they are getting married.
- The couple must get married within 60 days of our issuing the license. While there is no blood testing or waiting period, the license does expire 60 days after issuance.
- Want to do part of the process online instead? BEGIN APPLICATION
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ELOPE IN CINCINNATI?
Elopements can cost a lot less than traditional weddings depending on your location and what all you want to include for the big day! I have photographed elopements that cost only $400 to some that are over $5,000. The average cost of an elopement is $500-$3,000.
DO I NEED AN OFFICIANT TO ELOPE IN CINCINNATI?
Yes, you do! Your bestie, your family friend, your grandma or an officiate you find through the world wide web can marry you! You can honestly have whoever you want officiate your elopement but they definitely need a license first.
From the Hamilton County Probate Court: Not just anyone can perform a marriage ceremony in the state of Ohio. Marriages are to be performed by an Ordained Minister of any religious society or congregation within the state licensed to perform marriages; the Probate Court Judge or any other Judge appointed as a Probate Judge; a Judge of a Municipal Court; the Mayor of a municipal corporation in any county in which such municipal corporation wholly or partly lies, the Superintendent of the State School for the Deaf; or any religious society, in conformity with the rules and regulations of its church.
WHAT TIME OF YEAR SHOULD I ELOPE IN CINCINNATI?
The best time to elope in Cincinnati is the Fall or Spring. Weather in Ohio is quite unpredictable but even with a little rain on your day, it can be just as amazing – bring on the umbrellas and champagne! If you’re wanting a full winter elopement, snowfall is never quite guaranteed in Cincinnati. Summers in Cincinnati can be hot but if you elope at the courthouse and then head to an ice cream shop after – you’ll be doing it right.
WHERE CAN I ELOPE IN CINCINNATI?
*perfect for micro weddings and elopements with other 15 people.
Mt. Airy Forest Treehouse or Arboretum
Locust + Vine Studios (Indoor Elopement Location)
Private Airbnb
ARE THERE ELOPEMENT VENDORS IN CINCINNATI?
Yes there are! If you are looking for the greatest wedding vendors to help you with your elopement, I’ve got the list for you.
PHOTOGRAPHER –
RENTALS & DECOR –
FLORISTS –
HAIR & MAKEUP –
DESSERTS –
WHY SHOULD I ELOPE IN CINCINNATI?
Cincinnati has a charm unlike any other city. Whether you want the downtown, urban and city vibes or the wooded, lush forests – you can find it all here. As I’ve photographed elopements throughout Cincinnati, I’ve noticed that none of my clients regret their decision. Instead of the typical wedding day talk of “Ugh, my mom is annoying me” or “I wish I would have just eloped”. The couples are able to relax their shoulders, eat whatever in the fuck they want and create a day that truly matches their vibe.
Cincinnati is a great place for your elopement and don’t even get me started on the bomb a** food in this city. If you’ve made it to the end of this blog, that means that you’re probably a die hard for the elopement vibe and that makes me so happy! It means that your heart is drawn towards eloping and you should embrace all of that. I promise that eloping is SO worth it.
“I cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Savannah…
“Our wedding was a last minute elopement and we were lucky enough to book her, yet there was no sense of stress or rush from her at all. Her system was so streamlined from payment to the delivery of the photos. I knew I loved her photography style already and the photos are so special. I also can’t believe how fast we got them. Having some polaroids to take home was such a nice touch. Not to mention she’s just lovely, and made us feel so beautiful and really cared about our love story on our special day.“
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