So, you’ve got the partner, and you’ve got the ring. Now, it’s time to iron out the rest of your wedding details! If you are the type of person who prefers intimate ceremonies over sprawling celebrations, the first step is to find out where you want to host your elopement. If you’ve ever considered hosting it right here in Pennsylvania, I’m here to tell you everything you need to know! As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I love working alongside couples to help them document their adventure. Here’s my ultimate guide for eloping in Pennsylvania!
Your Ultimate Guide To Eloping In Pennsylvania
When You Should Elope in Pennsylvania & How to Pick Your Date
Early on in the planning process, you’ll want to nail down a date. If you want an outdoor wedding, this is going to come down to the weather. As with most spots across the North East, we tend to experience every season to the fullest. Throughout the winter, you can expect snow and freezing temps while the summer tends to simmer. The weather is most reliable (and pleasant!) May-June and September-October, making those months ideal for an outdoor shindig.
Because those months are so nice, that also means you’ll be planning your elopement during a wedding high season, giving you more competition when it comes to finding vendors. If you are planning an indoor wedding, you can avoid this by planning during a low season. You can also plan a weekday wedding or a morning wedding to ensure more access to the vendors you want! Often times, there are vendors and venues that solely serve couples looking to elope or have a very small celebration.
PA Elopement Locations
Now comes the fun part: picking the perfect location in Pennsylvania for eloping! We have both lush countryside and bustling cities all across the state, giving you the ideal place, no matter what you have in mind for your celebration!
For those who want a nature-filled wedding, there are so many great options! Here are my faves:
- Pine Creek Gorge: Also known as the PA Grand Canyon, this North Central Pennsylvania site spans over 45 miles with some of the best views in the state. During the fall, you can get vivid colors of nearly every hue!
- Hickory Run State Park: Out in the Poconos, this area gives you over 40 miles of trails that take you past deep forests, rushing waterfalls, and stone-filled beaches.
- Jacobsburg State Park: This Northampton County spot feels so classically Pennsylvanian. With colonial buildings and towering trees, it combines history with nature in an unforgettable way. You can even rent one of the buildings to use throughout your celebration!
- Ricketts Glen State Park: Located in central Pennsylvania, this spot is going to require a bit of hiking. If you’re up for an adventure, you’ll be able to pick from 22 waterfalls for your backdrop!
If you would prefer eloping in something a little more urban, you can choose between a number of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, locations. Here are a few to consider:
- Philadelphia:
- Philadelphia Magic Gardens: This eclectic and colorful spot is perfect for the creative couple!
- Osteria: With floor-to-ceiling windows and decadent food, this restaurant will ensure your wedding is a dream!
- Race Street Pier: This waterfront space is ideal for sunset ceremonies!
- Pittsburgh:
- Phipps Conservatory: The elopement packages at this garden are nearly as incredible as their flowers!
- Allegheny County Courthouse: This historic building gives you the best architecture in town!
- Gateway Clipper Fleet: With this fleet of vessels, you can get married on the deck as the streets of Pittsburgh shine in the distance.
How to Get a Pennsylvania Marriage License
Once you have all the details ironed out, it’s time to apply for a marriage license. Both residents and non-residents who are eloping are able to file to get married in Pennsylvania. Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: You will be able to apply for your license in any Pennsylvania county through either the Clerk of Orphans’ Court or the Register of Wills’ office.
- What to bring: Both you and your spouse will need to bring along a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or a passport. You will also need your Social Security number.
- Cost: Depending on the county, you can expect to pay $30-$100.
- When to Apply: The state suggests that you apply for your license around 6 weeks before your elopement. There will be a mandatory 3-day waiting period before you can tie the knot, and the license will expire 60 days after the issuance date.
When it comes to your actual ceremony, Pennsylvania gives you the ability to choose between using an officiant and self-solemnizing. If you choose the latter category, you will need two witnesses to sign your marriage license.
What to Wear
When eloping in Pennsylvania, you’ll have tons of freedom to wear whatever the heck you want! From adorable vintage dresses to colorful floor-length gowns, this is your time to buck the tradition. The one thing I would suggest is to heavily consider where you’re tying the knot. After all, who wants to hike two miles in designer heels? Either wear comfortable clothing or bring a pop-up tent so you can have a convenient dressing room once you reach your destination!
How Much Does An Elopement Cost?
The thing about an elopement is that you can make it as budget-friendly as you’d like. Some couples choose to have a cheaper wedding followed by an epic honeymoon. Others prefer to go all out for a truly legendary party with all their closest friends. On average, most state-side elopements cost anywhere between $4000 and $18000.
When you are budgeting, make sure you account for the following costs:
- Attire
- Transportation
- Lodging
- Food
- Flowers
- Location
- License fee
- Activities and experiences
- Photography
Hiring a Pennsylvania Elopement Photographer
While there are a lot of ways to cut costs for your wedding, I always recommend spending a little more money on photography, and I promise, that’s not my bias speaking! Think of it this way: when you elope, you are choosing an experience over a fancy schmancy ceremony. Your photographer is going to be your plus one, traveling from location to location and capturing every second so you don’t have to miss a single moment. As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I have been lucky enough to go all across the state helping weddings of all sizes tell their unique love stories. Not only do I have experience, but I also have customizable packages that will ensure you can remember this day for years to come. Think of me as your wedding bestie, working behind the scenes to make sure your day is nothing short of a dream!
You Will Love The Memories Made While Eloping In Pennsylvania
If you have been considering eloping in Pennsylvania, I really hope this guide helps you out! And if you do want to know more about booking me for your wedding, let’s chat all about it! Send me a message today to get the conversation started!
