Whether you are a Pennsylvania native or you are planning a destination elopement to Pennsylvania, the Poconos are a dream spot to tie the knot. Not only are they absolutely beautiful, but there are also so many things to do there that can make your elopement day even more memorable.
As an elopement photographer myself, I love going to the Poconos and it is always such a special and unique experience each and every time. Whether you are looking for a more casual elopement day, one that is a bit more intimate, or one filled with fun, the Poconos has it all.
So, let’s dive into some of the best places to actually tie the knot, where to stay while you are there, and what you can do to make your Poconos elopement even more fun!
Where to Have Your Poconos Elopement?
Ledges Hotel
This hotel is an absolute dream and the perfect place for a fairytale-like elopement. From the beautiful stone hotel itself to the waterfall flowing right next to it, you really can’t ask for anything more enchanting or magical than this hotel.
Even though the outdoor areas surrounding the hotel are incredible, you can have your wedding here year-round. So whether it is bright and sunny or snowing, your wedding will be an absolute dream.
The Rex Hotel
The Rex Hotel is the perfect spot for couples looking to have something small and intimate, but still have a few of their close friends and family around. The hotel is actually a micro-hotel and has 10 different units that you can rent for you and your guests.
The hotel itself feels very modern while still leaning into the natural vibes of the area. Plus, you have the beautiful forest surrounding you making it the dream backdrop for an outdoor, nature-filled elopement.
Delaware Water Gap
For something a bit more adventurous, the Delaware Water Gap is a great choice. This is definitely a bit more suited for those couples that want to keep their elopements more intimate.
The Delaware Water Gap is located right on the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey and has a great, secluded vibe to it. You can take a walk out to find a place that is a bit more private and get married with nature all around you.
This is also such a fun place to explore even if you are getting married somewhere else in the Poconos. The water gap is a National Recreation area so there are so many different adventures you can explore throughout the park!
Lehigh Gorge State Park
Another amazing option for a more outdoor adventure elopement is Lehigh Gorge State Park. This park is so beautiful and you get to enjoy the trails and the forests along with rivers and waterfalls.
Once you have tied the knot, you can even stay right in the park and have an adventure all on your own by heading out on a hike or even going white water rafting!
Ricketts Glen State Park
If the waterfalls at Lehigh Gorge aren’t quite what you are looking for, you can head over to Ricketts Glen State Park. This park has a stunning waterfall, beautiful scenery, and incredible wooden bridges throughout.
Not only is this a great place to actually elope, but it is such a fun place to be and creates memories that you can look back on years from now with awe at how beautiful everything is! You’ll also find over 20 miles of hiking trails and a beach, plus it is dog friendly so your fur child can come along for the adventure!
Hickory Run State Park
Finally, we have Hickory Run State Park. From its incredible unique rock field to beautiful mountain roads, and, you guessed it, waterfalls, this is a dream place for a small outdoor elopement.
The park also has a small chapel right on the property so you can even have a small ceremony there with up to 50 people and get the best of both worlds. The park is also dog-friendly so everyone in your family can join you for the big day!
Best Places to Stay in The Poconos for Your Wedding
Jim Thorpe
When it comes to where to stay for your Poconos elopement, Jim Thorpe is a great option. This small town has incredible vibes and feels tucked away into the mountains in the best way possible.
It’s located towards the southern side of the Poconos and you can even catch the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway from here for incredible views of the surrounding area. If you or your partner are history buffs, this is a great place to stay with all of the museums and tours around the historic town.
This is the perfect place to stay if you plan on tying the not in the Lehigh Gorge State Park!
At Your Venue
The great thing about a lot of the best places to get married in the Poconos is that they are actually at hotels. This makes it so easy for you and your partner (and anyone else you want to invite to celebrate with you) to have a stress-free weekend and stay right in the same place.
Some venues may even include one or two nights of your stay in your wedding package which is amazing. But, I would highly recommend looking at staying at the hotel even if they don’t because it is going to make your wedding day soooo much easier if you are all right there!
Airbnbs
Let me tell you, there is no shortage of amazing Airbnbs in this area. Whether you are looking for something a bit more modern and luxurious or really want to soak in the beauty of the nature surrounding you, you are definitely going to find what you are looking for.
There is also a great mixture of small, more intimate homes and larger ones that can fit your friends and family. I mean, how much fun would it be to make your entire wedding weekend a big sleepover with your closest friends??
What to Do During Your Poconos Elopement?
When it comes to eloping in the Poconos, you really can’t go wrong with anything that you do. Whether you want to be super adventurous, or just sit and look out at the beauty surrounding you, you can’t go wrong.
But, I would definitely suggest taking advantage of all of the outdoor activities that this area has to offer. Depending on the season you are getting married, this can mean going on a hike, white water rafting, canoeing, tubing, skiing, and so much more.
My best advice for a Poconos elopement is to make a whole weekend out of it. There are so many amazing things to do here that will just make your entire wedding experience that much better.
Plus, there are a ton of things you can do with small ground so even if you want to keep your elopement ceremony intimate and only do it with your partner, your friends and family can still come out with you for the weekend so you are all able to celebrate and have fun together!
Final Thoughts on Eloping in the Poconos
So, hopefully, these tips and ideas help you as you plan out your dream Poconos elopement. Regardless of what you choose to do or where you choose to do it, the day is going to be incredible because you get to end it married to your best friend. And if you are still looking for the right photographer to bring along with you on this journey, I’d love to chat with you. You can click here to learn more about my elopement photography services, or you can head over here and get in touch to talk about how we can help make your vision a reality!
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