Hocking Hills State Park
Ohio · State Park · Midwest Region
Deep recess caves, waterfalls, and hemlock lined gorges. Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls are classic Ohio elopement spots, loved for their intimate, column lined atmosphere.
- Best season
- Spring Fall
- Permit required
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Permit info verified
- April 2026
Permit Information
Ceremony permit required from the park office for Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, or other park locations. Submit request in writing to the Park Manager with time, date, and requested location (include backup dates). Time limit: 30 minutes including setup and teardown. No decorations on trees, rocks, or natural features. No rose petals, rice, or birdseed. All floral arrangements must be removed after the ceremony. Call 740 385 6842 ext. 250.
Planning Your Day at Hocking Hills State Park
One-Spot Day
Hocking Hills one spot days are tight. The permit limits the event to 30 minutes including setup and teardown, so pick one location and stay there. Ash Cave is the largest and most accessible, a paved wheelchair friendly trail to a 700 foot wide recess cave with a 90 foot waterfall. Old Man's Cave gives you the gorge walking feel but requires more movement during the short window.
Ceremony + Portraits Split
The park is compact, Ash Cave, Old Man's Cave, Cedar Falls, and Conkle's Hollow all sit within 15 to 30 minutes of each other. With the 30 minute ceremony cap, splitting a ceremony across multiple locations is not feasible, but a ceremony at one cave and portraits at a second is realistic the same afternoon as long as permit timing is coordinated for each site.
A Note on Light
Recess caves and gorges are shaded all day, overcast is fine and harsh midday sun creates tough contrast through the overhangs. Bring a fast lens or tripod. Ash Cave's open end faces south, so winter and shoulder season angles catch more direct light inside than peak summer. Spring rains produce the strongest waterfall flow. Fall foliage peaks mid to late October, the hemlock gorges hold color longer than surrounding hardwoods.
Ceremony Spots at Hocking Hills State Park
- Ash Cave — Massive horseshoe shaped recess cave with a 90 foot waterfall, the largest recess cave in Ohio and a cathedral like ceremony space
- Old Man's Cave Gorge — Hemlock lined gorge with waterfalls, rock bridges, and the signature Old Man's Cave recess cave