Pennsylvania Elopements

Places Worth Running Away Together To: Poconos & Philly Elopements

So, our family recently moved from NYC to the PA 5 years ago, I am so excited to share all the reasons I love it here.

We landed in East Stroudsburg in the Poconos and fell in love with this concept of raising our kids in nature and living a completely different life than the one we were used to. As NYC city kids, you can imagine this was a huge leap. But at the time, it was the right one, and it has proven to be completely worth it.

The elopement above is from Marshall Creek Waterfalls. Our first few years here, we’ve really just been settling in, but we’ve had chickens and have slowly been venturing into the idea of homesteading, which is very popular out here.

• Poconos Elopement Locations
• Marshalls Falls Park — East Stroudsburg, PA
  https://smithfieldtownship.com/departments/parks-recreation/
• Promise Ridge — Stroudsburg, PA
  https://promiseridge.com/
• Harmony Gardens — Saylorsburg, PA
  https://www.harmonygardens.org/
• The Lodge at Mountain Springs Lake — Reeders, PA
  https://www.mountainspringslake.com/
• Trout Lake Weddings — Stroudsburg, PA
  https://www.troutlakeweddings.com/
• Lacawac Sanctuary — Lake Ariel, PA
  https://lacawac.org/
• Bushkill Falls — Bushkill, PA
  https://www.visitbushkillfalls.com/
• Paradise Stream Resort — Mount Pocono, PA
  https://www.covepoconoresorts.com/paradise-stream-resort/

Philly

• Philadelphia & Surrounding Areas
• Morris Arboretum & Gardens — Philadelphia, PA
  https://www.morrisarboretum.org/plan-event/weddings
• Tyler Arboretum — Media, PA
  https://tylerarboretum.org/weddings/
• Awbury Arboretum — Philadelphia, PA
  https://awbury.org/venue-rentals/
• Fairmount Park Horticulture Center — Philadelphia, PA
  https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/event-permits/events-in-a-city-park-field-or-rec-center/get-a-wedding-ceremony-or-wedding-photo-permit/
• LOVE Park — Philadelphia, PA
  https://www.phila.gov/services/birth-marriage-life-events/marriage-and-divorce/get-married-in-love-park/
• Appleford Estate — Villanova, PA
  https://applefordestate.com/
• Terrain Gardens at DelVal — Doylestown, PA
  https://www.shopterrain.com/terrain-gardens-at-delval
• Tyler Gardens — Newtown, PA
  https://tylergardensweddings.com/

Flea Markets and Farmers Markets

For those who love a good bargain or simply enjoy exploring local treasures, the Poconos boast charming flea markets filled with unique finds. Here are some must-visit markets:

1. Blue Ridge Flea Market: Located in Saylorsburg, this market is known for its variety of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items. It’s a treasure trove for couples looking for unique wedding decor or meaningful keepsakes.
2. Hickory Run Flea Market: Situated in Lake Harmony, this market offers an eclectic mix of goods from furniture to handmade crafts. It’s a great spot to find that perfect piece to commemorate your special day.
3. Amish Farmers Market: In Stroudsburg, this market is perfect for fresh produce and artisanal treats. Pick up some local goodies for a romantic picnic or a cozy brunch.
4. Great Pocono Antique Mall: Located in Blakeslee, this mall is a dream for antique lovers. Browse through a vast collection of timeless pieces that can add a vintage touch to your elopement.
5. And let’s not forget about the Pocono Bizarre and the best fried chicken and home made hot sauces in the world.

How do we elope in PA ?

Self-Uniting Elopement vs. Officiated Elopement

In PA, couples can marry themselves in a self-uniting marriage ceremony (also known as a “Quaker marriage”). Super interesting as not many states in the USA have this. And I personally think its amazing !

You can also do something more traditional and get officiated as well, in a church of your choosing, or hire a private officiant and do it pretty much any where..

I think the benefits of doing it alone is the true intimacy of the experience, honoring each other in this deep way with no distractions.

However with that being said, it’s also amazing to have close friends and family, or children present, as its often equally as meaningful for them.

Elopements are better For the environment and your mental health.

• You consume less and produce less waste, this is a huge huge pro for eloping vs larger weddings which can produce a lot more throw away items.
• It’s less stress on you and your partner, often elopements are less guests and less moving pieces. Getting married feels intimate and meaningful and less like a huge production.
• Elopements Are also dope because you can do whatever it is you want to do. And that’s the whole point! Like I got married in front of an abandoned bank on the bowery at 6am.

Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in Pennsylvania

What does eloping in PA cost? Most elopements with good quality photography will run you around $1,500-$2,500 thats with officiation and an out door free venue, maybe 10 guests, a bottle or 2 of champaign and some cupcakes. Some folks splurge a little more, and will rent a small venue or an Airbnb, and then you can get up to 5-10K. Elopements in general are more affordable than traditional weddings, which often at bare minimum are around $31,000 in Pennsylvania based on The Knot’s Real Wedding Study. I’d say its a no brainer, but everyone is different and folks really need to decide whats right for them and going to mean the most.

How do we get a marriage license in PA? 

In Pennsylvania, it’s often easiest to get a marriage license from your local courthouse (you’ll want to search “[Your City] Court of Orphans” to get started). 

Typically, there will be a small fee (usually around $80 dollars or so) to file the paperwork, and you and your fiancé will need to be there to file and sign paperwork together. They will typically make you wait a few days until you can pick up your license, but once you have it in hand you can get married anywhere in PA within 60 days. It’s super simple!

How many guests can we have at our elopement? 

Elopements range from just the couple to upwards of 25 people. The number of guests usually depends on the location I usually say a true elopement is between 10-25 guests.

Where To Elope in The Poconos?

Some places to Elope that are well known in The Poconos are:

• Promise Ridge
• Harmony Gardens

Adventurous Elopements in Pennsylvania

Adventurous locations can be found in county, state, and federal parks. From easy and popular hiking trails like the Hawk Falls trail in Hickory Run State Park, to more scenic opportunities like the Ricketts Glen State Park waterfall trail.

A few more

1. Beltzville State Park
2. Big Pocono State Park
3. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
4. Hickory Run State Park
5. Lehigh Gorge State Park
6. Upper Delaware Recreational River
7. Promised Land State Park
8. Tobyhanna State Park

And then of course you can always just elope in your backyard, a scenic spot that means something to you, the facade of an old factor building, a rail road track that looks off into infinity, a mountain top, go for a hike and find something together. The mountains are vast and have so much room to play and be creative.