Eloping in Ohio costs $150 to $3,000+. Marriage licenses range from $40–$75 by county. Add-ons like officiants, venues, photos, and lodging vary by need. Budget elopements are possible under $500, while personalized, all-inclusive packages can reach $3,000+.
Eloping in Ohio on a Budget? Totally Possible!
With rolling countryside, charming inns, and straightforward marriage laws, Ohio is a dream setting for couples who want less stress and more intimacy.
After helping thousands of pairs exchange vows, I have seen how elopements often feel more meaningful than elaborate ballroom celebrations. Couples arrive here with their shoulders a little lighter, ready to focus on each other instead of a guest list.
But just how much does it really cost?
Let’s start with the big-ticket items couples often forget to budget for:
- Marriage license and legal filing fees
- Officiant costs (or tips, if using a friend)
- Photography (often the priciest line item)
- Accommodations and meals
- Optional florals, attire, and permits
- Ceremony location fees or packages
These expenses can sound daunting at first glance, yet many couples craft a memorable elopement in Ohio for under $1,000 with thoughtful planning.
Others choose to enhance the occasion with extras such as wine pairings, suites with jacuzzis and fireplaces, or even rose petals scattered across the bed. In that case, the budget shifts closer to $2,500 or $3,000.
One of Ohio’s best-kept secrets is HideAway Country Inn. Our award-winning property has become a trusted romantic destination because we specialize in personalized, all-in elopements.
In this guide, I will walk you through the real costs, compare elopements to traditional weddings, share strategies to keep expenses reasonable, and introduce custom packages that transform a simple vow exchange into a weekend you will treasure forever.
5 Romantic Spots Near Bucyrus, Ohio
- Clear Fork Gorge Overlook – Mohican State Park (Loudonville)
A breathtaking overlook where the forest stretches endlessly below. Sunset here is one of the most romantic sights in North Central Ohio. - Pleasant Hill Lake Park – Perrysville
Couples can rent a boat, walk lakeside trails, or share a picnic by the water. It’s especially romantic in the golden light of late afternoon. - Sears Woods State Nature Preserve – Bucyrus
A quiet preserve with trails along the Sandusky River. Secluded and peaceful, it’s perfect for couples who want to slip away into nature together. - The Blueberry Patch – Mansfield
Beyond its fields of berries, this farm also offers a cozy café and winery. Couples can sip wine together or pick berries in season for a sweet, playful date. - Carmean Woods State Nature Preserve – near Bucyrus
A small but secluded preserve with mature woodlands and quiet trails. A hidden gem for couples who want privacy in nature.
The Legal Costs of Marriage in Ohio
Every couple planning to elope in Ohio needs to begin with the paperwork. While the romance of the day gets most of the attention, it is the marriage license that makes everything official.
The process is refreshingly uncomplicated here in Ohio, which is one of the reasons couples from out of state often choose to marry here. Still, it helps to know exactly what to expect so there are no surprises once you arrive at the courthouse.
County-by-County License Fees
Marriage licenses in Ohio are issued at the county level, and the fee usually falls between forty and seventy-five dollars. Each county sets its own price, so the exact number depends on where you apply.
Unlike some states, Ohio does not require blood tests or witnesses, and the license is valid for sixty days. That gives you a comfortable window of time to plan your ceremony.
Best of all, there is no waiting period. You could pick up your license in the morning and exchange vows that same afternoon if you wanted to.
Smart Tips to Avoid Red Tape
If you want to save time at the courthouse, check whether your county offers an online pre-application. Completing the initial steps at home means less paperwork when you arrive in person.
Couples who want a friend to officiate should plan ahead as well. Ohio welcomes this option, but the officiant must file with the Secretary of State before performing the ceremony.
Giving yourself a week or two to handle that paperwork ensures you will not be scrambling at the last minute. Some couples also call the probate court in advance to ask about office hours and accepted payment methods, since a few counties do not take personal checks.
Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding: What You Save and What You Gain
Couples often come to me with the same question: “Are we really saving that much by eloping?”
The answer is yes, and in more ways than one. Cost is the first difference you notice, but the experience itself changes when you step away from a guest list of hundreds and design something personal.
To make the comparison clear, let us look at how traditional weddings and elopements in Ohio measure up side by side.
| Type | Cost Range | Guests | Planning Time | Stress Level |
| Traditional Wedding | $22k–$35k+ | 50–200 | 9–18 months | High |
| Elopement in Ohio | $400–$3,000 | 0–20 | 1–3 months | Low |
These numbers speak for themselves. A wedding with two hundred guests can easily stretch into five figures. Elopements, on the other hand, give couples the flexibility to decide how simple or elaborate their day will be, and even at the higher end, they remain a fraction of the cost.
Why Smaller Weddings Feel More Private (and More Special)
With no audience to perform for, the ceremony becomes entirely about the two of you. Vows feel less like a recital and more like a promise spoken from the heart.
For those who prefer quiet moments or who want a sacred space to focus on their bond, eloping creates that atmosphere naturally.
It’s Not Just a Wedding, It’s a Built-In Honeymoon
Eloping usually means travel, even if it is only a few hours from home. Couples often plan to stay at least one or two nights near their ceremony site, which turns the event into a short honeymoon.
That time away allows you to savor the start of married life without immediately returning to daily routines. Many couples extend their stay through a long weekend so they can celebrate privately, explore the local area, and create the first chapter of their marriage as a shared adventure.
How Much Does It Realistically Cost to Elope in Ohio?
The cost of eloping in Ohio depends on how much you want to include in the celebration. Some couples keep it simple with just the license, an officiant, and a quick dinner afterward.
Others prefer a more indulgent approach with professional photography, floral arrangements, and a luxury suite for the weekend. Both paths fall far below the expense of a traditional wedding, and knowing the numbers makes it easier to plan with confidence.
Breaking Down the Costs of an Elopement
Here is a realistic look at what you might expect to spend on each part of an Ohio elopement, from a minimal budget approach to a more luxurious experience.
| Item | Budget Option | Luxe Option |
| Marriage License | $40 | $75 |
| Officiant | Free–$150 | $400+ |
| Photography | $250 | $2,500 |
| Lodging (1–2 nights) | $100 | $600+ |
| Florals | DIY / $0 | $500+ |
| Attire | Casual / $50 | Designer / $1,000+ |
| Hair & Makeup | Skip / $0 | $300+ |
| Venue / Permit | Free–$150 | $300+ |
| Dining & Drinks | $60 | $400+ |
Tips to Stay on Budget
Couples often ask how to make the most of their dollars while still creating a day that feels special. The good news is that small adjustments go a long way.
- Elope on a weekday, since many venues, including HideAway, offer lower midweek pricing with Wednesday discounts reaching fifty percent.
- Consider asking a friend to officiate. Online ordination is simple, and filing with the state keeps it fully legal.
- Choose an all-in-one venue rather than hiring separate vendors for lodging, meals, and ceremony space.
- Skip elaborate florals and work with seasonal arrangements from local growers.
- Treat the elopement as a honeymoon starter by staying an extra night or two, which saves you from planning a separate trip.
Why HideAway Inn is the Dream Venue for Eloping Couples
When couples picture their wedding day, many imagine a courthouse or a quick exchange of vows outdoors. What surprises them most when they discover HideAway Inn is how much more an intimate wedding can become when every detail is cared for in one place.
Over the course of my career, I have worked with thousands of couples, and the moments that stand out are the ones where privacy, comfort, and personality came together seamlessly.
That is what HideAway was designed to deliver.
Full-Service Experience in Bucyrus, Ohio
The Inn is tucked into nine+ acres of landscaped countryside where the lawns are kept free of weeds and the ceremony spots are picture-ready. Couples can choose from seven different locations on the property, each private and curated to feel like their own corner of Ohio.
Guests often remark on the culinary side of the experience. With a Michelin-trained chef and a Level 2 sommelier on staff, dining here rises far above standard wedding fare. Add in a spa, luxury suites with fireplaces and jacuzzis, and you have a destination that meets every need in one setting.
For those who bring pets or enjoy evenings under a clear sky, the inn is also pet-friendly, stargazing-friendly, and even offers the simple delight of guilt-free raspberry picking in season.
Personalization Options to Make the Day Yours
Couples often ask how to make their elopement feel different from anyone else’s.
At HideAway, personalization is the rule rather than the exception. You can bring your dog, select your music, or write vows that fit your story.
Romantic touches range from the playful “Eat Chocolate Naked” add-on to a rose petal turndown or a dinner set under the stars.
The menus are flexible, ceremony sites are interchangeable, and the timing of your celebration is entirely yours to choose.
3 Hand-Picked Elopement Packages
- Simply I Do – from $499: A streamlined option with a short ceremony, license filing, and optional upgrades. It suits couples who want a heartfelt exchange without extra fuss.
- Just Us – from $999: An overnight stay with rose petals, champagne, light bites, and a full ceremony. It balances intimacy with celebratory touches.
- Beginning of a Lifetime – from $1,499: A two-night retreat complete with full coordination, professional photos, gourmet meals, and spa extras. It offers the kind of all-in experience that rivals larger weddings while keeping the focus entirely on the couple.
A Happy Moment Doesn’t Have to Cost You a Fortune
A small ceremony gives you room to breathe and time to savor the start of married life.
If Ohio feels like the right place, I would be honored to help you shape a day that fits your budget and your story, from a simple sign & celebrate job to a full weekend with thoughtful touches that feel like you.
Tell me your date range, guest count, and wish list, and I will match you with ceremony spots, lodging, and add-ons that make sense.
Ready to check dates or ask a question? Use our Contact Us page or call 419-562-3013 so we can start planning your elopement with care and clarity.
