You’re dreaming of a day that is both peaceful and adventurous, and most importantly, completely your own. The Pocono Mountains offers some of the most incredible places to share your vows and spend quality time with your person. The best part? It’s just a few hours from major cities like Philadelphia and New York City! From waterfalls, rolling mountain views, and the charm of a small town, this guide will help you settle the question of where to elope in the Poconos and find that perfect spot for an unforgettable elopement day!

Jim Thorpe

Jim Thorpe has got it all – from views to waterfalls and then to a small town and unique trains!

There are a number of hikes nearby, with various hiking difficulty. A famous but advanced hike, Glen Onoko Falls, is fairly popular to see the waterfall. Many people go here, which opens up some of the small trails like the one we chose. Surrounded by trees and lead by a dirt path, we hiked for about a mile before coming to the wooded trail that lead to the overlook where they shared their vows. Rhododendrons were climbing the mountain behind us, and I bet in the spring they were popping off in color.

During our hike back, we were worried we would miss the train that took us through the mountains. Jim Thorpe’s train station was so helpful with moving out ticket time to accommodate our needs. The train is a fun way to sit back and relax while feeling the wind in your hair after hiking all day. We were not able to get off the train and explore, but it was a welcomed break. What made it all worth it, is that the station sits right behind an ice cream parlor. I will always advocate for ice cream, even in a wedding dress if you’re up for it!

There are a number of restaurants in town to get your craving fixes – from Italian to Japanese, and even an Irish bar and grill! And if tours are your thing, this is the place for you. The Asa Packer museum has such stunning architecture to tour, and the prison has some spooky stories any ghost believer would want to hear! Jim Thorpe can get quite crowded during the peak season, namely Summer and Fall. Everyone wants to go to a cute town to see the fall foliage.

Hickory Run State Park

After learning about Hickory Run a few years back and going camping with friends, it has a permanent spot in my heart (and on my body). The trees overhead, along with the flowing waters, a boulder field, a few gorgeous waterfalls, and even a lake? Did I mention it even has a cute little white chapel you can get married in?? It has got it all, and it’s the closest park in the Poconos to Philadelphia, making it an easy day trip for many people.

If short hikes and waterfalls are your jam, and even an overnight camping trip, I’d highly recommend eloping in Hickory Run state park. Who knows, a lonely black bear may even wander into your campsite wanting to share s’mores with you! (I say that from experience!)

Delaware Water Gap

The Delaware Water Gap is near and dear to my heart as well. As a kid I grew up hiking Mount Tammany (NJ) and Mount Minsi (PA) as well as the many other trails in the area. With the views from the top, watching the hawks circle overhead, and the Delaware River flowing below, it’s a gorgeous and calm place to be. Exchanging rings and your vows there while the sunrise kisses your cheeks would make for an epic elopement day.

The summer tends to be a pretty popular time for these trails, so I’d highly recommend eloping during sunrise or in the middle of the week to get that ‘just the two of us’ feel. The main trail is around 5 miles round trip, and 1,000 ft elevation gain. Plan for snack breaks, photo breaks, and enjoying the view breaks!

Pump House Weddings & BNB

The Pump House is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Bloomsburg, PA. It’s the perfect retreat that has it all. You could stay in their little cabin behind the main buildings, have your ceremony surrounded by the rhododendrons among the forest with the rushing river below. They even accommodate intimate weddings! Everything you need is there. This is the perfect place to make a whole weekend out of your elopement or intimate wedding because of the lodging that they have on site. Not to mention the buildings, inside and out, and surroundings alike are breath taking.

Lake Wallenpaupack

One of the best known lakes in the Poconos is Lake Wallenpaupack. In fact, it is one of the biggest lakes in Pennsylvania! With it being so big, there are many ways to incorporate it into your elopement day. Whether it’s picking a nearby trail to share your vows, going kayaking, or even swimming, Lake Wallenpaupack would be stunning. It’s a gorgeous vacation spot with so many places nearby to stay. Some, like Wallenpaupack Creek Farm, even have intimate wedding spaces to host small ceremonies and parties! With a more rustic barn and farm property, its a gorgeous way to spend your day with your partner and loved ones. There’s even cute farm animals on the property, and everyone there is so so nice. Another Popular location is Silver Birches Resort, which is located right on the lake.

Lake Wallenpaupack can be whatever you want it to be really, wether you’re leaning more traditional with a venue, or more adventurous by going for a hike and ending your day at the lake. There’s always so many activities to do on a lake, including the nearby towns including Hawley, PA.

The best part about choosing to elope in the Poconos is the opportunities it provides. You could share vows as the waterfall roars behind you, have a picnic by the lake before going kayaking. Then end the night stargazing outside of your cozy cabin. There are no rules when it comes to your Poconos elopement, just the freedom to celebrate with your person doing the things you love.

Whether you’re still deciding on where to elope in the poconos or have it nailed down, I’d be honored to help create and document your experience. Reach out below to schedule a call with me and talk over your options! If you need help figuring out how to elope in Pennsylvania, I’ve got all the info you need in this blog!