Red River Gorge Elopement Guide 

How to Plan an Epic Red River Gorge Elopement

Red River Gorge is one of the most underrated (and wildly beautiful) places to elope in the U.S. — and yeah, I’m a little biased because it’s basically in my backyard. If you’re dreaming of a low-key, nature-soaked wedding day that’s more hiking boots than heels, and all the adventure, you’re in the right place.

Eloping gives you the chance to make sure your wedding day is actually about you (crazy, right?), and the sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and winding trails of Red River Gorge can be the perfect backdrop. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to elope in Red River Gorge — trails, permits, best seasons, and a few insider tips from someone who’s been there, done that, and still wants to go back every weekend.

Best Red River Gorge Elopement Locations

Choosing a location might just be the most exciting thing about eloping – will you tie the knot in front of a sandstone arch, a waterfall, on a cliff…? The possibilities are endless! But don’t worry, I’m here to help you narrow down some options:

Red River Gorge Wedding Venues

Sometimes, booking a venue for your elopement can be just what you need. It’ll give you privacy, and can be a good place to host a post-elopement reception party, if you want the best of both worlds!

• Cliffview Resort and Lodge: Want a view without the hike? Cliffview Resort gives you mountaintop magic with actual roads and real beds. (Yes, please.) It’s a great option if you’re planning a slightly bigger micro wedding or just want to crash somewhere nice after running around the woods.
• Hemlock Springs: If you want a venue that’s got cozy forest vibes and space to celebrate with a few people you actually like, Hemlock Springs nails it. You’ll get total privacy, killer cabin-style architecture, and no random hikers walking through your first dance. It’s easily one of the best wedding venues near Red River Gorge for small ceremonies.

Popular Hikes in Red River Gorge

The day you get married should be a reflection of the two of you! So if hiking’s your thing, lace up those boots and take a walk – whether that’s a leisurely stroll or a climb that has you huffing and puffing – to your ceremony spot. Here are a few of the best hikes in Red River Gorge!

Gray’s Arch

Distance: 3.6 mile loop | Elevation Change: 570 feet

Description: There’s an option to make this a shorter hike too, but doing the loop takes you to Pinch Em, Rush Ridge, Rough Trail, and Gray’s Arch. Along the way, you’ll see rock formations, a small waterfall, and the stunning Gray’s Arch. You can even scramble up to the top of the rock bridge!

Auxier Ridge

Distance: 4.2 miles round trip | Elevation Change: 731 feet

Description: The views from this trail are nothing short of incredible – from the top of the ridge, you’ll get panoramic views of the gorge, with Haystack Rock and Courthouse Rock standing out over the landscape. My personal favorite trail in Red River Gorge!

Whittleton Arch

Distance: 2.5 miles round trip | Elevation Change: 321 feet

Description: This trail is perfect for couples who want an easier hike. It follows a stream through wildflower meadows, ending with an arch that has a waterfall! 

Can’t Decide Where to Go? I’ve Got You.

Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet ceremony tucked away in the woods or a full-on hiking elopement that ends with sore legs and epic views, Red River Gorge has plenty of options that match your kind of adventure.

As an elopement photographer, I’m here to do the heavy lifting when it comes to location scouting! I’ll get to know you and what kind of adventure (and how much of it) you’re seeking, and give you a personalized list of location recommendations, including those off the beaten path spots.

Wedding Permits 

Logistics may not be glamorous, but don’t worry, this part is easy! Red River Gorge is in Daniel Boone National forest, and currently only requires a permit if your group is more than 75 people. But, these things can change, so always contact the ranger’s office to be sure! You don’t want surprises – not from park rangers, anyway – on your wedding day. Don’t worry – I can help you with this and make sure you have everything you need!

What Time of Year is Best For A Red River Gorge Elopement?

The “best” time is totally up to you. Red River Gorge is “gorge-ous” year round, so it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for! 

Spring (March-May): The greens are greening, the wildflowers are blooming, and the waterfalls get more dramatic with the spring rains. There might be a little mud, but there definitely will be a lot of magic.

Summer (June-August): Long, sunny days make this a great time for an all day adventure, but it can get hot – and humid! I recommend going early to beat the heat, and the crowds. But, this is an amazing time for kayaking the river!

Fall (September-November): Cooler weather, vibrant fall foliage… what more could you want? This is a perfect time for climbing and exploring, especially September and October. Pro tip: mid-October is peak leaf-peeping season!

Winter (December-February): Quiet trails, and a chance of eloping in a snow-covered winter wonderland. If you’re bundled up and prepared for it, it can be a pretty magical experience!

Tips for Planning an Elopement in Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge is straight-up magical, but it’s also wild, rugged, and full of surprises (the good kind and the “why is there a snake on this trail” kind). Here are a few tips to help you plan an elopement that’s as stress-free as it is unforgettable:

• Weekday > Weekend – RRG is a hot spot for hikers and climbers, especially in fall. Aim for a weekday elopement if you want more privacy and less photobombing from sweaty strangers.
• Be weather-flexible – The weather in the Gorge can be unpredictable AF. A little rain doesn’t have to ruin the vibe (some of the best photos happen in the mist), but having a backup plan never hurts.
• Bug spray is your best friend – Mosquitoes and ticks are real out here, especially in spring and summer. Don’t let them crash your party.
• Don’t count on phone signal – Download maps and trail directions ahead of time. Cell service is basically a myth in most of the Gorge.

The Legal Stuff

You’ll need to snag a marriage license before the big day! This can be done at any county clerk’s office in the state, and the process is easy peasy. You’ll both need to be there with your IDs, and you’ll get an application that you fill out and sign. The fee is around $50, and you’ll get your marriage license right away. There’s no waiting period, but you have to tie the knot within 30 days. 

An ordained officiant and two witnesses are required to get legally married in Kentucky. If that bums you out because you were hoping for a totally intimate, just the two of you (and your awesome photographer) elopement day, don’t fret! I’m an ordained minister with the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster (yes, really), so I can double as your officiant. As for witnesses, you can find any two people over the age of 18 to sign the papers – people are usually stoked to help out! 

Things to Do When You Elope 

This is your day, so make it unique! There’s the ceremony, but the entire day should be an adventure. Here are a few ideas for elopement day activities that you can do to make your Red River Gorge elopement one of a kind.

• Eat pizza at the famous Miguel’s. This one’s actually non-negotiable.
• Go climbing. Red River Gorge is an incredible place for it!
• Zip lining. Soaring over the gorge – need I say more?
• Kayak the Red River. See the gorge from below, and pass through the towering cliffs.

Red River Gorge Elopement Photographer

You don’t need a venue or a 200-person guest list to have a meaningful, unforgettable wedding day. You just need a place that feels right, someone you love, and maybe a few snacks in your hiking pack (trust me on that last one).

I’ve been exactly where you are — staring down the traditional wedding route and realizing… yeah, no thanks. My partner and I eloped because we wanted the day to actually be about us, not chair covers or seating charts. That decision changed everything, and now I get to help other couples do the same — with fewer “WTF do we do next?” moments and way more “I can’t believe this is real life” moments.

If you’re ready to start planning an elopement that’s as laid-back or adventurous as you want it to be, I’m here to help with location scouting, permits, timeline help, and every little detail in between — plus the photos that’ll bring it all rushing back years from now.