Red River Gorge Elopement Guide 

How to Elope in Red River Gorge, Kentucky

If the thought of all the traditional wedding malarkey sends shivers down your spine, and you want a wedding day that’s more hiking boots than heels, 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 will tell you everything you need to know to plan your Red River Gorge elopement – let’s dive in!

Choosing the Perfect Red River Gorge Elopement Location

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 – also a great place for lodging! 
• Hemlock Springs – incredible for small elopements! Think wedding in the woods, but with modern luxuries.

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! 

More Hikes…

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!

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

All those adventures? Yeah, you’ll want to remember them. It’s not just about that perfect shot (but in a place as beautiful as this one, those are inevitable), it’s about finding a photographer who will get you. Someone who can make you forget the camera is there, hype you up as you get married your way, and be there to help you plan the whole thing. As a fellow eloper, I’ve been there – and I’m here to help you get there too. Contact me to see if it’s a match!

Have the Best Day Ever

Now that you’ve got the know-how, it’s time to start planning! Remember, there aren’t actually any rules – so wear what you want, invite (or don’t invite) whoever you want, and plan an adventure that you’ll remember forever. You’ve got this!