Thinking about a Pocono elopement? Check out this STUNNING location!
Okay, so if you’re an avid hiker or a Pocono local, you may have heard about one of Pennsylvania’s most iconic state parks - Hickory Run. BUT did you know you can get married in the park?! YES! And I’m about to tell you all the nitty gritty details about how to make the most of your Pocono elopement or micro wedding at Hickory Run State Park.
Hickory Run State Park is one of the most accessible locations to elope in the Pocono Mountains. From the historic chapel, to the SOD trail falls, and the secluded state park lake, this location makes it so easy to personalize your day and adventure to some of the most scenic locations in Pennsylvania. I’m going to give you all the juicy insider tips (scroll to the bottom if you’re in a rush!) on how to utilize this venue to create the Pocono elopement of your dreams, but first - a quick story time.
Last year, Kaila & Jeremiah reached out to me about eloping in the Poconos, but they weren’t really sure where they wanted to do it. They knew they wanted the their wedding to be in the Pocono Mountains during the fall. That was a must! (If you’ve ever been to the Poconos during October, then you know why this was so important!!) They also knew that they wanted to spend most of their day immersed in nature. So I suggested Hickory Run Chapel.
The historic chapel is nestled into the park, right next to a serene waterfall. It’s secluded enough for complete privacy, but accessible enough that you can literally walk from the chapel to the Shades of Death Trail. What I love about this charming chapel is that it’s essentially a blank slate. Inside, you’ll find a wooden arbor, chairs, a table, and a piano.. and that’s pretty much it! With this venue, you have complete creative freedom, and with the right vendor team you can truly create the micro wedding of your dreams!
We started at Hickory Run Lake. Kaila led me down a path that wandered past the dam and past the tourists, to a tiny patch of earth situated along the creek, and quieted by a row of trees. “This is the spot,” she said, as she began to put on her dress shoes. She & Jeremiah exchanged vows with each other and the pines. Smiles crept across their faces and their hearts pumped with elation. The day was finally here.
Spending leisurely time in nature was one of the couple’s biggest priorities when planning their wedding day. So we built in plenty of time for portraits and hiking at the lake and the falls. I had scouted both locations ahead of time, so I knew all the best off-the-path spots for them to feel both presence and solitude in the jaw-dropping autumn woods. It helped that they booked their nuptials on a Thursday, so the trails were relatively vacant.
Kaila & Jeremiah share a deep, but gentle love. They truly glow in each other’s presence. At their engagement session they shared details about their story that revealed a peculiar luck that seems to follow them wherever they go. “It always works out,” Jeremiah noted as he smiled at his girl. During our time together, I saw that luck play out over and over again as simple moments would align and unfold into unforgettable holy moments between the two of them.
Kaila & Jeremiah chose to share private vows at Hickory Run Lake before hiking the Shade of Death trail to an epic waterfall, and then returning to the chapel for a cozy and intimate ceremony with their closest loved ones. A highlight of eloping at this venue is that you get all the perks of an adventurous Pocono elopement, but you also have an indoor option in case of rain. Luckily K&J were blessed with a gorgeous day in the October Pocono woods.
These moments are just a snapshot of the simple and profound magic that made their intimate wedding an unforgettable day of adventure and wholesome celebration. I couldn’t be more thrilled for them! Congratulations Kaila & Jeremiah!
There are so many ways to get creative with this unique venue. If you dare to imagine your dream intimate wedding, the right vendors can make your wedding dreams come true at Hickory Run Chapel. Here’s a list of my insider tips and tricks to making your Pocono elopement dreams a reality.
First and foremost, you’re going to want to book the chapel for two days. Trust me. Not only does this allow you a backup day in case of bad weather, it also gives you plenty of time for set up and break down!
Second, think about where and how you want to get ready. The chapel is just one room. So you’ll need to think creatively about how and when you get dressed. Do you want to take the nontraditional route and get ready with your fiancé in the chapel? Or do you want to plan a first look and get ready in separate homes or at a nearby hotel? If you decide to get ready at the chapel, you’ll want to coordinate with your vendors on a timeline that allows space and time for everyone!
Consider the basics. This venue is very minimal. There are porta-johns across the street at the SOD trail head. They are well maintained by the park, but it’s a walk - especially for older and younger guests. There’s also no running water at this location. So you might consider renting a portable restroom trailer like Lavish Lavs so you have on-site water and restrooms.
Cater! Cater! Cater! I’ve had a number of couples whose families cooked and provided cocktail food and deserts for their Hickory Run micro weddings. If you’re on a tight budget, that’s a great option. But if you have the budget for it - CATER! After a day of hiking you and your guests are going to want GOOD FOOD and drinks that everyone can enjoy without worrying about logistics.
Make a map for your guests and vendors. There is good cell service in the area, but the chapel itself is a dead zone for a lot of providers. I recommend creating a mini guide for your guests and vendors that includes a map of the area and tips for navigating this secluded location.
Get the full Pocono Mountain experience by staying at the camp grounds with friends and family. Choose to stay at the park’s camping cottages or enjoy a glamping experience with Wild Air Camps. Kate, owner of Wild Air Camps, is literal sunshine in human form. She is so passionate and extremely meticulous about her work, making for an exceptional glamping experience. If you’re passionate about truly being immersed in the wilderness on your wedding day, booking Kate’s yurt-like tents for you and your loved ones is a MUST!
“Wild Air Camps was born out of a desire to bring glamping to my own wedding.
When we couldn’t find what we were looking for in the Northeast, we decided to build it!
At Wild Air Camps, we whole-heartedly believe in the magic and intimacy that a glamping wedding creates.
We had such a blast being able to fully enjoy our guests, and we want to create that same special experience for you and your event too.”
-Kate
Consider booking your wedding for a week day (make a long weekend out of it!). People travel from all over to visit the iconic falls at Hickory Run and the surrounding parks. Booking your elopement for a weekday will ensure less-crowded trails and the most privacy.
Finally, book vendors who are going to support your decisions and ensure your wedding day feels effortless & aligned ♥️
