Cloudland Canyon Wedding & Elopement Guide
PHOTOS, COST, PERMIT & TIPS
If you’re dreaming of a wedding or elopement surrounded by breathtaking views, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia might just be the perfect spot. Nestled in the northwestern part of the state, this park is known for its stunning scenery and offers a variety of locations that can make your special day truly unforgettable.
As North Georgia elopement photographers, we’ll walk you through how to plan the perfect Cloudland Canyon wedding. Discover the best time of year to elope at Cloudland Canyon, locations, permit info, elopement packages and more. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning a micro wedding or elopement at Cloudland Canyon State Park in North Georgia.
CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK
Cloudland Canyon is a Georgia State Park that features various waterfalls including Cherokee Falls and Hemlock Falls. The parking lot is situated above the canyon, making it a short and easy walk to the mountain views on the rim trail before hiking down the stairs to the falls. Did you know you that this beautiful location can also double as an outdoor wedding venue?
The park is renowned for its dramatic views, especially from the rim of the canyon, where you can see miles of the valley below. The park also features cascading waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and dense forests, providing an ideal backdrop for an intimate wedding or elopement. It’s no wonder why Cloudland Canyon is one of the best places to elope in Georgia!
Whether you’re an adventurous couple looking to hike to a secluded spot or prefer a more accessible location with equally stunning views, Cloudland Canyon has something to offer. The natural beauty of this park adds a unique, awe-inspiring element to your special day.
How to get married at Cloudland Canyon
1 – Choose the time of year you’d like to get married
2 – Contact the park to check their availability and reserve a date
3 – Book your photographers, videographers and other wedding vendors
4 – Get married!
Best Time of Year to Elope at Cloudland Canyon
The best time to elope at Cloudland Canyon is in the spring and fall. Here’s why:
- Spring (March to May): The park comes alive with blooming wildflowers, and the waterfalls are usually at their most powerful due to the winter and early spring rains. Temperatures are mild, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s, making it comfortable for both the ceremony and exploring the park afterward.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is arguably the most popular time for weddings and elopements at Cloudland Canyon, thanks to the stunning fall foliage. The trees transform into vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque backdrop. The weather is also crisp and cool, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to mid-70s.
- Summer (June to August): While summer offers lush greenery, it can also be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 80s and 90s. However, if you’re up for an early morning or late evening ceremony, you can still enjoy the park’s beauty without the peak heat of the day.
- Winter (December to February): Winter elopements can be magical, especially if there’s a light dusting of snow. The park is much quieter during this time, providing a serene and intimate atmosphere. Keep in mind that temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s, so be prepared for chilly weather.
Cloudland Canyon Wedding Price
You may be wondering- what is the cost to get married at Cloudland Canyon? There is currently no fee required to have your wedding within this GA State Park. That’s right- it’s free to elope at Cloudland Canyon! You’ll just need to pay the parking fee ($5/vehicle). However, you need to call the park rangers to reserve your date as they only allow one wedding per day.
How long of a hike is Cloudland Canyon?
The great thing about Cloudland Canyon is there are a variety of trails and locations to choose from. There are accessible locations over looking the canyon right by the parking lot, as well as hikes going down to the waterfalls. The most popular waterfall is Cherokee Falls, which is about a mile hike mostly consisting of stairs.
Parking and Accessibility
Parking is available at various locations throughout Cloudland Canyon State Park, including the main entrance, picnic areas, and trailheads. Most of the popular ceremony locations, such as the overlooks and picnic shelters, have nearby parking lots, making them easily accessible for you and your guests.
For those planning a ceremony at one of the more remote locations, such as the waterfalls or backcountry campsites, keep in mind that these areas may require a hike. The trails to the waterfalls, for example, involve a steep descent and ascent, so make sure your guests are prepared for a bit of a workout.
If you have elderly guests or anyone with mobility issues, consider hosting the ceremony at one of the more accessible locations, such as the overlooks or picnic shelters, to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably.
Accommodations and Nearby Attractions
If you’re planning to stay overnight or have guests traveling from out of town, there are several accommodation options both within and near Cloudland Canyon State Park.
- Cabins and Yurts: The park offers cozy cabins and yurts that are perfect for a romantic getaway. These accommodations are nestled in the woods, offering privacy and a true connection to nature. They also provide easy access to the park’s trails and overlooks.
- Camping: For the adventurous couple, camping is another great option. Cloudland Canyon has both developed campgrounds with amenities and backcountry campsites for those who prefer a more rugged experience.
- Nearby Towns: If you prefer to stay outside the park, nearby towns like Trenton and Lookout Mountain offer a variety of accommodations, from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to modern hotels. These towns also provide opportunities to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Lookout Mountain: Just a short drive from Cloudland Canyon, Lookout Mountain offers additional attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls. These spots are perfect for a pre- or post-elopement adventure, with more stunning views and unique experiences.
Planning Tips and Considerations
- Weather Preparedness: The weather in Cloudland Canyon can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. Be sure to check the forecast and prepare for varying conditions, whether it’s bringing an umbrella, warm layers, or sunscreen.
- Hiking Gear: If you’re planning to hike to your ceremony location, make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water and snacks. You might also want to pack a small first aid kit and a map of the trails.
- Leave No Trace: Cloudland Canyon is a beautiful natural area, and it’s important to leave it that way. Make sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles, such as packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and respecting wildlife.
- Guest Comfort: If you’re inviting guests, consider their comfort and accessibility. Providing a clear itinerary, directions, and information about the terrain will help ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience.
- Legal Requirements: Don’t forget to obtain your marriage license from a Georgia county clerk’s office. There is no waiting period, so you can obtain it just a day or two before your elopement if needed. However, be aware of the office hours and bring the necessary identification.
THINKING OF PLANNING A CLOUDLAND CANYON WEDDING? WE CAN HELP WITH THAT.
Eloping at Cloudland Canyon State Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for couples who love nature and want a serene, breathtaking backdrop for their special day. Whether you choose a dramatic canyon overlook, a peaceful waterfall, or a secluded campsite, Cloudland Canyon provides endless possibilities for a beautiful and memorable wedding.
We know the best locations and times to shoot to get the most beautiful photos for your Cloudland Canyon wedding. Contact us for more information!
Zoe & Austin’s Cloudland Canyon Elopement
A big, traditional wedding never resonated with Zoe and Austin. It simply didn’t align with their values. For them, the most important things was to be somewhere beautiful and just to have their families present. Our elopement packages were exactly for what they were looking for to photograph their Cloudland Canyon elopement wedding.
Once they decided to elope, Georgia was the obvious option since there are so many beautiful places. They had been to Cloudland Canyon a handful of times before and knew it would be the perfect location for their intimate, sunrise wedding. They loved the nature and beauty the state park provided, with the canyon overlook and waterfalls below.
They considered having the elopement be just the two of them, or even just going to the courthouse. But in the end decided they wanted their families to be there to share the experience with them. Their families live in two different states, but they knew their families would be up for the adventure!
Canyon Wedding Ceremony
Their wedding day started early, arriving at the park at sunrise for their first look. They saw each other for the first time on a cliff overlooking the canyon below with fog covering the valley like a blanket. None of us had seen the canyon so foggy, but we now understand where Cloudland Canyon gets it’s name from!
Their ceremony took place on the main overlook, with only their closest friends and family surrounding them. Their favorite moment of the wedding day was arriving at the overlook to see their loved ones gathered around to celebrate their marriage.
“Surrounded by the gorgeous weather we had at the canyon and such a beautiful group of people that love and care about us and realizing that this is it! All of our planning for this moment where we get to become husband and wife was finally happening and was even better than we imagined it could be. It was very surreal.”