An Insider's Guide to Planning a Romantic Honeymoon in Ohio

Ohio travel pros weigh in for an epic getaway in the Buckeye State.

Everything to Know Before Planning a Romantic Ohio Honeymoon

Photo: The Mohicans

Updated Oct 06, 2025

Don't be so quick to write off Ohio as a flyover state filled with cornfields and sleepy towns. This midwestern charmer offers up all sorts of surprises, which means a honeymoon in Ohio is the perfect place for couples who want a mix of lush outdoor landscapes, quiet moments together and the thrill of a buzzing city.

"You can go from a chic walkable downtown city experience in Columbus or Cleveland to the charm of lakefront wineries or countryside within a short drive," says Natasha Churches, a Columbus, Ohio, based wedding planner and owner of Aisle & Co. She adds, "There's a real variety: luxury hotels, cozy boutique inns, Michelin-level dining, vibrant art scenes and romantic outdoor landscapes."

For couples who want to avoid the stress of long flights and still enjoy a meaningful, elevated honeymoon, honeymoon getaways in Ohio are refreshingly accessible and ripe for creating memories.

Ohio honeymoon tips in this article:

Is Ohio Good for a Honeymoon?
The Best Time to Honeymoon in Ohio
Ohio Honeymoon Planning Tips
Best Ohio Honeymoon Hotels and Suites
Ohio Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
What to Pack for an Ohio Honeymoon

Is Ohio Good for a Honeymoon?

Trying to decide whether to plan your honeymoon in Ohio? Here are some pros and cons to help make your decision.

Pros of an Ohio Honeymoon

The Buckeye State is incredibly diverse, easy and affordable to get to if you're based in North America, and offers a surprisingly wide array of activities and excursions to choose from. "One of my favorite things about living in Ohio is the fact that the different areas of the state are so accessible by car," says Columbus, Ohio, wedding planner Elena Markwood, owner of Adoration Weddings & Events. "You can start a day with a hike in the gorgeous Hocking Hills region, taking in the scenery, and then after a quick 50-minute drive, you can find yourself in the Short North arts district for dinner and drinks."

Cons of an Ohio Honeymoon

Unpredictable weather is a factor to consider when planning an Ohio honeymoon. Winter can be harsh and icy, or it can be slushy and warm. Summer can bring humidity and torrential rain, spring can see showers and (occasionally) tornado activity, and in the fall, those autumn-perfect days are sometimes punctuated with either hot or cold weather. Also note that a car is required. Public transit is available in the bigger cities, but if you want to branch out or have more flexibility, this is a car-friendly state.

The Best Time to Honeymoon in Ohio

When to honeymoon in Ohio depends on the type of getaway you're going for, but late spring through early fall are wonderful times to visit. Churches says, "Early fall is September through October, and it's truly magical. You'll find mild weather, gorgeous foliage, and plenty of events happening. We are a huge football state!" She adds that summer can be lovely around the lakes and wineries, while winter lends itself to cozy fireside getaways if you're prepared to embrace the chill.

Ohio Honeymoon Planning Tips

The two biggest factors to keep in mind when planning a romantic honeymoon in Ohio are the weather and transportation. Regarding weather, Markwood says, "My best tip here would be to expect the weather to change rather than trusting forecasts as absolute truth. Plan to dress in layers and have a rain jacket or umbrella available in case there are unexpected showers."

In this expansive midwestern state, you'll also need a car to get around easily to all the many different places to honeymoon in Ohio. "You'll want to rent a car or plan transportation in advance if you're hoping to experience more than one region," Churches says. Markwood adds that it's best to pick an area of the state you want to explore, then focus your trip on that area (unless a big road trip is the vibe).

"The drive time between the major cities is very manageable in a day—about one and a half to three hours typically, but there's so much to check out in each area of the state that I recommend focusing on one area to give yourself the chance to really explore all that area has to offer," Markwood says.

For extra help on planning an Ohio honeymoon, visit The Knot Vendor Marketplace. You can shop around for a planner with local or regional expertise who can take care of logistics and ensure you have an amazing, "write home about" sort of escape with your new spouse!

Find a Honeymoon Planner

Best Ohio Honeymoon Hotels and Suites

The state is speckled with larger cities, including Cincinnati and Columbus, as well as tinier towns ripe with midwestern charm. Here are some of our favorite Ohio honeymoon resorts, hotels, and quaint stays to consider as you plan your romantic getaway in Ohio.

The Lytle Park Hotel

Elegance and refinement are top-tier at this historic property. Once an enclave for Cincinnati's elite, The Lytle Park Hotel has been exceptionally maintained and restored (it's an Autograph Collection hotel) and is jaw-droppingly beautiful from the check-in desk to the rooftop bar. And if you're eyeing one of the most epic honeymoon suites in Cincinnati, Ohio, then this one's a top contender.

311 Pike Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

4.8 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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The Ritz-Carlton

A honeymoon at The Ritz-Carlton? It's a no-brainer. This luxury Cleveland hotel comes highly rated by Churches, and of course, all the other guests who've stayed before. All the rooms are incredible, but if you're looking to splurge on one of the best honeymoon suites in Cleveland, Ohio, then this is it. The property also offers rotating packages such as a breakfast-in-bed option or an enchanting evening package to elevate the romance factor.

1515 West 3rd Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

4.4 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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The Junto

One of the most romantic and wow-worthy honeymoon hotels in Ohio is The Junto, a boutique property located in Columbus. "Make sure you plan to enjoy a sunset happy hour at their rooftop bar, The Brass Eye, for delicious cocktails and bites and unparalleled views of the city as golden hour breaks across the sky," Markwood advises.

77 Belle Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

4.8 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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The Mohicans

If you're thinking more of a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path sort of stay, then look into honeymoon cabins in Ohio. A standout is The Mohicans Treehouse Resort in Glenmont, which is within 75 miles of both Columbus and Cleveland (and only 110 miles from Toledo). Here you have your pick between incredible, fully furnished treehouses, as well as cabins and country homes. Hands down, it's one of the romantic honeymoon spots in Ohio.

23164 Vess Road, Glenmont, Ohio 44628

4.9 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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Gervasi Vineyard Resort & Spa

Did someone say winery honeymoon? Churches says to head to Canton, Ohio, to stay at the stunning Gervasi Vineyard Resort, a "55-acre, Tuscan-inspired destination with luxury accommodations and a winery." With a full spa, on-site dining and stunning vineyard views, it's easily one of the most romantic and unique honeymoon locations in Ohio.

1700 55th Street NE, Canton, Ohio 44721

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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Hotel LeVeque

Also well-known in Columbus is Hotel LeVeque, which is elegant, historic and housed in a gorgeous downtown building right near the Palace Theatre. Markwood says, "Make sure you catch a show while you're nearby and head up to The Keep, the LeVeque's bar, for a cocktail to close out the evening." The property has a romantic getaway package that sets the stage, and it offers up some of the most elegant honeymoon suites in Columbus, Ohio (and really one of the most stunning honeymoon suites in Ohio at large).

50 W Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215

4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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Hotel Celare

Hotel Celare is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel located in Cincinnati's midtown. "It is gorgeously and intentionally designed as a love letter to the surrounding city, with lots of surprise nods to the area in the decor and beautiful views of the University of Cincinnati campus," Markwood says.

310 Straight Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219

4.9 Star Rating | Read Reviews

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Ohio Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Once you've picked where you're staying, you can fill in your itinerary with these honeymoon ideas in Ohio.

Hocking Hills

If you're looking for a relaxed, unplugged, nature-filled honeymoon, Hocking Hills is the obvious choice. "This state park is lushly forested and full of natural caves and other rock formations, and is famous for beautiful drives and hikes, especially in October," Markwood tells us. She says there are also wineries and spas in the area, or you can opt for a nature walk if you want to get outside.

4.7 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Calling all animal lovers! A zoo can make for a highly memorable thing to do on your honeymoon. Luckily, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is famous around the world because it houses more than 600 species in huge, carefully curated habitats. Markwood says, "They also have an amazing manatee rehabilitation program, and the underwater sea lion viewing and giraffe feeding are two other personal favorites of mine."

4.6 Star Rating | Read Reviews

City Exploration

Ohio, is home to a few major cities, including Columbus, Cincinnati and Cleveland. Churches highly recommends building in a city experience for your honeymoon getaway. She says, "Check out Columbus's Short North or one of the best malls in the country, Easton Town Center. Cleveland's art and dining scene is pretty impressive, as is Cincinnati's riverfront."

Lake Erie

Couples craving a coastal reprieve can get that in Ohio, too. "The Ohio coastline of Lake Erie is full of beautiful lake beaches and marinas, and the lake is large enough that it has waves that might make you forget you're not actually looking at the ocean," Markwood says. You can rent watersport supplies, pack a picnic to eat along the shore, or simply sit back and take in the views.

Amish Country

Work some slow moments into your trip. One of the more unexpected honeymoon destinations in Ohio is Amish Country. Here, horse-drawn buggies share the road with rolling farmlands, and time seems to move at its own gentle pace. You can wander through charming towns filled with handmade goods, savor hearty comfort foods and cozy up in a quiet countryside inn. It's a nice contrast to fast-paced city stops.

What to Pack for an Ohio Honeymoon

Packing for Ohio depends on the season, but layers are key since the weather shifts quickly. Year-round essentials include comfy shoes, a light jacket and rain gear. In summer, bring breathable clothes, swimwear and sun protection. Fall calls for flannels, jeans and a medium jacket, while winter requires a heavy coat, gloves and boots. Spring means light jackets, waterproof shoes and versatile outfits.