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This cave wedding happened at dawn — with a $100 budget!

At a Glance

Here’s what I can tell you about this wedding: it happened at dawn… in a cave… and the budget was $100.

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In a world of extravagant ceremonies and skyrocketing costs, one couple proved that all you truly need for a perfect wedding is love, a unique location, and a handful of dedicated friends. Forget the ballroom and the expensive florist; this is the story of a breathtaking union that happened at dawn, deep within a ancient cave, with a total budget of just $100.

The Magic of a Dawn Start

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To capture the true essence of this unique venue, the day began before the sun. A hand-painted sign, the first of many personalized details, welcomed guests to the “Wedding in Progress” with a simple time frame: 8:30am – 9:30am. The air was cool and crisp, a hint of morning mist clinging to the woods, perfectly matching the “dawn” atmosphere described by the couple.

…and the budget was $100!

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An Intimate Sanctuary

The ceremony takes place within a massive, shallow cave. The scale of the rock formation creates a sense of ancient permanence, with light filtering through the trees and bouncing off the rugged stone ceiling.

  • The Decor: To stay within budget, the couple leaned into natural beauty and DIY charm. A collection of mismatched glass jars, filled with tealights, glows in the dim light of the cave floor, creating a warm, flickering path for the couple.
  • The Details: Small, thoughtful touches are visible throughout—the steam rising from a guest’s cup of morning coffee, the bride’s delicate vintage-style bracelet, and the simple bouquet of greenery she carries.
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The Ceremony

Under the sweeping arch of the cave, family and friends gather in a close circle. The officiant, dressed in a vibrant burnt-orange wrap, stands before the couple as they exchange rings in front of a weathered rock face. The photos capture the raw, quiet emotion of the moment—the focus is entirely on the connection between the two people standing on the sand-covered cave floor.

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cliff wall at sunrise
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This celebration proves that a wedding’s value isn’t found in the price tag, but in the intentionality of the setting and the people gathered to witness it. With the sun rising over the treeline and the quiet echo of the cave as their backdrop, this couple created a high-impact memory with a minimal footprint.

31 responses to “This cave wedding happened at dawn — with a $100 budget!”

  1. Cassandra Avatar

    ahhhh! I'm all tingly with anticipation!

  2. Ashley Avatar
    Ashley

    It was the most beautiful wedding I've ever attended! You won't be disappointed!

  3. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    I am so in suspense! Like, edge of my seat gnawing at my fingernails rocking back and forth suspense!

  4. mike steelman Avatar
  5. @mikesteelman Avatar

    Can't wait to see more…

  6. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    Wow. I definitely can't wait. (Too bad we don't have any caves around here…)

  7. Gina Avatar

    A week suddenly seems like a LONG time from now! $100?! really?!

  8. Jojo Avatar

    Woah, that sounds pretty rad!

  9. Elzbieta Avatar
    Elzbieta

    OMG I love Hocking Hills! Totally fell in love with the boy there…

  10. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    Such a beautiful ceremony in Ash Cave! It's never looked so pretty.

  11. Claire Avatar
    Claire

    I want to go to there!

  12. Sabrina Avatar

    *Gasp!* that looks AMAZING. Can't wait to see more!!!

  13. Karen Avatar

    I cannot WAIT. This looks awesome!

  14. Angie Avatar
    Angie

    Hurry up already!!!

  15. apsutter Avatar
    apsutter

    I LOVE those shoes!!! So 1940's film noir!!!

  16. Joel Valencia Avatar
    Joel Valencia

    This weeding looks great. Wanna watch wedding videography.

    Thanks

  17. Joel Valencia Avatar
    Joel Valencia

    This weeding looks great. Wanna watch wedding videography.

    Thanks

  18. Vicky Avatar

    omg, those shoes!!!

    I wish I could show you my boyfriend's (hopefully soon-to-be fiance) brother's wedding in the redwood forest in northern california. It was beautiful.

    A wedding in a cave.. awesome

  19. Renee Avatar
    Renee

    I can't wait to see this!!!!! Total tease!

  20. Nikki Avatar
    Nikki

    What a tease!!!!!!

  21. Danielle Avatar

    Wow! I am looking forward to reading more about this wedding.

  22. Andrea D Avatar
    Andrea D

    Ariel you naughty tease!! It looks gorge!!

  23. Sayula Avatar
    Sayula

    Awesome!! Can't wait to see more…

  24. Brigitta Avatar

    Like about everyone else said – come on already! 🙂 From what I can see, the bride and groom look so rediculously clàssy…

  25. Lekit Im Avatar

    My jaw literally dropped. WOW!

  26. noxiousburrito Avatar
    noxiousburrito

    OMG! I love this cave, and $100. that is my type of budget.

  27. Allaeas Avatar

    Great & sweet wedding 🙂

  28. Allaeas Avatar

    Great & sweet wedding 🙂

  29. Jenna Avatar

    What a gorgeous place to get married! That's certainly not going to be something people forget quickly. Love, love, love the teaser shot of the bride and groom!!

  30. Aria Avatar

    $100? This I must see!

  31. Olivia Avatar

    Ohmygosh- that place looks amazing…how fun! And only $100? That's awesome…

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