An elopement is, essentially, a wedding day for just you and your partner and maybe a witness or two, and your photographer.

-If you were to have a “guest list” it would probably fit on one hand. 
-Maybe it’s just the two of you, the officiant and me and Earl as your witnesses (We sign our names really well)
-The location can be a place that has meaning to you and your significant other.
-It can take place somewhere that is epic and romantic  or simple and nostalgic as your backyard. 

Honestly, an elopement can be whatever you want it to be when referring to making a ceremony day all about you and your partner and having a memorable adventure where you end up married without the fuss of a big traditional wedding.

An elopement is  couple centric and has a small or no guest count and no formal reception.
Elopements are more spontaneous in nature and usually involve a type of adventure fitting the couple.
With so many options in Minnesota, many couples can often take a roadtrip somewhere scenic on a whim, and your Minnesota elopement photographers have just the type of adventurous spirit to accompany you!
Overall, elopements offer couples an alternative to traditional weddings, allowing them to prioritize intimacy, authenticity, and simplicity in celebrating their love and commitment to each other.

Questions to ask yourself about your Minnesota elopement:

Scenery and Views
Ask yourself these questions:
-Do you have a favorite type of scenery that inspires you?
-What view do you want to be looking at when you say your vows?

Seasonality
Ask yourself these questions:
-Do you have a specific time of year that you want to get married?
-Is there a specific date that is meaningful to you?
-Do you two have a favorite season?
-Do you two prefer warm weather? Cold weather? How do you feel about wind, rain, snow, etc.?

Accessibility
Ask yourself these questions:
-How accessible do you want the location to be?
-Do you two like to hike? Or would you prefer an elopement spot that doesn’t require hiking at all, but still has great views?

Seclusion
Ask yourself these questions:
-How private do you want your location to be?
-Would you be comfortable getting married at a more popular overlook or do you want to have no one else around?
-If a few other hikers were around would that be okay?
-Do you want to be immersed in scenery?
-Would you be willing to get up for sunrise to have a place all to yourself?

Meaning
Ask yourself these questions:
-Do you two have a place that already means something special to you?
-Is there a spot that you two have always talked about or dreamt of going together?

Experience/Activities
Ask yourself these questions:
-Besides saying your vows, what other activities do you imagine doing on the day you get married?
-How long are you planning to make your trip when you go to elope? Is it combined with a honeymoon?

Guests
Ask yourself these questions:
-Are you bringing other people along to your elopement or is it just you two?
-If you’re bringing guests, how many?
-Do any of your guests have accessibility or health needs to consider when finding the right spot?
-Is your whole elopement experience going to be with your guests or will part of it just be the two of you?

Minnesota elopement photographer top outdoor places to elope in Minnesota:

-Minnehaha Falls (Minneapolis, MN)-
-Minneahaha Creek (Minneapolis, MN)-
-Palisade Head- (Duluth, MN)-
-Minneapolis Sculpture Garden- (Minneapolis, MN)
-Como Park & Conservatory-
-Rose Garden, (Duluth, Minnesota)
-Mill City Ruins Park-
-Split Rock (Duluth, MN)
-Stillwater- 
-Banning state park-
-Willow river-
Lyndale Rose Garden (Minneapolis, MN)
Rice Park (St Paul, MN)
Summit Overlook (St Paul, MN)
Excelsior Bay (Excelsior, MN)

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Top indoor places to elope in Minnesota:

-Como Park Conservatory-
-Local Breweries-
-Science museum (St. Paul)-
–Library–
-Landmark Center  (St. Paul)-
-Hewing hotel-

Court house options to elope:

Popular courthouses in Minneapolis and St. Paul:
Hennepin County (Mpls, MN)
Ramsey County (St Paul, MN)
Government center (Mpls, MN)
Minneapolis City Hall (Mpls, MN)
Minnesota Capitol Building (St Paul, MN)
Family Justice Center (St Paul, MN)
Juvenile Justice Center
Brookdale, Ridgedale and Southdale Regional Service

So many people opt to head north of Minneapolis and St. Paul to the north shore to elope. The scenery is breath-taking and ambiance is the perfect way to celebrate those adventurous spirits. 
The North shore is beautiful in all seasons to be among nature and be married. 

Top places in the North Shore to elope:

Palisade Head in Silver Bay, MN
Splitrock light house Two Harbors, MN
Pebble Beach in Beaver Bay, MN
Black Beach in Silver Bay, MN
Park Point in Duluth, MN
Rose Garden Duluth, MN
Pigeon Falls Duluth, MN

Getting married in a state park is a fantastic option!

Remember to call the park and inform them about your plans!
MN DNR 888-646-6367

Top State Parks in Minnesota to Elope
Fort Snelling (Minneapolis, MN)
Interstate Park (Taylor Falls, MN)
Tettegoutche State Park (Silver Bay, MN)
Jay Cooke State Park (Carlton, MN)
Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors, MN)

How to elope in Minnesota:

-You will need to apply for a marriage license with the county office that handles licensing and this does vary from one county to another. There are also certain documents you’ll need to bring with you.
The Minnesota marriage license is valid for a full 6 months, so it’s best that you take care of this legal matter at least a month before your wedding date.

-An application for a Minnesota marriage license can be obtained using this state government website. Click on the county where you wedding will be held; that will direct you to specific information. Your marriage license can be used anywhere in Minnesota, but must be completed and returned to the county where the license was purchased Most counties permit you to apply online, then, within 90 days, the couple must appear in person at their local Vital Records Office, to sign the application, show photo I.D. and pay the license fee.

-If you plan to use a public space for your ceremony, you most likely are required to have a permit. Do your research on your location and make sure your paperwork is in order!
 
-Those who want to get married at a wedding venue such as a state park or historic building may need to follow special regulations and get a permit for the event, and special permits may also be required for serving alcohol. It generally takes time to apply for a permit, so make sure you plan accordingly, especially for popular venues. If you’re opting for indoor elopement venue, make sure to book the date and pay all of the proper fees.