So what is an elopement?
An elopement is, essentially, a wedding day for just you and your partner and maybe a witness or two.
-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.
-ELOPE IN MINNESOTA-
How to elope in Minnesota
Top indoor places to elope in Minnesota
Top outdoor places to elope in Minnesota
Where to elope in Minnesota?
Elopement vs. Microweddings vs. Minimonies
Contents
Elopement vs. Microweddings vs. Minimonies
It’s a wedding but small!
With a tiny guest count, a microwedding usually is planned and has many elements a typical wedding is planned but is but to a much smaller degree, usually averaging about 50 guests that are immediate family and close friends only.
See a microwedding on the blog!
Microwedding
Minimonies+Sequal Weddings
The 2020 pandemic has coined these two new terms in the wedding industry. For those couples who had every intention to have a traditional size and feel of a wedding but had to adjust due to COVID, they are having Minimonies to commit to one another now among parents or a handful of friends and opting for their larger wedding later when it’s safe and more reasonable to do so also now referred to as their sequel wedding.
See a minimony on the blog!
Minimonies+
Sequal Weddings
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?
Where to elope in Minnesota?
Top places to elope outdoors in Minnesota
Top place to elope outdoors in minnesota
-Voyageurs National Park-
-Palisade Head-
-Mill City Ruins Park-
-Split Rock-
-Stillwater -
-Banning state park-
-Willow river-
Top place to elope indoors in minnesota
-Como Park Conservatory-
-Local Breweries-
-Science museum-
-Library-
-Landmark Center – St. Paul-
Top places to elope indoors 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.
How to elope in Minnesota?
Marriage license
permits & fees
-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.
City, state and national parks have more traffic on the weekends.
This means that Monday-Thursday elopements can give you more privacy and freedom to use different areas without disturbing the park’s other guests.
tip
Officiant
You can hire an officiant, minister, family member or anyone who is ordained for your elopement in MN.
That person must be 21 and must file their official credentials in any MN county
Witnesses
The state of MN requires 2 witnesses, who must be over the age of 16.
If you're wanting a super intimate elopement with minimal people, Earl and I will gladly be your witnesses!
Officiant & Witnesses
Send
Phone
penny@pennyphotographics.com
612-710-9415
WHAT ABOUT US CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION?
How'd you find us?
Let's do this!
Tell us about yourself
Wedding date
Name