You’re getting married- how exciting?! 

If eloping is on your radar, I am here to help you plan your Minnesota Elopement! While there is less planning that goes into eloping, it is still wise to have a general idea of what the process of elopement planning looks like. 

Step One: Make Sure That Eloping Is Right For You!

As someone who eloped, I can promise you I do not regret the decision whatsoever. Leading up to my elopement I did feel scared that I would regret not throwing the large wedding. But when my big day rolled around, I realized how right I was to elope. If you are someone who feels like they don’t want all eyes on them, who doesn’t want to throw a big party and be stressed out by the budget and timelines, then eloping might be right for you. 

Step Two: To Invite Others or To Not Invite Others?

Eloping no longer means running away to Vegas to get married and coming back to tell your family. I have had multiple elopements that included close friends and family. Just because you invite people does not mean you aren’t still eloping. Eloping is simply stepping away from the expectations of planning a grand wedding day, but also having the freedom to invite your people. 

Step Three: Look Into Your Photographer

This may seem premature, but I put this on the list as #3 because if you find the right photographer you will be able to check SO many things off your list. Photographers are so important because they capture the emotion of the day. Photos help you remember the way you felt in the moment. I would suggest meeting with your photographer (either through zoom or in person), to make sure they are a great match. This person is going to spend your elopement day with you. 

As an elopement photographer I help my couples with location scouting, vendors, packing and more!

Step Four: Choose a Location

This part is such an exciting part! Minnesota has so many beautiful areas that offer breathtaking backdrops for your vows!

From the shores of Lake Superior, to the headwaters of the Mississippi to the bluffs of southeast Minnesota. Honestly the Twin Cities even have some stunning views to offer. As your photographer, I will show you areas of this state that offer the best views for your elopement, while keeping in mind what vision you have for your big day. 

Some of my favorite locations for elopements

• Tettegouche State Park
• Any beach on Lake Superior
• Grand Marais (yes the whole town, it is the cutest place)!
• Split Rock Lighthouse Trails 

Step Five: Choose A Season

The biggest part of choosing a date is making sure you are getting married in the right season. I have shot an elopement in every season and I can tell you my favorite to least favorite season and why.

Fall is my absolute favorite season. The weather is comfortable and the foliage is amazing on the North Shore. I am personally someone who likes a crisp fall day, so bring your flannels and wool socks! 

Summer is another great season to get married in for so many reasons. You get more daylight hours and the weather is usually nicer (when you’re close to Lake Superior, you don’t have to worry about extreme heat). 

Winter is one of the most beautiful seasons, fresh fallen snow against the shore is breathtaking. An obvious hardship of this season is the brisk cold and also travel delays due to snow. This season can be great for those winter sports couples!

Spring is a season that I love to be outdoors in, but can be quite messy for an elopement day! One thing to note is that there will be less crowds in the beautiful locations, always a positive! 

Step Six: Choose A Date

Once you pick a season, I would suggest figuring out if you want to get married on a weekend or a weekday. There are pros and cons to each. For those wanting to have a small group of friends and family, then weekends tend to work better. If you are wanting the least amount of crowds, then weekdays work best. I eloped in the Rocky Mountains on a Tuesday, and honestly it still had crowds. But I cannot imagine how much more crowded it might have been had we chosen a Saturday. Choosing a weekday may also help you have more AirBnB options. The AirBnB’s on the North Shore of Minnesota book so quickly on weekends. So many Minnesotans take weekend trips on the shore!

Step Seven: Hire Vendors

You might be thinking, but I am eloping, why do I need vendors? There are some great “normal wedding day” elements you can include in your elopement day. 

Some couples want to include things such as a cake cutting, floral arrangements, hair and make up. These are not important to every couple, but I find that couples often want recommendations from me regarding local vendors. As someone who has worked in the industry for multiple years, I have worked with many florists, bakers and hair/make up artists! It’s important you can trust the vendors you are hiring! When you hire these vendors, you are saving yourself time from having to do it yourself. 

Another element that many forget about, because it is all so exciting, is finding someone to marry you! Anyone who is officially ordained can marry you! I am someone who is ordained and would be honored to marry you while capturing your big day!

Step Eight: Get Your Minnesota Marriage License

So each state seems to have different rules, which can be confusing! I am here to help! Here are some things to know when starting this process.

You will fill out an application through the Minnesota Official Marriage Systems (MOMS) https://moms.mn.gov/

Within 90 days of filling out your MOMS info you will need to show up to any Minnesota County Recorders Office and bring your ID’s (drivers license) and Social Security Cards with you (most people just go to their closest county recorders office).

• To note: You do NOT need to go to the county recorders office in which you will be getting married. 

Once you get your marriage license, you have six months to use that license. This license is valid anywhere in Minnesota. 

The cost of the license is $125. 

Step Nine:

Pack your stuff, get your license… you’re getting married! Let’s plan the perfect elopement together! I am here to help in every way possible! Let’s get started!!!!