Eloping is a beautiful way to celebrate your love story without the pressure and complexity of a traditional wedding. Let’s dive into the ultimate guide on how to elope in Indiana, and explore ways to make your intimate celebration truly memorable.
Obtain a Marriage License
One of the first steps in preparing for your elopement is to make sure you have followed these steps to get your marriage license:
- Complete an online marriage license application with Marion County Clerk’s Office
- Go to the office to complete your application review
- Pay the application fee
- Get married by a wedding officiant who records the marriage license in the office
Click HERE To learn more about the process and requirements for a marriage license in Indianapolis.
Choose a Meaningful Location
Indianapolis offers a variety of scenic and iconic spots for an elopement. Here are some ideas:
White River State Park
As the only urban state park in the country, White River offers lush green spaces, scenic walking paths, several world-class attractions, and views of the city skyline.
Soldiers and Sailors Monument
A historic landmark in the heart of downtown with a grand atmosphere.
Broad Ripple Park
For a more relaxed, nature-filled vibe, this park offers wooded areas and serene views of the White River.
The Canal Walk
A romantic, picturesque location for a small, intimate ceremony. The Canal Walk is a 3-mile loop along the Central Canal located in White River State Park.
Tip: Plan for Permits
Some public locations may require a permit for a wedding ceremony. Check with the specific venue or the Indianapolis government website to ensure you’ve got any necessary permissions.
Hire a Local Officiant
Many officiants in Indianapolis specialize in elopements and can customize your ceremony. Look for someone who can work with your schedule and preferences, whether you want a religious, spiritual, or secular ceremony.
Capture the Moment
Hire a local photographer who has experience with elopements. They can help you select spots around the city and guide you through the process to ensure you get natural, intimate shots. Below is a list of Indianapolis photographers who offer elopement packages
Ashlynn Downing Photography
Ashlynn Downing has been shooting weddings since 2019, and she enjoys capturing authentic moments between couples. During her shoots, she hopes to make all of her clients feel comfortable and free to be themselves. Her elopement packages start at $2,000.
Stacy Able Photography
Stacy Able is a wedding and engagement photographer who has documented more than 450 weddings. Her signature style is a mix of authentic, timeless, romantic, and candid imagery in true to life colors. For detailed pricing on Stacy’s elopement packages, reach out directly to tell her more about your photography needs.
Tessa Robbins
With more than 300 weddings under her belt and 1,500+ other shoots since 2010, Tessa Robbins understands the importance of good art direction while also grabbing moments as they are without interrupting them. She hopes to capture the essence of the day with images that will last forever. Contact Tessa to learn more about her customizable elopement wedding packages.
Katherine Mei
Katherine Mei is a skilled hybrid photographer, shooting both film and digital images, with a commitment to authenticity. She focuses on using natural light in a soft, dreamy, and ethereal way to capture timeless moments and genuine emotions, whether you’re having a grand celebration or intimate elopement. Reach out for detailed pricing and availability.
Stephanie Mckenna
Stephanie Mckenna has been part of the wedding industry since 2013, photographing love stories for the laid back couple. Her approach to photography is to capture joyful, real, and fun images with a very natural editing style. Each elopement and destination package is custom to your needs so pricing varies. Reach out to Stephanie directly for pricing and package info.
Just Jess photography
Just Jess is a candid wedding photographer who loves to capture moments that are unposed and genuine because she believes the in- between moments areis where the magic happens. Her images carry a warm, cinematic, and ethereal feel. Just Jess will offer deals on elopements packages, for those couples who are interested in eloping to a location on her bucket list. For the full list, visit her website.
Celebrate
After your ceremony, enjoy the local food scene. Indianapolis has a great selection of restaurants that offer intimate settings, such as:
Brunch spots for morning elopements:
Milktooth
A trendy brunch spot with an everchanging menu including unique entrees, coffee, cocktails, and fresh pastries.
Cafe Patachou
Offering a world class breakfast and lunch experience, this award winning restaurant was founded by a six-time James Beard Foundation semifinalist.
Dinner Options for afternoon/evening elopements:
St. Elmo Steak House
A historic, upscale restaurant known for its shrimp cocktail and steaks. It is the oldest Indianapolis steakhouse in its original location.
The Eagle
A cozy Southern-style eatery with comfort food and great cocktails. Known for their “Best Of” accolades around the country.
Optional Reception with Family and Friends
Host a small dinner party or go all out and plan a big reception! There are no rules on how you should celebrate your marriage! Plan a celebration with additional friends and family a few days after your wedding or a few months after.
Newfields
With a range of stunning indoor and outdoor spaces to utilize, including stunning views and world-renowned galleries, Newfields provides a captivating canvas for your wedding celebration.
The Eiteljorg Museum
A unique venue for art lovers, The Eiteljorg Museum provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your event. Located along the scenic White River State Park, this museum offers indoor and outdoor spaces that showcase Native American art and Western heritage.
Indiana offers a variety of stunning locations and experiences for couples looking to tie the knot in a more intimate setting. The beauty of eloping is that it’s all about you and your partner, so make sure to take a deep breath and enjoy the intimate, personal experience. With thoughtful planning and a bit of creativity, your Indiana elopement can be a unique expression of your relationship.
