Why Plan a Minneapolis Elopement?
Small moments are still a big deal.
So, people come to plan their elopements for all sorts of reasons. That is awesome, and however you come to an elopement, know that you can have a beautiful and meaningful ceremony to mark the start of your marriage.
Choosing a more intimate celebration of your wedding means you get to focus on the most important things – you and your partner.
I approach elopement photography with two goals – document your joy together, and make sure the photos feel natural and intimate.
If you are planning on eloping in Minneapolis or St Paul, I have some tips to keep in mind and also some suggestions for your photography. I also offer special elopement photography packages for weekday weddings (Monday – Thursday) and for winter weekends.
Elopement photography is changing because Weddings are changing
I feel a sea change in how we think about weddings, and I am psyched.
A shift to totally reconsider the purpose of a wedding – the community we build, and the people who celebrate with us.
I see it in large weddings – being more purposeful about what elements of a wedding are truly important, from bringing in the kick-ass band you loved in Chicago to prioritizing spending time with guests.
It is in smaller weddings, too – having an elopement with just a few closest friends or family, making it feel like an amazing evening spent with people you care about.
One thing remains: Celebrations are important.
Rituals are so rare in our lives, that wedding remain a unique moment of shared experience. Weddings show a before and an after in our lives, and that kind of ritual demands documentation.
So, as you are planning, here are some tips to keep in mind to make your elopement as stress free as possible.
Tips for Planning your Minneapolis Elopement:
• GET CREATIVE WITH TIMING
If you want an intimate feel, choose times when spaces will be less used. At Minneapolis Government Center, this means perhaps looking at the end of the day so that you can use the central atrium space for your intimate ceremony. At St Paul City Hall, likewise using the space after hours will allow you to use the stunning art deco lobby. At Como Conservatory, mornings before opening are a perfect space for a slot of sunshine. Think about mornings and weekday afternoons!
• SMALL WEDDINGS SHOULD STILL FEATURE YOU
Choose a location you connect with for your ceremony, and consider an additional location that you love. You can take a walk with your new spouse and have a few portraits along the way.
• GET YOUR PAPER WORK IN ORDER
Minnesota is a gorgeous state, but it is also really into proper paperwork. Check out the requirements for your marriage licenses (most counties require a few days or longer to process) and also make sure you line up an officiant (I’ve got recommendations if you need them). Most City Halls will have recommendations for judges that perform ceremonies, but you will need to contact them directly.
• DOES YOUR SPACE NEED A PERMIT?
Parks in the metro can be reserved for a small fee, and many can be used without reservation but will remain open to the public. Most public/private spaces (theaters, museums, arboretum, etc) have rental fees and require a reservation.
• WITNESSES!
You do need two witnesses, but I count as one so you can keep your wedding as intimate as possible!
Location Ideas for your Minneapolis Elopement
Its the land of 10,000 lakes, and there are no shortage of amazing spaces for weddings outside. Here are a few of my favorite parks and park districts to look into, as well as my favorite architectural spaces for elopements in the twin cities. I include location ideas and brainstorming along with every elopement package, so please contact me for more info!
Minnesota State Parks near Minneapolis for Elopements:
- Fort Snelling – Featuring the Mississippi and big natural wooded spaces
- Afton – a lovely combination of woods and prairie
- Interstate Park in Taylors Falls – just 45 minutes outside of Minneapolis with stunning rock formations and river views
Minneapolis Parks for your Elopement:
- Minnehaha Falls – With a waterfall, pergola, and nearby Longfellow garden
- Stone Arch Bridge & St Anthony Main – truly iconic backdrops for an elopement
- Smaller parks with more privacy like Gluek park in NE, Boom Island, and Lake Hiawatha
St Paul Parks for Elopements
- Hidden Falls is in the Mississippi river valley, close to St Paul, and has rentable outdoor shelters.
- Raspberry Island offers views of downtown St Paul from the river
- Swede Hollow is a hidden gem of a park
Three Rivers Parks for Elopements:
Three Rivers is in the larger metro area and offers some gorgeous spaces and really well maintained trails. They also require permits and reservations. Favorite parks include:
- Silverwood or Bryant Lake (closest to Minneapolis)
- Gale Woods Farm (features a working farm!)
- Richardson Nature Center has large spaces and indoor options.
Historical and Architectural Spaces for Twin Cities Elopements:
These all offer spaces that are also open to the public, and some have private spaces for rent for elopements:
- Hennepin County Government center
- Minneapolis City Hall
- St Paul City Hall
- Minnesota Capitol Building
- Gale Mansion
- Landmark Center
- Como Conservatory
Unexpected Places for Elopements in Twin Cities
- The Hewing Hotel has spaces for small weddings and also offers hotel rooms for private events.
- The St Paul College Club offers Micro-wedding packages in a great space.
- WA Frost in St Paul has private spaces and patio access.
Restaurants for your Small Wedding or post elopement celebration
As a foodie, I have to add some praise for great tastes and private dining. You can also see all my dining recommendations in my Out-of-towners food guide!
What to expect for photography coverage for your Minneapolis Elopement
Every wedding is different, but in general most folks choose to have photography coverage of the ceremony and some additional time for portraits of the couple and any witnesses or attendees at the wedding. This might look like 2 hours of coverage by the Minneapolis City Hall, or it might look like walking around your favorite park and then joining your family for dinner at a restaurant. Coverage should reflect what is important to you and your partner.
Photography packages always include ideas and advice for choosing locations, putting together your timeline, and managing your day. They also include travel within 60 miles of the metro, all your files as digital downloads, and general good cheer. Coverage starts at $1100 for 2 hours on weekday events.
What to expect from Minneapolis Elopement photos
Get a taste of what elopement photography can look like, capturing your ceremony, your joy, and your locations.
