A GUIDE ON HOW TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA FROM A LOCAL MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

As an experienced and local Minnesota elopement photographer, I cannot wait to show you all the information I have put together for you and your partner so you can plan the dream elopement experience you both deserve. This How to Elope in Minnesota guide will give you all the tools and resources you could ever need to plan your elopement!!

This How to Elope in Minnesota Guide Covers:

• How to Elope in Minnesota (including a checklist for you to use!)
• Where To Elope in Minnesota
• Activities For Your MN Elopement

WARNING: THIS GUIDE MAKES IT ALMOST TOO EASY TO PLAN YOUR MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT!! So if you’re looking to take the stress off when it comes to planning your dream elopement day in Minnesota, KEEP ON READING!

HOW TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA

THE LEGAL SHIZ

HOW TO GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN MINNESOTA

Let’s take care of the legalities first!! In the state of Minnesota, you’ll have to apply for your marriage license in-person. You can get your marriage license at ANY location in Minnesota, no matter where the ceremony is going to take place! I recommend applying for your marriage license in your home county, just to make things easy for you.

NOTE: You’ll have to be at least 18 years of age and appear together (in-person) with your current photo IDs! Once you have your license, it’s good for up to six months!

WHO CAN MARRY YOU & DO YOU NEED WITNESSES IN MINNESOTA?

The state of Minnesota requires an authorized officiant or minister to marry you and your partner. This person must be 21 years old or older, and have their credentials filed with the state of Minnesota! (Pssst… I’m actually ordained in the state of Minnesota and have married some of my couples!) You will also need two witnesses to sign your marriage license.

PRO TIP: If you’re not having guests, I’ve had couples ask random bystanders to sign as their witnesses on the day of and haven’t been told no!! Otherwise, I have signed as a witness for my couples if I’m not marrying them!

WHERE DO I START WITH PLANNING?!

MAKE YOUR DREAM ELOPEMENT VISION BOARD

You’re probably wondering, why on earth should you do this? Well, look at it this way – you first need to have an idea about what you are drawn to. Some couples like to set the date and precise location first, but that is completely optional. In either case, you must start somewhere and build your vision. What is it exactly? Simply trawl through Pinterest, elopement blogs, or social media and see what feels right for you both regarding your Minnesota elopement board. 

• What small details will we include? (Charms, books, crystals, lightsabers, custom socks, etc?)
• Do we want flowers? If so, what would that look like? Bouquets? Pocket squares?
• What activities do we love to do together? What are some things you guys have always wanted to try together? (Pottery class, skydiving, canoeing, cooking pizza over a campfire, etc)
• When we close our eyes, what sounds do we hear? What does it smell like? (Does it smell like pine trees? Do you hear waves crashing on the beach?)
• When my partner and I think about our DREAM day, if we could have anything in the world, what would that look like?
• What will my partner and I be wearing? (Suits? Dresses? Pant Suits? TIP: If you want to wear a wedding dress, it doesn’t have to be white!)

CHOOSE YOUR ELOPEMENT DATE

First, start with the season! Your schedules come first when planning the perfect date but it is best to begin with what you think feels right for you. I would recommend choosing from May to October because the weather is mild and there are light breezes. Fall will also totally spoil you with golden foliage, and the weather is perfect between September and October too. Wish to elope on the North Shore? Then choose end of September to the beginning of October as Fall comes sooner then the southern part of the state!

Winter is harsh with temperatures that can make you feel rather… unpleasant. So avoid it unless your hearts are absolutely SET on having a winter elopement with snow and freezing temperatures! But when is the best time to tie the knot in winter? Elope in November or early December. And this way, you will avoid the -50 temperatures in January/February!!

WANT TO AVOID CROWDS AND HAVE MAXIMUM INTIMACY?

If you’re wanting to avoid crowds and have max privacy, I highly recommend eloping on a weekday and during sunrise, early morning hours!

RESEARCH + CONTACT ELOPEMENT VENDORS

True, you are not planning a traditional wedding, but you will still need some extra hands to realize your dream vision and make sure your memories are in safe hands! Research experienced and professional vendors that can help you plan your dream Minnesota elopement. Some of them include:

• Photographer (oh heyyyy, that’s me!)
• Videographer
• Stylist (hair + makeup)
• Florist
• Dessert
• Private Chef

Remember, it is important to book the right professionals that will fulfill your vision! My tip for finding the right vendors, is to meet with them over the phone or on a zoom call. Ask all that you need to know! In my experience, vendors who specialize in elopements, not traditional weddings; will be the most helpful – especially photographers and videographers!!

WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT

Book a charming and romantic Airbnb, VRBO, or hotel in close proximity to your chosen Minnesota elopement spot! Not only will this choice enhance your experience with a sense of living your most fulfilling life, but it will also create the illusion of your own exclusive “property” nestled in a breathtaking location!

This setting will enhance the intimacy and closeness between you two. Moreover, it serves a dual purpose – serving as both a space for preparations and an excellent contingency plan in case the weather takes an unfavorable turn. Looking for some specific recommendations? I got chuuuuu!

Airbnbs	Hotels
Aurora Modern (Ely)	Bluefin Bay (Tofte)
The Unity Farm (Shafer)	Cuyuna Matata (Crosby)
Barrow Lake A-Frame (Hackensack)	The Lora (Stillwater)
Star Gazing Igloo (Afton)	The Hewing (Minneapolis)
Cozy Lakefront Cabin (Alexandria)	Grand Superior (Two Harbors)
Lake Superior Geo Dome (Schroeder)	Hotel Crosby (Stillwater)
Wild Mountain Retreat (Taylors Falls)	Larsmont Cottages (Two Harbors)

CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING ATTIRE

It is quite simple really – glam yourself but do it wisely! If you are going to be out in nature and need to hike, then comfortable footwear will be essential! For example, a lot of my couples bring a gorgeous pair of shoes for the moment when we arrive at their Minnesota elopement location. Also, it is your day, wear whatever you like! You can opt for traditional wedding attire, but also choose casual wear! (FYI Pantsuits are definitely a thing!)

HAVE FUN & CELEBRATE YOUR BIG DAY!!

This may be one of the most important steps regarding how to elope in Minnesota – ENJOY YOUR FREAKING ELOPEMENT!! The whole experience should be FUN and STRESS-FREE! So just take a deep breath and relax. You are getting married to the love of your life, your partner in crime, your rock, your everything! You have your marriage license successfully filed so now love and let live! Ride on your high and possibly the best experience in your life. Take your spouse by the hand and explore!!!

🥂 CELEBRATEEEEEEE GOOD TIMES C’MON!!!!! 🥂

NEED AN ELOPEMENT PLANNING CHECKLIST!? SAVE THIS & PRINT IT OUT!

---

WHERE TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA

BLACK BEACH

Who would have thought you could find a black beach in the Midwest, right?! Black beach is the result of taconite tailings that were dropped into Lake Superior many years ago. This beach is a popular spot along the north shore! You can find people sunbathing, doing a little swimming (or a cold plunge rather), or getting married here! The nice thing about getting married on this beach? There’s no permits of any kind that are needed, but you also can’t block off any part of the beach for your wedding.

Here’s some Black Beach elopement inspiration from real couples:

• Chris & Tyla’s Elopement
• Stephanie & Reid’s Elopement
• Kayleigh & Gage’s Elopement

• Are you and your partner thinking of eloping at Black Beach, here’s my step-by-step guide on How to Elope on Black Beach in Minnesota!

TETTEGOUCHE STATE PARK

Tettegouche State Park is arguably one of the most popular state parks along Lake Superior, and rightfully so! This state park has beaches, sea caves, sea stacks, overlooks, waterfalls, cliffs and so much more. But keep in mind, that this park is poppin’ during the peak season and especially on weekends! You will need a Minnesota State Park pass for your car.

• Cassie and Peter’s Tettegouche State Park elopement

TEMPERANCE RIVER STATE PARK

This might be one of my absolute favorite state parks up on the North Shore!! Temperance River State Park is located between Schroeder and Tofte, just right off HWY 61. You can spend a few moments skipping rocks down on the beach, hiking your way up to Carlton Peak, or explore the gorge with all it’s stunning waterfalls. You will need a Minnesota State Park pass for your car.

• Check out Kayla and Bennett’s elopement adventure in Temperance River State Park & in the Superior National Forest!

PALISADE HEAD

Are the cliffs of Lake Superior calling your name? Palisade Head is another gorgeous spot to think of for your elopement day! While you can no longer have a ceremony at Palisade Head, you can still have your portraits taken up here, or even just a little picnic at sunrise or sunset! If you and your partner are rock climbers, you can also rock climb if you’re feeling up to it!

• Miranda and Duncan’s Palisade Head Elopement

• Want to know more information about how to elope on the MN North Shore?! Check out this guide!

---

MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Choosing your Minnesota elopement photographer is SO important to your elopement experience. Not only should you fall in love with the photographer’s work and art, but you should also completely vibe with them! After all, you’re going to be spending quite a bit of time together!

As a Minnesota elopement photographer, it’s extremely important to me to get to know my couples on a deep level. This ensures that I can provide you with an elopement experience that’s completely personalized and tailored to you who both are, individually and as a couple! Take a peek at my elopement experience to see what it’s like to work with me!

MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT PACKAGES

My Minnesota elopement packages are built with couples like you in mind where you’re wanting to create an intentional elopement day experience that’s centered around your love for nature, your connection to each other, and having an adventure that lights up your hearts! I photograph your day through the eyes of a storyteller and hopeless romantic. I’m here to tell the story of your elopement adventure and document the art of your love. But not only am I here to photograph your day, but I’m also here to guide you in your planning journey!

THINGS TO DO FOR YOUR MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT

Ready to create some fun and epic memories?! Here are some fun and romantic activity ideas to consider and possibly plan for your elopement day or the days before/after your elopement! Activities are just as important to plan as your ceremony location! I would also recommend bringing your photographer and videographer with you! They will DOCUMENT and TELL your whole story!!

START PLANNING THE MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT OF YOUR DREAMS!

Thank you for reading the whole guide! Now, you have all the tools on How to Elope in Minnesota so you can begin planning your dream day! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me! Also, get in touch for any elopement planning and photography services. I would love to document your elopement experience!!