Where to Elope in Indy - A Wedding Officiants Guide

12/12/2018

Of the many weddings that I've officiated in Indy, most of them would be considered elopements. Couples not really looking for something big, just a little wedding. Traditionally, and elopement is when two people run away and get married in secret. They might have run to a little chapel right over the state line or downtown to the courthouse but today, a lot of elopements are planned. And they are planned beautifully!

What do I need to Elope in Indy?

Eloping in Indy or anywhere in Indiana is easy! There is no waiting time once you pick up your marriage license so you can get married in Indiana all in one day. I've married couples from all over the country and all over the world, just because it's so easy to get married in Indy! Here's what you need to elope in Indy:

A Marriage License. You can only get a marriage license from the county clerk. Both of you must pick the marriage license up in person. Here is my guide to getting a marriage license. You can only get a marriage license during regular business hours. They are not open on weekends. You can get married on a weekend, you just need to pick up the license during the week. M-F from 8-4.
A Wedding Officiant. A Wedding officiant is someone who can legally marry you. I'm a wedding officiant! Call me!
A place to have a wedding ceremony. You need a place to meet your wedding officiant, sign the marriage license and get married. It could be incredibly informal, formal or business-like.

Location, Location, Location!

Maybe you are looking for a beautiful spot for pictures or just something convenient, either for your work hours or in close proximity to the courthouse. As a wedding officiant for hire, here are some suggestions:

An office. There are several wedding officiants downtown with a professional office in close proximity to the Marion County Clerk if that's what you are looking for. Strictly business. The fee is around $100. Guests are limited. The office services are designed for simple elopements or civil ceremonies.
Starbucks! Yes, I know that sounds crazy! I perform simple ceremonies at Starbucks in Fisher for $50. It's no frills, but very popular as I'm available every day, including weekends from 7 am to 9 pm. Coupoles travel from all over the state for the simple service I offer. More on the $50 Quickie Here.
In a Wedding Officiant's Home. There is no place like home! There are wedding officiants that will marry you in their home. They might have a home office or a little chapel set up. I married couples in my home for 4 years. I switched to Starbucks a few miles down the road a few years ago. It's easier for me. I get comments from couples that they didn't like the idea of going to someone's home and Starbucks was more neutral. I married over 1000 couples in my home over 4 years, so it goes both ways. Some home set-ups are very nice.
Your Home. If you are leaning towards total privacy or more of a small wedding than an elopement, getting married in your home is the way to go. Elopements are often scheduled in outdoor places which are unpredictable when it comes to weather. Some outdoor spaces, even if they are free, aren't really ideal for larger groups. Couples hire me all the time to come marry them in their home. It might just be the two of you, or it could be you and your entire family. If you are on a budget, I think this is the very best option. If you spend money, your are spending money on your home so it will be something you keep instead of rent. Sometimes, I just drive up to your house, sign your papers at your kitchen table and leave. It can be that easy.
A public park. Eloping in a public park has become very popular in Indy for couples looking for a free place to get married. There are several pros and cons to choosing a free, public spot to get married. If it's just the two of you eloping, eloping on the Indy Canal Walk or some place similar can be perfect. If you are leaning more toward a small wedding, there are a lot of drawback. You can read my article about eloping for free on the canal here.
Hotel's, B&B's and Small Venues. There are many small hotels that make great places for small weddings. If you are coming into town and staying in a Hotel you can ask the hotel if they have a pretty spot for a quick wedding. Usually, if you call and ask, people are accommodating. You might need to purchase your meal or pay a small fee. I like The Brick Street In for dinner and small wedding.

Hire a Wedding Officiant

I'm a wedding officiant, and of course, I want you to hire me. I do realize that hiring a wedding officiant can be a very personal thing for some people. There are many wedding officiants in Indy. There is one that's convenient for, one that's available with you need them, one that's willing to travel to where you want to get married. One that will perform the type of ceremony you want the way you want it performed. I try to be that perfect wedding officiant for you but it's not always possible. Here is what I offer:

The Original $50 Quickie! This is a super simple service where I will meet you at Starbucks in Fishers and sign your marriage license for $50. You can book the service here.
$150 Formal Wedding Ceremony. Included is a wedding ceremony of your choice, a meeting to plan your big day, if you want or need it, I'll file your completed license with you with the Marion or Hamilton County Clerk and send you certified copies. You have a full hour at your disposal to get married in case you are delayed. I'll travel anywhere within an hour's drive from Fishers 46037. Click here for more Information on formal weddings.
Simple, Legal services in your home or office. Maybe you just want the paperwork completed and filed for you. No formal wedding or ceremony. Just a basic, discreet, professional wedding officiant service in the privacy of your home or office. Expedited, same day filing of your completed license available.

A Great Photographer

I just officiate weddings. But I know that what makes an elopement truly special is professional photography. Here are some photographer suggestions to go along with your elopement. Follow the links to their websites to check out their work and contact them for quotes:

Garfield Park Conservatory

Garfield Park Conservatory is located in Garfield Park on the southside of Indianapolis It’s an indoor garden so it’s always lovely for pictures. They rent out their waterfall area for weddings for up to 20 people with standing room only. The price starts at $295 with more expensive options for more people. They have enforced rules in place when it come to weddings and photography. Contact Garfield Park for more info here. You cannot use the conservatory as a place for a free wedding, even if you pay the fee to get in. You will be asked to leave immediately. You can use areas in the park for free. Just not the Conservatory or the Sunken Gardens.

Kawachinagano Japanese Gardens

Kawachinagano Japanese Gardens are located at 1 Civic Square in Carmel. It is between Carmel Town Hall and the Monon Trail. Contact Carmel Clay Parks for more information about using the area. Stopping by for a quick elopement or a photo shoot is usually very easy. There is a picnic shelter with tables. The event gazebo in Carmel is on the other side of Carmel Town Hall.

Holiday Park

Holiday Park in Meridian Hills is a beautiful. It's got an amazing play area for kids, a well groomed nature walk and gardens and ruins that make a gorgeous backdrop for a wedding. The main ruins have been renovated and are rented for large, formal wedding but they are still free to use for quick elopements and photo sessions. They also have indoor facilities if you are looking to rent a room at a low rate in their nature center if the weather is not cooperating. Please keep in mind the ruins can be formally rented for large weddings so choosing to just show up on a Saturday afternoon to get married may not work out. Call the park to be sure the space is available. Contact the park for more details.

Eagle Creek State Park

Lily Lake at Eagle Creek State Park is a beautiful area for an outdoor wedding with or without a BBQ. The area around Ornithology Center also have picturesque spots for an elopement. You can contact them directly for rental information. Always recommend taking a walk to find perfect spot for you. Keep in mind, guest to your wedding will need to pay to get into the park.

Potters Bridge Noblesville, IN

Potters Bridge is located in Noblesville. Its most easily accessed by following IN 37 North past 191st Street to Allisonville Road. The covered bridge is beautiful but there are also overlooks and picnic shelters that make for lovely spots for picnics and pictures too. For more information click here.

Monument Circle

Elope today on Monument Circle! Get married in the middle of it all. Elope in secret, just the two of you, or bring friends and family! Located 2 short blocks from the Marion County Clerk’s office, you can get married today in less than an hour! Monument Circle is located in the middle of the Indianapolis. It's where Meridian and Market Streets meet. It's close to hotels and great restaurants if you want to spend an overnight or a weekend and want everything to be within easy walking distance, Monument Circle is a great place for the perfect elopement. Fountains and flowers during the spring, summer and fall and the Circle of Lights during the holidays all make for great backdrops for pictures There are plenty of grassy areas and street level spots that make the perfect backdrop for a wedding. Please keep in mind the weather and public events that could be happening in Indy or on the Circle when you choose to elope here.

White River State Park

White River State Park is where the Indy Canal Walk Begins. There are many picturesque spots for an elopement. The willow trees at sunset make the perfect picture. Celebration Plaza, the waterfall and the bridges. Easy parking under the State Museum. This is a great area for an elopement.

When planning the date of your elopement keep in mind this can be a crowded area if the Indianapolis Indians have a home game across the street at Victory Field or if there is a concert or festival in the park. Check here for the Indians Schedule. Check here for events happening in White River State Park. Parking can go from $8 to $20 if there is an event going on in the park. I recommend scheduling outdoor elopements last minute or be sure to have a back up plan for rain.

Indy Canal Walk - Upper Basin

If you are looking for an area on the Indy Canal Walk to elope with great views and easy handicapped access, the north end of the canal is a perfect spot. With beautiful views from street level or canal level with grassy areas and benches for sitting and a waterfall as a backdrop for pictures, this area has a lot to offer.

The upper basin of the the canal easily accessed from East 11th Street where it's located next to IU Medical Center and Canal 337 - the old Buggs Temple.

Canal 337 is an event venue and often hosts weddings on the weekends. That can limit access to the street level above the canal. You can still access the canal from here and elope at canal level, as it's open to the public, but there could also be a loud wedding or party going on in the background. So, it's a good idea to keep that in mind when deciding where and when to elope on the canal walk.

This is a great spot with "bleachers" built into the side near the waterfall in case you have people who would like to sit down. You don't want to get married right next to the waterfall, as it's so loud you won't be able to hear each other, but if you stand a few feet away, it's fine.

Click here for information on how to rent this area of the Canal Walk.

Indy Canal Walk
Walnut Street Basin

The Walnut Street Basin on the Indy Canal Walk, located towards the north side of the canal is home to the USS Indianapolis Memorial. There are shade trees, grassy areas and a fountain. They all make a great backdrop for an elopement and pictures. This a great place for couples with strollers or people with wheelchairs. There are large grassy areas for a picnic, playing or walking your dog. Yes, couples bring their dog to their wedding. It's allowed!

You can access this area from Walnut Street where it intersects with Senate Street or the corner of Senate and St. Claire Street. This area is quiet on a weekend morning. The USS Indianapolis Memorial is a popular place for veterans to tie the knot on Veterans Day or any day. This is a good area for larger groups that need a little space. The actual canal walk can get crowded, There are great spots here to gather away from passersby.

There is a new playground on the east side of the canal next to the USS Indianapolis Memorial. You might not think it's romantic to elope next to a playground. But it might be practical for you!

You can rent the Walnut Street Basin for 3 hours for $375.

Indy Canal Walk
Vermont Street Plaza

ACSM Fitness Garden
Vermont Street Plaza

The Vermont Street Plaza is great for several reasons:
The Vermont Street Plaza is located in the middle of the 3 mile Canal Walk in Indy. You can access is from both sides of the canal and there is a footbridge over the canal so you can easily get to both sides.

There are larger areas on either side of the canal that are off the regular path most people take. If you are going to have a larger group, this a spot where everyone will fit easily.
The American College of Sports Medicine has an exercise garden on the west side of the canal. There are shade trees and flowers in the garden and it's fenced in. It's about as private as a public place on the canal can be.
You can park on the street on the east side of the canal where Vermont, Senate and Indiana Street intersect.
You reach this part of the canal directly by steps, so keep that in mind if you have strollers. The is an elevator and handicapped access at New York Street, just south of the plaza.
If you are traveling in from out of town, there is a Residence Inn by Marriott on the East side of the canal at the Vermont Street Plaza
Click here for information as to how to formally rent this part of the Indy Canal Walk.

Indy Canal Walk
The Ohio Street Basin

The Ohio Street Basin is a beautifully landscaped area with a fountain and large shades tree that work together to create the perfect backdrop for your elopement. Centrally located in Indy, it’s an easy walk from Monument Circle, hotels and restaurants. A short walk from the Indiana Historical Society, The Indiana State Museum and the Congressional Medal of Honor Memorial. There is easy street parking on Ohio Street.

I like this area because there is stage area, that's elevated above the regular canal traffic. There are shade trees perfect for a hot day or if there are light sprinkles. My canal elopements are a budget option with no back-up plan for rain. The walls on either side of the canal walk under Ohio Street are painted with murals which make a great place to duck under in case of rain or a different backdrop for pictures.

This the most popular place in Indy that wedding officiants us for elopements on the canal calling it a "free venue for a small wedding." There might be several other couples wanting to marry there at the same time. If you'd like to officially rent the spot for your wedding contact the Canal Walk. You can rent the spot for 3 hours for just $275 and it holds up to 90 chairs for a proper wedding.

The Indiana War Memorial

The Indiana War Memorial is covered in scaffolding until they are done - The weather has not been cooperating!

The front of the Indiana War Memorial on East Michigan Street. There are several different levels with all the steps. You can walk all the way up to the gold doors. It's a beautiful place for a wedding and pictures at sunset. Street parking is usually easily available.

The Veterans Memorial on the north side of the Indiana War Memorial. There is a fountain in the center of the plaza surrounded by flags. There is easy on-street parking. This is between East Michigan and East North Street. It can be very hot in the full sun on a summer's day but there are shade trees and picnic benches on either side.

University Park/Plaza is on the south side of the Indiana War Memorial and is home to the DePew Fountain. It's a small, out of the way park with easy street parking with benches and shade trees. There are "aisles" to walk down, if you want. East Vermont Street is to the north, East New York Street is to the south.

These are just suggestions of places where you can elope or have a small wedding. I am not saying you can use these places at any time or use them for free. If you book a wedding with Marry Me In Indy! LCC you take responsibility for the venue you choose.

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