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:
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:
Hire a Wedding OfficiantI'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:
A Great PhotographerI just officiate weddings. But I know that what makes an elopement truly special is professional photography. Garfield Park ConservatoryGarfield Park Conservatory is located in Garfield Park on the southside of Indianapolis. They are currently not renting out the conservatory for elopements due to COVID. They are renting the Sunken Gardens outsie for elopements and Formal weddings. Contact Garfield Park for more info here. Kawachinagano Japanese GardensKawachinagano 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 ParkHoliday 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 ParkLily 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, INPotters 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 ParkWhite 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 BasinIf 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 |
AuthorWedding Officiant Reverend Victoria Meyer owner of Indianapolis Wedding Officiant Services and Marry Me In Indy! LLC |