Elope in Minnesota

Are you leaning towards an elopement or a small ceremony instead of a full big wedding?  I would love to give you some tips so you can rock your Minnesota elopement! Ope!

Minnesota is full of locations that are beautiful, accessible and memorable!

Why eloping?

It’s a celebration about you two!

Intimate ceremonies are incredibly emotional, there are (usually) fewer complications and less structure around your day! The people surrounding you are the most special to your hearts and there is more space to be genuine.

Elopement and Micro Weddings: What’s the difference

Both types of ceremonies are minimalistic in nature and involve few, or even zero, guests. With small weddings evolving and changing in trends and complexity, they are also known as Intimate weddings and there are some Wedding terms like Mini Wedding , Tiny Wedding, Minimonys, Sequel Weddings, and Petite Weddings!

Elopements

Elopements are the choice for many couples whose guest list is small or tiny, usually 10 people or less. I have been to micro ceremonies where I was counted as the witness! The ceremony can be anywhere from your backyard to the courthouse, lakeside or a park, where you do it is very flexible! The reception, if there is one, is usually a very, small dinner celebration.

Elopements are also known to be something more spontaneous (even though it does require a little bit of planning) and involve some sort of adventure in your day. In Minnesota many couples choose to find a secluded nature area, or take a road trip to a waterfall or, even better, by the majestic Lake Superior!   The best part: Your Minnesota Elopement photographer is used to these spur of the moment happenings!

Micro Weddings in Minnesota

Small Weddings have been a popular choice for couples who want something simpler. They are back to being not only popular but a necessity after the pandemic (when the term micro wedding became more popular).

And while downsizing your weddings might not have been your first choice, this doesn’t mean that your day will be any less special! Intimate and smaller ceremonies are very emotional and allow you to focus on you two even more surrounded by your most important and favorite people are around you!  The main difference in a small wedding is the size of the guest list and that there is often some type of reception after the ceremony.

Elopement Photos in Minnesota : The Importance of awesome photos

When it comes to celebrating your love YOUR way, planning for photography is important. Even if it’s just the two of you and witnesses, or if you have a small guests list, your wedding day is still one of the most special days of your life!
Try to keep as a priority hiring a professional wedding photographer for your ceremony with experience!

Choosing a spot to elope : Minnesota Elopement Locations

When choosing where to elope you can think about things like convenience, meaning and availability!

1. For an urban location that is centric and easy for everyone to find their way, you can go for a wedding in a park, or in the courthouse!

2. If you are wanting to find a smaller venue, you can find a restaurant like the WA frost in the city of St Paul or a place  that allows for small ceremonies outside like the Minnesota Arboretum, or a beautiful green conservatory like Como Conservatory. Check on the current gathering restrictions.

3. A small and charming hotel outside of the city  is a perfect example of thinking outside the box. If you know someone with a gorgeous backyard, a lake house or a cabin, ask them to rent it!

4. Renting a cool airbnb or VRBO is another great choice, specially if it’s close to the Lake Superior, or one of our ten thousand lakes so you can have a gorgeous lakeside ceremony .

5. Another thing to consider when choosing a spot is your personalities, if you prefer to be surrounded by nature and quiet, a place outside that is secluded might feel more special to you!

6. Someone always knows someone with a cool backyard by the lake!

Minnesota Elopement Locations

Minneapolis and St Paul Downtown

Minneapolis St Paul Venues with Small Wedding Packages

There is so many beautiful smaller venues and nature areas both in the city and surrounding areas. Here are a few favorite locations that offer their space for smaller ceremonies.

COVID Update: Here are a few venues that are currently offering small ceremony and elopement options:

• American Swedish Institute (Mpls, MN) 
• Neu Neu (Mpls, MN)
• Paikka (St Paul, MN) 
• Semple Mansion (Mpls, MN)
• Blaisdell Mansion (Mpls, MN)

Check out my list of the best Wedding Venues for Small Ceremonies in Minnepolis St Paul

Outdoor Spaces for small ceremonies

• Lyndale Rose Garden (Minneapolis, MN)
• Longfellow gardens (Minneapolis, MN)
• Water Power Park (Minneapolis, MN)
• Rice Park (St Paul, MN)
• Irvine Park in St Paul
• Summit Overlook (St Paul, MN)
• Arneson Acres (Edina, MN)

Check out my tips for Getting Married at a Minnepolis St Paul Parks

North Shore Elopement Locations

The North Shore is a great way to save on decoration . First, find a spot or even a Minnesota State Park you would like to use.

Call the office at the park and inform them about your plans . While there is no rental fees, they want to make sure you are pre-empting a popular view or something so that others can’t use it as well. The park manager may also be able to make some recommendations for pretty spots that you might be unaware of, or times of day that will give you a little more privacy.
MN DNR   888-646-6367

Other of my favorite State Parks in Minnesota

Fort Snelling (Minneapolis, MN)
Interstate Park (Taylor Falls, MN)
Tettegoutche State Park (Silver Bay, MN)
Jay Cooke State Park  (Carlton, MN)
Gooseberry Falls State Park  (Two Harbors, MN)

Palisade Head is a popular spot for photos and elopements