Where to Elope in Indy!
A Wedding Officiants incomplete guide to where you can have a simple wedding.
Coxhall Gardens, located off of 116th Street in Carmel, Hamilton County, is one of the most popular spots for elopements! It's very popular with photographers for engagement and family photo's too! It's free to use but you can also pay to reserve the Centerpiece. The Ritz Charles also has an even area so you will want to make sure you aren't eloping at the same time a large, formal, wedding has the large amphitheater reserved. Once, in the past few years, someone has rented the entire park, so you will want to make a call just to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day you choose. There is a large picnic shelter that you can rent if you wanted to have a larger, informal wedding too! https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/facilities/facility/details/coxhall-gardens-3 My fee to marry you at Coxhall Gardens is $150 Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd Carmel, IN 46032 Elope In Brown County!Officially, Brown County Elopements are fun! You can elope in Brown County State Park or in the surrounding area. Many couples will rent a cabin and have me come there to marry them. Some couples just pick a cool place in the park they love with a great view. The Story Inn on the back side of the state park in Story is very popular with a laid-back, live music vibe. Brown County is a longer drive for me but my prices are in-line with local wedding officiants. My fees are: Monday-Thursday - $250 Friday-Sunday - $350 These prices are for elopements. If you are planning a formal wedding in the Brown County area the fees are higher. If you live in Indiana, obtain your marriage license in YOUR county. Then you can get married anywhere in Indiana. If you are traveling from outside of Indiana, you will need to obtain your marriage license from the Brown County Clerk to get legally married in Brown County. Brown County Clerk I spend a lot of time in Brown County marrying couples every autumn. That experience has taught me to plan ahead! One Saturday in October there were 7 weddings scheduled in the park. Those were weddings were couples had reserved area and were having formal weddings. That doesn't include random elopements. I married a couple at noon and when I was leaving the park there were cars lined up for well over a mile just waiting to get into the park. This is also common during peak colors. I usually give myself an extra hour during those time to make sure I'm on time and can find parking. I urge you to keep that in mind when you are planning your day. Elope At The Art Museum or The Hundred Acre WoodNewfields is absolutely beautiful! You can get host your formal wedding at Newfields or you can plan an elopement. You will want to contact the museum directly first. Generally, if you just want to have a quick elopement, just the two of you, on the grounds of the museum, you just pay to get in, find a quiet spot, and elope! If you want to get married in the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park, it is free to enter. IF YOU WANT PROFESSIONAL PICTURES..... That changes everything. Newfields is very particular about who they allow to take pictures on the grounds. If you are hiring a professional photographer, they will need to obtain a photography pass. When they do that, your entrance is generally included in the fee they are paying for the pass. You will need the photography pass for BOTH the paid museum gardens and the gardens that are open to the public. Even though it's free to use the Nature Park, professional photography is not allowed without a photo pass. You can read the photography policy here. Event Information can be found here. My fee to marry you at Newfields is $150. You will also need to provide me with a ticket to enter the museum and grounds. If you want beautiful photographs, it's totally worth it! Rooms for Rent for PartiesYou would be surprised the places that are available for rent. If you are planning a small, or informal wedding and just need an affordable place to fit everyone, check out your local parks. This picture was taking at a house on the grounds of a local park in Lawrence. Couples reserve or rent their community room in their apartment complex.
The Lions Club or the VFW are also very popular spots for a wedding or any type of party. Eagle Creek Park has several buildings they rent. Many park buildings come with kitchens to make a DIY wedding even more affordable! My Fee to marry you in Marion, Hamilton, or Madison County is $150. My Fee to marry you in Johnson, Hendricks, or Hancock County is $180. 12/15/2022 Elope In Indy - At Your Favorite RestaurantElope And Have Lunch or DinnerIf you are planning a small wedding and want to enjoy a great meal at a restaurant you love, ask them if you can get married there? This couple loves Holly Hock Hill, so they got married there! Thad had dinner during regular dinner service. Other couples have rented a room during a quieter time. Many restaurants with private dining rooms will allow you to use the private room if you are purchasing regular meals off the menu. Other restaurants have catering menus that go with their private rooms. If you can think of all the places someone might have a rehearsal dinner, you can probably have a small wedding there too! One couple reserved the wine cellar at St. Elmo's and had their favorite waiter for their wedding. It was perfect! My fee to marry you in Marion, Hamilton and Madison County is $150. My fee to marry you in Hancock, Hendricks and Johnson counts is $180. Elope At HomeI'm a big fan of getting married at home. I'm a BIG fan of spending your money on purchasing a home and having a fun wedding in your new home! There are so many pro's to getting married in your own home like... You don't have to worry about keeping the kids entertained. Anything you purchase for your home to make it ready for a wedding, you get to keep! You get to keep all the left over food too! Many couples will have a small party in their home with an informal wedding and will still have it catered. If you want to drink, you don't have to drive. Some people just like to stay home. Every now and then I'll go to a home of someone with real anxiety. They literally dislike leaving home. I Love just about every type of wedding, but one of my favorite is the back yard BBQ wedding. It's really fun if everyone has already had a few beers and collectively objects to the wedding! A wedding is a day of celebration. You can do that with or without family and friends, and you can do it all from the comfort of your own home. I travel to locations all over the Indianapolis area for $150. 12/15/2022 Elope In Indy Where You Walk Your Dog!Elope With Your Dog!Often, where you walk your dog is the perfect place to elope! Many couples have dogs that are like their children and best friends all wrapped up into one. Over the course of a relationship, a couple can take a LOT of walks and many of those are with their dogs. It's only natural to want to have your dog at your wedding. It many be in your back yard or in a venue that allows dogs. Many couples choose to elope in the same park they walk. How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog Elope In Ritchey Woods in FishersRitchey Woods is a beautiful, simple nature preserve in Fishers. More than one couple has chosen to elope here simply because of the pictures Summer from Summerly Photography has taken here! My Fee to marry you in Ritchey Woods is $150. Ritchey Wood Nature Preserve 10410 Hague Rd Fishers, IN 46038 Potters BridgePotters Bridge is located in Noblesville off of North Allisonville Road. (I didn't even know it went that far north!) They have beautiful walking trails - so it's dog friendly! There is a picnic shelter you can reserve, or you can simply find a nice spot to elope - either just the two of you or with a small group of people. This is also a very pretty spot for pictues! My fee to marry you at Potter's Bridge is $150. I live in Hamilton County so it's a great spot of a last-minute elopement! Potter's Bridge
19401 N Allisonville Rd Noblesville, IN 46060 Washington Township ParkWashington Township park is big! This gazebo is located at the entrance, right off of Route 36 - Rockville Road. There is a children's play area, public restrooms and they have Christmas lights every year. There is also a pond in the back tha tis pretty for pictures. Washington Township Park also has really nice rooms you can rent for an event! Follow this link for more info: www.washingtontwpparks.org/ Washington Township Park 115 S County Rd 575 E Avon, IN 46123 My fee to marry you in Avon is $180
Ellis Park GazeboEllis Park in Danville, IN has a really nice, large gazebo. It's big enough to have people under the gazebo while you get married in case it rains. They have a really nice holiday light display in the park every year as well. You can rent the gazebo for the day. It's $50 for residents and $100 for non-residents. Here is more info: https://danvilleparks.recdesk.com/Community/Facility/Detail?facilityId=11 My Fee to marry you in Danville is $180 Lincoln Park GazeboZionsville is an adorable little town! It's very popular for engagement photos and elopements. All the bricks and older buildings are absolutely charming! The gazebo in Lincoln Park is for rent. You can't rent the whole park, but you can reserve the gazebo to make sure it's available for you to use. I've officiated weddings here in all 4 seasons. http://www.zionsville-in.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Lincoln-Park-5 My Fee to marry you in Zionsville is $150. Your Earth Centered ElopementThe process of getting legally married is the same for everyone. Obtain a marriage license from the county clerk, sign the license with a wedding officiant, and return the license. It's paperwork. People do it every day. The sacred act of marrying is completely different and unique to each individual couple. There is a change that is made in the hearts of two people when they fall in love, another when they decide to marry, and another when they actually marry. Many couples feel they are already married in their hearts and nothing else is really necessary. There is no ceremony or party that could enhance the experience they are having. Some couples choose to have a spiritual experience on their wedding day. It may be in a church with their religious leader surrounded by their church family, or a spiritual celebration surrounded by like-minded individuals. To these couples, the love between two people is a sacred gift from their creator and the ceremonial act of marriage is an important part of how they take their place in their community in a new way. Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth, and happiness. This new fire represents a new beginning – a new life and a new family. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you. How you choose to ceremonially commit to one another is completely up to you. As a wedding officiant, I want to support you in your choices and help you make your vision a reality. You may choose a traditional ceremony, giving deeper meaning to the ritual of marriage, or you may choose your own perfect words to express how you feel. There is nothing more satisfying in the work I do than helping a couple marry each other. As a wedding officiant, I facilitate your interaction. It's the two of you and the love between you that makes the sacred magic happen. The words, the scent of the flowers, the rings you exchange the, the location, the weather, the music, it all works together to make your wedding. As I walk, as I walk The right music can set the tone of any wedding. It might be the song you were singing along to during a joyride or road trip when you looked at each other and knew you were in love. It may be the first song you danced to, or the song you were both talking about on your first date when you thought, "Wow! I thought I was the only person that listened to that band!" Perhaps, the two of you simply enjoy being together without talking, listening to relaxing or uplifting music in the background. Local artist, Larry Gindhart, offers his Native American flute playing to those who would like to set the tone of their wedding ceremony in connection to their spiritual selves with the help of music. Larry has a PhD in psychology and a diploma in sound healing. He offers musical performances for meditation, comfort, and peace. You can book Larry to play at your wedding ceremony, elopement, or any celebration of love. You can read all about Larry and view a full list of the services he offers with prices on his website larrygindhartmusic.com. Now you will feel no rain, I am available to help you create your wedding ceremony script and officiate your wedding ceremony.
For those that walk a spiritual path, you may have another person you are connected to that would be a more suitable choice to participate in your joining ceremony. I very much respect that. I offer my services and information for the legal part of your marriage here. Here is a link to a modified multi-faith handfasting ceremony you might like. 12/15/2022 Elope In Indy - The Indiana State HouseElope At The Indiana State HouseThe Indiana State House is an incredibly beautiful building and makes an amazing backdrop for your wedding or elopement. Also referred to as The State Capitol building, it is located at 200 West Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis. The State House is open to the public M-F from 8-5, They are open on Saturday per month. For the remainder of 2024, they will be open from 10-2 on the following days: December 7th In 2025, the Statehouse will be open to the public the 2nd Saturday of each month January 11th February 8th March 8th April 12th May 10th June 14th July 12th August 9th September 13th October 11th November 1st December 13th The best times to elope are usually at the end of the day after 3 PM. The latest you will want to elope on a Saturday is 1 PM. If you just want to have a simple elopement in the State House - It's FREE during public visiting hours. That means, at the time the building is open to the public, M-F, you can walk-in, pick a spot on the 3rd or 4th floors. Here are some very important things you need to know about eloping in the State House.Eloping at the Indiana State House is spectacular experience. It is also a privilege. At any time, they are allowed to take that privilege away. The State House is to be used "As Is" you are not allowed to move anything around. If there are chairs or backdrops or tables set up, they are to remain in place. It is NEVER OK to use the chapel/meditation room for an elopement. This area is a sacred spot and also not available for rent. You will want to contact the State House and confirm the building will be open to the public at the time you wish to elope. They will also be able to tell you if there is something else going on in the building at the time you wish to elope. You will want to avoid eloping where there are large, loud events going on. You must contact the wedding and events center directly for more information. ***Please do not call the tourist desk. This is not their job.*** Tracy Jones, Director (At the State House) (317) 233-3116 [email protected] Click here for the webpage. The Indiana State Legislature is in session every January through April The building itself can become extremely loud and busy with not only the day to day business of the government but public protests and demonstrations, as well. Reserve Your Spot for the PERFECT State House Wedding or ElopementWhen it comes to getting married, there are large formal weddings and there are elopements and small, informal weddings. An elopement where everyone is standing does not require a formal reservation. When we have an elopement in any public space it's short, sweet and the ceremony is less than 10 minutes long. There is no formal seating, music or formal backdrops - the building itself is a beautiful backdrop! If there are guests, they are standing. The Indiana State House is available for rent for weddings. You will often see the building set up for large formal weddings on the weekends. It's spectacular! They also have small wedding options available if you'd like to rent an area. Some couples like to have chairs set up more formally for their guests and find the fee very reasonable. You can contact the wedding and events center directly for more information. Tracy Jones, Director (At the State House) (317) 233-3116 [email protected] Click here for the webpage. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR...(because we all need a good disclaimer) I am writing this article because I get a lot of questions about eloping and getting married at the Indiana State House. This article has been updated as of Tuesday, 2/27/2024 in collaboration with the State House. ANY questions should be directed toward Tracy Jones at the State House. This information is to the best of my knowledge at the time. I am not in any way an authority on the subject. Do not take my word for it. If you hire me to officiate your wedding I take no responsibility for any location you choose to get married. You choose a location and hire me to come there and perform your wedding ceremony. I am assuming you have permission to be there and are taking all responsibility for the location. My fee to marry you in the State House is $150. Friendship Garden ParkFriendship Garden Park is perfect for small (or big) weddings up to 75 guests. It's actually big enough to have chairs under the gazebo in case of rain. The gazebo is available for rent. The cost is $105 for Plainfield residents and $210 for everyone else. It has electricity and bathrooms nearby. There is also a pretty water feature under a nice shady area to make it a perfect place for a small elopement on a hot day. My fee to marry you in Plainfield is $180 Here is a link to their website with their contact information: https://www.townofplainfield.com/facilities/facility/details/friendshipgardenspark-9 Friendship Garden Park 900-932 E County Road 750 East Plainfield, IN 46168 Elope at Falls Park GazeboFalls Park in Pendleton has one of my very favorite gazebo's! Pendleton is a small town in Madison county north of Fishers and south of Anderson. It's a very affordable place if you are on a budget. You can rent the gazebo for the wedding and the community room or the Red Barn for the reception. For information as to how to rent the gazebo or facilities at Falls Park click here: https://www.fallspark.org/rental-facilities-pendleton-indiana My fee to marry you in Pendleton is $150. Falls Park 460 Falls Park Dr Pendleton, IN 46064 Carmel GazeboThe Carmel Gazebo is located next to City Hall in Carmel, IN. It's a HUGE gazebo so it's perfect for a small wedding when you want a back-up in case of rain. If you are planning a formal elopement or small wedding you will want to make sure your reserve the gazebo. There is a $100 refundable security deposit required for Carmel residents. (They will refund the deposit after the event as long as all goes well) and a $150 non-refundable event fee for non-Carmel residents. Click here for more information to reserve the gazebo through the City of Carmel: https://www.carmel.in.gov/government/boards-commissions-committees/board-of-public-works/public-facilities-forms-and-policy/ My fee to marry you in Carmel is $150. Carmel Gazebo 3 Civic Square Carmel, IN 46032 Kawachinagano Japanese GardensThe Kawachinagano Japanese Gardens are located right next to City Hall in Carmel right next to the Monon Trail. There is a beautiful pond and a picnic shelter. The Carmel Gazebo is in the same general location on the other side of City Hall. This is a great location for a picturesque elopement and photo shoot. Do We Need Permission To Use The Gardens? The gardens are open to the public to general use. An elopement of a few people using a small portion of the park for a quick elopement ceremony or to take photographs falls into the general use category. If you are going to block off an area of the park for a longer amount of time with a large group of people you definitely want to check with the City of Carmel to make sure there is nothing else going on that day. The gardens can be formally reserved through the city of Carmel The street address for Kawachinagano Japanese Gardens is: One Civic Square Carmel, Indiana 46032 Here is a link to information about Carmel's Public Use Policy: https://www.carmel.in.gov/government/boards-commissions-committees/board-of-public-works/public-facilities-forms-and-policy/ They also have a contact number for questions: (317) 571-2400 (This is the number to The City of Carmel - not me!) Generally, If you just want to use the park for a quick elopement with just a few people, you can use the area for free. It's always good to call ahead to make sure nothing else is happening at the location the date and time you want to elope. They are very friendly. You can use these same links and phone numbers if you want to use the Gazebo in Carmel which is located on the other side of City Hall from the Japanese Gardens. The Gazebo At Fort Benjamin HarrisonThis is a wonderful little gazebo right outside the entrance of Fort Harrison State Park. It is part of the Fort Harrison Inn and is for rent. I can't stress enough that this is for rent. If you try to use the gazebo for free they will charge you and will contact law enforcement to press charges for trespassing. This location is totally worth the money! There is a pond nearby to add to locations for pictures and free parking. Some couples rent a park shelter and get married inside the park. Keep in mind, on a really nice day, it can take a lot time to get into the park, so plan ahead! My fee to marry you at Fort Harrison is $150. Here is a link for more information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/inns/fort-harrison-inn-at-fort-harrison-state-park/groups/ Fort Harrison State Park 6000 N Post Rd Indianapolis, IN 46216 Elope in Holliday Park! |
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