 Photo taken at the Centerpiece at Coxhall Gardens by Summerly Photography. Coxhall Gardens, located off of 116th Street in Carmel 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. https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/facilities/facility/details/coxhall-gardens-3
Coxhall Gardens 11677 Towne Rd Carmel, IN 46032 The willow trees by the lake in Coxhall Gardens is a beautiful spot to elope. Photographers love this spot at sunset.  Elope In Brown County! Photo taken at Hesitation Point in Brown County State Park. 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
 This couple eloped at the Storey Inn. Photo by Autumn Howell Photography. Elope At The Art Museum or The Hundred Acre Wood Photo taken in the Virginia A Fairbanks Nature Park and 100 Acre Wood by Casey and Her Camera. Newfields 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 don't want to pay to get into the museum, you can use the Hundred Acre Wood where there is no entrance fee. 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. You can read the photography policy here. Even 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.
 Picture take by me with my phone. Rooms for Rent for Parties You 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! Elope And Have Lunch or Dinner If 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!  This couple reserved a room to exchange vows at Fogo de Chão in downtown Indianapolis. Elope At Home Photo taken at a private home by Brittany Erwin Photography. I'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. 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.
Elope In Ritchey Woods in Fishers Photo by Summerly Photography Ritchey 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! Ritchey Wood Nature Preserve 10410 Hague Rd Fishers, IN 46038  Photo by Summerly Photography. 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!  The rain stopped and the sun came out just in time to set for these two!  A view from the inside of Potter's Bridge. Potter's Bridge
19401 N Allisonville Rd Noblesville, IN 46060 Washington Township Park Washington 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 Ellis Park Gazebo Ellis 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
Lincoln Park Gazebo Zionsville 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 Your Earth Centered Elopement Larry Gindhart. Ph.D. Photo by Carol Tharp-Perrin The 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.  Photo by Lorraine Nathuk. 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. Elope At The Indiana State House Photo by Casey and Her Camera. The 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. The east entrance to the building is located on North Capital Capitol Avenue at the end of West Market Street with an amazing view of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Monument Circle. The east entrance is open to the public Monday - Friday from 8-5. The west entrance faces the Government Plaza. The west entrance is handicapped friendly and open to the public Monday through Friday from 8-5. The building is not currently open to the public on weekends. In order to enter the Indiana State House you will need to go through security.  Photo by Casey and Her Camera. When it comes to getting married, there are large formal weddings and there are elopements and small, informal weddings. The Indiana State House is available for rent for weddings. If you are planning a large formal wedding you can click here to contact them directly for more information. They currently also have an elopement/small wedding package available for $750. 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.  Photo by Summerly Photography. Anyone is free to enter the State House when it is open to the public. They offer tours of the building and you can also visit to see your state government in action. With that in mind, if you want to elope in the Indiana State house you need to be aware of the environment. The State House is home to the Indiana General Assembly, the office of the Governor of Indiana, the Supreme Court of Indiana, and other state officials. It's an office building. A beautiful, historic, office building. The Indiana State House is open to the public from 8-5 Monday - Friday and Saturday from 10-8 however, they may close to the public at any time. If you choose to elope in the State House please contact the tourist office directly to find out if there is anything else going on in the building at the same time you would like to be there. You can follow this link for their contact information. More than once, couples have called to find out the building will be filled with other events during the day or completely closed the public on a Saturday.  Photo by Autumn Howell Photography. Generally, we perform elopements on the 4th floor of the building in the hallways. There is also a meditation room/chapel that can be used. Keep in mind the room is a place where people gather for its intended use so you will want to make sure that there are no other scheduled events there when you want to use it like a bible study or services. You will also want to consider other people may using the room for personal reflection and prayer and it may be disrespectful to ask them to leave as you have not formally reserved the room. There have been several times we have had to work around other things going on inside the building. One day a man was chanting prayers at the top of his lungs for the General Assembly and our state government. Many times the halls have been set up for events so the photo shoots didn't go off quite as planned working around it all.  Photo by Summerly Photography. Personally, I LOVE elopements in the State House. It's an absolutely magical place and many photographers have captured many special moments for couples wanting a small, intimate wedding.
I view being able to use the State House for free for elopements as a privilege and it's one that I never want to lose. While the building is open to the public for anyone to use, it's always in the back of my mind that they can also decide that they no longer want couples to elope there. That being said, I would ask that anyone who chooses to elope in the State House to do so with the utmost respect. I suggest choosing a time later in the day when most of the business of the day is done. If you want to have people with you, Saturday's are perfect. Always call the tourist office and ask. They are very friendly and are happy to have elopements in the building. They can tell you what times are best. I WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR... I am writing this article because I get a lot of questions about eloping and getting married at the Indiana State House. I have a lot of experience in the building and the insight and knowledge that comes along with that. I am only sharing my knowledge. 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 Park Friendship 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. I 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 Gazebo Falls 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 Gazebo The backdrop is from Blue Blossom Rentals. The 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 Gardens The 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 Harrison This 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! 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! |
 Photo By Logan at Inside the Frame Photography. |  |
Monument Circle is hands down my favorite place for an elopement. It's an iconic monument in the center of not only Indianapolis but Indiana itself. If you want to elope in the middle of it all, Monument Circle is where you want to be! I'm always excited to officiate weddings on the circle!
Monument Circle is an easy walk to and from many downtown Indy hotels and restaurants. Often, couples will elope on Monument Circle and then head to dinner. Ruth's Chris and Buca Di Beppo seem to be the most popular restaurants. I think dinner at The Eagles Nest - a revolving restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency - is another iconic way to celebrate your marriage. You can dine with a fabulous view of downtown Indianapolis.
You can elope on Monument Circle as the sun sets on a summer night or under the Christmas lights during the Circle of Lights each Holiday Season. You can also elope on your lunch break if that's what works for you.
Monument Circle is an easy walk to and from many downtown Indy hotels and restaurants. Often, couples will elope on Monument Circle and then head to dinner. Ruth's Chris and Buca Di Beppo seem to be the most popular restaurants. I think dinner at The Eagles Nest - a revolving restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency - is another iconic way to celebrate your marriage. You can dine with a fabulous view of downtown Indianapolis.
You can elope on Monument Circle as the sun sets on a summer night or under the Christmas lights during the Circle of Lights each Holiday Season. You can also elope on your lunch break if that's what works for you.
Do You Need a Permit To Elope On Monument Circle?
An elopement is a short and sweet wedding ceremony. We just gather around in a chosen spot and perform a short and sweet wedding ceremony. There is not permit required to do that. On any given weekend you will see entire formal wedding parties arrive and take photos. You'll see couples having their engagement pictures taken, and every now and then, you might see a proposal!
Monument Circle is a huge tourist destination and the center of the city. It can be a busy place. You will not be alone while you elope - and that's part of the fun!
Monument Circle is a huge tourist destination and the center of the city. It can be a busy place. You will not be alone while you elope - and that's part of the fun!
Monument Circle is a public place. You can't block traffic, set up chairs, blast loud music or disturb the peace. I'm telling you this as a wedding officiant hoping to sell you my wedding officiant services. I don't have any affiliation with Soldier and Sailors Monument.
Always check the online calendars to make sure there is nothing else happening on Monument Circle the day you want to elope.
Here is a link to the online calendar for events happening in Indy. Always google "Monument Circle and the date" to see if there are any specific events happening at the time you want to elope. Often, half of the circle is blocked off for an event. We can use the other half of the circle but it might be loud. Occasionally, the entire circle will be closed for an event. There are food festivals and other events happening on Monument Circle every summer. If you want to elope in the middle of the festival, just let me know. I'm up for anything! It's part of the fun of eloping in the middle of it all!
Always check the online calendars to make sure there is nothing else happening on Monument Circle the day you want to elope.
Here is a link to the online calendar for events happening in Indy. Always google "Monument Circle and the date" to see if there are any specific events happening at the time you want to elope. Often, half of the circle is blocked off for an event. We can use the other half of the circle but it might be loud. Occasionally, the entire circle will be closed for an event. There are food festivals and other events happening on Monument Circle every summer. If you want to elope in the middle of the festival, just let me know. I'm up for anything! It's part of the fun of eloping in the middle of it all!
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The Indiana War Memorial
The Indiana War Memorial has an incredible view. The north side of the memorial overlooks veterans plaza all the way to the Indianapolis Public Library. This is an amazing spot at sunset! You can usually elope outside with no problem but you will want to contact them ahead of time to be sure nothing else is going on that day, as they rent out the building for formal weddings and events. You can also ask them about eloping inside. If you are an active service member or veteran, let them know!
You can contact them here: https://www.in.gov/iwm/
This is NOT the spot to choose to elope if you cannot climb steps. There are a LOT of them! There is no shade here either so it can get hot.
My fee to marry you at the Indiana War Memorial is $150.
Indiana War Memorial and Museum
55 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
You can contact them here: https://www.in.gov/iwm/
This is NOT the spot to choose to elope if you cannot climb steps. There are a LOT of them! There is no shade here either so it can get hot.
My fee to marry you at the Indiana War Memorial is $150.
Indiana War Memorial and Museum
55 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
White River State Park and Celebration Plaza
White River State Park is a great place to elope outside if you are going to have more then just a few people with you. A large park gives you plenty of room.
Always make sure to check the online calendars to know what is going on in the park at the time you want to get married. This is a popular location for outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the spring and summer. Check the Indians schedule too. If there is a baseball game the cost or parking will more than double! Click here for the online calendar: https://www.whiteriverstatepark.org/events/
The easiest way to access Celebration Plaza is through White River State Park and parking under the Indiana State Museum. If you put it into your GPS as Celebration Plaza it will take you to the other side of the park by IUPUI. You can still access the area from there but parking may be more difficult.
Always make sure to check the online calendars to know what is going on in the park at the time you want to get married. This is a popular location for outdoor concerts and festivals throughout the spring and summer. Check the Indians schedule too. If there is a baseball game the cost or parking will more than double! Click here for the online calendar: https://www.whiteriverstatepark.org/events/
The easiest way to access Celebration Plaza is through White River State Park and parking under the Indiana State Museum. If you put it into your GPS as Celebration Plaza it will take you to the other side of the park by IUPUI. You can still access the area from there but parking may be more difficult.
 The Willow Trees at White River State Park are beautiful at sunset! There is a beautiful view of the river from here. |  |
 This is in the corner of celebration plaza right by The White River. McCormick's Rock is above the waterfall. |  Celebration Plaza Amphitheater at White River State Park |
White River State Park
801 W Washington St,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
801 W Washington St,
Indianapolis, IN 46204