Elope In Indy - The Indiana State House

Elope At The Indiana State House

Photo by Alison Mae Photography.

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November Update:
I was just informed today - 11/13/25 that:

The Statehouse is no longer open to the public on Saturdays. 

I have posted several videos on TikTok that I recorded at the Statehouse, trying to explain everything that can GO WRONG with a FREE Statehouse Elopement.  They have received MANY views.  Thank you!!  Here is a link to our channel. 

Please understand, I didn't think the videos would get so many views!  Now that they have, many more couples are reaching out to book their elopements.  Couples are also booking other wedding officiants to marry them.  That means it COULD be a LOT busier at the Statehouse on all the days at all the times we've said are the best times to get married.  

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After performing hundreds of wonderful small weddings at the Indiana Statehouse, I've been asked by the Statehouse not to share as much information about eloping at the Statehouse online.  They aren't saying you can't elope there, but some couples are taking advantage of the facilities.


​I value my relationships with the staff.  If you would like me to marry you in the Statehouse, I am still happy to do it.  BUT you MUST be respectful of the building and the people who work there.


​The Indiana Statehouse is not just a free place for you to have a wedding.  

The Indiana Statehouse is an office building. It houses the office of the Governor, the Lt. Governor, the Indiana Supreme Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. People WORK in the building.

Yes, the building is open to the public. Yes, anyone who passes through security can enter the Statehouse as a tourist.  But having 100 people meet you there to watch you get married is NOT OK. 

Recently, 100 people showed up for a free "elopement" on a Saturday.  This was definitely not OK.
PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!  It can literally ruin it for everyone else who might want to elope there in the future. 

We ask that you limit your witnesses to 20 people or less. ​

What are the expectations of a FREE Statehouse Elopement?

You enter the building as a tourist when the building is open to the public.

You go through security.

You find a location on the 3rd or 4th floor - the 4th floor has the best lighting.
You may NEVER use the chapel/meditation room!

We will perform a short wedding ceremony.
Your family and friends gather around you - it's standing only.  There are no chairs.
If there are chairs, please do not move them.

Take pictures - if you would like.

Please keep the noise to a minimum.  People are working.  The court may be in session. People are conducting state business. 

While people generally like weddings and are happy for you, please don't expect others to go out of their way for you because you are getting married.   You are in the Statehouse as a tourist.  

When Can We Elope At The Statehouse?

You can elope in the Indiana Statehouse when it is open to the public.

The Statehouse is open to the public:

Monday-Friday from 8-5.

You must leave the building before it closes.  If you do not leave, security will escort you out of the building. You will want to schedule your ceremony at least one hour before they close if you want time to take pictures. ​

The Indiana Statehouse is no longer open to the public on Saturdays.

The Details.  

When is the BEST Time to Elope at the Statehouse?

Friday afternoons.

When NOT to Elope at the Statehouse

When the Government is Governmenting

January - March

This is REALLY important.

While you can enter the Statehouse at any time it's open, the House and Senate are in session Monday through Thursday during January, February, and the first half of March. It's LOUD!  Like LITERALLY LOUD!  Some days, the building is completely packed with people.  There are meetings, presentations, press conferences, PROTESTS, and all sorts of things going on.  

They will often have every area of the building set up for events.  It is very likely you will not be able to have your ceremony in an open space, and it will be very difficult to get the same pictures you see online due to colored backdrops being set up.

The House and Senate are not in session on Fridays, so Friday afternoons are still a good time to elope from January to March.  BUT keep in mind the building will most likely be set up for events.
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YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO MOVE ANYTHING! 

In the past, couples and photographers upset with the way the building was set up chose to move things. This is NOT OK! 

Please view eloping for free in the Statehouse a PRIVILEDGE we don't want taken away. 

How To Enter The Statehouse

The official address of the Statehouse is 200 West Washington Street.  The entrance facing West Washington Street is NOT open to the Public.

Monday through Friday, you can enter the Statehouse through the entrance on Capitol Street - Known as the East Entrance.  Or the Entrance in the Government Center Courtyard known at the West Entrance. 

There is a parking lot on the south side of the Statehouse on Ohio Street.  This NOT public parking.  You cannot enter through the south entrance as a tourist.

Parking

There is no public parking associated with the Statehouse.  There is metered street parking nearby and many garages.  The most cost effective garage is Claypool Parking Garage located at 27N S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204. 

YOU CAN RENT THE STATEHOUSE!

You can RENT the Statehouse for formal weddings, small weddings, and elopements.  The prices are very affordable.  Parking is included for your group, and you will have privacy and space to yourself.   
 Follow this link for more information:  

​https://www.in.gov/idoa/state-property-and-facilities/weddings-and-events-center/​

Schedule an Appointment

This "Schedule Now" link will lead you to my online scheduler when you can book an appointment.  This link if for elopements anywhere in Marion County - not just the Statehouse.  I may have appointments available at 7 PM, but the Statehouse is not open at 7 PM. 

Contact Me

Schedule Now

Elopement Info