Elope At The Indiana State House
Photo by Alison Mae Photography.
A Guide to eloping at the Indiana Statehouse.
Here is a link to this page in video form: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZThC9VGua/
I’m happy to marry you at the Statehouse! When you hire me, you are hiring me to meet you at the Statehouse, perform a wedding ceremony, and sign your marriage license. I take no responsibility fo the conditiona of the Statehouse during your elopement - it could be loud, crowded, messy, etc…. But I always hope it’s perfect for you!
If you live in Indiana, you must obtain your marriage license in the county where you live. Then you can use that marriage license to get married anywhere in Indiana. If you do not live in Indiana, you must obtain your marriage license in the county in which you are getting married. The Indiana Statehouse is in Indianapolis, Marion County.
Your signed marriage license must be returned to the clerk who issued it within 30 days.
If your marriage license was issued by the Marion County Clerk, we can return the license for you and mail you 2 certified copies - proving you are married - for $20.
If you would like me to officiate your wedding - sign your marriage license and perform your wedding ceremony - My regular fee is $150.
We book small weddings and elopements up to 90 days in advance for $150.
If you would like to book more than 90 days in advance, the fee is $250.
Payment is due in full at booking, and there are no refunds, so please make sure your plans are set. You can reschedule, within reason, but NO REFUNDS!
Many people reach out for information and then change their plans. It happens more often than you think with elopements, especially at free locations. We ask you to make sure of your plans before booking. Many couples set a 90-day reminder and book as soon as the appointment becomes available online to save the extra $100. Keep in mind, Friday afternoons book quickly, and if you are looking for the fall, those spots may be gone if you don’t book early.
We do not include a photographer. Here is a link to photographers we have worked with and can recommend.
Please be aware that State holidays may also close.
The Statehouse is no longer open to the public on Saturdays.
200 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Monday through Friday, you can enter the Statehouse through the entrance on Capitol Street - Known as the East Entrance. This entrance faces Monument Circle.
Or the Entrance in the Government Center Courtyard, known as the West Entrance. This is the handicapped entrance. If you can’t complete the steps, this is the entrance you should use.
There is no public parking associated with the Statehouse. There is metered street parking nearby, as well as many garages. The most cost-effective garage is Claypool Parking Garage, located at 27N S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
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. Excessive noise or music that can interrupt people working is NOT OK.
I ask that you limit your witnesses to 20 people or less. If you want to have a larger group, you can rent an area.
You go through security.
You find a location on the 3rd or 4th floor - the 4th floor has the best lighting.
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.
Also keep in mind OTHER couples want to take pictures and have their ceremony is the most popular spots too, so please share the space. When you are done, please have your group move to another area if you are just hanging ot and talking.
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.
When the Government is Governmenting
January 2027 - April 2027
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 hold your ceremony in an open space, and it will be very difficult to get the same pictures you see online because colored backdrops will be 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.
Please view eloping for free in the Statehouse, a PRIVILEGE we don't want taken away.
Follow this link for more information:
https://www.in.gov/idoa/state-property-and-facilities/weddings-and-events-center/