If you’re wondering how to elope in Minnesota, you’re in the right place. From legal requirements to locations and seasonal recommendations, this guide is sure to give you all the ideas!

Keep Your Minnesota Elopement Legal

Getting Your Marriage License

If you want to elope in Minnesota, you’ll first need to get a marriage license from the courthouse. You can apply for a license in any county, regardless of where you’re looking to get married, as long as it’s in the state of Minnesota. Neither you or your partner need to be residents of Minnesota to get a license here. You can start the application process online, but you and your partner must appear at the county courthouse in person to complete it. You’re able to do this on the same day you get married, or beforehand. Either way, I recommend making an appointment to save time.

Here’s what you and your partner will need to bring to your appointment:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
• Social security number (if you have one, but if not you’ll need to provide other forms of ID)
• Personal information (names, phone numbers, current address, new names and address)
• Any documents regarding previous marriages (including divorces), if applicable
• Any other documents listed on the county’s website

Fees will vary, so be sure to check with your local county office for the specific cost in your area. For instance, in Hennepin county the fee is $125, but there’s a reduced rate of $50 for folks who’ve completed 12 hours of premarital education. Some counties may also charge a credit card fee, and most licenses are valid for up to 6 months from the date of application.

Your marriage license must be signed by you and your partner, two witnesses, and the officiant. The officiant who married you has five days after the ceremony to file the license with same county where you received it. Once the license is filed, you’ll receive your marriage certificate!

Required Attendees

In Minnesota you need two witnesses over the age of 16 to be present and sign the marriage license for the marriage to be legal. If you don’t want to bring loved ones along, you can ask neighbors, coworkers, or even any strangers you meet on the day. Or if you’re eloping at a courthouse you can ask your judge or clerk’s office for help. Judges typically bring clerks, and will ask that you pay each witness $10-$20 for their time. Being a witness doesn’t require much – just watching your ceremony and then providing a signature.

Next you’ll want to decide who will perform the ceremony. If it’s a judge, you’ll just call the courthouse to schedule a ceremony time. This will require a fee, which includes the courthouse reservation. If you want to have a loved one officiate, Minnesota allows folks to become ordained online. Just make sure your officiant is at least 21 years old!

Permits and Fees

Wherever you decide to elope, especially if you’re looking at a non-traditional venue like a park or nature preserve, I highly recommend you research to see if there are any fees or permits required. Not all locations require permits, and the costs will vary by location. Some locations only require permits for events with a certain guest count, so it’s always good to check. Permits are highly important for safety, environmental protections, and more, and I am always happy to adhere to their guidelines.

If the thought of obtaining permits is intimidating or overwhelming, don’t even stress. I assist all of my couples with permits, and apply for them myself wherever possible.

Leave No Trace

We Minnesotans are extremely proud of where we live. We take care to preserve this land because we love the earth, and to ensure that future generations can enjoy our beautiful state. That’s why I’m committed to following the Leave No Trace principles. Here’s how to do your part:

• Plan ahead: research the area before you visit, and make a plan for emergencies and various weather conditions
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces: stick to existing trails and campsites
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find: take only photographs
• Respect wildlife

Where to Elope in Minnesota

First, a reminder because it seems that “elopement” is synonymous with “hiking up a mountain” these days: you don’t have to travel anywhere exotic for it to be special! I’ve had amazing experiences with couples visiting a botanical garden for their elopement, and spending the afternoon at their favorite arcade. Or hanging out at Grumpy’s dive before their courthouse elopement. Or enjoying a bottle of champagne in a forest after exchanging their vows. You can have a memorable elopement experience anywhere in Minnesota!

If you’re feeling a courthouse vibe, you’ll just need to call the courthouse in advance to schedule a ceremony with a judge. There will likely be a separate ceremony fee, which varies by county. There might be a cap on how many guests you can bring, so be sure to check with your courthouse on that and any other rules! Popular courthouses to consider are:

• Hennepin County Municipal Building
• Ramsey County District Court
• Rice County Government Services Building
• Carver County District Court
• Anoka County Government Center

If eloping in nature or elsewhere feels more like you, Minnesota has SO many beautiful and unique locations to choose from. Some favorite destinations include:

• Gooseberry Falls State Park
• Tettegouche State Park
• Lake Superior Shore
• Black Beach
• Palisade Head
• Como Conservatory
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
• Minnehaha Falls
• Milly City Park

And if you’re looking for unique places to stay for your Minnesota elopement, I compiled a list of unique Airbnb’s throughout the state!

When to Elope in Minnesota

Minnesota absolutely has seasons, and we love them here! While they’re all beautiful in their own way, they also have definite positives and potential drawbacks to consider.

Spring Elopements in Minnesota (Timeframe: late March – early June)

I’m a Taurus, so I definitely have a soft spot for spring, especially May! I also love this season because it brings a slowly renewed sense of energy across the state, as we collectively unthaw after a long winter (seasonal depression, anyone?!). During this season the air is still mostly cool, but new life is beginning to emerge.

You might want a spring elopement if:

• Privacy is important to you and you want to beat the crowds
• You’re hoping for mild temperatures (averages around 47 degrees F)
• You want to avoid the bugs as much as possible

You might want to reconsider a spring elopement if:

• The thought of unpredictable weather causes stress. We get a lot of rain in May, and there’s still a possibility of snow!
• You’d like to avoid muddy conditions outdoors from all that rain and snow melt
• You have gnarly allergies – spring is allergy season here due to tree and grass pollen

Summer Elopements in Minnesota (Timeframe: mid June – mid September)

I love the energy of summer in Minnesota. With long daylight hours, warm weather, and lakes galore, we Minnesotans live outdoors in the summer. It’s as if we all try to make up for the time we’ll spend hunkering down in the winter.

You might want a summer elopement if:

• Warm temperatures and sunshine are must-haves
• You want to incorporate the beach or have a dip in a lake
• You want long days – sunset is well past 8pm on most summer days!

You might want to reconsider a summer elopement if:

• Privacy is a must-have. Crowds will be larger in most areas than in other times of the year
• You can’t stand bugs. Mosquitos and mayflies can be a constant presence, especially in certain areas along the North Shore
• You’re sensitive to heat. Summer temperatures average around 85 degrees F, with humidity around 70%

Fall Elopements in Minnesota (Timeframe: late September – mid November)

Spooky pals, unite! I love fall for its colors, crisp air, and witchy vibes. And a lot of folks agree – fall is the most popular time of year to elope in Minnesota. If you dream of those poppin’ colors, then a fall elopement might be for you.

You might want a fall elopement if:

• You dream of those beautiful fall colors
• You want to feel comfortable outside. Temperatures range from 50 – 65 degrees F during the day
• You want to incorporate sunrise or sunset photos without getting up ungodly early or staying up late. The sun rises later and sets earlier during this season, which is perfect for those of us who love to sleep!

You might want to reconsider a fall elopement if:

• You value privacy. Crowds, especially along the North Shore, will be at an all time high with visitors traveling there to enjoy the leaf changes
• You don’t want to deal with unpredictable weather. The temperature can vary drastically, and there’s always a chance of snow in late fall

Pro-tip: While there’s a variety of weather factors that affect where and when the best colors will appear, the DNR makes it so easy to plan for peak colors. They released an extremely useful tool that maps leaf progression throughout the state, so you don’t have to guess!

Disclaimer: Parks and trails get so busy on the weekends during peak season, that I only accept weekday bookings for nature elopement coverage in the fall

Winter Elopements in Minnesota (Timeframe: mid November-mid March, but it changes every year!)

We take winter seriously here in Minnesota! From our love of hygge to extreme winter sports, there’s something for everyone during this season. If coziness and string lights or epic snowfalls are part of your elopement vision, a winter elopement is exactly what you’re looking for.

You might want a winter elopement if:

• You’re drawn to magical and peaceful vibes. Snow makes everything look more romantic and special!
• You’re looking for an intimate experience without peak-season crowds
• You want a unique adventure. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to dog sledding excursions, Minnesota offers endless possibilities to make your elopement a memorable experience.

You might want to reconsider a winter elopement if:

• The cold DOES bother you, anyway. Temps range from -5 degrees F – 40 degrees F. And don’t get me started on windchill!
• You don’t want to wear the required extra bulk to keep you warm. I’m not kidding about the temperatures, y’all! Dressing accordingly will keep you safe and comfortable
• Travel stresses you out. Travel can be very dangerous due to winter storms, and will probably require a backup plan

Make Your Minnesota Elopement Unique

Your Minnesota elopement can be almost anything you want it to be, so it’s a good idea to take some time to get clear on what you and your partner want out of your day. Forget the expectations and opinions, and get off Pinterest for this. Think about how you want your day to feel, from the time you wake up to the time you turn in for the evening. Are there any locations or activities that are significant to your relationship that you’d love to incorporate? What would make you feel the most connected to your partner?

Some activity ideas for your Minnesota elopement:

• For the music obsessed: catch a show at one of our iconic venues, visit Paisley Park, see the stars at First Ave or the Bob Dylan mural, stop in to a record shop
• For the alt baddies: hang out a local dive or brewery hopping, get tattoos, visit the Ren Faire
• For the cozy folks: snuggle up in a cabin or AirBnb, cozy up with a bonfire, visit a sauna
• For the adventurous babes: pontoon on your favorite lake, kayak or canoe, hike a favorite trail, camp, visit the ice castles

I hope this guide to eloping in Minnesota was helpful. There’s so much beauty here and endless opportunities to create an elopement experience that’s unique to you. Whether you’re drawn to the grit of the city or the peacefulness of nature, Minnesota offers the perfect place for an intimate elopement no matter the season. To plan your Minnesota elopement, reach out here!