How to Elope in Minnesota
Tali   February 19, 2025
You’re in luck. You’ve just stumbled upon the ultimate Minnesota elopement guide!Â
We will cover a quick outline of what is required to be legally married in the state of Minnesota such as getting your marriage license, who needs to sign it, and when and where it needs to be returned. This blog also includes the best places to elope in Minnesota, when to elope in Minnesota, and more!Â
ELOPING IN MINNESOTA - THE LEGAL STUFF
GETTING YOUR MINNESOTA MARRIAGE LICENSE
Part of planning your Minnesota elopement is making sure that you have a marriage license so that you can make things official. In Minnesota, you may apply for a marriage license in any county, regardless of where in the state you decide to get married (you must be married in the state of Minnesota though). It is not necessary for either individual to be a resident of the state of Minnesota (or even the US). You will need to apply for your marriage license in person and both of the people getting married must be present (there are some special forms that can be completed and notarized if one of you is unable to make it). It is a good idea to make an appointment for this to ensure that everything goes smoothly.Â
What to bring when getting your Minnesota marriage license:
- Valid ID (such as a driver’s license or passport)
- Information: Your full legal name, address, telephone numbers, social security numbers (if you have one) as well as your after-marriage name(s) and address
- Documentation on any prior marriages
At the time of writing this blog, marriage licenses in Minnesota cost $115 or $40 after completing 12 hours of valid premarital counseling. Your marriage license will be issued at your appointment (there are no waiting period or blood test requirements… making Minnesota a great state for elopements!) and is good for six months.
MAKING YOUR MARRIAGE OFFICIAL IN MINNESOTA
In the state of Minnesota, your marriage license will need to be signed by the applicants, two witnesses, and the officiant. Within five days after the ceremony, the officiant who performed the marriage will need to file the marriage license with the county in which the license was obtained. After your license is returned, you will be able to get your marriage certificate to prove things are official!
Pro Tip: To make life a little easier, Minnesota has an online feature called MOMS (Minnesota Official Marriage System). This online system is managed by Minnesota counties to help you navigate the process (Note: Scott and Washington County do not participate at this time).
MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT PERMITS
Permits are often overlooked by couples as they plan their elopement but are super important and something that we recommend you look into early. The requirements for permits for elopements in Minnesota depend on the specific location you are planning to get married and can vary greatly. Not all locations require permits and some only require permits for events that meet certain criteria, such as a number of guests or if you are including special equipment.Â
We’ve found that navigating permits can often be confusing and a large source of stress for couples as they plan their elopement. If this is you, not to worry! We help all of our couples figure out what permits they need and when we can, we’ll even apply for the permits for you!Â
Planning to elope in Minnesota?
 If you’re thinking, “Man, this is a lot… I need help.” you’re in the right place. Hit that button and let’s start doing this together.
WHERE TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA
I could write 100 blogs about all of the hidden gems and magical places to elope in Minnesota… but that would take a lifetime and I am sure no would would bother to read them all. 🤣 So instead, I’ll keep it to the point by listing a few of the best places to elope in Minnesota below (with a few links to related blogs). Â
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Interstate State Park
- Duluth, MN
- Tettegouche State Park
- Voyageurs National Park
- Black Beach
- Mill City Ruins Park
- Palisade Head
Finding the perfect spot to elope in Minnesota can be hard. But you don’t have to do it alone! We are Minnesota elopement experts and offer location assistance to all of our couples. You tell us what you like and we’ll help you find the perfect place to elope. It really can be that easy.
“We were a bit nervous traveling to a place we had never been to before for our wedding but they put so much research into planning our day that it put us at ease… whenever we had a question about the day or locations we may want to visit they always were eager to help.”
– Maddy & Garren ★★★★★
THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA
WHEN TO ELOPE BY SEASON
Minnesota is a gorgeous place to get married year-round, but it is a state with great seasonal variety so the time of year is going to play a huge part in what your wedding day is going to look like. If you are looking for sunshine and wildflowers, crimson shades of fall colors, magical snowy forests, or a background melody of chirping birds and soft winds, you can have it in Minnesota… but you can’t have it any time you want.
Spring Elopements in Minnesota
Spring is a lovely time of year! Typically falling in the narrow window of late April through early June in Minnesota, spring brings new growth, flowers, and warmer days to the state. If you are looking to beat the summer heat and crowds or maybe for a mix of a greenery and a little snow, a Minnesota spring elopement might be right up your alley.
Spring is the best time of year to elope in Minnesota if…
- You want to elope in a popular place and are hoping for smaller crowds.
- You don’t want it to get too hot… or too cold.
- You want waterfalls gushing with water!
- You don’t mind the chance of a little snow, but want the sunshine to feel warm.
- You don’t want to have to worry about bugs like mosquitos or flies.Â
Some things to keep in mind when planning your spring wedding…
- Weather is always unpredictable, but Minnesota spring can be especially so. You could get a crazy May snowstorm or find yourself enjoying a sunny 80 degree day. It’s always an adventure!
- In April, the average Minnesota high temperature is around 58F, the average temperature is 47F, and the average low temperature is 39F. Temperatures can vary greatly in different areas of the state, so be sure to check the temperatures for your planned location.
- With all the snowmelt from the winter, some areas might be muddy.
Our favorite Minnesota spring month is May. By the time May rolls around, things are warming up and really feeling like spring. The chance of a rogue snow storm is seriously diminished and many of the trees and flowers are in full bloom! The trees are getting fresh leaves, which have a youthful green color that lights up the forest and all of the spring snowmelt means that the rivers, streams, and waterfalls are flowing beautifully.
Summer Elopements in Minnesota
Summer in Minnesota is absolutely magical and it’s one of our favorite times of year to elope in Minnesota. The state really comes alive for this beautiful time of year. Summer in Minnesota is best defined as June through early September and brings a buzz of excitement to the state. If you are looking for full forests, warm days, plenty of sunshine, and maybe a little dip in the water, summer in Minnesota is definitely for you.
Summer is the perfect season for your elopement if…
- You love lush, green forests, sunny days, and warm weather.
- You are thinking about doing some swimming on your elopement day.
- You want warmer nights to stay up and watch the stars (star photos anyone?!).
- You want long days (Minnesota gets more than 15 hours of day light on some summer days!).
Some things to consider when picking a summer month for your Minnesota elopement…
- Crowds will likely be larger in most areas than during other times of the year. (Luckily we are expert in all things “how to elope in Minnesota” and can help you find the perfect spot away from the crowds, even in the summer!)
- Depending on where you decide to elope, bugs might be something you need to consider with your planning.
Our favorite Minnesota summer months are…. Well, you really can’t go wrong with any month during the Minnesota summer! If you are planning on hopping in the water at any point, we recommend July or August, after the water has had some time to warm up, but beyond that you really can’t pick wrong when it comes to Minnesota summer.
Fall Elopements in Minnesota
My favorite season is always changing depending on my mood, but fall just might be my most common answer. It’s definitely one of the most popular times of year to elope in Minnesota (and with good reason!). Fleeting but unquestionably magical, fall in Minnesota is best experienced from late September through October. If you are looking for leaves of jaw dropping color as far as the eye can see, sweater weather, and pumpkin spice everything, a Minnesota fall wedding fits the bill.
Fall is the best time to elope in Minnesota if…
- You want stunning fall colors. You can’t talk about fall in Minnesota without talking about fall colors. Minnesota gets some INSANE fall colors. The maple trees are my favorite with shades of pink, gold, red, and everything in between.
- You want more mild temperatures… warmer days and crisper nights.Â
- You want to be able to throw on a jacket, wear long sleeves, or heavier fabrics without getting too hot.
- The vibes of apple orchards, hot cider, harvest season, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, apple picking, and sweater weather are in your dreams all year.
- You want perfect campfire and cuddle weather.
- You want to experience sunrise without waking up as early or sunset without staying up so late. The sun is rising a bit later in the morning and setting a bit earlier in the evening, which means you don’t have to wake up as early for sunrise or stay up late for sunset. (Honestly, this is such an elopement hack!)
When planning a fall wedding in Minnesota, there are a couple of things to keep in mind…
- Crowds in some areas can be at an all time high with leaf peepers venturing out to catch the fall colors.
- Temperature swings can be pretty drastic. Will it be 80 degrees or 40? Who knows!
- Late fall brings a chance of early snow. The snow and fall colors can be beautiful together though!
Our favorite Minnesota fall month changes depending on what area of the state you are in. Fall colors start in the north and move south, extending the window you have for perfect fall colors. There are a number of factors that can affect when we get the best fall colors, but generally, in the northern part of the state (such as the North Shore of Lake Superior), early October is our favorite. The colors then travel south, making early to mid-October our favorite in the central and southern parts of the state. While it’s not an exact science, the different trees and undergrowth tend to change colors at different points, giving you a pretty good chance of finding beautiful colors throughout the entire fall season.
Winter Elopements in Minnesota
There really isn’t a hard line on the beginning and ending of winter in Minnesota. It can start early and last forever or it can start late and end surprisingly early. Generally, I would classify Minnesota’s winter to be sometime between November and March, but again, you never really know. If cozy vibes and snowy forests are your elopement vision, I would recommend late December through early March for prime winter conditions.
Winter is the perfect season for your elopement if…
- You want all the cozy vibes.
- You love the look of snow covered trees (snow covered everything really).
- Hot chocolate, warm blankets, and cozy fires are a key part of your personality.
- The cold never bothered you anyway.
- You really want to beat the crowds and have the place to yourself.
- You don’t want there to be any bugs. Anywhere.
Minnesota is a great place for a winter elopement if you are looking for true winter vibes. Minnesota knows how to winter. From plowing roads to finding creative ways to have fun outside in the cold, the state is ready for the season.Â
Some things to watch out for when planning a winter elopement…
- Minnesota winters can be cold. We’re talking below freezing (or even below zero) cold. You definitely need to know how to dress for the cold and layer up.
- It snows here. While beautiful, big snow storms can impact travel and when extreme, might require a backup plan.
Our favorite Minnesota winter month is probably March, although anytime between late December/early January to March will likely be beautiful! By the time March rolls around, there is almost always snow, the temperatures are often more mild, and any snowfall is usually a bit stickier and clings to everything so beautifully!
WHEN TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA FOR THE BEST PHOTOS
We have already covered Minnesota seasons, but there is more to “when to elope” than just the time of year. Minnesota parks and trails can get busy on the weekends. If solitude is something that you value for your big day, we recommend choosing a weekday or planning an early morning or sunrise ceremony. A sunrise ceremony also gives you your full wedding day to celebrate as a married couple!
From a photography perspective, early morning and evening light will give you the most flattering photos. Those gorgeous golden photos you see on Instagram are taken during the prime photography hours of the day, known as golden hour. Golden hour occurs the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, when the sun is low in the sky.
MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT FAQs
Can we have guests at our Minnesota elopement?
Yes, Minnesota is a great place to elope with guests. Many couples elope with just the two of them, but small groups are welcome. Be sure to check if your location has any guest limits or permit requirements that vary with guest count. If you’re planning an elopement with guests, be sure to check out this great resource for planning an eloping with guests.
Can a friend or family member officiate our elopement in Minnesota?
Absolutely! Minnesota allows individuals to become ordained online to officiate weddings, enabling a friend or family member to conduct your ceremony. Dom is also ordained and often officiates for our eloping couple. He can also just do the legal paperwork part if you have a family member or friend who wants to perform the ceremony without the hassle of becoming ordained.
Are pets allowed at Minnesota elopement ceremonies?
It will depend on where you decide to elope, but most outdoor elopement locations in Minnesota are pet friendly. Minnesota state parks are pet friendly, making them a great option for eloping with pets! Always verify specific site regulations before planning.
Do we need witnesses for our Minnesota elopement ceremony?
Yes, Minnesota law requires two witnesses to be present during your ceremony and sign the marriage certificate. Dom and I can sign as witnesses for couples eloping with us. We’ve also had great luck finding friendly hikers out on the trails to sign a marriage license.
Planning your Minnesota elopement is an exciting time in your life! I hope this blog has helped ease any stress related to marriage licenses and other “how to elope in Minnesota” worries so that you can get back to focusing on the fun stuff!
If you are dreaming up the perfect Minnesota elopement and need a little assistance, we would love to help you plan a crafted-to-you day (and tag along to capture the biggest day of your love story). Get in touch and let’s get rolling!
What a great guide to eloping in Minnesota! I looked up the Black Sand Beach of Minnesota – what a cool looking place!! Definitely would not have expected that in Minnesota. 😉 Love this!
If anyone is ever looking to get married in Minnesota, I’m definitely pointing them to this blog post! Really helpful!
WOW! This is a super helpful blog post!! It can be so hard to find this info but you have made it so so simple for people! Thank you for putting this together!
Super helpful blog! As someone who lived in Minnesota – very helpful to see what/how you can elope in all seasons!
Love this resource and that you’ve taken the time to lay out what to expect for each season. I think I vote for winter with no bugs! Thanks for sharing!
I feel like some of the states are so overlooked and underestimated – just like here in Italy, it seems like Minnesota has so much to offer and awesome options for year round elopements! These tips are so helpful!
Beautiful scenery is everywhere! Lovely post for couples who don’t want to trek far for elopements. Elopements can happen in beautiful and unexpected places!
This is such a helpful post! Thank you so much for taking the time to write it. Minnesota looks like a beautiful place to elope, my favourite photo is the winter family shot though. You can really see the love between them all.
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