When people think of what it would be like to elope in Indiana, they picture a giant cornfield and flat land as far as the eye can see. Yes, Indiana has cornfields, but it has a treasure trove of epic locations that would make a perfect backdrop for an outdoor elopement. Keep reading for incredible places to elope in Indiana along with all the info you need for an elopement.
Eloping in Indiana
What do we need if we want to elope in Indiana?
To legally get married in Indiana, this is what you need to do:
- obtain an Indiana marriage license
- hire an ordained officiant (or bring a friend who is ordained)
- sign your marriage license (no witnesses required!)
First, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. It is valid for 60 days from when it is issued and you can get married the same day. Both of you will need to visit the Clerk’s office in the county where one of you lives. If you’re visiting from out of state, then you’ll go to the office in the country where your ceremony will take place.
You will both need documentation that shows your date of birth as well as your Social Security Number. A marriage license in Indiana (as of 2024) is $25.00 for Hoosiers and $65.00 for those out of state. All that’s needed are both of your signatures and the officiant’s signature on the official license!
Something to note, depending on the county, they might require additional information or there might be additional fees so look ahead at the office that you’ll be visiting so you know for sure. Read this for additional marriage license information in the state of Indiana.
PRO TIP: To keep things simple, you can get legally married where you live before the date of your elopement. This keeps things very simple on your end. At your elopement, you can still share your vows and enjoy a ceremony or epic adventure without having to worry about legal logistics.
When is best time to elope in Indiana?
Well, Indiana can be quite unpredictable, but usually between April to November can have tolerable outdoor weather.
Realistically, it depends on the time of day, but the most recommended times to elope in Indiana would be late May through October. Summer and fall provide beautiful weather, but will have more people out and about if you choose a public spot to exchange your vows. Choosing a weekday can help to avoid crowds too!
To also help with avoiding crowds (and the hottest parts of the day), you can plan something for sunrise or sunset. You’ll just want to make sure that whatever location you choose will allow for good lighting which is something your photographer can help with.
Your Indiana Elopement Checklist:
- Marriage License ($25-65 depending on the county and additional fees.)
- Wedding Day Special Use Permit (This depends on the location you choose—call your desired location to see what is required.)
- Cash or Card for any park entrance fees (varies on the park)
- Officiant ($0-$200 depending on if it’s a friend or a professional and how long they will be there.)
- Photographer / Videographer ($3-8K)
- Photography / Videography permit ($100-$200 depending on location chosen, but we do factor this into your photo/video package cost)
- Lodging (~$150-275/night or less if you’re camping)
- Outfits (Depends on if you thrift your wedding dress, buy new, wear something you have, or rent—you do you!)
- Food (Whether you want a small cake or a picnic, a private dinner, or all 3, this price varies if you hire it out or make it yourselves.)
- Bouquet + Décor ($20-$500 depending on how elaborate you want or if you want to skip these things. Don’t leave ANYTHING behind. Some locations will limit how much décor you have due to Leave No Trace principles protecting the area. We encourage you to embrace nature as your décor and the “less is more” principle.)
- Activities (Ex: picnic, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, etc.)
- Inviting any guests. Bringing a small group of guests will affect the cost so think about if you want others to join or not or if you want things to be private.
Unique Places to Elope in Indiana
Indiana has a gold mine of beautiful outdoor spots that might be the perfect setting for your elopement day. We are here to help, which is why we’ve created a list of the most unique places to elope in Indiana!
- Brown County State Park
- Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
- DePauw Nature Park
- Eagle Creek Park
- Indiana Dunes National Park
- Shades State Park
- Turkey Run State Park
- White River State Park/The Canal
Bonus Ideas:
- Your own backyard
- A local winery or orchard
- A smaller park you love to visit
Brown County State Park
Brown County State Park is stunning and there’s so much to do in the area surrounding Nashville, Indiana. It’s the largest state park in the state of Indiana which means plenty of beautiful woodsy places to have an elopement, hike, and even go horseback riding on your day. With cabins, the Abe Martin Lodge (we’ve been there and liked it!), campgrounds, and various inns, there’s lots of places to stay along with tasty places to eat.
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448
- You can find more information and contact Brown County State Park here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area
Cataract Falls State Recreation Area is truly stunning with the falls, a covered bridge, and lots of beautiful rocks. It is perfect for an elopement with an epic natural vibe. For an elopement, you could exchange vows on a less traveled trail or a shelter by the lower falls, or at Cataract Falls Lodge. Cataract Falls Lodge is a quaint lodge that can house up to 16 guests and would be a great spot to get ready. Bonus is that you can hike at the recreation area as a part of your day!
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 2605 N Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN 47460
- You can find more information and contact Cataract Falls here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
DePauw Nature Park
DePauw Nature park is a rock quarry that is incredibly unique and picturesque. It not only has an outdoor location surrounded by nature and enjoyable hiking trails, but it also has 2 places on site where a small, intimate ceremony could take place if needed. Something to note is that no weddings are held during the academic school year.
We wrote a blog all about what it can look like to elope at DePauw Nature Park.
- Amphitheater: $500, Welcome Center: $200, Bartlett Reflection Center: $200
- Located at 1400 W County Road 125 S, Greencastle, IN 46135
- You can read the wedding rules, contact to inquire, or reserve a location here.
Eagle Creek Park
Eagle Creek Park would be lovely for an elopement with a peaceful nature vibe. For an elopement, you could exchange vows or have a small ceremony on a less traveled trail, a shelter by Lily Lake, or at Eagle’s Hideaway. Eagle’s Hideaway is a small ranch that could host a reception or small ceremony with space for some guests should you want to have a few people join. Bonus is that you can hike, fish, or kayak at the park as a part of your wedding day!
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN 46254
- You can find more information and contact Eagle Creek Park here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
Indiana Dunes National Park
For an outdoor elopement that has a more beach-like feel, Indiana Dunes National Park is a gem. The tall grasses, giant dunes, and shoreline make it stunning at sunrise and sunset. We’ve camped there and had a great time, but there are also quaint inns or Airbnbs in the surround area. Bonus is that you can have a picnic, go boating, swim, bike, go horseback riding, or even hike up one of the dunes as part of your day!
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 1215 IN-49 Porter, IN 46304
- You can find more information and contact the park here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
Shades State Park
Shades State Park is wonderful for an elopement—it feels very similar to Turkey Run in its beauty, but with less crowds making it more peaceful. You could exchange vows or have a small ceremony on a less traveled trail, at a shelter, or at a local Airbnb. Once again, you can hike in the park as a part of your wedding day!
We even wrote a blog to show what an elopement near Shades State Park can look like!
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 7751 S 890 W, Waveland, IN 47989
- You can find more information and contact Turkey Run for pricing here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
Turkey Run State Park
Turkey Run State Park is perfect for an elopement—full of beauty for nature-lovers. For an indoor alternative, Turkey Run Inn might be a great fit. Of course, you can always exchange vows or have a small ceremony on a less traveled trail, at the Log Church or a shelter, or at a local Airbnb. Bonus is that you can hike at the park as a part of your wedding day!
We even wrote a blog to show what an elopement in Turkey Run State Park can look like!
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 8121 Park Rd, Marshall, IN 47859
- You can find more information and contact Turkey Run for pricing here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
White River State Park/The Canal
If you want to elope in Indiana outside with a touch of urban influences, then consider White River State Park or near The Canal in Indianapolis. If you aim for morning or evening, there will be less crowds with manicured greenspaces and fresh air. Not to mention all of the places you can stay and eat at in the area.
- As pricing varies, you’ll have to contact them.
- Located at 801 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- You can find more information and contact White River State Park here.
- Photography/videography permit needed. An events permit might also be required.
Why not elope in Indiana!?
We hope this gives you some inspiration and a starting point as you consider all the outdoor places you could elope in Indiana. If these spots aren’t what you’re looking for, then think of places that mean something to both of you such as your own backyard, a favorite winery or orchard, or even a local park the two of you adore.
The best piece of advice we can offer is to make sure your day looks like the two of you. If the outdoors is your happy place, then that’s where you need to get married.
Of course, if you have questions, you can reach out and contact Jonathan and I here. Then we can start talking about your peaceful, nature-centered elopement and any photo or video needs you might have.
If you liked this post, then we think you would enjoy looking through these as well:
Indiana Elopement at Sugar Creek Retreat
Elope in Turkey Run State Park
