How to Elope in Michigan
How do you elope in Michigan? I would be happy to officiate an elopement or intimate wedding for you. Eloping doesn't necessarily mean running away secretly just the two of you to get married. While it defiantly can, today the term is used more aligned with intimate gatherings that can be planned months or days in advance. At A Simple I Do we specialize in small weddings, it's definitely our thing.
When eloping you are required to have your marriage license and at least 2 witnesses to sign the license with us, and of course an Officiant to make it all legal - that's us!
Let's dig into the details:
Fee: $325 (travel fee of $1 per mile outside of service areas)
As for location, if you don't have one picked out yet, we have a few studios to rent as options for a private location or in the warmer months we love to use our local parks.
Studio Options:
Holly Studio is a one room suite in a historic building, with wood floors and exposed brick, its two front windows offer lovely soft light for your ceremony. This suite hosts up to 10 guests. It has private bathroom inside the suite. There is not a great option for "hiding' one spouse or a walk down the aisle here, we keep it a bit more casual by welcoming in everyone, having your guests take their seats and then position the two of you to begin the ceremony. Rental is $150 for an hour and 15 minute rental or $75 for 45 minutes. We only suggest the 45 minute rental for the sign and I Do package or sign and go. Instagram of Holly Studio
Riker Studio in Pontiac is a larger suite in the historic Riker Building that offers a beautiful large studio space with white walls and floors and many windows letting in all the daylight. This suite can host up to 20 guests. There is an option to hide one spouse within the space and walk down the aisle if you like. Rental is $150 for an hour and fifteen minute rental. Instagram of Riker Studio
Pontiac 2 studio is a whole vibe with It’s darker walls, greenery and rich interior. It is located above the Treasury venue in downtown Pontiac. This space is suitable for up to 20 guests. There is eclectic seating for around 8 guests, you can bring in your own chairs or simply allow others to stand. There is a public restroom in the hallway available, we do recommend arriving already dressed. Rental is $150 for an hour and fifteen minutes. www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18034164475703942/
Royal Oak Studio located right outside of downtown Royal Oak is a great option for 10 guests or less. This studio space comes decorated with a faux mantle and candles and seating. The suite offers a separate room for changing and hiding one spouse for entrance. The Royal Oak suite is $200 for one hour and 30 minutes rental time. (Note timeline below will be adjusted for this longer suite rental time)www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18030245281686751/
Example timeline: Rental for one hour 15 minutes
12:15 to 1:30 pm rental
12:15 couple and photographer are welcomed into space to do a first look or portrait photos
12:30 guests are welcomed in and seated and ceremony begins
12:45 sign the license and congrats from guests
12:55 to 1:15 group photos -guests exit suite
1:15 to 1:30 photos of just the couple
1:30 everyone exits studio
Let's dig into my process and allow me to explain how I get things done.
To book the date: I will email you a contract and a retainer invoice (50%) with the remaining money due 5 days before your event. Your date is not booked until payment is made.
The ceremony: I will email you a ceremony script for review, you are welcome to make edits to this document and yes of course you can write your own vows if you like. The week of the wedding we will do a phone call to rehearse the ceremony.
What's next? Take a moment to discuss your wedding day and see if I may be a good fit, I"m happy to chat further over the phone or we can move straight to booking the date and talk anytime throughout the process, I'll await your instructions.