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 in Michigan 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:
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 such as depot and baycourt in clarkston.
Studio Options:
Pontiac Chapel is a true wedding ceremony chapel with chairs and an arch all set up and ready to go. It gives industrial chic wedding ceremony vibes. Simply show up and get married. This option can host up to 40 guests and the rental is 1.5 hours for $300.
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 rate is $200 for one hour and 15 minutes. Instagram of Holly 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 rate is $200 for one hour and 15 minutes. www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/18034164475703942/
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.
Other options to consider:
The Fed, Clarkston as they have the basement private dining area
Fifth Tavern, Clarkston has a private banquet room
Buckshots, Clarkston has a private banquet room
The Laundry Room, Fenton banquet facility
Baycourt Park lakeside room, Clarkston
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.