Elopements
An elopement is usually a simple ceremony or spontaneous wedding event with a very small guest list. These tiny wedding events, aka. micro-weddings or pop-up weddings, have become very popular.
You can book me as an officiant to join you at your chosen location and perform a short ceremony. I offer lower rates for small wedding elopements on weekdays, and I am often available and more flexible from Monday through Thursday.
Pop-Up Weddings
A Pop-Up Wedding is really an elopement that seems to pop up out of nowhere. We pop in and pop out. We bring only what we can carry, say vows, sign the papers, and we’re out of there. It’s exciting for everyone!
The key is finding a place that is usually open to the public free of charge, easy to get to, and allows for flexibility should plans (or weather) change.
What’s Right for You?
You have choices. Consider: “What is meaningful to us? What elements are important in our wedding?” Every couple will have a different answer. There are no right and wrong ways to have a wedding, only what is right for you.
For some, it’s having their 300 closest friends and family to eat, drink and dance. For others, their wedding is about the two of them privately sharing vows. There’s the budget, timing, coordination, and all sorts of ideas, dreams, pressures and expectations. So every wedding is different, and I think that’s how it should be. Do what fits your life and your relationship.
Elopement Package
We will set up a private ceremony location with an officiant and photographer. You choose a one-hour time slot for your elopement. It’s that easy.
DATES TBD: July and August, please inquire
COST: from $1000 MO-TU-WE-TH; from $1500 FR-SA-SU
Sample Timeline:
1:00 arrival meet and greet
1:10 short ceremony
1:20 signing the marriage license
1:30 photos and congratulations
1:50 farewell and departure
What we provide:
- Private ceremony location of our choice
- Officiant, ceremony and signing the license
- Photography at location, digital photo package
- Seating for up to 10 guests
What you’ll need:
- Your marriage license
- Two witnesses (& up to 10 guests)
Just Sign the License
Sometimes, folx just need to get a marriage license signed, that’s it. No hooplah, nothing fancy, not even a ceremony. Meet me in Chelsea and we’ll get it taken care of with the minimal legal requirements. You’ll need to have your marriage license, bring two witnesses, and be ready to say, “I Do.”
Check the PACKAGES page for all current pricing.
Elopement Location Ideas
Pop-up weddings and elopements are held in parks, botanical gardens, museums, breweries, wineries, stadiums, restaurants, barns, backyards, living rooms and more.
I’ve married many couples at Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Rec Area in Chelsea, Island Lake Park and Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, and Mill Creek Park in Dexter, just to name a few.
Always support local businesses if we are using their space: have food or drink, leave a tip or donation.
In Chelsea, Zou Zou’s is my go-to, but there are many other options. Jet’s Pizza, Cleary’s Pub, and Smokehouse 52 all have good food, a casual atmosphere and plenty of tables for us to sign the license and have your elopement celebration.
