Dreaming of a low-key wedding? North Dakota offers a simple path to matrimony for couples looking to elope. From obtaining a marriage license to finding an officiant, this guide outlines the essential steps to elope in the Peace Garden State. Discover how to navigate residency requirements, costs, waiting periods, and witness regulations while planning an elopement in North Dakota.
Steps to Plan an Elopement in North Dakota:
- Choose a Date
- Choose a Location
- Book a Venue
- Create a Registry
- Create a Website
- Send Invitations
- Choose an Officiant
- Book a Photographer
- Apply for a Marriage License
- Get Married
- Submit Marriage License (Officiant can do this)
- Enjoy Your Honeymoon
Steps to Plan an Elopement in North Dakota
Planning to elope in North Dakota? Here’s a quick guide to the essential steps you’ll need to take. From obtaining your marriage license to finding an officiant, here are the steps required to plan the perfect elopement in North Dakota.
1. Choose a Date to Elope
Choosing the perfect date is the crucial first step in planning your North Dakota elopement. Begin by considering the availability of key participants: your officiant, witnesses, and photographer. Coordinate with them to find a date that works for everyone. Next, think about the season you’d prefer for your anniversary celebrations in the years to come.
North Dakota’s landscapes change dramatically throughout the year, from snow-covered winters to golden autumn prairies. Consider the weather and scenery you’d like as the backdrop for your special day. Additionally, give yourself ample time to organize other aspects of your ceremony, such as obtaining the marriage license, selecting a location, and arranging any travel or accommodation needs. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least a month for planning, even for a simple elopement.
2. Choose a Location to Elope
The second crucial step in planning your North Dakota elopement is selecting the perfect location. The state offers a diverse array of settings to suit various preferences. For nature lovers, Theodore Roosevelt National Park provides a breathtaking backdrop with its rugged badlands and diverse wildlife. The serene Lake Metigoshe State Park is another popular choice, offering picturesque views and tranquil surroundings.
If you’re drawn to urban charm, consider the historic downtown areas of Fargo or Bismarck. For a more traditional approach, local churches often welcome elopements, providing an intimate setting steeped in community history. Alternatively, for a straightforward and budget-friendly option, many couples choose to elope at their local courthouse, combining simplicity with legal efficiency.
Whatever your style, North Dakota has a location to make your elopement memorable.
3. Book an Elopement Venue in North Dakota
The third step in planning your North Dakota elopement is securing your chosen venue. If you’ve decided on a park setting, research and apply for any necessary special use permits well in advance of your wedding date. These permits ensure you can legally hold your ceremony in the desired location.
For those opting for a church elopement, reach out to the specific church to book the space and discuss any requirements they may have. If a courthouse ceremony is your preference, schedule an appointment with the local clerk’s office to reserve your date and time. Taking care of these logistics early will help your elopement day run smoothly.
Note: If you are planning to elope at a courthouse in North Dakota, you cannot make your appointment more than 60 days in advance.
4. Choose an Elopement Officiant in North Dakota
Having your date officially set and a venue booked means that is now time to choose an officiant and ensure that they will be available to perform the ceremony.
Your elopement officiant can be any of the following:
- Judges
- County recorders
- Ordained ministers
If you plan on getting married at a courthouse in North Dakota you can have a judge or county recorder officiate the elopement for a small fee. You can also hire an officiant online to perform your ceremony if you do not have someone to serve as your officiant.
Note: in addition to an officiant you will need at least two witnesses on hand to sign your marriage license.
5. Book an Elopement Photographer in North Dakota
Now that you officially have a venue booked and your officiant for your elopement, you can lock in the date with your desired photographer as well.
The best elopement photographers in North Dakota typically book out months in advance so it is important to get this lined up as soon as you are certain about the date and location of your elopement ceremony.
Be sure to choose a photographer that has a style that you like. There are a ton of different styles of photography that you can choose from including photojournalistic, fine art, and traditional.
6. Create a Wedding Registry and Honeymoon Fund
After all of the time sensitive tasks have been checked off the list, you can start the fun things. The next thing you will want to do is start your wedding registry.
Yes, it is appropriate to have a wedding registry if you are eloping.
You have a number of different options to create a registry for an elopement. You can register at each store/ website individually or you can use a registry website like Zola or The Knot to consolidate your registry items in one place. In addition to a registry, you can create a honeymoon fund to help cover the costs of your dream honeymoon vacation.
Another benefit of using Zola or The Knot is that you can also create a free wedding website with information about your elopement that links directly to your registry so that it is easy for guests, friends, and family to find.
7. Create a Wedding Website
A wedding website makes it easy for family and friends to get all of the information they could possibly need for your elopement. From telling your love story with an about page to sharing information about your wedding registry. Your wedding website is a one stop shop for friends and family to learn about your big day.
While not everyone sets up a wedding website for an elopement, it is free and is a great way to share information about your elopement. It can also be fun to design an elopement wedding website.
8. Send Elopement Invitations
If you are going to invite guests to your elopement ceremony in North Dakota you will need to send out invitations. You have two options for elopement invitations. You can go the traditional route of mailed elopement invitations or, those who value convenience, may opt for digital elopement invitations.
Both of these options are acceptable. But of course, if you are not going to be hosting guests at your small elopement ceremony, this step is not required.
9. Apply For Marriage License
Now that the big day is drawing nearer, it is time to start the process of applying for a marriage license. You will need to apply for your marriage license in North Dakota.
To apply for a marriage license you will need to go to your local county office complete the marriage application, pay the marriage license fee ($65.00 Cash) and take your license to your ceremony to be signed by the officiant and your two witnesses.
Note: The marriage license is void 60 days after it is issued. So it is best to play it safe and pick up your license less than a month from your desired elopement date.
10. Enjoy Your Elopement Ceremony
Once you have your marriage license the next step is to enjoy your elopement ceremony! Enjoy your big day with your closest friends and family.
The only thing you need to be sure of here is that you have a great time, and you get your officiant and witnesses to sign your marriage license. Without these your marriage will not be legally recognized.
Your officiant will be happy to explain exactly how to properly sign your marriage license. So don’t stress.
11. Submit Your Marriage License
After the ceremony you will need to submit your marriage license at a county office. If your ceremony is at the courthouse it will be extremely convenient as you will already be there.
If your ceremony is not at the courthouse, you will need to make time to swing by and submit your marriage license. Typically your officiant will offer to submit your license on your behalf.
12. Enjoy Your Honeymoon
Once your North Dakota marriage license has been submitted, you can embark on your honeymoon! If you set up your honeymoon fund, you may be able to splurge a bit on your trip and really create some lifetime memories.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in North Dakota?
The only required cost associated with a North Dakota elopement is the cost of the marriage license which is $65 which is paid when you pick up your marriage license from a county court. All other costs are optional but will definitely enhance your elopement.
An officiant will also be required but many people have someone in mind that can serve as their officiant. If you do not have someone to serve as your officiant, this will be a cost you need to plan for.
Here are some of the most common costs to plan for when planning an elopement in North Dakota:
| Item | Cost |
| Marriage License | $65 |
| Officiant | $30 – $500 |
| Venue | Free – $1,000+ |
| Elopement Photographer | $500 – $3,000+ |
Final Thoughts
To conclude, eloping in North Dakota offers a simple and flexible option for couples seeking an intimate wedding experience. From selecting a meaningful date and location to obtaining the necessary legal documentation, the process can be tailored to suit individual preferences.
While the only mandatory cost is the $65 marriage license fee, couples can choose to enhance their experience with additional services like photography or a special venue. Ultimately, North Dakota provides a welcoming environment for those looking to celebrate their love in a personal and uncomplicated manner, whether amid the state’s natural beauty or in a charming urban setting.
