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How to Elope in Downtown Sioux Falls, SD
Eloping in Downtown Sioux Falls
Eloping in a city can be an exciting and intimate way to celebrate your love, while enjoying the unique backdrop of an urban environment like downtown Sioux Falls, SD. Downtown Sioux Falls really does make for the perfect elopement choice with its mix of modern and historic architecture across Phillips and Main Ave. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your elopement in downtown Sioux Falls:
1. Choose Your Venue / Location
Sioux Falls offers a wide range of venues for elopements. Here are top locations I recommend for an elopement or micro-wedding with 30 guests or less:
Recommended Elopement Spots Near Downtown Sioux Falls
Japanese Gardens at Terrace Park
Other elopement ideas:
- Iconic landmarks (e.g., bridges, parks, gardens, observation decks)
- Rooftop venues
- Historic buildings or museums
- Small intimate courthouses
- Art galleries or urban gardens
- Chic restaurants with private spaces
2. Plan Your Date
Consider the time of year, weather, and any major city events that might affect availability or crowds. I recommend choosing a time of day that suits the mood you want (i.e., a sunrise ceremony for a peaceful, intimate vibe, or sunset for a dramatic and romantic atmosphere).
3. Get Your Marriage License
For Sioux Falls you can pick up your marriage license at the Minnehaha Treasury Office (415 N. Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls) up to 90 days before your wedding date. Be sure to bring a form of identification like your driver’s license and there is a $40 fee to be prepared for. Find more information about obtaining your marriage license for a South Dakota wedding here: Marriage License Requirements.
If you are getting married in another city be sure to research the requirements for getting a marriage license in the city where you’re eloping. Most cities have easy access to courthouses or online systems where you can apply. Some cities may even offer special services for elopements. Be aware of waiting periods, identification requirements, and fees.
3. Find an Officiant
If you’re not eloping at a courthouse, you’ll need an officiant to perform the ceremony. Many cities have officiants who specialize in elopements and can be flexible with the location and style of the ceremony. You can find officiants through online directories or wedding planning websites. Some cities also allow friends or family members to officiate, depending on local laws.
4. Hire A Photographer / Videographer
Hire a photographer or videographer in advance to make sure they are available to capture your elopement on your desired date. Many photographers (including myself) have packages specifically designed for couples who want a simple yet stunning elopement experience, and they’re often familiar with the best city locations for elopement photos. Look for a photographer with experience capturing intimate moments in busy, urban settings.
5. Dress Up for Your Big Moment
While you may not need a large wedding dress or tuxedo, you can still dress up for the occasion. Choose an outfit that reflects your personal style and the vibe of your elopement. Cities offer endless options, from boho-chic looks to sleek urban fashion. Be sure to consider comfort if you’re walking a lot or spending time outdoors. You can still meet with a makeup artist or hair stylist too the morning of your elopement to feel your best and pamper yourself. Check out my list of recommended hair and makeup artists here: Sioux Falls HAMU
6. Personalize Your Ceremony
Make a plan to write your own vows or ask the officiant to help you craft a meaningful ceremony. A city elopement is often about making the experience unique to you both. Think about whether you’d like to include any special rituals or symbols (i.e., exchanging rings, a handfasting ceremony, or a unity candle). Consider how you want to incorporate the city into the ceremony. Do you want to make a statement in front of a famous landmark or go somewhere more intimate in the heart of the city?
7. Celebrate with a Post-Ceremony Meal
One of the advantages of eloping in a city is that you can find incredible food! After your ceremony, enjoy a special meal at one of the city’s top restaurants or even a local café with a romantic vibe. You could also plan for a private dinner at a rooftop or a spot with a view, or even hire a personal chef for an intimate experience. Go all out and make it memorable dinner with your new spouse and maybe a few loved ones. A couple of my favorite elegant dinner spots that offer private dinner rooms in Sioux Falls are Harvester by Bryan, R Wine Bar, Parker’s Bistro, Myrtles, or Maribella’s.
8. Include Close Friends or Family (Optional)
Some couples choose to elope with just the two of them, but you can still include a few close family members or friends. This is especially true if you want a witness for your marriage license or just want to share the moment with a few loved ones.
9. Leave Room for Adventure
An elopement in the city means flexibility. Be open to spontaneous adventures, such as taking a detour through a charming neighborhood, trying new foods, or visiting hidden gems. Make the day your own and do what feels right for you and your spouse.
10. Document the Day
Keep a journal or a memento of your day, whether it’s through photography, a short video diary, or special keepsakes from the city. The day will go fast and it can be hard to remember all the little details, how you felt, etc. The day after my intimate wedding I journaled about every detail I could recall the day after so I wouldn’t forget anything, and I love reading back through that journal about things I would’ve forgot about.
Get Inspiration from this Downtown Styled Elopement Gallery
The sun was just starting to set over the city skyline when Shania and Pierre stepped onto the quiet streets of downtown Sioux Falls. With the evening fall air crisp and cool, the couple enjoyed each moment together loving on each other with this vintage car for this styled elopement photoshoot.
Shania’s makeup done by Makeup by Emilie B and beautiful a bouquet made by Olive & Grace Floral, while Pierre looked so sleek in his stylish suit. They both looked so stunning.
We didn’t want to get lost in the busy downtown or have their special moment overshadowed by the hustle and bustle. So, this shoot was perfectly planned at sunset hour when the streets were quiet, and they were able to have more of an intimate moment.
Last Reminders:
Eloping in a city like Sioux Falls might not be the traditional way to get married, but it can be such a perfect fit for some couples. I always recommend doing what feels or makes senses to you as a couple.
Remember to check with the city or specific locations for any permits or regulations related to elopement ceremonies. I also always recommend considering the time of day for the best lighting and ambiance. And remember to hire a photographer to capture the special moments of your elopement (yours truly).
Looking for an elopement photographer?
I would be happy to capture the beautiful and sentimental moments that make up your downtown elopement. Fill out my contact form linked here to get in touch.
Eloping in Downtown Sioux Falls
Eloping in a city can be an exciting and intimate way to celebrate your love, while enjoying the unique backdrop of an urban environment like downtown Sioux Falls, SD. Downtown Sioux Falls really does make for the perfect elopement choice with its mix of modern and historic architecture across Phillips and Main Ave. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your elopement in downtown Sioux Falls:
1. Choose Your Venue / Location
Sioux Falls offers a wide range of venues for elopements. Here are top locations I recommend for an elopement or micro-wedding with 30 guests or less:
Recommended Elopement Spots Near Downtown Sioux Falls
Japanese Gardens at Terrace Park
Other elopement ideas:
- Iconic landmarks (e.g., bridges, parks, gardens, observation decks)
- Rooftop venues
- Historic buildings or museums
- Small intimate courthouses
- Art galleries or urban gardens
- Chic restaurants with private spaces
2. Plan Your Date
Consider the time of year, weather, and any major city events that might affect availability or crowds. I recommend choosing a time of day that suits the mood you want (i.e., a sunrise ceremony for a peaceful, intimate vibe, or sunset for a dramatic and romantic atmosphere).
3. Get Your Marriage License
For Sioux Falls you can pick up your marriage license at the Minnehaha Treasury Office (415 N. Dakota Ave, Sioux Falls) up to 90 days before your wedding date. Be sure to bring a form of identification like your driver’s license and there is a $40 fee to be prepared for. Find more information about obtaining your marriage license for a South Dakota wedding here: Marriage License Requirements.
If you are getting married in another city be sure to research the requirements for getting a marriage license in the city where you’re eloping. Most cities have easy access to courthouses or online systems where you can apply. Some cities may even offer special services for elopements. Be aware of waiting periods, identification requirements, and fees.
3. Find an Officiant
If you’re not eloping at a courthouse, you’ll need an officiant to perform the ceremony. Many cities have officiants who specialize in elopements and can be flexible with the location and style of the ceremony. You can find officiants through online directories or wedding planning websites. Some cities also allow friends or family members to officiate, depending on local laws.
4. Hire A Photographer / Videographer
Hire a photographer or videographer in advance to make sure they are available to capture your elopement on your desired date. Many photographers (including myself) have packages specifically designed for couples who want a simple yet stunning elopement experience, and they’re often familiar with the best city locations for elopement photos. Look for a photographer with experience capturing intimate moments in busy, urban settings.
5. Dress Up for Your Big Moment
While you may not need a large wedding dress or tuxedo, you can still dress up for the occasion. Choose an outfit that reflects your personal style and the vibe of your elopement. Cities offer endless options, from boho-chic looks to sleek urban fashion. Be sure to consider comfort if you’re walking a lot or spending time outdoors. You can still meet with a makeup artist or hair stylist too the morning of your elopement to feel your best and pamper yourself. Check out my list of recommended hair and makeup artists here: Sioux Falls HAMU
6. Personalize Your Ceremony
Make a plan to write your own vows or ask the officiant to help you craft a meaningful ceremony. A city elopement is often about making the experience unique to you both. Think about whether you’d like to include any special rituals or symbols (i.e., exchanging rings, a handfasting ceremony, or a unity candle). Consider how you want to incorporate the city into the ceremony. Do you want to make a statement in front of a famous landmark or go somewhere more intimate in the heart of the city?
7. Celebrate with a Post-Ceremony Meal
One of the advantages of eloping in a city is that you can find incredible food! After your ceremony, enjoy a special meal at one of the city’s top restaurants or even a local café with a romantic vibe. You could also plan for a private dinner at a rooftop or a spot with a view, or even hire a personal chef for an intimate experience. Go all out and make it memorable dinner with your new spouse and maybe a few loved ones. A couple of my favorite elegant dinner spots that offer private dinner rooms in Sioux Falls are Harvester by Bryan, R Wine Bar, Parker’s Bistro, Myrtles, or Maribella’s.
8. Include Close Friends or Family (Optional)
Some couples choose to elope with just the two of them, but you can still include a few close family members or friends. This is especially true if you want a witness for your marriage license or just want to share the moment with a few loved ones.
9. Leave Room for Adventure
An elopement in the city means flexibility. Be open to spontaneous adventures, such as taking a detour through a charming neighborhood, trying new foods, or visiting hidden gems. Make the day your own and do what feels right for you and your spouse.
10. Document the Day
Keep a journal or a memento of your day, whether it’s through photography, a short video diary, or special keepsakes from the city. The day will go fast and it can be hard to remember all the little details, how you felt, etc. The day after my intimate wedding I journaled about every detail I could recall the day after so I wouldn’t forget anything, and I love reading back through that journal about things I would’ve forgot about.
Get Inspiration from this Downtown Styled Elopement Gallery
The sun was just starting to set over the city skyline when Shania and Pierre stepped onto the quiet streets of downtown Sioux Falls. With the evening fall air crisp and cool, the couple enjoyed each moment together loving on each other with this vintage car for this styled elopement photoshoot.
Shania’s makeup done by Makeup by Emilie B and beautiful a bouquet made by Olive & Grace Floral, while Pierre looked so sleek in his stylish suit. They both looked so stunning.
We didn’t want to get lost in the busy downtown or have their special moment overshadowed by the hustle and bustle. So, this shoot was perfectly planned at sunset hour when the streets were quiet, and they were able to have more of an intimate moment.
Last Reminders:
Eloping in a city like Sioux Falls might not be the traditional way to get married, but it can be such a perfect fit for some couples. I always recommend doing what feels or makes senses to you as a couple.
Remember to check with the city or specific locations for any permits or regulations related to elopement ceremonies. I also always recommend considering the time of day for the best lighting and ambiance. And remember to hire a photographer to capture the special moments of your elopement (yours truly).
Looking for an elopement photographer?
I would be happy to capture the beautiful and sentimental moments that make up your downtown elopement. Fill out my contact form linked here to get in touch.
Shania & Pierre / Sioux Falls / 2022
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