I was genuinely honored to be there with Chass and Adam for their Minneapolis City Hall elopement. Not just to photograph it, but to witness it in the most literal way.
Even with an elopement, we really prioritized getting to know each other. We spent time together before the wedding day doing engagement photos that reflected how they actually move through the world together. I photographed them at home, followed by a picnic at the spot where they got engaged, then ended the night at their local dive bar.
A True “Just Us” Minneapolis City Hall Elopement
With family spread out of state, they decided to do things their own way. Instead of building a full wedding around logistics, they focused on getting married and spending the day together, with plans to celebrate with a reception later. They got ready at home the morning of their wedding, then we headed downtown to Minneapolis City Hall.
While Minneapolis City Hall functions as an active government building, the architecture makes it a striking place to get married. Inside, the space opens into tall, multi-story corridors with marble floors, carved stone details, and stained glass windows throughout. The central rotunda and staircase are what the building is most iconically known for.
They requested to have their ceremony in the rotunda with a judge. It was just the three of us standing there together. They exchanged rings, shared a kiss, and the judge kept the ceremony short and sweet. I signed as one witness, and the courthouse provided a volunteer second witness.
An Elopement Complete with Picnic Dinner and Late Night Grain Belt Sign Portraits.
After leaving City Hall, we used electric scooters to move through downtown toward where they had parked. From there, we stopped at Whole Foods to pick up their wedding cake. We spent time walking through the store and grabbing what they needed for the rest of the evening.
For dinner, they picked up flatbread pizzas from Aster Café. As the sun started to set, we walked along Main Street overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge. The sky turned pink as a storm began moving in. We stayed out long enough to take photos and then set up a picnic nearby. They cut their vintage styled wedding cake, opened wine, and ate pizza dinner together.
As the rain started, we packed everything up to make one last stop at the Grain Belt sign. I love the dark atmosphere and how the raindrops look with the backlit flash shots. The night ended back at their house, where he carried her across the threshold. The next morning, they flew to Oregon for their honeymoon.
Minneapolis City Hall Rotunda Wedding Photos
How to Get Married at Minneapolis City Hall in 2026
WHAT ARE THE COSTS TO ELOPING AT MINNEAPOLIS CITY HALL?
Marriage license ($125) + Ceremony fee ($45) + Judge’s Fee (cost varies and is paid day of).
*Accurate as of January 2026*
HOW DO YOU RENT THE ROTUNDA AT MINNEAPOLIS CITY HALL FOR A CUTE CEREMONY?
You can get married at the Minneapolis City Hall Historic Rotunda two ways: a civil ceremony with a judge, or a private Rotunda rental.
1. During public hours (6 am – 6pm), couples with only witnesses may be able to use the Rotunda at no cost if their judge agrees to perform the ceremony there.
2. Rotunda rentals are best for ceremonies with 5+ guests or when seating and privacy are needed. The private rental is between 1-2k for Thursday – Sunday and can booked through the Municipal Building Commission.
HOW DO I GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN HENNEPIN COUNTY?
You must apply for a marriage certificate from your county service center. A marriage license expires after 6 months and costs $125 (or $50 with 12 hours of premarital counseling). Hennepin county residents can apply for a marriage license here. Your marriage license will be issued when you pay in person at your scheduled appointment.
HOW DO WE SCHEDULE A JUDGE FOR OUR CEREMONY?
Civil ceremonies are performed by a judge or court officiant, which you schedule directly. See the list of current judges preforming ceremonies before calling their General Marriage Scheduling pre-recorded line: 612-322-6709
CAN WE CUSTOMIZE OUR CEREMONY WITH THE JUDGE?
Civil ceremonies follow a standard legal format and are not highly customizable. Explore the exact civil ceremony script here. Many couples choose to share personal vows privately before or after the ceremony instead.
HOW LONG IS THE ACTUAL CEREMONY AT MINNEAPOLIS CITY HALL?
Civil ceremonies at Minneapolis City Hall are generally brief, usually around 10–15 minutes. They follow a script and focus on the legal process and signing of the marriage license. For an intimate civil ceremony performed by a judge, you’re usually standing up on the Rotunda with your partner and your judge for 5-7ish minutes then spend the other time signing the license.
DO WE NEED WITNESSES FOR OUR MINNEAPOLIS CITY HALL WEDDING?
Yes, Minnesota law requires two witnesses (age 16 or older) with their government ID. I am honored to be a legal witness for my couples! If you’re eloping without guests, the courthouse can provide a volunteer witness. (FYI it is common to tip a court-appointed witness.)
SHOULD WE DO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IF WE’RE ELOPING?
Yes! Eloping gives you freedom! You don’t need to compromise having awesome photos of your relationship.
For this elopement, we did engagement photos beforehand, which made their wedding day feel relaxed and familiar. Especially as such an intimate experience, it’s best for both of us to have repertoire. But it’s all up to you!
WHAT DOES ALL DAY ELOPEMENT PHOTOS REALLY MEAN?
This gallery is a perfect example of how hanging out all day on your wedding translates. All-day elopement photography isn’t about being an “all day photoshoot”. It’s about being around and documenting your entire experience, not just the ceremony. That can include getting ready at home, the courthouse, errands around the city, dinner, sunset photos, and fun late-night portraits.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED FOR MY ELOPEMENT?
You will need your government ID, your marriage license, an appointment with a judge, and your cash/checkbook. Also remind your witnesses to bring their government IDs.
What an Elopement Investment with Bri Includes
- A minimum of four hours together and can extend to all-day coverage, depending on what your elopement experience
- A high-res gallery filled with both 35mm film and digital images (+ print rights)
- An artist’s eye for both the obvious moments and the in-between ones
- 48 hour sneak peek photos where you’ll be left saying, “damn we look gooddd”
- All sorts of admin support and communication
- 7+ years of professional photography experience to make your photo dreams come true
- Starting elopement investment and full experience details can be found here.
If you loved these photos and it sounds intriguing to you, slide into my inbox and let’s get to know each other!
