Indiana Statehouse Wedding & Elopement Guide
Your go-to resource for planning an elegant “I Do” in the heart of downtown Indianapolis
Dreaming of a simple, timeless elopement in the heart of Indianapolis? The Indiana Statehouse is my favorite hidden gem — marble columns, soft light, and just the right amount of grandeur for couples who want to skip the fuss but keep the magic.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan yours — from permits to portraits and every little detail in between.
Dreaming of a simple, timeless elopement in the heart of Indianapolis? The Indiana Statehouse is my favorite hidden gem — marble columns, soft light, and just the right amount of grandeur for couples who want to skip the fuss but keep the magic.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan yours — from permits to portraits and every little detail in between.
I’m Shelby — your friendly neighborhood Indiana Statehouse elopement photographer based right here in Indy. Over the years, I’ve documented so many Statehouse ceremonies (& planned my own in just 2 weeks!) that I could practically give tours. This guide pulls together everything you need to know to plan your day here, stress-free and beautiful from start to finish.
I’m Shelby — your friendly neighborhood Indiana Statehouse elopement photographer based right here in Indy. Over the years, I’ve documented so many Statehouse ceremonies (& planned my own in just 2 weeks!) that I could practically give tours. This guide pulls together everything you need to know to plan your day here, stress-free and beautiful from start to finish.
- Custom timeline planning
- Step-by-step permit help
- Vendor recs for flowers, dinner, hair & makeup
- 1–2 hours of calm, candid photography
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
- Custom timeline planning
- Step-by-step permit help
- Vendor recs for flowers, dinner, hair & makeup
- 1–2 hours of calm, candid photography
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
What You Get When You Book With Me:
Why Couples Love the Indiana Statehouse
Classic Architecture: White marble, breathtaking columns, spiral staircases — it’s a dream for both elegant weddings and modern elopements.
Indoor & Weather-Proof: Rain or shine, you’ve got an iconic location (which, let’s be real, is gold in Indiana).
Affordable Permit: It’s surprisingly budget-friendly compared to traditional venues, and still feels grand.
Downtown Charm: Celebrate right after with dinner or drinks at your favorite downtown spot — everything’s walkable!
Why Couples Love the Indiana Statehouse
Classic Architecture: White marble, breathtaking columns, spiral staircases — it’s a dream for both elegant weddings and modern elopements.
Indoor & Weather-Proof: Rain or shine, you’ve got an iconic location (which, let’s be real, is gold in Indiana).
Affordable Permit: It’s surprisingly budget-friendly compared to traditional venues, and still feels grand.
Downtown Charm: Celebrate right after with dinner or drinks at your favorite downtown spot — everything’s walkable!
How to Book Your Statehouse Wedding
Step 1: Apply for a Permit (OPTIONAL)
Step 2: Pick Your Space
Step 3: Time it Right
The Indiana Statehouse requires a reservation and a permit if planning a full blown wedding on their designated Saturday's. Click here for the official forms and up-to-date details.
P.s. Popular dates fill up fast — book early!
The Indiana Statehouse requires a reservation and a permit if planning a full blown wedding on their designated Saturday's. Click here for the official forms and up-to-date details.
P.s. Popular dates fill up fast — book early!
Most couples choose the beautiful Rotunda, but there are other spots too. Ask about the North Atrium or the outdoor lawn for portraits.
Most couples choose the beautiful Rotunda, but there are other spots too. Ask about the North Atrium or the outdoor lawn for portraits.
Weekends and weekday evenings are usually easiest for availability. I always recommend mid-morning or late afternoon for the prettiest light!
Weekends and weekday evenings are usually easiest for availability. I always recommend mid-morning or late afternoon for the prettiest light!
P.s. Most couples opt to elope during business hours - No permit, no payment - easy peesy.
WHAt to wear & bring to your statehouse elopement
Keep it simple, comfortable, and true to you.
The Statehouse is elegant and timeless, so whatever makes you feel confident and free to move will look stunning against all that marble.
The Statehouse is elegant and timeless, so whatever makes you feel confident and free to move will look stunning against all that marble.
What to Wear:
what to bring:
– Outfits that feel a little special but won’t trip you up on the stairs
– Neutral or soft colors photograph beautifully here: ivory, muted pastels, earth tones, classic black
– Bring comfortable shoes for walking between spots — you can swap for fancier shoes once we’re ready for portraits
– If your outfit involves flowy fabric, consider pins or clips — the rotunda doors can create surprise breezes!
– Outfits that feel a little special but won’t trip you up on the stairs
– Neutral or soft colors photograph beautifully here: ivory, muted pastels, earth tones, classic black
– Bring comfortable shoes for walking between spots — you can swap for fancier shoes once we’re ready for portraits
– If your outfit involves flowy fabric, consider pins or clips — the rotunda doors can create surprise breezes!
Need Outfit Inspo?
When you book, I’ll share my full style guide with color palettes, local flower recs, and real examples to help you plan your look without stress.
– Your marriage license and rings (sounds obvious, but trust me, double check)
– Permit paperwork
– A small bouquet or simple flowers if you’d like (optional, but always pretty)
– A coat or wrap if it’s cold — we may step outside for bonus shots
– Water and a snack — a granola bar can be a lifesaver on a busy day
– Your marriage license and rings (sounds obvious, but trust me, double check)
– Permit paperwork
– A small bouquet or simple flowers if you’d like (optional, but always pretty)
– A coat or wrap if it’s cold — we may step outside for bonus shots
– Water and a snack — a granola bar can be a lifesaver on a busy day
Need Outfit Inspo?
When you book, I’ll share my full style guide with color palettes, local flower recs, and real examples to help you plan your look without stress.
Photo Tips & Best Spots Inside the Statehouse
How to make the most of every marble hallway and sunbeam.
Outside the Statehouse: Weather permitting, the front steps and gardens add a fresh, airy backdrop to balance the elegant indoor shots.
Outside the Statehouse: Weather permitting, the front steps and gardens add a fresh, airy backdrop to balance the elegant indoor shots.
The Rotunda: The iconic centerpiece — huge windows, grand staircase, and stunning natural light all day long.
The Rotunda: The iconic centerpiece — huge windows, grand staircase, and stunning natural light all day long.
Balcony Under the Stained Glass Ceiling: For dramatic overhead shots! The emotion captured in these shots are truly unreal.
Balcony Under the Stained Glass Ceiling: For dramatic overhead shots! The emotion captured in these shots are truly unreal.
Marble Staircase: The perfect spot for those candid couples portraits with the beautiful columns and chandeliers in the background.
Marble Staircase: The perfect spot for those candid couples portraits with the beautiful columns and chandeliers in the background.
Balconies & Upper Hallways: For the quieter moments away from the main floor.
Balconies & Upper Hallways: For the quieter moments away from the main floor.
My Promise To You
I know this building better than most officiants — I’ll guide you, pose you when you want it, and step back when you need a quiet moment to soak it all in.
I know this building better than most officiants — I’ll guide you, pose you when you want it, and step back when you need a quiet moment to soak it all in.
My Best Tips
Go with the flow:
The best moments are the unscripted ones. We’ll get a few timeless posed shots, but trust me — the candid laughs and sneaky forehead kisses will steal the show.
Be flexible:
Sometimes a surprise wedding party or a passing tour group pops up — I’ve got backup spots and angles for everything.
Trust the light:
Morning and late afternoon are my favorite times for that soft, glowing light inside the rotunda. Midday can be beautiful too, but earlier or later is peak magic.
Go with the flow:
The best moments are the unscripted ones. We’ll get a few timeless posed shots, but trust me — the candid laughs and sneaky forehead kisses will steal the show.
Be flexible:
Sometimes a surprise wedding party or a passing tour group pops up — I’ve got backup spots and angles for everything.
Trust the light:
Morning and late afternoon are my favorite times for that soft, glowing light inside the rotunda. Midday can be beautiful too, but earlier or later is peak magic.
where to celebrate after your elopement!
Classic & Cozy
Upscale Dinner
Something Sweet & Lowkey
01. St. Elmo Steakhouse
02. Vida
A true Indy icon, classic steakhouse with all the old-school charm.
A true Indy icon, classic steakhouse with all the old-school charm.
What's Included:
1–4 hours of flexible coverage
Custom location & timeline planning
Permit guidance (if needed)
MY STATEHOUSE ELOPEMENT PACKAGE
Vendor & dinner spot recommendations
Travel included
Preview gallery within 48 hours
Vendor & dinner spot recommendations
Travel included
Preview gallery within 48 hours
Investment Starting at $800
1–4 hours of flexible coverage
Custom location & timeline planning
Permit guidance (if needed)
Frequently asked questions
01. Can my family & friends attend?
Absolutely. I love when couples include a few of their favorite people. For elopements, I recommend keeping it under 15 guests to respect the space and staff. Anything larger is usually considered an intimate wedding — and I’m here for those too!
Absolutely. I love when couples include a few of their favorite people. For elopements, I recommend keeping it under 15 guests to respect the space and staff. Anything larger is usually considered an intimate wedding — and I’m here for those too!
Frequently asked questions
02. Where do we park?
There’s a public garage right across the street on Capitol Avenue — easy and close. Street parking is available too; just use the Park Indy app to pay.
There’s a public garage right across the street on Capitol Avenue — easy and close. Street parking is available too; just use the Park Indy app to pay.
Frequently asked questions
03. What hours is the Statehouse open?
You can plan your elopement any time between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Pro tip: mornings are quietest and have dreamy light.
You can plan your elopement any time between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Pro tip: mornings are quietest and have dreamy light.
Frequently asked questions
05. Where’s the best spot for the ceremony?
Hands down: the 4th floor under the skylight. Beautiful light, quiet corners, and the perfect marble backdrop for saying I do.
Hands down: the 4th floor under the skylight. Beautiful light, quiet corners, and the perfect marble backdrop for saying I do.
Frequently asked questions
06. Do we need a permit?
Yes & No — a permit reserves your spot and keeps your day stress-free if you're planning on booking during their designated Saturday dates. When you book me, I’ll send you the link and help pick the best time. However, if you are eloping during business hours, no permit is required!
Yes & No — a permit reserves your spot and keeps your day stress-free if you're planning on booking during their designated Saturday dates. When you book me, I’ll send you the link and help pick the best time. However, if you are eloping during business hours, no permit is required!
Frequently asked questions
09. When will we get our photos?
Sneak peeks land in your inbox within 48 hours. Your full gallery will be ready in 4–8 weeks, edited, organized, and share-ready.
Sneak peeks land in your inbox within 48 hours. Your full gallery will be ready in 4–8 weeks, edited, organized, and share-ready.
Still have questions? Just ask!
A little about me, if we haven’t met yet:
I’m Shelby—Indianapolis elopement photographer, calm-in-the-chaos planner, and quiet hype girl.
I’m based in Indy, but I travel often for weddings, elopements, and whatever real-life moments deserve to be documented.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably baking bread, walking my dogs, or scouting a new favorite coffee shop. (Bonus points if they serve vanilla latte’s.)
I’m based in Indy, but I travel often for weddings, elopements, and whatever real-life moments deserve to be documented.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably baking bread, walking my dogs, or scouting a new favorite coffee shop. (Bonus points if they serve vanilla latte’s.)
