Sometimes it is the simple things that are the most beautiful. By this point, I am sure most of you are well aware that elopement is a growing method for couples to take the next step in their relationship. It is a way to capture that love that you share in private, between you and your spouse. Because of this, one of the growing popular elopement trends is traveling to unique locations to commemorate your marriage. Now, Indiana is far from the most scenic destination for something so monumental, but the Hoosier State has its own special charm. In today’s article, I want to highlight a few of locations that could add a layer of beauty to your beloved day.
1. Brown County State Park
A beautiful backdrop for your elopement may be Brown County State Park. The largest state park in Indiana, Brown County State Park has several ceremony locations surrounded by lush, dense forests and two majestic lakes. Abe Martin Lodge is the resident inn of the state park, which offers lodge rooms, patio rooms, and numerous cabins on their property, as well as a water park, basketball, and a tennis court. What makes this location special, however, is its breathtaking views of the hills of Southern Indiana. If you and your spouse love nature and all its beauty, then this may well be the location for you.
2. Turkey Run State Park
A similar locale is Turkey Run State Park. Outlined with numerous trails and gorges, Turkey Run State Park is located in Parke County, Indiana - the same county as the annual Covered Bridge Festival – with the closest town being Marshall, Indiana. Turkey Run State Park is mostly known for its hiking, drawing 700,000 visitors annually, however, the Turkey Run Inn is outfitted with numerous other activities to participate in. The Inn, established in 1919, possesses a diner, an indoor pool, and most notably a planetarium. The trails and gorges can provide a natural feeling to your day and bring out the adventurous nature of your relationship.
3. Holliday Park
Moving away from the more rural landscape, Holliday Park resides alongside the bank of White River in Marion County. The park holds 95 acres of woodlands and trails and is home to the ruins of American history. In the 1950s, the St. Paul Building, which previously resided on Broadway in New York City, was torn down to make way for a more modern structure. However, the design of the building was crafted by 19th Century artist Karl Bitter, which included Indiana limestone sculptures known as “the Races of Man”, was shipped to Holliday Park by the building’s owner after the city of Indianapolis won a competition. Now, the ruins are utilized as an arboretum, a beautiful site for your photography session. Holliday Park will appease both nature lovers and city-goers with a combination of a majestic forestry reserve and beautiful architecture, making it a perfect place to capture your love story.
4. Newfields
Newfields, home to the Indiana Museum of Art, has a similar combination of art and nature to Holliday Park; galleries of artistic expression surrounded by gardens, a 35-acre lake, and over 100 acres of forest. Newfields is home to both Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park and the Lilly House Gardens, the latter being home to the Josiah Kirby Lilly Jr. House, which was constructed between 1909 and 1913. The Lilly House is now regarded as a National Historic Landmark as of 2003. Between the Museum, the Lilly House, and the nature park, the potential to capture candid moments together is immense. There is beauty in every corner of Newfields’ property, just waiting to be preserved for all of time.
5. Indiana Dunes
If the previous entries on this list were not your style, I’ve held what I believe to be an ace up my sleeve. Now seems the best time to play it: Indiana Dunes. If you’ve already decided that the urban and rural areas won’t do the trick, then maybe Indiana Dunes, a breathtaking shoreline in the Northern point of Indiana, might suffice. This national park is home to 15 miles of Indiana coast, 50 miles of hiking trails, and 15,000 acres of forest. A three-hour drive from Indianapolis, Indiana Dunes is also home to several other local attractions, such as the Hour Glass Museum, 49’er Drive-In Theater, and Chaos Haunted & Historical Tours. The magnificent Lake Michigan provides a scenic and awe-inspiring background, fitting for the monumental occasion of celebrating your marriage.
Whether you are looking to capture your love story in the majestic forests or the beautiful compositions of artists, the most important thing is to bring out the admiration and respect that you have for one another. Every couple is different. No one thing is the exact same couple to couple. Together, you can choose what will be the right choice for you, whether that’s hiking the trails of Turkey Run, walking the paths of Holliday Park, or trudging the sands of Indiana Dunes. I hope I have added something to your special day.
Warmest regards,
Logan Clark