Surely, whether you are a local or visiting the great state of Oklahoma, it can be overwhelming to know all the things that need to be put together to make things official.  I’ve compiled a guide for you on all the things you need to know about how to elope in Oklahoma.

How to Elope in Oklahoma

Let’s be honest, while the legal part of getting married is the least exciting part of planning an elopement, it is maybe the most important component. 

Marriage licenses in Oklahoma are handled by the county clerk’s office. You can find the closest office to you here – County Clerks List Oklahoma. You and your partner will need to show up in person at the office, with valid forms of identification. Approved forms of ID are driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, etc. These ID’s will need to confirm your age. A marriage license in Tulsa costs about $50. However, if you have attended approved marriage counseling, this cost may be discounted to $5!

You do not have to be an Oklahoma resident to get married in the state.  Marriage licenses are valid for 30 days and the ceremony can be performed anywhere within the state. Make sure to return the license after the ceremony (with signatures from the officiant and witnesses) to the same county clerk’s office for recording. Ask them how to obtain copies of the marriage certificate, so that you can have multiple copies for name change purposes. This will make that process a little smoother. 

Lastly, you will not have a waiting period unless you are recently divorced. You must wait 6 months from a divorce decree date to remarry. 

Your Officiant

Make sure your officiant is registered with the state. Residents and non-residents will have to be registered in Oklahoma in order to officiate the wedding. There is no fee to register as an officiant! I would double check that whoever is performing your ceremony is legally allowed to do so.

Oklahoma requires you to have two witness signatures besides the officiant. Make sure you have two additional individuals present to witness and sign the marriage certificate. (As your photographer, I’m happy to be a witness for your elopement if you would like. Just make sure to let me know ahead of time.)

Ready to Elope in Oklahoma? Here are my top location picks

Oklahoma has a wide variety of landscapes, backgrounds and wildlife offerings for elopements. Here are a few of my favorite places for elopements:

Elope in Broken Bow, Oklahoma

Broken Bow is located in the southeastern corner of the state, and it is packed with pine forests, rivers, and pretty views. It is the perfect location to connect with nature. Home to Beavers Bend State Park, the backdrop here screams fresh mountain air. There are several lodging options and outdoor activities available year-round. There are many cabins in the area as well! A luxury feel just a couple ours away.

For more photos of this beautiful Broken Bow elopement, visit the blog!

Carlton Landing Elopement

A beautifully curated resort town in the eastern part of the state. This beachy town offers a variety of indoor and outdoor wedding venues. With nightly vacation rentals and a vast offering of things for you and your guests to do, this is a great option for your elopement turned honeymoon adventure.

Turner Falls, OK

The tallest waterfall in Oklahoma, Turner Falls Park is full of natural beauty. The 1500 acre park is the oldest in Oklahoma and provides a variety of landscapes for an elopement. A daily admission ticket is required for entry. You can reserve campsites, RV spots and cabins if you wish to stay in the park overnight. Visit their website to reserve your spot.

Downtown Tulsa

Want that city feel, but not all the hustle and bustle of a major city like NYC? Downtown Tulsa offers the best of both worlds. Tulsa has great food, a beautiful skyline, and so many spots for great photos. Day or night, you can truly capture the charm and architecture available to you.

Wichita Mountains

One of Oklahoma’s hidden gems! Truly capturing the western vibes, amazing sunsets, big boulders, and wildlife. I created a separate blog with all the information you would need to plan an elopement in this amazing location.

Decide Who is Coming

Make your elopement you! There are so many ways your elopement in Oklahoma can look like. With even more locations available, you have the flexibility to have guests join your if you wish. I recommend having a group of about 10-20 people. I understand that keeping your guest list small can feel daunting, but ask yourself who you REALLY want to be there. Make a first draft and second draft to help bring the number down.

Lastly, don’t forget to make it you! You can get inspo online an see what fits your personalities. And of course you can ask for help. I am here to help you every step of the way in your elopement planning! Please fill out my contact form and inquire about your elopement toady!