Minimony Package At Stone Chalet timeline (45 Mins)

Micro Wedding Package Timeline (90 Mins)

Stone Chalet - where your best memories are made.

ELOPEMENTS & MINIMONIES at the Stone Chalet

Q: Who will be officiating our ceremony, and will we have an opportunity to speak with them beforehand?

A: Every Stone Chalet wedding includes an experienced officiant. Your specific officiant is assigned based on the schedule and availability for your wedding date, typically a few weeks before the ceremony. You will always have an opportunity to communicate with your Stone Chalet officiant beforehand to discuss your ceremony and any personal preferences.

Q: Is the ceremony based on a set script? If so, would it be possible to see the wording or a sample ceremony ahead of time?

A: Yes. We have several pre-written ceremony options, including traditional, religious, and modern styles. These ceremony scripts are provided as part of our officiant questionnaire, which you will receive prior to your wedding. You can review the wording and select the style that best reflects you as a couple.

Q: Are we able to personalize anything, such as our vows, readings, or other traditions?

A: Absolutely! Your ceremony can be personalized with your own vows, readings, cultural traditions, unity ceremonies, or other meaningful elements. We are happy to incorporate special traditions with advance notice so our officiant and ceremony team can prepare accordingly.

Q: Will my dad be able to walk me down the aisle, and if so, how would that work with the processional?

A: Absolutely. You may have your father, another family member, a friend, or anyone else you choose walk you down the aisle. The processional is completely customizable, and you can decide how you would like your entrance and ceremony to unfold.

Q: Could you give us a general play-by-play of how the ceremony will go, from when we arrive through the ceremony and afterward?

A: For Elopements and Minimonies, the couple arrives 30 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time and goes directly to our Bridal Suite to prepare.

Please arrive with hair and makeup completed and ready for photographs. The groom or partner should also arrive fully dressed and ready to go.

Your photographer will arrive approximately 15 minutes before the ceremony.

The ceremony will begin promptly at the scheduled time. Following the ceremony, we will typically proceed with:

1. Group photographs in front of the main Stone Chalet building.
2. A couples' photo session throughout the property and gardens.
3. Marriage certificate signing.
4. Conclusion of the ceremony experience.

Our team will help guide you through each portion of the experience so you don't have to worry about what happens next.

Q: What is the process for exchanging rings and vows?

A: The exchange of vows and rings is guided by our officiant as part of the ceremony. If you have personal vows or a specific ring-exchange tradition you would like to incorporate, simply let us know in advance.

Q: Who will sign as our witnesses, and when does the marriage license get signed?

A: You are welcome to designate two of your own guests to serve as witnesses. If you do not have witnesses available, the Stone Chalet can provide two witnesses for your ceremony.

The marriage license/certificate will be signed as part of the ceremony experience, following the ceremony and photography portion as directed by our team.

Q: Is music included, and are we able to choose the songs for the processional and recessional?

A: Yes! You are welcome to select the music for your ceremony. We can play music that you provide through platforms such as Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube, or another music service.

Please provide your desired ceremony music to us in advance so we can have everything prepared and ready for your wedding day.

Q: What is included in the ceremony setup and décor, and are there any additional personal touches we're allowed to bring?

A: You are welcome to bring personal décor and meaningful items to make your ceremony feel uniquely yours. If you bring additional décor, you are responsible for setting it up before the ceremony and removing it afterward.

For special ceremony elements such as flowers, candles, unity sand, family heirlooms, or other meaningful details, please let us know in advance so we can help ensure everything is incorporated smoothly.

Q: How much time is included for photographs after the ceremony, and what should we expect that portion of the day to look like?

A: Elopements and Minimonies are designed as an intimate, streamlined wedding experience and are 45 minutes total, including the ceremony, group photographs, couples' portraits, and certificate signing.

Our team will guide you through each portion of the experience to make the most of your time while capturing the important moments of your day.

Q: Is there anything else we should be planning, bringing, or deciding on ahead of time?

A: We recommend having the following items and details ready before your wedding day:

• Marriage license/certificate and any required documentation.
• Ceremony music, unless you have already provided it to us.
• Wedding attire, including shoes and accessories. These may also be used for detail and flat-lay photographs.
• Wedding rings or bands.
• Any desired makeup or hair touch-up items.
• Personal ceremony items, such as unity sand, candles, special readings, or other traditions.
• Any personal décor you would like to bring.
• Your preferred ceremony wording, vows, readings, or other personalized elements.
• Please encourage all guests to arrive early and be ready before the scheduled ceremony time.

Most importantly, come ready to enjoy the moment! Our Stone Chalet team will guide you through the experience and help make your Elopement or Minimoney feel special, personal, and effortless.

How much does it cost to get eloped in Michigan?

The cost of getting eloped in Michigan can vary depending on various factors such as the location, services included, and any additional add-ons you might choose. Here are some of the typical expenses you might incur when eloping in Michigan:

1. Marriage License: The cost of a marriage license in Michigan can vary by county but generally falls within the range of $20 to $30.
2. Officiant: If you choose to have an officiant perform the ceremony, their fees can vary. Some officiants may charge a flat fee, while others might charge an hourly rate or have different packages available. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 to $500 for an officiant. This is included in our Elopement Package.
3. Venue: The cost of the venue will depend on your choice. Michigan offers a variety of options, including parks, beaches, and private venues. Prices can range from free (for public spaces) to several thousand dollars for private venues. Our elopement package at the Stone Chalet includes the rental all the necessary spaces to make sure your experience includes all the beauty the stone chalet has to offer.
4. Photography: If you want to capture your elopement with professional photographs, you may need to hire a photographer. The cost can vary based on the photographer's experience, duration of coverage, and any additional services provided. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. With our elopement package, we include a wedding photographer for your entire duration.
5. Travel and Accommodation: If you and your partner are traveling to a different city or area within Michigan for your elopement, you should consider the cost of transportation and accommodation. These expenses will depend on your specific circumstances and preferences. If you have guests that are traveling to Ann Arbor to join you in your elopement, they have a choice of staying here at the Stone Chalet as well.
6. Other Considerations: Depending on your personal preferences, you may incur additional expenses for items such as wedding attire, rings, flowers, and any special add-ons like a small reception or celebratory meal. Our elopement package also includes a small wedding cake, toast, and a bouquet, saving your both time and money.

How many guests is an elopement?

The Stone Chalet Elopement Package can accommodate up to 6 guests. Generally, elopement size is around 6 people. A minimony can accommodate up to 26, and 24 in the winter. A micro or small wedding can be anywhere between 18-26 people. A full wedding would be 27 -100 people.