St. Paul Courthouse Elopement & Colorful Backyard Reception - Wedding Photography for Brice & Tara

Photo of bride having fun on her elopement day at Ramsey Courthouse

An intimate Elopement at the Ramsey County Courthouse followed by a colorful backyard reception for Brice and Tara’s Wedding Day

Brice and Tara happen to be two of the most whimsical, fun-loving, kind hearted people that I’ve been lucky enough to know and photograph. Their intimate wedding day at the Ramsey County Courthouse in downtown St. Paul was an absolute delight to capture. Lots of film, lots of twirling, happy tears from Tara’s sisters made for so many sweet moments. Brice and Tara went on a little adventure to a french restaurant after their ceremony at the courthouse for some time alone with each other (and to enjoy some amazing apps and cocktails) before a warm welcome from all of their friends and family back at Tara’s sisters house for their reception. The 100 degree Minnesota heat didn’t stop Brice and Tara from having the most special day!

Favorite Portrait Locations Near the St. Paul (Ramsey County) Courthouse

One of the best parts of a St. Paul courthouse elopement is how walkable and visually rich the surrounding area is. a few of my favorite spots are:

  • The exterior steps and hallways of the Ramsey County Courthouse

  • Rice Park and the Landmark Center (5 minute walk from the Ramsey County Courthouse)

  • Pick your favorite cafe or bar and enjoy a drink or appetizer together - Brice and Tara chose to spend an hour after their ceremony to enjoy a spritz and French apps at Meritage which is about an 8 minute walk away from the Ramsey County Courthouse. So many sweet moments - especially when Brice signed the check with his new last name for the first time (Brice took Tara’s last name <3)!!

  • St. Paul Hotel. This is actually where Tara got ready for their wedding day, and also where we did their first look. The gardens in front of the hotel are beautiful and the inside of the hotel is historic and grand (though often very crowded on weekends). The St. Paul Hotel is about a 10 minute walk from the Ramsey County Courthouse. I recommend choosing the L’Etoile Room or a larger suite (The Royale Room) at the St. Paul Hotel to make sure that you have more space for getting ready moments to unfold - even if you have a small group! The regular rooms are beautiful, but pretty small.

  • Mississippi River overlooks (2 minute walk from Ramsey County Courthouse)

  • Irvine Park - this park is an absolute dream and feels like you’ve stepped into Europe. A fountain in the middle of the street surrounded by brick streets and old victorian houses, I love this dreamy little spot in St. Paul! It is a 14 minute walk away from the Courthouse or a 4 minute drive .

Bride gets ready at the St. Paul Hotel for her Ramsey County Courthouse elopement
Black and White photo of Bride and groom on wedding day at Ramsey County Courthouse elopement
Black and White photo of courthouse elopement at St. Paul City Hall
Photo of mom crying during speeches at St. Paul Backyard Wedding
Photo of bride and bridesmaids dancing together in butterfly bridesmaids dresses

Hi! I wold love to capture your wedding day photos. Send me a message and I’ll be in touch soon!

I’m so happy you’re here!

Hello!

I’m Reyna, the heart and soul behind Sea Circus Weddings. With over 12 years of experience as a wedding photographer, I’m based in Minneapolis but have had the joy of capturing love stories across the country. My journey also led me to capture beautiful moments in Bali, ranch weddings in Carmel-by-the-Sea California, engagement shoots in New York Sea and on the shores of New Buffalo Michigan! I am always ready for an adventure to capture a beautiful love story.

My passion for photography blossomed from witnessing the profound love my grandparents share. At 86 and 84, their enduring bond is beautifully preserved in their wedding photos, which have become cherished heirlooms in our family. The timeless color tones and raw, natural emotions in their images inspire me to create heirloom, film-inspired photography for the couples I work with. I love capturing celebration, people on their happiest days, the intricacies of deep love, and beautiful flowers!

I live in a charming Tudor house in Minneapolis with my husband, our two little girls, and our cuddly cat, Goose—named after Gooseberry Falls, where we tied the knot in 2019! In my free time, you’ll often find us enjoying dance parties, embarking on camping adventures, or cuddling up with a good book (currently, I'm captivated by The Secret History by Donna Tart!).