• Intelligencer
  • The Cut
  • Vulture
  • The Strategist
  • Curbed
  • Grub Street
  • Subscribe to the Magazine Give a Gift Subscription Buy Back Issues Current Issue Contents
    Subscribe to New York Magazine
  • Subscribe
  • Profile
    Sign Out
The Cut
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
Style
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Shopping
  • Design Hunting
  • New York Weddings
  • Parties & Red Carpet
  • Fashion Shows
  • Cathy Horyn
Self
  • Health & Wellness
  • Motherhood
  • Advice
  • Sex & Relationships
  • Science of Us
  • Horoscopes
  • Ask Polly
Culture
  • Books
  • Television
  • Movies
  • Music
  • Celebrity
Power
  • Politics
  • Work
  • Money
  • Rebecca Traister
More
  • Latest Stories
  • Video
  • About Us
  • The Cut Shop
  • nymag.com
  • New York Magazine
  • Intelligencer
  • Vulture
  • The Cut
  • The Strategist
  • Grub Street
style tribes
September 21, 2014

Inside the Wedding Convention for Bikers

By Amanda Hankerson and Lacey Criswall

Share

  • Share
  • Tweet
Photo: Amanda Hankerson, Lacey Criswell

Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, an annual bike convention held on Main Street of the small South Dakota town during the first full week of August. In addition to being one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the world, Sturgis is also a popular wedding destination, where more than 100 couples get married or renew their vows each year.

Over the past five years, wedding photographers Amanda Hankerson and Lacey Criswall have attended the rally and documented the leather-heavy nuptials (most ceremonies take place at the Sturgis Hitchin’ Post, an optical shop converted into a wedding chapel for the festivities). Click through the slideshow for a look at the rally’s more romantic side, including a Harley-Davidson corset and a spray-painted suit.

Additional reporting by Genie Castro.

Related

Princesses of Rodeo: Inside Arizona’s Miss Sweetheart Pageant
View
1 / 22 Photos
Stephanie and Jason Olson Why did you choose Sturgis to get married? We met at the Dragepipe Saloon five years ago and wanted to get married her... Stephanie and Jason Olson Why did you choose Sturgis to get married? We met at the Dragepipe Saloon five years ago and wanted to get married here during the rally. How did you choose your fashions? I wanted a white dress but not a long one that would get caught in the bike. Jason picked up a Sturgis 74th rally shirt on Main Street, so we have a souvenir from the rally. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Stephanie and Jason Olson  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Lainey Fall Gatter and TJ Doyle "We're not married. We were just hanging out at the bar when Stephanie and Jason got married. We met last ye... Lainey Fall Gatter and TJ Doyle "We're not married. We were just hanging out at the bar when Stephanie and Jason got married. We met last year at Sturgis and like to reunite to have fun." Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Amy and Joe Starzedhi Their friends call them "Superstarz" — a combination of her job (she's a superintendent) and his last name. Phot... Amy and Joe Starzedhi Their friends call them "Superstarz" — a combination of her job (she's a superintendent) and his last name. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Amy and Joe Starzedhi's Ceremony  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Amy and Joe Starzedhi  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Carol and Debra Silvester Loo They almost got married in Las Vegas on the way to Sturgis but decided to wait. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Cri... Carol and Debra Silvester Loo They almost got married in Las Vegas on the way to Sturgis but decided to wait. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
George F. and Dea Klier "We've been riding together for 15 years and wanted to renew our vows in a special place." Photo: Amanda Hanke... George F. and Dea Klier "We've been riding together for 15 years and wanted to renew our vows in a special place." Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Janet Thompson  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Heinz Rose and Marie Woelki "We wanted to get married in a special place. We've been together for 11 years, and Heinz has been going to Stur... Heinz Rose and Marie Woelki "We wanted to get married in a special place. We've been together for 11 years, and Heinz has been going to Sturgis for 30." Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Eric and Sherry Gardner Why did you choose Sturgis to get married? We love Harley and motorcycles. How did you choose your fashions? We chose ... Eric and Sherry Gardner Why did you choose Sturgis to get married? We love Harley and motorcycles. How did you choose your fashions? We chose black and orange because they are Harley's colors, and we are Harley people. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Eric Gardner  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Eric and Sherry Gardner  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Koanne and Tom Babel Koanne and Tom's first date was their high-school prom. She gets body-painted every year at Sturgis. Photo: Amanda Hankerso... Koanne and Tom Babel Koanne and Tom's first date was their high-school prom. She gets body-painted every year at Sturgis. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Bull and Lizardo  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Rob Winston and Patti Peterson When Patti met Rob she switched from Harley to a Victory motorcycle. According to Rob, "Buying her a new bike... Rob Winston and Patti Peterson When Patti met Rob she switched from Harley to a Victory motorcycle. According to Rob, "Buying her a new bike was cheaper than buying her a new wardrobe." Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Rob Winston and Patti Peterson  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Rob Winston and Patti Peterson  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Adam and Lauren Ibarra-Ramos  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Jackie Herrow and Davei Kalewicz She wore a white Harley vest that she thought was bridal, along with purple flowers, to renew their vows. Photo... Jackie Herrow and Davei Kalewicz She wore a white Harley vest that she thought was bridal, along with purple flowers, to renew their vows. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Loren and Trina Vanderkinter  Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
Larry and Rhonda Lunak Rhonda saved Larry's life. He was having a stroke when they met, and she called 911. He asked her to marry him in Sturgis.... Larry and Rhonda Lunak Rhonda saved Larry's life. He was having a stroke when they met, and she called 911. He asked her to marry him in Sturgis. Photo: Amanda Hankerson; Lacey Criswell
1 / 22

Tags:

  • sturgis
  • weddings!
  • motorcycle rally
  • south dakota
  • style tribes
  • bikers
  • slideshow
  • More

More Galleries

in memoriam Dec. 30, 2020
30 Incredible Fashion Moments From Pierre Cardin  Remembering a creative visionary. 
By Andrew Nguyen
rest in power Dec. 23, 2020
A Photo Memorial for an Iconic Model  She passed away suddenly at the age of 50 this week. 
campaign trail Nov. 18, 2020
‘Tis the Season for New Fashion Ads  See the best ones from Gucci, Prada, Versace, and more. 
By Emily Burns
nyfw spring 2021 Oct. 26, 2020
How a Great Collection Comes Alive  Christopher John Rogers launched its first-ever online shop, along with a new campaign. 
By Andrew Nguyen
campaign trail Sept. 24, 2020
See the Fashion Campaigns for Fall 2020  From Prada, Michael Kors, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
nyfw spring 2021 Sept. 22, 2020
See the Coach Spring 2021 Collection  Worn by Megan Thee Stallion, Kate Moss, Cole Sprouse, and more. 
By Andrew Nguyen
fashion Sept. 16, 2020
The Stunning Awkwardness of Face Masks on the Red Carpet  Celebrities tried to make the best of a strange situation at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. 
one word one shot Sept. 15, 2020
72 Designers on Their Spring/Summer Inspirations  Just in time for Fashion Week. 
By the Cut
red carpet Sept. 8, 2020
This Red Carpet Was Totally Surreal  But also amazing. See all the looks at the Venice Film Festival. 
By Emilia Petrarca and Andrew Nguyen
in memoriam Aug. 31, 2020
Remembering Chadwick Boseman on the Red Carpet  His style was bold, risk-taking, and always impeccable. 
the wedding files Aug. 21, 2020
The Design-Minded Couple Who Didn’t Want to Try Too Hard  The bride got a wonderful surprise the morning of her wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 14, 2020
A Costa Rica Wedding During the Rainy Season  Thunder roared during the toasts. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files Aug. 7, 2020
A San Francisco Wedding at a Big, Empty Pier  The bride changed into crushed-velvet pants for the disco-infused reception. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 31, 2020
An Elopement Among the Lupines in Iceland  The late afternoon was spent snapping photos near waterfalls and black beaches. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 24, 2020
A Pennsylvania Potluck for 280 People  “I looked at her for the first time and had this feeling like, You. I know you.” 
By Kaitlin Menza
milan fashion week July 22, 2020
Behind the Scenes at Gucci’s Virtual Show  Instead of models, members of the design team sported the eccentric collection. 
By Andrew Nguyen
the wedding files July 17, 2020
A Dance Party Under Puerto Rican Palm Trees  Bad Bunny blasted and pitorro flowed. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 10, 2020
A Zoom Wedding Only Two Digital Creatives Could Produce  The couple coordinated multiple video segments, breakout rooms, and a dance party. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files July 3, 2020
The Anti-Spectacle Wedding That Turned Into a Spectacle  Brooklyn Bridge Park was the site of their first date, proposal, and wedding. 
By Kaitlin Menza
the wedding files June 26, 2020
A Night at the Philadelphia Museum of Art  The flowers were specially treated to protect the masterpieces. 
By Kaitlin Menza
  • Style
  • Self
  • Culture
  • Power
  • Newsletters
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Help
  • We’re Hiring
  • Press
  • Trademark
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Ad Choices
  • Do Not Sell My Info
The Cut is a Vox Media Network. © 2021 Vox Media, LLC. All rights reserved.