Door County can be one of the most flexible and accessible places to elope in Wisconsin. However, it’s also one of the biggest tourist destinations in the state and is extremely busy especially in the summer months. If you know how to plan it right, you can still have a stress-free and private experience here.

As an elopement photographer who helps couples plan intentional, stress-free elopements, this guide walks through everything you need to know about eloping in Door County. From when and where to go to avoid the crowds, to lodging options and how to include guests.

How to Get to Door County

Door County is located in northeastern Wisconsin, in the “thumb” of the state. Getting here is fairly easy.

• By car: Most couples drive if you’re local to the area. Sturgeon Bay is the first town in the County and is about 2.5 hours from Milwaukee and 3 hours from Madison.
• Closest airports: Green Bay is the closest major airport and is about one hour from northern Door County.
• Getting around: Having a car is essential. Locations are spread out and public transportation is limited.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Door County

Because Door County is such a hot spot for tourists, deciding on when to elope here is highly important to your experience.

May and early June: There are fewer tourists since peak season hasn’t quite started yet. Greenery is back in full, and temperatures are still cooler.

Late June through August: Warm weather and long daylight hours, the perfect time of year for water activities on Lake Michigan, like kayaking or swimming. This is peak tourist season, so planning around crowds matters.

September through mid October: This is one of the most popular times to elope here because most of the tourists have gone, and of course, the fall colors are stunning. The temperatures have also cooled off from the summer months.

Late fall and winter elopements are also an option, but many parks have limited access and some businesses close for the season. However, the snow and ice from Lake Michigan make some locations look truly magical.

When to Elope in Door County

I always recommend eloping on a weekday, especially if you’re choosing to elope in the summer here. Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends, so you can avoid the majority of crowds just by choosing a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Sunrise is the best time of day for your Door County elopement if privacy matters to you. Popular parks and shoreline spots are quiet early in the morning, even during peak season. Sunset can also work, but expect the possibility of more people around.

Where to Elope in Door County

Door County has a wide variety of locations to choose from. These are the most well known spots, however I have my own secret spots that I share with my couples!

Peninsula State Park

One of the most popular locations in Door County. I personally don’t recommend this location to my couples, because it’s so popular. The views here you can find elsewhere in Door County, and honestly, the park is a bit overrated.

Cave Point County Park

Located along Lake Michigan, Cave Point is known for rocky shoreline and waves crashing along the coast. This is one of the best location for elopements, due to how beautiful and accessible the location is. However, that makes it is very busy, so sunrise is the best option here for your vows if you want the most privacy. The light here is also best at that time.

Whitefish Dunes State Park

This park is located right next to Cave Point, so it’s easy to explore both of these locations. The large sandy beach has plenty of room to spread out, so you can have privacy even if there are others around.

Private Rentals

Many couples choose a VRBO that allows events if they have guests that have mobility limitations or just want to keep things simple. There are plenty of great ones to choose from! Always make sure to confirm with the host that elopements are allowed before booking.

Washington Island and Rock Island State Park

If you want a more remote feel, Washington Island is accessible by ferry from the tip of the peninsula. Rock Island is another short ferry ride from Washington. You can bring your car to Washington Island and stay overnight. Rock Island doesn’t allow vehicles and is a state park, so camping is the only way to stay overnight here.

Want to learn more about these locations for your Door County elopement?

Example Door County Elopement Timeline (Sunrise)

5:00 AM Have coffee, get ready at your rental together
6:00 AM Drive to your first location
6:45 AM Private vows
7:00 AM Portraits and adventuring around
8:30 AM Picnic
10:00 AM Kayaking or a hike
12:30 PM Lunch in town
1:00 PM Photo coverage ends

Including Guests in Your Door County Elopement

Door County is one of the easiest places in Wisconsin to include a small amount of guests. Most locations are easily accessible and have the space for your guests. Plus there are many lodging and restaurant options around for a small gathering. It’s a good idea to keep your guest list under 15 people, any more than that, and it gets harder to find a location that will work. Most couples, if they have guests at all, keep it to family only. Keep in mind the more guests you invite, the harder logistics are to work out.

Marriage License and Permits

You can apply for your marriage license at any county clerks office in the state. Apply at least 6 days in advance but no more than 30. The license is good for 30 days once issued. Wisconsin requires an officiant and two adult witnesses of at least 18 years of age. Your officiant can be a religious leader, judge, court commissioner, or someone ordained online (like a friend or family member). I’m ordained and can legally officiate ceremonies for my couples.

Self-Solemnization

Wisconsin does allow self-solemnization under a religious exemption. That means you and your partner can legally marry yourselves without an officiant, as long as your belief system supports it. You don’t need to belong to a traditional religion or provide any formal documentation, your personal belief or spiritual view is valid.

No one from the state should question or require proof of your beliefs, but some county clerks may require some kind of documentation, so it’s best to check in advance. You’ll still need to bring two adult witnesses to your ceremony, and on the license, you’ll list yourselves as the officiants.

Lodging Options

Door County has no shortage of places to stay. From VRBOs to resorts to local inns, there are plenty of options. Book as early as you can, places can book up quickly here.

Places to stay for your elopement

Norwegian Log Cabin in Sister Bay

Beechwood Cottage in Sister Bay

Red Cherry Woods Cottage in Baileys Harbor

Pine Cottage in Ephraim

Door County’s Chalet On The Shore

Gordon Lodge

More places to stay in Door County

Door County Elopement Photographer