Why Elope at Devil’s Lake?

If you’re thinking about eloping at Devil’s Lake, you’re in the right place! With a mix of wooded trails, rock formations, and bluffs with stunning views, a Devil’s Lake elopement has everything you need for a full day experience of adventure and connection.

Eloping at Devil’s Lake is perfect if you want to spend your day outdoors, doing something that feels like you. Whether that’s hiking to a quiet overlook, reading vows by the water, or just walking through the woods together, this park offers a lot of flexibility. No two Devil’s Lake elopements look the same.

The park is also located in Baraboo and about an hour from Madison, and close by the Dells, so it’s easy to get to, and there are plenty of nearby places to stay and eat.

When to Elope at Devil’s Lake

Best Time of Year for a Devil’s Lake Elopement

Spring (April–May): Spring at Devil’s Lake means fewer people on the trails and fresh greenery. It’s a great time to elope if you don’t mind cooler temps and want a quieter experience. However spring in WI is tricky, and there is sometimes a possibility for snow even in late April! Trees typically start budding early May, so if you choose to elope in April, the trees will likely still be bare. The views at Devils Lake are stunning regardless and there are evergreen trees, so I wouldn’t stress over that too much.

Summer (June–August): Summer is beautiful but busy. If you’re set on eloping at Devil’s Lake during summer, plan for a weekday (Tuesday-Thursday) at sunrise or early morning ceremony to beat the crowds and find parking. Devil’s Lake gets almost 3 million visitors annually with July and August being the busiest, so you really want to avoid weekends if possible.

Fall (September–October): If you’re wondering how to elope at Devil’s Lake in fall, know that it’s one of the most popular seasons. Fall colors draw a lot of visitors, especially on weekends. Still, if you plan it right (I can help with that), it’s worth it. The colors are at their peak around mid October, and again you’ll want to plan on a weekday at sunrise for the most privacy.

Winter (November–March): For couples open to a quieter, snow-covered elopement, winter can be a peaceful time to elope at the park. Fewer people, but you’ll want to dress warm and be flexible about trail conditions.

Weekday vs. Weekend

For the best experience, plan your Devil’s Lake elopement on a weekday, especially if you’re hoping for a more private experience. Tuesdays through Thursdays are usually the quietest. On weekends, the park fills up fast, particularly in summer and fall. Planning around crowds is part of what I help my couples with when they book me for their Devil’s Lake elopement!

Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Devil’s Lake?

Yes, and this part can feel confusing—but that’s where I come in. If you’re eloping at Devil’s Lake, here’s what you need to know about permits:

Special Use Permit:

• Required for any wedding or elopement that includes a photographer or any exchange of money for services within the park.
• Apply by mail or email at least 14 days in advance. If you’re planning last minute, call the park office to see if a permit can be arranged over the phone.
• The permit fee is typically around $50 for photography, but always check the current rates with the Wisconsin DNR. This fee is covered in all my elopement packages!

Permit application here.

Park Admission

• Every vehicle entering the park must have a valid Wisconsin State Park admission sticker. These can be purchased online or at the park entrance.

Permit requirements can vary depending on group size, ceremony plans, and location within the park. It’s best to handle this well in advance, which is part of what I take care of when you book me as your Devil’s Lake elopement photographer and planner.

What to Do During Your Elopement

Eloping at Devil’s Lake doesn’t mean your day starts and ends with the ceremony. Including a few intentional activities can turn your elopement into an experience, one you’ll actually remember not just for how it looked, but for how it felt. Adding things you already love doing together can make your elopement more personalized. It’s your day, you get to shape it however you want.

Here are some ideas to build out your Devil’s Lake elopement experience:

• Hike to an overlook. Devil’s Lake has a mix of short hikes and longer trails, so you can find something that fits your timeline and energy. Start your day with a quiet sunrise hike to an overlook, or end it with golden hour views.
• Paddle board or kayak on the lake. Bring or rent gear and take a slow paddle on the water.
• Have a picnic. Pack snacks or your favorite meal and eat by the shoreline, tucked into the trees, or high up on a bluff.
• Build a campfire. Some of the park’s picnic areas allow fires (as long as it’s within a designated fire ring and fire conditions are safe). Bring marshmallows or make it your version of a low-key evening celebration. Better yet, get a campsite and have your fire there!
• Camp overnight. For couples who want the full outdoor experience, camping inside Devil’s Lake State Park lets you wake up and fall asleep in the same place. Reserve early because sites book up fast.
• Go rock climbing. If this is already part of your relationship, bring your gear and make time for a climb. There is also guided rock climbing if you don’t have your own gear or just want some professional guidance!
• Exchange private vows somewhere quiet. Even if you’re including a few guests, planning a time during the day for just the two of you, maybe a quiet overlook or a tucked-away section of trail, can give you a moment to connect without an audience.
• Swim in the lake. If you’re eloping during warmer months, bring suits and hop in. The north and south shores both have beach access.
• Cut a cake or share dessert. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to skip dessert. Pick up a small cake or favorite treat to celebrate post-ceremony.
• Get ready together. You don’t have to follow the “don’t see each other before the ceremony” idea. Getting ready together can be calming and intimate, and it gives you more time together on your elopement day.
• Stop at a local brewery or winery. Baraboo has a few solid options nearby. If you want to wind down with a drink and good food, we can build that into the day.
• Book a private chef dinner. If you’re staying in a local cabin or Airbnb, you can bring the celebration to you. Hire a chef to cook a meal while you relax.
• Share a first dance somewhere meaningful. This can be on the beach, on a rocky overlook, or even back at your campsite. Bring a speaker, but be courteous to those around you.
• Stargaze. Devil’s Lake gets dark enough for a clear night sky, especially if you stay late or camp overnight. It’s a simple way to end the day and soak it all in.

You don’t need to do everything. Just choose the pieces that reflect you. When couples ask me how to elope at Devil’s Lake in a way that feels true to them, I always recommend mixing in a few activities you already love doing together. It keeps the day from feeling like a rushed checklist and turns it into something you’ll actually enjoy.

How to Get a Marriage License

To make your elopement legal, you’ll need a Wisconsin marriage license. Here’s the process:

• Where to Apply: You can apply at any county clerks office in Wisconsin, regardless if you’re a Wisconsin resident or not.
• Waiting Period: Wisconsin has a 3-day waiting period after applying, so give yourself enough time. You can apply up to 30 days in advance.
• What You’ll Need: Valid ID, Social Security numbers, birth certificates, proof of residency, previous marriage proof (if applicable), officiant information, and the wedding date and location. Expect a fee around $100.
• Witnesses + Officiant: You’ll need two witnesses and an officiant. I’m ordained and can legally officiate Devil’s Lake elopements, which is perfect if you want a true “just us” experience. We can find random people on the trail to sign as your witnesses.
• Self-Solemnization: Did you know that you can marry yourselves without an officiant in Wisconsin? In order to self solemnize in WI, you must have a religious exemption. Inform the County Clerk that you intend to self-solemnize your marriage, and they can provide you with the appropriate forms.

Leave No Trace

Devil’s Lake is one of the most visited state parks in Wisconsin, and with that popularity comes responsibility. When you elope at Devil’s Lake, it’s important to leave the park as you found it—or better. Practicing Leave No Trace principles helps keep the trails, lake, and natural spaces clean and protected for future visitors and wildlife.

Here’s how you can respect the space while still making it a meaningful experience:

• Stay on marked trails. Straying from designated paths leads to erosion and damages the plant life that makes this place unique.
• Pack out everything you bring in. That includes food scraps, decorations, tissues, and even biodegradable items. If it wasn’t there before, it shouldn’t be left behind.
• Skip confetti, rice, and flower petals. Even “natural” materials can harm the ecosystem or leave visual litter. If you want to celebrate after your ceremony, consider alternatives like bubbles or fabric ribbon wands.
• Keep group sizes small. Eloping at Devil’s Lake is best with just a few guests. This isn’t just about vibe, it’s about keeping the trails from getting congested and helping your celebration blend into the space.
• Respect wildlife and other visitors. This is a public park, so sharing the space respectfully matters. Keep noise to a minimum and give any wildlife space.
• Use existing fire rings only. If your plans include a campfire, be sure you’re in a permitted area and follow fire safety guidelines.

I help all my couples build an elopement timeline that respects park guidelines and supports Leave No Trace principles. Whether it’s helping you find low-traffic areas, advising on gear and footwear, or suggesting low-impact ways to celebrate, I’ve got you covered.

Why Hire a Photographer Who Knows Devil’s Lake?

This park isn’t small, and not all areas are easy to find, especially if you want to avoid crowds. When you hire someone who knows the area well (like me!), you don’t just get stunning photos, you get a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Hey! I’m Abby. As a Wisconsin elopement photographer and planner, I’ve helped couples get married all over the state, including Devil’s Lake. I help with:

• Finding the best ceremony locations based on your comfort level and privacy needs
• Timing your elopement for good lighting and low foot traffic
• Creating a detailed timeline so nothing feels rushed
• Handling permits and logistics
• Being your built-in planner, location scout, and calm problem-solver

You don’t need to spend hours researching the park, hoping you’ve picked the right trail, or wondering if your spot will be crowded. I’ve done this before, and I’ll help you do it without the stress.

Ready to Start Planning Your Devil’s Lake Elopement?

If you’re looking for a way to skip the pressure of a big wedding and get married in a place that feels relaxed, personal, and connected to nature, eloping at Devil’s Lake might be exactly what you’re looking for.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’m here to help with the planning, the timeline, the permits, and everything in between. My goal is to make your elopement feel easy, meaningful, and true to who you are. Let’s build a day that actually feels like you. Tap the button below to book your free consultation call.