If you’re dreaming of adventurous way to get married, a sailboat elopement on Lake Superior might be exactly what you’re looking for. The open water, the peace and quiet, and the literal wind in your sails. It’s a great way to skip the typical wedding structure and create something that feels personal from start to finish.

In this post, we’ll walk through what a sailboat elopement actually looks like, how to plan one on Lake Superior, and why you should consider one!

Why Choose a Sailboat Elopement?

Sailing gives you access to places most people can’t reach by foot or car. You can anchor near a quiet island, step onto a beach with no one else around, or say your vows right on the deck with nothing but open water around you.

A sailboat elopement is perfect for couples who want a slower pace, time spent on the lake, and a hands-on experience. It’s also a way to keep things simple. No jam packed timeline, no decorations to set up, just the two of you and the lake.

Best Locations for a Sailboat Elopement on Lake Superior

Lake Superior boarders three states in the US, and each shoreline has its own feel. Where you choose to sail will shape what your elopement looks like. Some areas offer remote island beaches, others give you wide open water, and some let you mix in hiking and exploring onshore. Here are three great places to consider.

Apostle Islands, Wisconsin

This is one of the best spots (and my personal favorite) for a sailboat elopement on Lake Superior. The Apostle Islands are made up of 21 islands off the coast of Bayfield, Wisconsin. From the marina, you can sail to one of the many islands to explore and say your vows. Here is a list of the approved Apostle Islands Sailing Charters.

Why it’s awesome:

• Easy access to boat charters in Bayfield
• Plenty of quiet island beaches, and some even have hiking trails!
• Sea caves, rocky shoreline, and cliff jumping spots
• You can camp on some of the Islands!

If you’re looking for a mix of sailing, hiking, and great beaches, this area gives you all of it. It’s a great fit for couples who want a full-day experience or to stay overnight in the islands.

North Shore, Minnesota

The North Shore runs from Duluth to Grand Portage. While the Apostle Islands offer more protected water, the Minnesota side gives you wider lake views and more active sailing conditions. This is something to keep in mind if you’re prone to motion sickness or prefer calmer water.

• Duluth Sailing
• Two Harbors Sailing
• Silver Bay Sailing
• Grand Marais Sailing

Why it’s awesome:

• Sailing alongside cliffs
• Lots of day sail options
• Perfect if you already want to elope on the North Shore

This is a great choice if you want to explore the beauty of the North Shore and have a sailboat elopement adventure.

Upper Peninsula, Michigan

The Upper Peninsula feels more remote, which is perfect if you want to avoid crowds. Places like Pictured Rocks get busy during tourist season, but it’s easy to avoid crowds if you elope on a weekday. The sailing infrastructure isn’t quite as built up, so you’ll find the only sailing charter in the U.P. based in Marquette through U.P Sailing CO.

Why it’s awesome:

• Less boat traffic and fewer tourists if you elope on a weekday
• Views of lighthouses and historic shoreline
• Plenty of amazing locations to explore on land!

This is a great choice if you want to explore the beautiful locations on land as well as take a sail on the lake.

What a Sailboat Elopement on Lake Superior Could Look Like

Every sailboat elopement is different, but here’s a sample of what your day might include.

• You get ready together in a nearby VRBO, then meet your captain at the marina. You’ve packed everything you need for the day, and you board the boat and set sail onto Lake Superior.

• After sailing for a couple hours, you reach a quiet island or shoreline. You hop off the boat and walk together. You say your vows on the beach with just the two of you.

• You take photos, read letters from friends and family, and have a picnic. Then you explore the island a bit before heading back to the boat. Maybe you end the day by jumping into the lake and go for a swim!

• As you sail back, the sun starts to set. You toast with champagne, share cake, and relax together on the deck as the sky changes color.

What to Pack for Your Sailboat Elopement

Here’s a list of essentials to bring for a comfortable and smooth day on the water.

Clothing & Personal Items

• Layers – The temperature on the lake is usually cooler than on land. Pack a light jacket, sweatshirt, fleece, or windbreaker even in summer.
• Non-slip shoes or sandals – Boat decks can be slick. Barefoot is fine too, but avoid heels or bulky boots.
• Swimsuit and towel – If you’re planning to swim or cliff jump.
• Dry bag – For your vow books, marriage license, rings, phone, wallet, or anything else you don’t want to risk getting wet.
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – Even on cloudy days, the lake sun can still burn you.
• Hair ties or clips – It can get windy, especially during sailing.
• Bug spray – No one likes being bitten up by bugs!
• Small speaker – For music during your sail or first dance. Waterproof if possible.

Food & Drink

• Water – You’ll need to stay hydrated! Most charters will also supply this too.
• Snacks or a packed meal – Pack snacks a celebratory picnic for later! This could be catered or something you make yourselves.
• Champagne or a celebratory drink – Just check with your charter company about their alcohol policy.
• Cake or dessert – A small cake or something else you both enjoy.

Elopement-Specific

• Vow books or letters
• Marriage license (if you’re making it official on the boat)
• Rings
• Unity ceremony item (if opting for one)
• Any personal touches – A blanket for sitting onshore, handwritten notes from friends, Polaroid camera, etc.

Keep in mind space is limited on most boats. Pack light and use soft bags instead of hard suitcases or bins.

How to Plan a Sailboat Elopement on Lake Superior

Planning a sailboat elopement is simpler than you might think. Here are a few basic steps to guide you.

1. Choose the Best Time of Year

Lake Superior’s sailing season typically runs from late May through September. July and August bring warmer weather and calmer water. September often has fewer tourists. October and November and dangerous on Lake Superior, even if the fall colors are stunning. Be ready for cooler temperatures any time of year and pack layers.

2. Book Your Charter

Start by researching charters near your chosen location. Bayfield, Grand Marais, and Marquette are all good launch points. Make sure the charter is private, and let them know you’re planning a sailboat elopement. Ask whether you can anchor, explore, and how long the sail lasts.

3. Hire an Experienced Photographer

Not every photographer is comfortable shooting on a moving boat. Look for someone familiar with elopements on Lake Superior who can help you plan the day and document it fully. Some photographers are even ordained and can legally marry you (like me!). If you hire a photographer who also helps with planning, they will help you plan your sailboat elopement from start to finish, and give you all the inside info!

Can You Legally Get Married on a Boat?

Yes. Your photographer or captain can legally marry you if they’re ordained. In addition to your officiant, in Wisconsin and Michigan, you need two adult witnesses, and in Minnesota, you need two witnesses of at least 16 years of age. Your captain or photographer (whoever isn’t officiating) can be one of your witnesses, and we can find a random second person to sign.

You can self-solemnize in Wisconsin with a religious exemption that you are part of an organization that allows it. Tell the county clerk that you intend to self-solemnize when applying for your license. They don’t typically require proof that you are part of a religious organization, your word is usually enough, but it’s best to ask in advance. If you self-solemnize, you will only need two witnesses and no officiant!

Ways to Personalize Your Sailboat Elopement

Here are a few things you can do during your sailboat elopement!

• Pack a picnic, charcuterie board, or order food from a local spot and take it with you
• Write letters to each other and read them during the sail
• Take Polaroids or film photos for fun
• Go swimming or cliff jumping
• Share a first dance on the deck or an island beach
• Watch the sunset
• Cut a cake
• Pop champagne
• Take a walk down on a shoreline
• Go paddle boarding if the sailboat carries one!
• Play a card game or compact board game like cribbage
• Hike the trails of a secluded island

Your Wisconsin Elopement Photographer Who is Ready to Set Sail With You!