How to elope on Lake Superior (U.S.A.)
Lake Superior Elopement Guide
So you want to plan your Lake Superior Elopement but you have no idea where to start...
YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
Lake Superior is HUGE, and planning an elopement on there can feel overwhelming, and figuring out where to even start planning that kind of day can feel like a giant question mark.
This guide breaks it all down step-by-step, locations, logistics, and timing, so you can stop stressing about the how and start building a day that actually feels like you.
Table of Contents
Wisconsin
- The Apostle Islands
- Madeline Island
- Bayfield Peninsula
- Tettegouche State Park
- Black Beach
- Grand Marais
- Temperance River State Park
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Porcupine Mountains
- Isle Royale National Park
3. Elopement laws
- Self-Solemnizing
- Permits
6. How much does it cost to elope on Lake Superior
7. What to wear for your Lake Superior elopement
8. Lake Superior elopement packages
Lake Superior is a well-loved elopement destination in the Midwest, and for good reason. With rugged cliffs, beaches, hiking trails, and endless views, it has so much variety for your elopement. The shoreline is packed with places that are stunningly beautiful and range from easy to explore to an adventure.
Best places to elope on Lake Superior
These are my top favorite Lake Superior elopement locations!
Isle Royale is one of the most (if not THE most) remote places to elope on Lake Superior, accessible only by ferry or seaplane during the park’s short season. Cell service is limited to nonexistent, and the park doesn't get many visitors. So if you're looking for something truly unique, private, and off the beaten path, this place is for you.
Isle Royale National Park
Porcupine Mountains
The Porcupine Mountains offer a more rugged, remote elopement experience with amazing views, waterfalls, hiking trails, and Lake Superior access. Fall is especially popular due to the stunning colors here, but you can still have a private autumn experience here with the right help and planning!
One of the most iconic places in the U.P.. Pictured Rocks is full of beaches, hiking trails, waterfalls, and of course the beautiful painted sandstone cliffs. Access is widely different depending on where you go, with some locations a short walk from the parking lot and others requiring a longer hike. This location gets very busy during the summer, but with the right planning, you can still have plenty of privacy.
Pictured rocks national lakeshore
Michigan Upper Peninsula
This park has dramatic river gorges, beaches, waterfalls, and rocky ledges, all within a short walk from the parking area. It’s a good option for couples who want to explore multiple spots during their elopement without going too far off the beaten path.
Temperance River State Park
Tettegouche has some of the most varied scenery on the North Shore, all in one place. From rocky cliffs above Lake Superior to inland waterfalls, lakes, and hiking trails, it gives you a lot of options for how your day could look. You could say your vows overlooking Lake Superior, hike to Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, the possibilities are endless.
Tettegouche State Park
A small harbor town with plenty of scenic spots right on the lake. You can wander Artist’s Point and one of the rocky beaches, or head a little further north to visit Judge C.R. Magney State Park and see some waterfalls. This is a great spot for sailing too! It’s also a good home base for couples wanting lodging, food, and adventure in one place.
Grand Marais
A unique spot with dark pebble like sand and reddish cliffs. Black Beach is easy to access and has space to spread out. It’s also perfect for a picnic or kayaking. This location is very popular though, so you'll definitely want to plan for a weekday at sunrise for the most privacy.
Black Beach
Minnesota
The Bayfield Peninsula is what makes up most of Wisconsin's Lake Superior territory. The shoreline is full of beaches, cliffs, and hiking trails that lead to stunning views of the lake. The town of Bayfield is an adorable small town (one of my favorites in the entire midwest!) and is the main access point for the Madeline Island ferry and the other Apostle Islands. The Meyers Beach Sea Caves are one of the most famous views on the peninsula. My couples get a full list of my favorite spots!
Bayfield Peninsula
This is one of the most iconic spots on Lake Superior. Madeline Island is technically part of the Apostle Islands, but isn't national land. This is the most accessible of the islands as you can easily get there via ferry from Bayfield. Because it is so accessible, it gets busy, especially in the summer. With the right planning though, you can still have a private experience here even in tourist season. This island is large and you will need your car to fully explore it, which you can bring over with you on the ferry.
Madeline Island
If you’re looking for something adventurous and unforgettable, this area delivers. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is made up of 21 islands excluding Madeline, which is not part of the national land. These islands are accessible mainly by sailboat, or kayaking if you're an experienced sea kayaker. Most of these islands are remote and don't get many visitors due to the difficult access, making them perfect for privacy on your elopement day! I recommend hiring an approved sailing charter to take you to the islands. A sailboat ride out to the islands is double the adventure!
The Apostle Islands
Wisconsin
Choosing the right time of year can make a big difference in how your elopement feels. Lake Superior is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s what to expect from each season.
when to elope on Lake Superior
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring on the Lake Superior brings cool temps, rushing waterfalls, and fewer crowds. It’s a great time for eloping near rivers and falls, especially in May when snowmelt is at its peak. However trails can be muddy early in the season, and snow is still possible in May and sometimes even early June depending on the location!
Summer offers long days, warmer weather, and full access to hiking trails and beaches. It’s also the most popular time of year for visitors, so some spots will be busier, but with a weekday elopement or early start, we can avoid most of the crowds. This season is great for couples who want to enjoy Lake Superior to the fullest, with kayaking, sailing, swimming, and more!
This is the most popular time to elope in many of these locations, and it’s easy to see why. The fall colors are bold and colorful, often peaking in late September or early October, depending on the location. Temps can get cold, so wear layers! The wind chill of of Lake Superior makes it feels a lot colder than the actual temperature.
Snow, frozen waterfalls, and quiet trails make winter elopements beautiful and peaceful, that is, if you don't mind the cold! Some locations aren’t accessible, and weather can be unpredictable. Still, if you’re up for the cold and the snow, it can feel magical and totally private.
Summer is my personal favorite season for elopements on Lake Superior! sailboating, long days, and warm weather, yes please!
Elopement Laws by state
- Apply for your marriage license at any Wisconsin County Clerk’s office.
- There's a 3-day waiting period which can be waived for a fee. The license is good for 30 days once issued.
- Price varies by county, usually around $75-$125.
- Wisconsin is the only state in this region that allows self-solemnization!
- Apply for your marriage license at any Minnesota County Registrar.
- The standard fee is $115, but if you complete at least 12 hours of premarital education, it drops to $40
- No waiting period! You’ll get the license on the same day, and it's valid for 6 months .
- Apply for your marriage license at a Michigan County Clerks office in the county where you live or intend to get married. Apply no more than 90 days and at least a week in advance. Many counties have an online application to save time, but you will still need to show up in person.
- The fee is only $20-$30 plus extra if you want to waive the mandatory 3 day waiting period.
- Once issued, the marriage license is valid for 33 days.
Getting your Marriage License
- Wisconsin requires an officiant and two adult witnesses of at least 18 years old to make your marriage legal.
- Your officiant can be a religious leader, judge, court commissioner, or someone ordained online (like a friend or family member).
- Minnesota requires an officiant and two witnesses of at least 16 years old to make your marriage legal.
- Your officiant must be over 21 and can be a judge, court commissioner, religious official, or someone ordained online (like a friend or family member).
- Michigan requires two witnesses of at least 18 years of age to make your marriage legal.
- Your officiant must be at least 18 years of age and can be a judge, county clerk, religious official, or someone ordained online (like a friend or family member).
Officiant + Witnesses
If you want to elope with just the two of you, I am ordained and can be your officiant! We can find kind strangers on the trail to sign as your witnesses.
Self-Solemnizing (Wisconsin only)
What is it and how does it work?
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.
Do you need a permit to elope on Lake Superior?
Maybe. It depends on where you’re eloping and what you’re planning to do.
Some locations (especially state parks or national lakeshores) require a permit for wedding ceremonies or professional photography. Other places, like a public beach or private Airbnb, may not need anything at all. Every location has different rules, and they’re not always easy to find (or clearly written), which is why I take care of this for you.
When we start planning your elopement, I’ll check if a permit is needed and take care of the process of obtaining it. I also make sure we’re following Leave No Trace guidelines, so you can feel good about how we’re using the space.
Now it's time to enjoy everything you’ve planned and soak in your day! It'll be everything you've dreamed of.
5. Enjoy Your Elopement Day!
Some parks and public lands in on Lake Superior require permits for ceremonies or photography. Elopement photographers are experts in this, so they will be able to guide you through the process.
4. Get Permits
With a location locked in, you can start booking your stay and any other vendors you'd like to include. Your photographer will recommend lodging and trusted vendors, like florists, hair/makeup, private chefs, etc...depending on what kind of experience you're building.
3. Book Lodging and Other Vendors
Your Lake Superior elopement photographer will be your guide through the whole process, so it's best to book them first! They will make elopement planning so much easier and know all the inside info.
2. Choose Your Elopement Location
Your photographer will help you find a location that fits your vision. Do you want to elope on a beach? Somewhere next to a waterfall? They will work together with you to find the perfect spot!
1. Choose Your Photographer
How to elope on Lake Superior
Lake Superior Elopement Timelines & activities
The best part about eloping is that you can do literally whatever you want! You deserve more than just a quick ceremony and a few photos on your elopement day, it should feel like an experience.
Include things you love to do together, whether thats hiking to a lookout, sailing on Lake Superior, or exploring a state park. Every elopement timeline is different, but here is a sample of how a full day might look and some activities you could include.
5:00 am - Have breakfast and coffee together / Photographer gets detail photos of dress/rings/etc.
5:45 am - Get ready together
6:30 am - Head out to trailhead
7:00 am - Hike to overlook
7:45 am - Private vows
8:00 am - Portraits and exploring the area
9:00 am - Hike back
9:45 am - Drive to the lake
10:30 am - Champagne pop & brunch picnic
11:15 am - Cut cake
11:45 am - Kayaking
12:45 pm - First dance on the beach
1:00 pm - Coverage ends
Full Day Sunrise Timeline
Sea plane ride
Off-roading
Hiking
Private vows
Picnic
Horseback riding
Kayaking, paddle boarding, or canoeing
Champagne pop
Swim in the lake
Ceremony with family/friends
Hot air balloon ride
Cake cutting
Campfire and s'mores
Get ready together
Stop at a brewery
Sailboat ride
Private chef dinner
First dance
Stargazing
Cliff jumping
Activity Ideas
How much does it cost to elope on Lake Superior?
Eloping doesn’t automatically mean cheap, and that’s not usually the goal for most couples I work with. You’re eloping because you want an experience that's true to you!
The cost of eloping on Lake Superior can vary a lot depending on what kind of experience you’re creating, which state you're in, and which vendors you hire. A simple two-hour courthouse elopement is going to look very different (and cost a lot less) than a full-day adventure elopement on Lake Superior.
There’s no “right” amount to spend. The key is deciding what matters most to you and building from there. Below, I’ll break down the typical costs and give you a few example budgets so you can start shaping your day around what you value.
Photographer - $5,800
Marriage License - Anywhere from $20-$125 (see marriage license laws by state)
Permit - $50-$150
2 Night Average VRBO Stay - $700
Bouquet & Boutonniere - $250
Hair + Makeup - $350
Dinner for Two at a Restaurant - $200
Dress & Accessories - $1,200
Suit - $500
Photographer - $7,800
Marriage License - Anywhere from $20-$125 (see marriage license laws by state)
Permit - $50-$150
2 Night Luxury VRBO Stay - $1,200
Bouquet & Boutonniere + Florals for Reception - $800
Hair + Makeup - $600
Private Chef Dinner for Two - $500
Dress & Accessories - $3,000
Suit - $1,500
2 hour private sail - $200
Average Elopement Experience
Luxury Elopement Experience
Total: $9,200
Total: $15,800
What to wear for your Lake Superior elopement
Even in July, mornings and evenings on Lake Superior can be cool. Wind off the Lake can drop the temperature fast, and weather can be unpredictable. Bring layers that feel good to wear and photograph well, like wool coats, shawls, denim jackets, or fleece-lined tights under dresses. You’ll thank yourself later.
Be Ready for the Weather to Change
Dirt, grass stains, sand, maybe some pine needles, your elopement outfit is probably going to show signs of the day, and that’s not a bad thing. So pick something you love, but don’t stress if it ends up looking like it actually went on an adventure.
Your Dress Will Get Dirty, and That’s Okay
heels and hiking trails don’t mix well. Even short walks can involve uneven terrain, boardwalks, or rocky paths. Wear something that won’t give you blisters and that you can walk comfortably in, whether that’s hiking boots, sneakers, or sturdy sandals. Bring the dress shoes for portraits if you want, but bring good shoes for hiking or walking to your location. Honestly though? I LOVE the look of hiking boots with a wedding dress!
Wear Shoes That Can Handle the Terrain
Can you hike in it? Sit in it? Climb a rock or kneel by the water? If your outfit restricts movement, it’s going to limit your experience. Choose something that feels good to wear and lets you move freely, bonus points if it catches the wind or trails behind you beautifully when you walk.
Choose Clothes You Can Freely Move In
If your ceremony location takes a bit of effort to reach, consider whether you want to wear your outfit while hiking or change once we arrive. Some couples carry their clothes in a garment bag or backpack and change on-site.
Pack a Plan for Changing (If Needed)
Ready to plan your Lake Superior elopement?
Feeling a little overwhelmed after reading through all the info? I get it, but this is where I come in!
You don’t have to figure this all out on your own. From the moment you book, I’m here to guide you through every step of the planning process. I’ll help you build a day that feels effortless, true to you, and free of stress.
Planning:
Custom location recommendations – I’ll help you choose the best location based on your vision, privacy, and accessibility. Plus you'll get access to my secret spots!
Custom timeline – A personalized timeline built around what you want to do how you want the day to feel.
Officiating (if needed) – I’m ordained and can legally sign your marriage license so you don't need to hire an officiant!
100+ page elopement handbook – A detailed planning guide covering everything you need to know about eloping.
Vendor recommendations – Florists, HMUA, private chefs, etc...I’ll send you trusted recommendations for awesome vendors.
Lodging and food recommendations – Suggestions for places to stay and eat near your location.
Planning document – A shared doc to track timelines, vendors, packing lists, and details.
Permits – I’ll handle the research and take care of the permit process.
Unlimited support – You’ll have access to me for questions, ideas, and planning help anytime.
Day-of Photography & Photo Delivery:
Documentary-focused photography – Real, candid coverage so your day doesn’t feel like just a big photoshoot.
Instax/polaroid photo album delivered on your day – An instant film album to take home right away.
Next-day sneak peek gallery of 25 images – A preview gallery delivered the day after your elopement so you don't have to wait!
8-week turnaround – All your memories delivered within eight weeks in an online gallery.
I'm Abby! Your Lake Superior elopement photographer.
Planning an elopement can feel overwhelming, but that’s where I come in. I’m here to help you create a day that feels natural, easy, and full of meaning.
Whether you dream of exchanging vows by a waterfall, on a Lake Superior cliff, or somewhere on a rocky beach, I’ll guide you every step of the way, from finding the perfect spot to making sure your day goes off without a hitch.
My goal is to take the stress out of planning so you can focus on what matters most: your connection and the adventure of a lifetime.
Starting at $4,800
Lake Superior Elopement photography packages
Inquire for your Lake Superior elopement
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phone number*
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Thank You!
