How to elope on the North Shore Minnesota
North Shore Elopement Guide
So you want to plan your North Shore Elopement but you have no idea where to start...
YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
Planning an elopement on the North Shore 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
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Black Beach
- Grand Marais
- Lusten Mountains
- Temperance River State Park
- Hidden Beaches & Waterfalls
3. How to elope in on the North Shore
4. Minnesota elopement laws
- Self-Solemnizing
- Permits
6. How much does it cost to elope on the North Shore
7. What to wear for your North Shore elopement
8. North Shore elopement packages
Minnesota’s North Shore is a well-loved elopement destination in the Midwest, and for good reason. With rugged cliffs, beaches, hiking trails, and Lake Superior views almost everywhere you go, 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 the North Shore
These are my top favorite North Shore elopement locations!
Hidden Beaches & Waterfalls
Temperance River State Park
Lusten Mountains
Grand Marais
Black Beach
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Known for its waterfalls and easy trails, Gooseberry Falls is one of the most accessible places to elope on the North Shore. The park has forests, beaches, waterfalls, and views of Lake Superior all in one stop. It’s especially great if you don't want to hike a ton for amazing views!
This is one of the most iconic spots on the North Shore. You can exchange vows with the lighthouse in the background and hike around the rocky shoreline.
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.
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.
If you want to hike for your elopement, this is it. You can take a gondola ride, ride the alpine slide, or hike to an overlook with views for miles. This is great for couples who want something a little more adventurous.
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.
If you want a more private experience, there are plenty of lesser-known beaches, hiking trails, and waterfalls. I have my own secret, quieter locations that still give you those iconic North Shore views, without the crowds.
Choosing the right time of year can make a big difference in how your elopement feels. The North Shore is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s what to expect from each season.
when to elope on the north shore
Spring
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring on the North Shore 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 the further north you go in May and sometimes even early June!
Summer offers long days, warmer weather, and full access to hiking trails and beaches. It’s also the most popular season, 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 on the North Shore, and it’s easy to see why. The fall colors are bold and colorful, often peaking in late September or early October, and the entire shoreline glows with reds, oranges, and golds. 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 the North Shore! sailboating, long days, and warm weather, yes please!
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 the North Shore 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 Minnesota 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 the north Shore
Minnesota Elopement Laws
The legal side of eloping in Minnesota is pretty straightforward, but there are a few boxes to check before your day. Here's what you need to know:
- 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 six months .
- Bring your photo IDs, Social Security numbers, and information on any previous marriages.
Getting your Marriage License
- Minnesota requires an officiant and two witnesses of at least 16 years old to make your marriage legal. If it’s just the two of you, we kind find random people on the trail to sign!
- 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).
- I’m also ordained and can legally officiate your ceremony if you’d prefer to keep things simple.
Officiant + Witnesses
Do you need a permit to elope in Minnesota?
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.
North Shore 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.
Slow Start in a Cabin
You get ready together in a quiet cabin near a lake.
Hike + Private Vows
You hike through the woods to a secluded overlook. At the top, you exchange private vows with a stunning view.
Exploring + Picnic
After some relaxed portraits and exploring, you head to a second location for a picnic by the water.
Canoeing + First Dance
You paddle out into the calm lake. Later, you share a barefoot first dance on a beach as the sun sets.
Private Chef Dinner
Back at your cabin, a private chef serves dinner. You end the night with great food and maybe have a campfire!
Full Day Timeline
Helicopter or small 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 the north shore?
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 the North Shore can vary a lot depending on what kind of experience you’re creating 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 the North Shore.
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 - $5,600
Marriage License - $115 (or $40 with premarital counseling)
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 - $7,600
Marriage License - $115 (or $40 with premarital counseling)
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: $9,000
Total: $15,600
What to wear for your North Shore elopement
Even in July, mornings and evenings on the North Shore can be cool. Wind off Lake Superior 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 North Shore 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 Minnesota 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 surrounded by tall pines, 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 $4,600
North Shore Elopement photography packages
Inquire for your North Shore elopement
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In the meantime, check out my blog or follow me on instagram for elopement resources and to view past work.
Thank You!
