Best Locations For Your Elopement in Wisconsin
Whoever told you Wisconsin is a boring state to elope in, clearly had no idea what they were talking about. Wisconsin offers so many stunning locations for an elopement, from secluded forests and rocky cliffs to sandy beaches. In this guide, we’ll cover the best places to elope in Wisconsin so you can find the perfect spot for your day, and discover what Wisconsin actually has to offer.
Bonus: If you’d like to me to help you find the best elopement location in Wisconsin, tap the button below to book a complimentary elopement planning call with me!
The Northwoods
The Northwoods is one of the best places to elope in Wisconsin if you’re looking for privacy and a whole lot of woods. This region is filled with forests, waterfalls, and lakes. If you love the outdoors, this is the perfect spot for you! Now the Northwoods is HUGE and is a very broad area. Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get a different answer as to where the Northwoods actually is. To me, it’s everything above Highway 8, and does not include the Bayfield Peninsula and Lake Superior cost.
1. Greater Minocqua Area
When most people think of the Northwoods, the city of Minocqua is likely the first place that comes to mind. Minocqua offers modern amenities that smaller Northwoods towns lack. There are plenty of upscale lodging and dining options, making it a great basecamp for your day as you explore the area.
Though, the actual city of Minocqua doesn’t have a ton of good options for adventure or places to say your vows, which is why I recommend exploring the surrounding areas. Boulder Junction, Lac Du Flambeau, Sayner, and Manitowish Waters are all far more secluded and have stunning woods and lakes scenery with so many hiking trails you can explore.
2. Copper Falls State Park
Copper Falls State Park is known for its waterfalls, deep gorges, and hiking trails. If you want scenery that includes rushing water and stunning waterfalls, this park is a great option.
Now, if you’re looking for a waterfall location where you can actually get up close and stand in front of the waterfalls for your photos, this won’t be ideal. You can only view the two largest waterfalls from the trail above, so there’s no access to the base of the falls. However, there are a couple of smaller waterfalls you are able to stand in front of, plus there’s plenty of waterfront river locations for your ceremony.
3. Other Hidden Gems
There are so many random hidden gems all over the Northwoods I have in my back pocket that I share exclusively with clients. Sure places like Minocqua are a great main hub, but the Northwoods area is so large, there is much more to explore.
Want help figuring out which elopement location in The Northwoods might be the best fit for you? Click below to book a free elopement planning consult with me!
The Driftless Area
Unlike the rest of Wisconsin, the Driftless Area was never touched by glaciers, leaving behind rolling hills, rugged bluffs, and deep river valleys. If you want a unique landscape for your elopement, this region has some of the best spots.
4. Devil’s Lake State Park
Devil’s Lake is one of the most iconic places to elope in Wisconsin, thanks to its epic bluffs. Unless you’re up for a hike, I would not recommend this location. All the best locations require at least a moderate hike. You can stay on ground level, but the beach or tumbled rocks trail are really your only options and are not private. This park is one of the more popular tourist attractions in the state, so elope on a weekday at sunrise or during off season (November-April) to avoid crowds. Check out my how to elope at Devil’s Lake guide!
5. Wildcat Mountain State Park
Wildcat Mountain State Park offers some of the best bluff views in the Driftless Area. Overlooking the Kickapoo River, this park features steep ridges, deep valleys, and miles of wooded trails. The best ceremony spots in this park don’t require a hike at all though, or a very short hike at that. This is a great location if you plan to incorporate hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding. There are nearby places you can rent canoes, and the park has miles of horse trails.
6. Perrot State Park
Perrot State Park sits along the Mississippi River, offering stunning bluff views, trails, and riverside spots for your elopement. You can explore the park by hiking the trails, canoeing along the Trempealeau Bay, or even snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter. Perrot State Park is a great option if you’re looking for an outdoorsy elopement experience.
Want help figuring out which elopement location in The Driftless area might be the best fit for you? Click below to book a free elopement planning consult with me!
The Bayfield Peninsula & The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Bayfield Peninsula and the Apostle Islands area, is in my opinion, the best place to elope in Wisconsin. Whether you want to exchange vows on Madeline Island, hike above sea caves, or sail the Apostle Islands, there are plenty of absolutely stunning places to choose from. With its variety of landscapes and opportunities for adventure, this area is perfect if you’re looking for a truly one of a kind location to experience your elopement.
7. Madeline Island
Accessible by ferry, Madeline Island is the largest of the Apostle Islands, though not officially part of the National Lakeshore. The island provides a sense of seclusion while still offering amenities like lodging and dining. I recommend bringing your vehicle over on the ferry, you’ll need it to explore the island. You can also get a moped rental or take a kayaking tour for extra adventure. It’s a place where you can experience Lake Superior in a way that feels both remote and accessible. Accommodations typically book up pretty fast for the summer months, so plan your elopement in advance. Check out my how to elope on Madeline Island guide!
8. Meyers Beach Sea Caves
The Meyers Beach area is known for its sandstone sea caves and stunning views of Lake Superior. You can hike along the Lakeshore Trail or explore the caves by kayak for a truly unique elopement experience.
9. The Apostle Islands
For an off-the-grid experience, eloping in the Apostle Islands is unforgettable. Everyone goes to Madeline Island, but most people miss out on what these other Islands have to offer. These remote islands have secluded beaches that you could have all to yourself, sea caves to explore, and even overnight camping. You can access these islands by sailboat, water taxi, or kayak. Check out my how to elope in the Apostle Islands guide!
Want help figuring out which elopement location in The Bayfield Peninsula might be the best fit for you? Click below to book a free elopement planning consult with me!
Door County
Door County is one of the most popular places to elope in Wisconsin, and for good reason! Known as the cape cod of the midwest, Door County offers lighthouses, many restaurants and sightseeing opportunities, and stunning shorelines along Lake Michigan. However, with popularity comes with crowds. Door County is one of the most touristy locations in the entire state! You’ve got to plan it right if you want a private experience. You can check out my how to elope in Door County guide here.
10. Cave Point County Park
Cave Point County Park is my personal favorite elopement location in Door County. This park is one of the most dramatic spots along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, with its limestone cliffs, waves, and underwater caves. On calmer days, the clear waters reveal deep blue and green tones, while windy conditions bring powerful waves that carve into the rock.
11. Whitefish Dunes State Park
Just south of Cave Point, Whitefish Dunes offers a more relaxed setting with its sandy beaches. This is perfect to combine with Cave Point and experience both amazing locations without having to travel far. After saying your vows and taking some photos at Cave Point, imagine walking along the Whitefish Dunes shoreline and having a picnic while watching the waves.
12. Washington Island
If you want your elopement to feel like a getaway, Washington Island is a great place to escape the mainland for a slower, more intentional day. You’ll take the ferry that starts from the tip of the Door County peninsula, and takes you straight to the island in about 30 minutes. If you want to bring your vehicle with you, you will need to make reservations in advance. The island has plenty of space to explore. You can exchange vows by the lake, bike around the island, or just spend the day enjoying the surroundings.
There are so many other hidden gems in Door County I share with clients! Want help figuring out which elopement location in Door County might be the best fit for you? Click below to book a free elopement planning consult with me!
Lake Michigan Beaches
If you want a coastal feel for your elopement, Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan beaches offer a mix of wide beaches, sand dunes, and trails leading to the water. Whether you want to say your vows with your feet in the sand or walk along a boardwalk, these beaches give you plenty of options.
14. Kohler-Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae is one of the best beach elopement locations in Wisconsin. This location offers a unique combination of wide beaches, sand dunes, and wooded areas, all nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. You can walk along the water’s edge, or take in views of the dunes and lake while exchanging your vows. The park also has plenty of hiking trails, and even horseback riding trails if you’d like to incorporate an extra adventure into your day, exploring the park’s dunes, meadows, and woods on horseback.
15. Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve
Lion’s Den Gorge is located along the western edge of Lake Michigan, just north of Milwaukee. Offering bluffs, gorges, and a secluded beach that you’ll need to take a little hike to get to. You can say your vows near the cliff’s edge, surrounded by trees and the sound of waves below, or hike down to the beach to sink your toes into the sand.
16. Point Beach State Forest
Point Beach, near Two Rivers, is a quiet location with sandy shores, a historic lighthouse, and miles of trails. The park’s long stretches of sandy beaches and trails provide the perfect blend of nature for your elopement. Whether you want to walk along the beach or exchange vows among the trees, Point Beach offers a variety of spots to make your day feel diverse and laid back.
Want help figuring out which beach elopement location might be the best fit for you? Click below to book a free elopement planning consult with me!
There Are so Many Amazing Places to Elope in Wisconsin
Whether you’re dreaming of a beach, forest, or cliffside elopement, Wisconsin has so many amazing options for you. These places to elope in Wisconsin offer the perfect mix of privacy and natural beauty. No matter where you choose, you’ll find a place that lets your day unfold exactly the way you want it.
Wisconsin Elopement Photographer
Are you ready to start planning your dream Wisconsin Elopement? Hi! I’m Abby, your Wisconsin Elopement Photographer & Planner. I’ll help you plan your day from start to finish so you won’t have to stress over the details. Tap the button below to schedule your free elopement planning consult!
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