Your Ultimate Guide to Elope in Wisconsin
Whether or not you call Wisconsin home, it might just be the perfect place for your intimate and adventurous elopement. Wisconsin offers a variety of stunning locations to exchange vows. Whether you’re looking for fairytale forests, beautiful lakes, or scenic cliff sides, Wisconsin has it all. Let’s explore the best places to elope in Wisconsin and make your dream elopement a reality.
What is an elopement?
Elopements have evolved beyond the traditional concept of a quick, secret marriage; today, it’s often a highly intentional, intimate celebration focused on the couple’s shared experience. Unlike a typical large wedding, an elopement is a day crafted around the couple’s unique relationship and what they love most—whether it’s hiking in a remote national park, sharing vows on a quiet beach, or exchanging rings in a cozy cabin. Modern elopements prioritize authenticity, allowing couples to truly immerse themselves in each moment without the pressures of a large event.
When to elope in Wisconsin
There’s no wrong time to elope in Wisconsin—it just depends on the vibe you envision for your day. Here’s a breakdown of what each season has to offer:
Spring (Late March – Early June)
Why Elope in Spring: Spring in Wisconsin brings a fresh, renewing feel to your elopement. As snow melts and trees start budding, the landscape comes to life with lush greenery and scattered wildflowers. Spring weather can be unpredictable, but with some planning, you’ll find many amazing, off-peak locations that offer privacy and beauty.
Considerations:
- Temperatures range from cool to mild. There may still be snow on the ground in many areas.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain and lingering chill, so be prepared with flexible plans and layers.
- Spring is an ideal time to elope in many of the more popular areas like Devil’s Lake, where the trails are less crowded, thus you’ll have more privacy.
Summer (late June – early September)
Why Elope in Summer: With long days, warm (sometimes quite hot) weather, and green landscapes, summer is the most popular season for outdoor weddings and elopements in Wisconsin. This season offers endless possibilities for outdoor locations and activities, from sailboating on the great lakes to exploring state parks, with long daylight hours allowing flexibility in planning.
Considerations:
- This is Wisconsin’s peak travel season, so popular spots may be busier. Consider a sunrise ceremony or eloping on a weekday.
- Temperatures can be hot, especially in July and August, so consider early morning or late afternoon ceremonies to avoid the midday heat. Stay hydrated and wear lighter materials.
Fall (Late September – Early November)
Why Elope in Fall: Fall is breathtaking in Wisconsin, as the leaves change to warm hues of red, orange, and gold. The crisp air and colors make autumn ideal for couples seeking a scenic and cooler elopement. Photographers like myself love this season for its golden light and rich colors. Many parks and trails are quieter, especially after the peak color season usually in late October and November, giving you more privacy.
Considerations:
- Peak foliage generally occurs in October, though it varies by location. Check this fall colors report to see when the colors will peak for your elopement location.
- Temperatures can be cooler, especially in late fall, so consider layers.
- Popular spots during peak colors may still be quite crowded, so consider a weekday elopement.
Winter (December – Early March)
Why Elope in Winter: For those who dream of a snowy elopement, winter in Wisconsin is perfect. Winter elopements are unique and offer an intimate, quiet setting perfect for couples who love the idea of a cozy, snowy celebration.
Considerations:
- Winter temperatures can get very cold in Wisconsin, with January typically being the chilliest month. Dressing warmly, don’t plan to spend too long outside, and have an indoor location you can warm up in.
- Some trails or parks may be closed or difficult to access, so check ahead for availability.
- Daylight hours are limited, often having less than 10 hours of sunlight.
Self-solemnizing and getting your marriage license
Wisconsin is one of the nine states that allows you to self-solemnize, which means you can marry yourselves without an officiant! You can apply for your marriage license at any county clerks office in Wisconsin if your ceremony will take place in Wisconsin. You can apply as far as 30 days in advance or at least 6 days before your date. When applying for the marriage license, inform the County Clerk if you intend to self-solemnize your marriage. In Wisconsin, you do need a religious exemption to self-solemnize. The Clerk can provide you with the appropriate forms and instructions. There is a 3-day waiting period from the time you apply for the license until you can use it. This can sometimes be waived for a fee. Your license is valid for 30 days once issued.
Choosing your officiant
If you don’t intend to self-solemnize, you will need an officiant for your ceremony. If you’re inviting guests, I recommend choosing a close friend or family member to officiant your ceremony. Anyone can easily get ordained online! I am also ordained, and can officiate your ceremony from behind my camera. Here is an easy place to get ordained online fast!
Permits
Permits are often required for many of these locations. Obtaining permits is a service I include for all my clients. You will not need to worry about this if I am your elopement photographer!
What to do on your elopement day
Wisconsin has much to offer when it comes to things to do on your elopement day. From hiking through forests to boating on the many lakes and rivers, you’ll find something perfect for you both to experience on your day. Check out this blog post here for more elopement activity ideas.
BEST LOCATIONS TO ELOPE IN WISCONSIN
1. Door County:
Door County, often referred to as the Cape Cod of the Midwest, is an ideal location for couples seeking a blend of the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and charming small-town ambiance. With over 300 miles of shoreline, Door County offers many waterfront spots perfect for a romantic elopement. Check with the Door County parks service or the state parks office before planning your elopement to get info on permits and available areas for your ceremony.
Some of my favorite locations in Door County include:
Things to do here: Check out Destination Door County to discover all the activities you could do for your elopement.
Stays for your Door County elopement:
Unique architect-designed home
2. Devil’s Lake State Park:
For couples who love the outdoors, Devil’s Lake State Park is an ideal elopement location. Known for its stunning quartzite cliffs, hiking trails, and breathtaking views, this park offers an adventurous and serene setting. This park is very popular especially during the warmer months, and has over 2.5 million visitors every year. Plan your elopement on a weekday and at sunrise for the most privacy. A special event permit is required. Contact the parks office to obtain your permit here.
Some of my favorite Devils Lake locations include:
North Shore Beach
Things to do here: The park offers many different hiking trails from easy to advanced. Kayaks, canoes and other watercraft are available for rent through the park. Scuba diving is also available. Just outside the park, venture into Baraboo and visit Balanced Rock Winery for some delicious food and drink.
Stays for your Devils Lake State Park elopement:
3. Madeline Island:
The largest of the Apostle Islands, Madeline Island is (in my opinion) one of the most beautiful places to elope in Wisconsin. You access the island via ferry from Bayfield. This is also where my husband and I chose to elope! Even though this is part of the Apostle Islands, I wanted it to have its own moment because of how much this island has to offer. Special event permits may be required for ceremonies at many of these locations. Contact the Town of La Pointe or the park office for more information.
Some of my favorite locations on the island include:
Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve
Private Cabin Rentals
Things to do on the island: The island offers many different activities from adventurous kayaking tours to stargazing over Lake Superior. Visit Madeline Island Chamber of Commerce for all things to do on the island.
Stays for your Madeline Island elopement:
4. Bayfield (and the surrounding areas):
Bayfield is a quaint and charming town. With its historic architecture and views of Lake Superior, Bayfield provides a romantic and intimate atmosphere. You’ll find many beautiful locations in the area surrounding as well.
Here are some areas around Bayfield for your elopement:
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Private cabins
Discover things to do in Bayfield here.
Stays near your Bayfield elopement:
5. Kohler-Andrae State Park:
Kohler-Andrae State Park, located on the shores of Lake Michigan, is the perfect location for couples who love the beach and beautiful sand dunes. The park’s sand dunes, peaceful forests, and a shoreline of Lake Michigan, make it a beautiful spot for an intimate elopement. A special event permit is required. You can contact the park for your permit here.
Things to do here in the area: If you enjoy horseback riding, Black River Trail is 2.5 miles long and begins at the northwest section of the park on South 12th Street. With the parks biggest attraction being Lake Michigan, lots of water activities like swimming, kayaking, and canoeing are possible here. However, the park does not have a boat launch. Nearby, enjoy The Blind Horse Restaurant & Winery, and relax before or after your elopement at Kohler Waters Spa.
Stays for your Kohler-Andrae State Park elopement:
6. Copper Falls State Park:
Copper Falls State Park, located in northern Wisconsin, is stunning especially during the fall. The park features beautiful waterfalls, deep gorges, and lush forests, making it one of Wisconsin’s most scenic parks. Special event permits required. Contact the park office here.
Things to do here: Hiking, swimming, and watercraft rentals are available activities within the park.
Stays for your Copper Falls State Park elopement:
7. The Apostle Islands:
For a more adventurous elopement experience, The Apostle Islands are a great choice to elope in Wisconsin. These islands have so much beautiful scenery to offer along with fun activities like kayaking and exploring for your elopement. If you choose to elope on one of the lesser visited islands and avoid the more popular Madeline Island, you’ll have more privacy for your ceremony. Contact the parks office for information on permits and ceremony areas. You can find everything you need to know about visiting the islands and more here.
You’ll need a boat to get to the islands. I recommend taking a sailboat tour through True North Sailing Charters. They are one of the approved sailing charters by the National Parks Service, and have an amazing crew offering tours from 5 hour excursions to multi day expeditions.
My favorite islands to visit are:
Check out the stays near Bayfield and on Madeline Island for lodging.
8. Interstate State Park:
Interstate State Park is an excellent place to elope for couples who love nature and scenic landscapes. Situated along the St. Croix River, the park offers a variety of beautiful and intimate settings for your elopement. Special event permits are required. Contact the park office to obtain your permit.
Things to do here: Inside the park, there are lots of outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and non motorized boating. Rent kayaks and canoes here or here. Outside the park, there are many great places for food and drink like Trap Rock Brewing Co and Chateau St Croix Winery, or take a scenic boat tour with Taylors Falls Scenic Boat Tours.
Places to stay:
9. Willow River State Park:
Willow River State Park, located in western Wisconsin, is home to the stunning Willow Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall that provides an amazing backdrop for your elopement. This park offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, from forested trails to scenic overlooks. Special event permits required. Obtain your permit here.
Things to do here: The park has 13 miles of hiking trails for easy to advanced hikers. Swimming is also very popular here with the waterfalls. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities on Little Falls Lake. There is a boat launch on the lake. Rent kayaks here.
Places to stay for your Willow River State Park elopement:
10. Kettle Moraine State Forest:
Kettle Moraine State Forest, shaped by glaciers, is a diverse and beautiful area featuring rolling hills, lakes, and forests. This expansive forest is spread out over 100 miles and offers numerous spots for an elopement. You can learn all about Kettle Moraine State Forest here. Special event permits may be required. Contact the park office:
Ready to Elope in Wisconsin? Your Dream Wisconsin Elopement Awaits
No matter what kind of location you’re dreaming of to elope in Wisconsin, the state has a large variety of scenery for you to choose from. From the scenic shores of Door County to the adventurous landscapes of the Apostle Islands and the amazing beauty of Devil’s Lake, there’s a spot in Wisconsin that will make your elopement truly magical. With me as your photographer, I’ll help you find the perfect place to have your ceremony and plan out the details.
Wisconsin Elopement Photographer
Ready to start planning your dream elopement? I am a Wisconsin elopement photographer born and raised. I’ve had the opportunity to explore all over the state and can help you find the perfect location for your Wisconsin elopement. Click here to inquire, or click here to learn more about the experience, and let’s elope in Wisconsin!
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