Door County, WI Wedding Planning Guide
Everything you need to know to have an amazing wedding or elopement in Door County, Wisconsin
This article includes:
Door County wedding locations
Door County reception venues
When to have your wedding in Door county
How to get married in Door County
Door County vendors
Where to stay in Door County
Traveling to Door County
Door County wedding packages
Your Door County Wedding
With its over 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, rocky bluffs, and freaking amazing views the Northern Peninsula gives you plenty of options for your wedding day. Door County is the perfect place for that cozy small-town feel. Full of state parks, lighthouses, and miles of beach, Door County has become the ideal destination wedding location. From vendors to places to stay, we are here to help you plan the wedding or elopement of your dreams!
WHERE TO HAVE YOUR WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT IN DOOR COUNTY, WI
The Northern Peninsula offers some epic locations for adventurous couples. From beaches to forests, Door county is a perfect place for planning a journey on your special day. A couple of our favorite locations include Bailey’s Harbor, Peninsula State Park, and Whitefish Dunes State Park just to name a few!
We are stoked to help you find the perfect locations for your Door County wedding. We are there for you every step of the way. This includes providing you with a custom location guide that provides you with everything you need to know about getting married in Door County. Still trying to figure out where to have your elopement or wedding check out our blog Where to Elope!
Your Elopement or Wedding Ceremony Locations in Door County
Potawatomi State Park
Bay View Park
Ice Age Trail
Bayshore Blufflands State Natural Area
George K. Pinney County Park
Peninsula State Park
Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
Nicolet Beach
Pebble Beach
Rock Island State Park
Pottawatomie Lighthouse
Sand Dunes Park
Percy Johnson County Park
Coffey Swamp State Natural Area
Jackson Harbor Dunes Park
Harbor View Park
Egg Harbor Beach
Frank E. Murphy Park
Toft Point State Natural Area
Cana Island Lighthouse
Whitefish Bay Park
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Ridges Sanctuary
Meridian County Park
Newport State Park
Door Bluff Headlands County Park
Door County Wedding Reception Venues
This restaurant has a private room that fits up to 43 people comfortably with its own private patio overlooking the harbor!
Perfect location for a modern, open air style small wedding reception. Take a look at this couples reception there: Emily and Andrew’s Door County Wedding Blog.
Garden Gables is a beautiful Door county wedding venue offering both indoor and outdoor reception options. The upstairs barn space has an 85-person capacity and the outdoor space can accommodate up to 125. Venue rental is $7000 with special pricing available for smaller events.
Perfect location for intimate weddings, offering outdoor space for the couple and no more than 12 guests. Age limit of 13 or older only.
Gordon Lodge offers multiple spaces, big and small to accommodate up to 300 of your closest family and friends on your wedding day. Its ballroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water at North Bay. Pricing starts at $1000 see the full Gordon Lodge pricing guide here.
Peach Barn Brewing offers indoor and outdoor accommodations, including their new taproom.
Whimsical repurposed chapel offering both indoor and outdoor space. Starting at $250 for 4 hours of space rental, Dromhus is a great option for a small reception space on a budget for your Door County wedding to see the Dromhus full pricing guide here!
Eagle Harbor Inn is a boutique resort that can accommodate up to 72 of your closest family and friends in their Iverson room and up to 24 guests on their outdoor patio. Pricing starts at $3000 for reception see the Eagle Harbor Inn full pricing guide here.
Located just south of Egg Harbor The Log Den is a charming venue that can set the stage for your perfect Door County wedding reception. With 3 different room options, The Log Den can handle groups from 15 to 350 guests.
Northern Haus is an amazing wedding reception location with its beautiful white barn. It is temperature-controlled and an amazing option for Door County weddings year-round. With seating for up to 225 guests, it is the perfect place for gatherings large and small.
The Best Time of Year to Get Married in Door County, WI
When it comes to the best time to have a wedding in Door County it depends on what you as a couple prefer. Each season brings its benefits and drawbacks.
Summer- This is one of the BEST times to experience Door County, the weather is amazing, the Lake is usually calmer so you have a better chance of getting out on the water if you’re into that. But, being located on picturesque Lake Michigan, Door County is a hot spot for tourists during summer. Locations tend to be more crowded and less private especially if you choose to have your ceremony in one of the state parks — but I can help you find some seclusion if a summer elopement is your dream!
Fall- Fall on the Northern Peninsula is the most incredible fall colors EVER and cooler days. It is however still tourist season and could still be somewhat crowded, but again, I’m here to help you find a little solitude from the crowds if you want.
Winter- Winter in Door County is only for those that love the cold and snow. Some places are closed and most of the islands are not accessible during winter, but it’s nothing less than straight magic if you want a winter wonderland kinda experience.
Shoulder season- Spring and Late fall can also be good choices when planning your wedding in Door County. Late fall and early spring tend to be less busy. They are also on the cooler side, but some businesses are closed. Don’t let that stop you though, the area has SO much open and accessible still, and can be so much fun to explore without the crowds!
How to Get Married in Door County, WI
Making it legal
When applying for a marriage license in Door County, whether a Wisconsin resident or from out of state you and your partner have to both apply in person at the county clerk's office. There is a 5-day waiting period so be sure to apply at least 6 days before your chosen wedding date.
Who can officiate your wedding?
Only a person who is accredited ordained may marry couples in Door County. For more information about getting married in Door County please check out the county clerk's website. (We are also ordained and can legally sign your marriage license as well!)
Permits and Fees
Depending on your specific elopement location in Door County, we may need a permit. But I am here to help you with all the nitty gritty, all you two have to do is decide where and when, I can help with the how!
Door County Wedding Vendors
From wedding cakes to your flowers, here are our favorite Elopement vendors in Door County, Wisconsin.
Wedding Planner / Coordinator
Pink Door Events
Door County Events
Shannon Meade Events
Hair and Makeup Artists
Bakeries
Pink Bakery Catering
North Water Bakery and Deli
Blackbird Cake Shop
Where to Stay in Door County
Here are a few epic places to stay when you come to Door County.
Fin de la Terre - Magical cabin in Ellison Bay, steps away from the lake!
Baileys Harbor Cottage- The cottage is just off the water in Baileys Harbor.
Lily Pad Cottage- Cozy waterfront cottage on Sturgeon Bay.
Spruce Retreat- Beautiful log home at Garden Gables located in Sister Bay.
Door County "tree house"- tranquil home in the trees near Ellison Bay.
Hy-Land Court RV Park- Beautiful RV Campground near Ellison Bay
The Inn at Windmill Farm- Charming bed and breakfast in Bailey Harbor
Cliffside Lodge:: Door County Vacation Rental- Rustic Cabin located on cliffs 60 feet about the water in Gills Rock.
Rocky Shores Retreat- Waterfront cabin in Sturgeon Bay
Dorr Hotel- Scandinavian-inspired hotel in Sister Bay
Winding Down - A retreat on the quiet side, located on the shores of North Bay
Modern Waterfront Lake Cabin - An H-frame located on Clark Lake.
Door County Cabins - Comforts of home cabins in Egg Harbor
Traveling to Door County
For out-of-town travelers, the closest airport to Door County is Austin Straubel Airport in Green Bay. With it being about an hour's drive from the airport to Sturgeon Bay we recommend getting a rental car to save on transportation costs. There is other transportation from the airport to Door County including Door 2 Door and Door County Trolleys but a rental car gives you more opportunity to explore!
Door County Wedding and Elopement Packages
You get:
2 Photographers
Unlimited planning and consultations – custom location guide – vendor recommendations – personalized timeline – planning tips & permit info – planning guide – officiant services (when applicable)
High-res digital file download with print release
Travel for both of us photographers is included
Anywhere in Door County Starting at: $3,500
Don’t want your wedding/ elopement day to end? Book us for a 2-day package to extend your wedding day experience. Check out our 2-day elopement timeline, it is full of all of the fun without feeling rushed. We are here for your epic Door County adventure wedding!!
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