ELOPING ON LAKE SUPERIOR GUIDE
Everything you need to know to elope along Lake Superior!
YAY, you’re eloping on the diverse shores of Lake Superior! From eclectic towns to the rocky shores, Lake Superior has a lot to offer for an elopement adventure. I have spent a TON of time up on those windy shorelines so I’m here to help you plan the most incredible day! Let’s do this!
What kind of experience do you want for your Lake Superior elopement?
Are you both dreaming of a remote location with hiking all day in your wedding gear? Or does the sound of waking up in a cabin then hopping in your car and hitting up a coffee shop on the way to cruise the shore for the views feel more your speed? Having an idea of the kind of experience and adventures you want to have not only on your wedding day, but around it as well, can help when finding the perfect location along the lake.
WHERE TO HAVE YOUR ELOPEMENT CEREMONY ALONG LAKE SUPERIOR
Lake Superior is a big place that stretches from the very tippy top of Minnesota and takes a grand sweep across the top of Wisconsin and ends nice and cozy with Michigan's upper peninsula. That’s an awful lot of places to explore! Do some research into what part of the great lake really just jives with you!
We are here to help with all things elopement planning and will give you a custom location guide of all the epic places that fit your elopement vision and adventure expectations when we work together!
But to get ya started, here are some top places along the Lady Superior that I think deserve a look!
The North Shore
Minnesota
Let’s start with Minnesota!
Two Harbors
This quiet harbor town is boasting the stunning structure of Split Rock Lighthouse AND the wild woods and waters of Goosberry Falls State Park, these awesome locations are not to be missed! See a full Two Harbors wedding here.
Silver Bay
This tiny town is packed full of adventurous possibilities. Exploring, hiking, climbing and paddling around Temperance River State Park and Tettegouche State Park to name a few. Along with the incredible 300ft rocky cliff views you can see even if you aren’t too keen on taking a hike and just want to take in some easy views. Click here for an elopement in Tettegouche State Park..
Lutsen
Not far from Two Harbors with a more ski town feel. Lutsen offers a plethora of waterfalls, picnic spots, hiking, camping, skiing, mountain views (Minnesota’s version of mountains anyway) and historic locations to make your intimate elopement seems all the more awesome. It’s also a quick drive from more than a few really fantastic state parks like Cascade River State Park just waiting for you to discover! Click here for a full Lutsen Resort wedding.
Grand Marias
Further north up the road you’ll find this sleepy little tourist town. Full of places to explore, cozy cabins and that small town charm to compliment your intimate wedding adventure along the shore.
Grand Portage
About as close to Canada as you can get without actually crossing the border! The lush forests and captivating rivers of this stunning location are a must on any adventurers agenda. If a hiking elopement is more your speed, Mt. Josephine offers an array of views of Lake Superior. The Susie Islands, Grand Portage State Park and Isle Royale are all worth a look as well! Just be prepared for a trek through the Sawtooth Mountains!
The South Shore
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is next on our journey along Lake Superior.
Bayfield
This quirky little town is perfect for anyone with the soul of an aspiring artist! Charming little store fronts and a quaint marina give’s Bayfield a perfect mix adventure meets small town charm. Want to check out a full Bayfield wedding, click here.
Apostle Islands
Each isle offers its own unique experience whether you are looking for an epic place to paddle, huge cliffs, a sightseeing excursion, small towns, sea or ice caves (in the winter), lush forest trails, lighthouse viewing or little ribbons of beach; the Apostle’s have something for almost every taste and style.
Madeline Island
A short ferry ride from Bayfield to Madeline Island- the largest island of the Apostle Islands. Full of sandy beaches, epic Lake Superior views and tons of hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding and swimming around the island especially in Big Bay State Park.
Cornucopia
Full of waterfalls, sandy beaches, tons of hiking, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding opportunities!
Ashland
Hip bars, breweries and a sandy beach are just a few things to expect from the town itself. The true gem though is only a short drive out of the town itself in Bayfield County. A beautiful gorge by the name of Houghton Falls! This little ravine carves a path all the way to a cliff edge into Superior itself! Truly a breathtaking view that needs to be seen to be believed. Want to see a full Ashland elopement click here.
Michigan
Packed full of things for all levels of an outdoor enthusiast year round. Summer is packed full of swimming, kayaking, hiking, SUP boarding, water falling, camping, boating and biking. In winter exploration can include snowmobiling, ice climbing, skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and ice fishing.
Upper Peninsula
If you want a diverse adventure with small town charm, this area has it all, forests, sand dunes and teal blue waters.
Pictured Rocks
4 season fun can be had here. In the summer tall sandstone cliffs and caves run along the shorelines, miles of great hiking, perfect beaches, beautiful waters to boat, kayak, swim, paddle board. In the winter you can snowmobile, ice fish, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, you name it it can probably be done here!
Porcupine Mountains (the Porkies)
This place is full of waterfalls and hiking. So if chasing waterfalls are your thing (cue TLC), the Porcupine Mountains are perfect for you!
Copper Harbor
If you are looking for somewhere to slow down and truly disconnect from the modern world to be present with your partner Copper Harbor might be the perfect spot, as there isn’t even cell service in town. There is just 4 miles away though on top of Brockway Mountain if you decide to make a call. This town is also the main port for Isle Royal National Park from the South Shore’s of Lake Superior as well.
Mackinac Island
Ready to walk back in time? This National Landmark is inhabited by only about 500 year round residents and boasts no chain hotels or cars on the island. You get around by foot, bicycle or horse and carriage (no I’m not kidding!). To get there you can either catch a ferry or fly. There’s tons of hiking and biking opportunities in the area especially at Mackinac Island State Park.
Of course there are plenty more places along the ever stretching shore of Superior, but it’s almost impossible to cover them all! My hope is this at least gets that search of yours jump started planning your Lake Superior Elopement! It would be pretty cool if I got you thinking about future trips to!
HOW TO ELOPE ON LAKE SUPERIOR - MAKING IT LEGIT
Making It Legal
Paperwork isn’t super exciting, but it is kinda important, lol! This will depend a lot based on where exactly you get married along the Lake, but here is a bit of info to start.
For Minnesota, you can apply for your marriage license in person only. Each county in MN is different depending on where you physically get married. You can fill out a pre-application in some counties and setup an appointment with them online.
For Wisconsin, residents must apply in the county where at least one applicant has resided for the last 30 days. If neither applicant is a resident of Wisconsin, the couple must apply in the Wisconsin County where the marriage will be performed. Both applicants must apply in person in the County Clerk's office.
For Michigan, couples must apply in person from the county in which either applicant resides or the county you are getting married. Requirements may vary, each county in Michigan could have their own set of rules.
All this sound stressful? You could make your marriage “paper official” in your home state/city to avoid any stress and do your vows and celebration along the lake! Sometimes, that’s a much easier step for out of town couples who don’t want to worry about the paperwork and just wanna celebrate their love.
Who Can Officiate Your Wedding?
In Minnesota, an official marriage officiant or minister is authorized to officiate your wedding. The person has to be at least 21 years old and must file their "officiant credentials" with a Minnesota county. Also, I (Cassandra) am ordained and happy to officiate your ceremony if you are wanting something more intimate and private.
In Wisconsin, municipal judges, judges of a court of record and court commissioners may officiate weddings. Ordained members of the clergy who continue to be ordained members of the clergy may also officiate but must first file credentials with the circuit court clerk. In some cases you can self-solemnize your ceremony as well.
In Michigan, ordained minister, magistrate, Justice of the Peace, mayor of a Michigan city or a judge.
Permits and Fees
Depending on your specific elopement location, we may need a permit. I am here to help you with all those details, all you two have to do is decide where and when, I will help with the how!
Your Lake Superior Elopement Vendors
I could stuff this guide with every incredible vendors along Lake Superior, but that sounds a little overwhelming so I will just drop a few in each location and can help you find your perfect vendor team when we work together planning your Lake Superior Elopement Adventure!
Personal Chefs
Take a Chef (all over MN)
Meet A Chef (Northern Minnesota)
Videographers
Wildwood Films (Minneapolis and beyond)
WeDoVideography (Minneapolis and beyond)
Lace & Brass (WI)
Ink & Opak (MI)
Nicole Geri (MI)
Wedding Officiants
Marry Me Northland (Northern Minnesota)
Happy Feet Weddings (WI)
Harbor Town Weddings (MI)
Picking Up Sweet Treats
Snazzy Cakes (Northern Minnesota)
Dress Stores
Bella Rose Bridal (Northern Minnesota)
Lulus (Online)
BHLDN (Online)
Reclamation (Online)
Blush Fashion (Online)
Coordinators/ Stylist
Lace & Brass (MN)
Your Bouquets & Flowers
Saffron & Grey (Northern Minnesota)
Flora North (Northern Minnesota)
Kelly & Crew Designs (WI)
Flowers by Sleeman (MI)
Protea Floral (MI)
Photographers
Narrowleaf Love & Adventure Photography (all over the midwest and US)
Lake Superior Elopement Activities
A fun way to make your day even more meaningful and full of memories is to plan an activity or two! Choosing something that you two either LOVE to do already, or trying something new together will cultivate an even deeper connection with each other and your environment as well as keeping the two of you present on your elopement day.
Kayaking/Canoeing
Biking
Backpacking
SUP Boarding
UTV
Road trip
Flight-seeing
Mini golf
Fishing
Paint
Play board games
Bonfire
Swimming
Hot tub soak
Sightseeing
Cruise
Rock climb
Horseback ride
Carriage ride
Celebrate Your Way
Ask yourselves how you imagine ending your elopement day. Do you imagine having a private chef meet you at your cabin to prepare you a quiet meal then soak in the hot tub after a long day of adventuring? Or do you see yourselves sitting out on the rocky beach by a bonfire soaking in the whole experience of being freaking MARRIED?!
There’s no wrong way to celebrate your marriage- just remember whatever you do get some food - cus you’re gonna be hungry af!
Hopefully by now you are stoked as heck to elope on the shores of Lake Superior! Remember, I am a resource and when we work together I can give you a fully custom location guide, vendor and lodging list, as well as all the resources you need to make the most of this whole experience!
More Elopement Planning Resources:
We can help you plan your elopement along Lake Superior or worldwide!
