Complete Sleeping Bear Dunes Elopement Guide: How to Elope at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Nestled at the northwest side of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes is one of Michigan’s most well known parks. Famous for its sprawling dunes and gorgeous blue waters, this park has a variety of of incredible scenery and things to explore! The scenery and variety make it such a perfect place to elope, as well as the proximity to Traverse City! It’s truly a best of both worlds situation. The downtown is incredibly charming. There are plenty of unique restaurants and shops, and is surrounded by some of the most incredible views in the lower peninsula! If you’re hoping to plan a Sleeping Bear Dunes Elopement or an elopement in that area, this guide was made for you! I’ve pulled together this list of everything you need to know about planning your elopement. Let’s dive in!

Why Should I Elope at Sleeping Bear Dunes?

Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore is one of the most visited areas in the entire state. It has an extremely wide variety of activities and scenery, which makes it absolutely amazing to get married there! Whether you’re envisioning an elopement with just the two of you or a small wedding with family and friends, this area can provide an amazing experience for you. Areas with variety like this give you the opportunity to make your day exactly how you want it. Which is what getting married is all about!

Sleeping Bear also gives you a unique opportunity to have unparalleled nature views for your wedding, while also being within a short distance of a very charming town where you can find beautiful restaurants, AirBnbs, and luxury hotels! And as far as nature goes, there are so many incredible places to explore. There are truly endless possibilities of beautiful places to adventure to and for you to have an experience that really feels like you!

Best Spots to Elope in Sleeping Bear Dunes

When I say there are almost endless possibilities for this area, I mean it! It’s very difficult to narrow down on where because the Grand Traverse area covers so many beautiful spots. I gathered up a few of my favorites to add to this Sleeping Bear Dunes elopement guide, and included some brief information on each spot! Hopefully some of these spots will fuel some inspiration! And maybe get you envisioning what your elopement could look like!

Empire Bluffs

The Empire Bluffs is a BEAUTIFUL spot within the Sleeping Bear Dunes Shoreline! It’s a 1.5 mile round trip hike so not too far, and takes you through the woods and up to a beautiful point looking over Lake Michigan. There are beautiful dunes to traverse with sandy pathways in the tall grasses. It gives you so many opportunities to adventure around to find your favorite spot! And being able to walk through the woods as well helps lend a little extra variety to this location. It’s also not super far from other locations, so you could do this spot in addition to other areas! The hike is short and slightly uphill, but still very accessible! Learn more about the Empire Bluffs Trail here!

Pyramid Point

One of the best views in the area! Pyramid Point is a 2.5 mile round trip trail that takes you to an overlook over Lake Michigan where you can also view the Manitou Islands! The trail leads you through some beautiful tall grass fields and woods and up to the overlook. It’s similar to the Empire Bluffs area, but because it’s a slightly longer hike it’s easier to find privacy! This is a great option if you’re looking for a nice hike through an area with some variety without committing to a huge hike!

Pierce Stocking Drive

Probably one of the most iconic and also the largest areas, this area has a HUGE variety of scenery to explore for an elopement! Most areas are fairly accessible via the Pierce Stocking Scenic drive, which costs $25 to enter the park through. There are so many trails you can explore in the park with different distances and views as well! You can adventure to inland lakes, beautiful fern meadows, tall pine forests, and of course the seemingly endless expanse of dunegrass trails on the dunes themselves!

Esch Beach

Esch Beach is one of my Traverse City go-to spots!! It’s an absolutely beautiful beach area with an incredible view of the Sleeping Bear Dunes in the distance. It also has an amazing pine tree forest, and hilly areas covered in beautiful grasses! It’s also incredibly easy to access with 0 hiking required. The parking lot is right on the edge of the beach, which makes it a perfect spot if you’re hoping to bring some family or friends with you for your celebration!

North Bar Lake

Mosquito Beach is a super popular day-hike area, which is about 4 miles round trip from the parking area! The area is absolutely stunning, with sandstone formations going from up the cliffs all the way into the water. This leaves the most unique, rocky shoreline – which is BEAUTIFUL for photos! I’d recommend being okay with getting a little bit wet since the sandstone in the water can be a little slick, but the photos here would be well worth it. This loop could also take you to Mosquito Falls, or over to Chapel Rock if you felt like extending the hike!

Platte Beach

This is another incredible spot in the area with an amazing view of Sleeping Bear Dunes in the background! This specific location is super easy access from the parking lot to the beach, and the beach here is incredible. You’re at the spot where the Platte River meets Lake Michigan, which gives you a very cool view of two bodies of water in the same spot! The entire Platte River area is also home to some beautiful trails and woods, which gives you more variety than just the beach!

Best Small Wedding Venues near Sleeping Bear Dunes

If you’re hoping for more of a micro-wedding feel and would rather a venue, here are some of my absolute favorites. There are SO many different venues in the Traverse City area, so choosing favorites was a challenge! One of the key things I kept in mind when choosing was selecting venues that either catered only to small gatherings, or gatherings of 100 people or less. I also tried to keep in mind accessibility of beautiful scenery, either on the property or nearby for this Sleeping Bear Dunes elopement guide!

Lake Bluff Preserve

Lake Bluff Preserve is an absolutely incredible 70-acre private preserve in Frankfort, MI! It’s seriously one of my FAVORITES in the area, it’s so beautiful and the possibilities are endless! It can accommodate up to 30 guests, and offers the amazing opportunity to stay right in the upper bluffs homes with your loved ones! It also provides multiple options for where you can have your ceremony, including overlooking the bluffs and in the woods. Weddings here are always absolutely AMAZING, and it’s one of my favorite spots to recommend to eloping couples who want an intimate wedding-weekend vibe! Learn more here!

Chateau Chantal

This is one of the ultimate destination wedding weekend spots! Chateau Chantal is one of the peninsula’s most well-known wineries. If you’re after a more luxury elopement experience this is an amazing place to check out! It has a beautiful view of the bay, seemingly endless vineyards, and the best part is that the entire place is yours! The Chateau s home to a 12-room bed & breakfast, which is the perfect way to accommodate all of your loved ones! Learn more here.

Mission Table

Mission Table is an intimate venue located at the Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant on Old Mission Peninsula. One of my favorite things about it is the absolutely unreal view you get overlooking the bay from the beautiful front lawn! The venue itself is intimate, romantic, and accommodate up to 60 guests. With the lake, lawn, and gardens, photos here are always beautiful. And from an experience perspective, it’s such a charming setting for an intimate wedding!

Tall Ship Manitou

If you’re hoping for something REALLY unique, I gotchu hahah. Tall Ship’s Manitou offers private charters on this large boat for up to 58 passengers! You can have an intimate ceremony on the water, or you can include this as an activity for your wedding day festivities. There’s also a smaller ship named Scout that can accommodate up to 6 passengers if you want the adventure of going on the water without a big group! Learn more about the ships here.

When to Elope at Sleeping Bear Dunes

One of the best parts about Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City is that there are things to do year round! Which means that no matter the season, there’s a way you can plan an elopement here and have it be perfect. I’ll give you a glimpse into what to expect to experience around the area in every season, so you can see what you feel best fits with your vision!

Spring

Spring is one of my favorite times to recommend for eloping at Sleeping Bear or in Traverse City! The grasses and trees are green, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, and so much of nature is waking up. But my #1 reason for a spring elopement here is because of the cherry blossoms!! They are so beautiful and such a unique elopement idea. Because Traverse City is such a popular town, visiting in spring can also provide you with a little more privacy and less crowds at some of the popular destinations as well! The weather can still be a little on the chilly side, but with a light jacket you will feel great. If you visit early enough you can also beat the summer bugs, which is another big bonus!

Summer

Even with the weather being a little warmer, summer is still an amazing time to plan your elopement. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind a little sun (pack your sunscreen!!), or wants to incorporate some fun water activities like swimming, kayaking, or renting a boat, summer is your perfect time. Keep in mind that due to it being summer vacation for a lot of families! So you will be seeing large crowds in the more popular areas. You’ll also need to make sure you pack bug spray, lots of water, and wear plenty of sunscreen.

Fall

If you’re a fall colors person, there are few areas in Michigan more beautiful to see than Sleeping Bear. You can get some absolutely incredible views of the fall colors from so many different areas within the park. The crowds are still going strong because the colors bring in people from all over, but if you’re okay with sharing spaces, going to less busy areas, or choosing a weekday then you should be totally okay! It gets a little chillier as the fall settles in so you’ll definitely want to bring some sort of jacket or something to keep you warm.

Winter

Winter is such a magical time to elope in Traverse City. The city will be lit up with beautiful lights, the crowds will be gone, and you’ll be left with the most peaceful winter wonderland. There are several local ski hills you could incorporate into your winter elopement, or trekking some of the trails to see Lake Michigan’s frozen dunes. Winter provides such a unique setting and landscape, so if you’re interested in a winter elopement this would be a great area to consider!

Activities to Incorporate

Eloping means you can play your wedding day 100% your way! So if you want to add a little adventure then go for it!! Of course you can always add hikes to your day to some of the locations listed above, but if you want to see some options for other ideas here you are! I’m a huge proponent of making your day one of your best days ever, and I encourage you to have fun with it!

• Plan a Picnic
• Get ready together over coffee
• Rent a private boat (Tall Ship or Nauti Cat)
• Visit multipe locations
• Take a swim in Lake Michigan
• Go Paddleboarding
• Kayak the Crystal River
• Hire a private chef
• Have a multi-course meal at Forrest Food Studio
• Pop champagne
• Visit a brewery
• Stop by your favorite food joint
• Visit a ski resort
• Visit some wineries
• Go for a bike ride
• Get a campsite and have a bonfire
• Cozy up for some steamy hot tub photos
• Stay up late and take photos under the stars
• Go for a hike

Where to Stay

Traverse City is a huge area and therefore has a TON of different options if you’re interested in camping! Just a quick search on maps will show you that there are dozens of campgrounds in the area. Each campground has its own set of rules, facilities, and reservable dates, so make sure you double check that before booking. I’m pulling together a few favorites of different kinds of campgrounds for you to check out. Reservations required at every campground, and you can find booking & additional information through the links!

Drive-In Campgrounds

Traverse City State Park – This campground is huge with tons of campsites, modern bathrooms, electric trailer hookups, and very close to downtown.

Platte River Campground – Located near Sleeping Bear Dunes, this campground has bathrooms, showers, electric trailer hookups, and more.

Green Lake Campgrounds at Interlochen State Park – Interlochen is massive state park with both rustic and non-rustic sites, but this year the non-rustic campground on Duck Lake is closed for renovations. Camping on Green Lake is still open, and it has large sites, vault toilets, and is located in the heart of Interlochen.

D.H. Day Campground – Also located in Sleeping Bear, this rustic campground nestled in the pines is one of the most scenic and popular in Northern Michigan.

Backpacking Access Campgrounds

If you’re more interested in doing something a little more off-the-beaten-path, we can do that too! There are a few backcountry campgrounds in the area, all of which require a permit. Please note that no pets are allowed in backcountry sites, and that the 7 Leave No Trace principals must be followed. Here are 3 popular backcountry campgrounds that would be so fun for an adventure elopement!

Manitou Islands – This would be such a cool elopement location!! These can be accessed via a ferry or private boat that leaves out of Leland. They advise you to pack light because all gear must be packed in! There are multiple campgrounds on each island varying in distance from the ferry port, so you could pick the site based on how far you’d like to hike!

White Pine Backcountry Campgrounds – This is the only backpacking trail in Sleeping Bear Dunes, and is within a designated wilderness area. There are 6 designated sites, and the campground is about 2 miles from the trailhead. There’s no bathrooms or running water, so make sure you pack prepared!

Power Island – Another very adventurous camping spot haha. You can access Power Island via a ferry that launches from Bowers Harbor, and once you’re on the island there are several campsites, running water, and maybe the best part – pets are allowed!

Grand Traverse Glamping

Glamping tents are a really cool alternative to camping! These provide you with a little more luxury than just a standard campground, but still keep nature at the heart of your experience for the two of you. Always remember to double check with your host about your plans.

Boomer’s Ridge – A beautiful canvas tent with a cozy interior overlooking a pine-covered ridge. Located in East Jordan, MI.

Benzonia Dome – A private, luxury dome nestled into the Michigan forest. Has a hot tub, sauna, cold plunge, fire pit, chef’s kitchen, and sleeps up to 4 guests.

Silver Birch Resort – Only minutes away from downtown Traverse City, each site has 780sq ft of living space, a deck, bathrooms, kitchen, and more!

Stargazer’s Tent – This tent is an ethereal, cozy escape to the woods. Surrounded by 16 acres of trails, a farm with horses and goats, this tent is would be an amazing private getaway.

Traverse City Elopement Guide AirBnbs

If camping isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Traverse City is a travel destination and there are so many beautiful rental homes, hotels, and more to choose from. You really can just take your pick based on location, budget, and vision for your day! As with any home rental, each home has its own set of rules and things to respect – so make sure to choose a house that fits what you’re looking for. Most homes won’t accommodate large parties or rentals (tents, DJs, dancefloors, etc). If your vision for your day includes items like that, let me know and I’m happy to find other venues to be able to accommodate your vision! And remember to always double check with your host about your plans prior to booking.

The Vineyard House – If you’re looking for a wedding weekend getaway for yourselves or you and some loved ones, this is for you. This beautiful home is settled on a vineyard in Leelanau, with views of the bay, an in-ground pool, and even the option to have a private chef and a certified wine master!

Long Lake Escape – This 4 bed 2 bath home is settled near Long Lake, and features a beautiful deck, fire pit, and a beautiful wooded drive. Can accommodate up to 10 people!

Luxury Overlook – This home has an incredible overlook of the water with the most gorgeous views. It has a beautiful deck, fire pit, and can accommodate up to 10 guests.

Lakefront A-Frame – The sweetest A-frame cabin located on Little Platte Lake. It’s surrounded by beaches and trails, and would make for some incredible photos!

Permit Information

Many of these locations listed fall within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and require a permit to get married. You can find a list of areas within the park that you are allowed to get married on here! A permit to get married within the Lakeshore costs $50, and you can apply for that permit here. Other areas may require different permits!

Can I Bring My Pet?

If you’re hoping to bring your pet, the good new is that most of the areas around Traverse City are pet friendly!! So finding areas where you can include your furry family members is very simple. Most trails allow dogs on a 6ft leash, and even within Sleeping Bear Dunes there are many pet friendly areas! If you are hoping to get married at a venue such as an AirBnb or a venue, pets may not be allowed. You can check with the specific venue you are hoping to get married at!

Other Tips

• Be prepared for no cell service, so make sure you coordinate times and destinations ahead of time!
• Pack plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, and snacks if you are hiking.
• If you are going to the backcountry, be prepared for no toilets. If you think you’ll need to go, be prepared!
• Leave No Trace Principles are enforced always. We respect Mama Earth! Learn more here.
• Wear trail-appropriate shoes if you are planning on hiking. Some trails can be uneven, it’s not worth breaking an ankle to wear heels!

Traverse City Elopement Guide Vendors

Florists

Indie Grow Flower Farm
Linnaea Floral
Moondance Flower Farm

Caterers

Island Thyme
Gabe’s Old Fashioned Foods

Hair / Makeup Artists

Team Hair & Beauty
Salon Moxie

Planners

Fox & Fern Events

Desserts

The Flour Shop

Sleeping Bear Dunes Elopement Photographer

You’ve officially got all of the tools you need to plan your elopement with this Traverse City Elopement Guide! Now all you need is a Sleeping Bear Dunes elopement photographer to capture every moment. I work with you to create an experience focusing on authenticity and intention, where we get photos that capture the heart of your story. So if that sounds like you, get in touch with me! I’d be so excited to help guide you to creating a 100% unique elopement experience. Whatever your vision may look like, or if you need help figuring it out, I’m here to help make it happen! Get in touch with me and let’s get started!