Best Places to Elope in Michigan
Best places to elope in Michigan
One of my favorite parts of working with my eloping couples is helping some of them find their DREAM spot. There’s nothing I love more than tracking different trails, views, maps, you name it. It’s seriously so much fun to help couples find amazing (and sometimes super secret!) locations to help make their day special to them. Finding locations is so fun, and if you’re ready to start thinking of what you want YOUR elopement day to look like this is for you! Here is a list of some of the best locations to elope in Michigan!
HOW TO ELOPE IN TRAVERSE CITY
TRAVERSE CITY
I decided to start with the location that I would consider the most ~easily accessible~, just because the rest of them are a bit longer of a drive. But Traverse City has some of the most incredible views, and SO much variety! From beautiful views of Sleeping Bear, trails and wineries along their famous peninsulas, and gorgeous sandy dunes as far as the eye can see – Traverse City area is an amazing place to elope. If you’re interested in eloping in Traverse City, I have a guide to help you plan a TC elopement here!
HOW TO ELOPE on MACKINAC ISLAND
MACKINAC ISLAND
I know Mackinac is usually well-known for its giant, gorgeous wedding venues overlooking the Caribbean blue waters, but let me tell ya it is also the PERFECT place to elope!! Mackinac off the beaten path has some of the most beautiful wooded trails with views you would not believe. There’s also some really unique options like renting horses or a carriage, biking to your favorite swimming hole, and paddleboarding around the island! It also has some awesome restaurants and bars (Pink Pony rum runner, anyone?) which are the perfect way to wrap up your elopement day!!
PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS
The Porcupine Wilderness is Michigan’s largest state park, and she did not come to mess around! Filled with incredible aerial lake views, rocky shorelines, miles of trails, waterfalls, and rivers – this place literally has it all. It’s pretty far west in the Upper Peninsula, but if you are the type of couple that loves some peace & quiet and a good hike – this place might be for you!
BEAVER ISLAND
Beaver Island has been on my bucket list for YEARS! The island is accessible by ferry from Charlevoix or a plane, and it is Lake Michigan’s largest island with miles and miles of beautiful trails, beaches, a super cute little town, and a beautiful campground! It’s a very quiet and private location, and there are a few different places you could use as a venue for an intimate wedding. It’s so beautiful and would make for a great elopement location!
KEWEENAW PENINSULA
The Keweenaw is the northernmost part of Michigan, and while it is definitely a hike to get to it is well worth it. The shorelines are covered in beautiful dark volcanic rock which give it some serious PNW vibes. There are sweet little towns such as Copper Harbor and Houghton with some amazing things to do, and surrounded by forests with trees so large and old they look like the California Redwoods. It’s such an incredibly unique place, and is such a beautiful spot to plan your elopement!
MARQUETTE
Honestly, there are so many spots in this region that are still all a little separated that I kind of made this term up to cover all my bases hahah. The UP is just HUGE and I didn’t want to list like a million separate places hahah so this is what we get. From Marquette to Munising to Tahquamenon and St. Ignace, central UP has SO many incredible places to elope at. You can find everything here: forests, waterfalls, cliffs, sandy beaches, dunes, rainbow rock beaches, LITERALLY everything and then some more. So many places here that would be perfect for your elopement (and if you’re looking for more reasons to elope in the UP, look at my post on it here!)
ISLE ROYALE
Isle Royale is our only National Park, and it’s a secluded Island in Lake Superior that is totally rustic and very remote! It’s accessibly by airplane and ferries, but it’s popular for its backpacking trails, wildilfe, and unbeatable views. Isle Royale has some of the most raw, natural, and untouched shorelines in the state. It’s another spot that has always been on my list, so if you are feeling very adventurous – this spot is for you!
HOW TO ELOPE AT PICTURED ROCKS
PICTURED ROCKS
A classic Michigan location, Pictured Rocks has so much to offer you for your elopement. There’s so many different types of scenery and so much variety here. It’s easy to find privacy with so many areas to explore! There are areas that are easily accessible as well as other spots that require longer hiking. But you can find beautiful beaches, waterfalls, rocky shorelines, cliffs, sand dunes, and more!
Now that you’ve seen the best places to elope in Michigan, I hope you’re feeling inspired to get started planning your own elopement!
Now all you need is a Michigan 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!