Complete Pictured Rocks Elopement Guide: How to Elope at Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks is one of my most requested locations for Upper Peninsula elopements and for good reason! It’s a HUGE national lakeshore, home to almost a hundred miles of trails, inland lakes, ethereal woods, and gorgeous, rocky shorelines. If you’re planning a Pictured Rocks Elopement or trying to learn how to plan an elopement here, I made this Pictured Rocks elopement guide with you in mind! I’ve pulled together every bit of information to show you the ins & outs of planning an elopement at Pictured Rocks.

Why Should I Elope at Pictured Rocks?

Pictured Rocks is one of the most iconic areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! There is so much variety, which makes it an amazing place to elope. You have so many options for locations, activities, and scenery for your wedding day. More variety really just gives you the opportunity to make your day 100% yours, which is what eloping is all about!

Pictured Rocks also has options that range from super adventurous (think 10 mile hikes) to drive-up areas, and both options have incredibly beautiful scenery. So whether you’re ready to hike out to the location of your dreams, or if you want to keep the hiking to a minimum, there’s still endless possibilities of beautiful places for you to explore and have an experience that feels like you.

Best Spots to Elope at Pictured Rocks

Pictured Rocks has so many beautiful areas to explore, it’s hard to narrow down on where! I gathered up a few of my absolute favorites in the park to add to this Pictured Rocks Elopement guide. I included a little bit of detail on each location, so you would know what to expect from an elopement there as well as a little accessibility information! Hopefully some of these spots will spark your inspiration, and get you thinking about what your ideal Pictured Rocks elopement would look like!

Miners Beach

Miners Beach is a very accessible, variety-filled spot within Pictured Rocks. From the parking lot, it’s less than a 5 minute walk to get to the beach! That makes it super easy to access if you are traveling with a small group or if long walks just aren’t your thing! Miner’s Beach is a nearly mile-long stretch of beach. That makes it easy to find some privacy in different areas to say your vows! One one end is a beautiful rocky cliff, and at the other end is Elliott Falls (pictured above). Before you get to the beach you will find yourself walking through a gorgeous, ethertal-feeling jack pine forest which also makes for some absolutely beautiful photos! To see photos from an elopement at Miners Beach, click here!

Miners Falls

One of my favorites. Miners Falls flows 50 feet over a sandstone outcrop, and is the park’s most powerful waterfall. You can access this beautiful area by a trail, which is a 1.2 mile walk round trip! The trail isn’t paved but it’s very walkable, which makes getting to the overlook of the waterfall pretty easy. Getting into the basin is a little bit more challenging, where you’ll have to carefully climb down 20ish feet of a semi-steep bank. I’ve done it with multiple couples in wedding attire, and nobody has gotten anything messed up yet so it’s not too bad to get down in there! And the view is unbelievable. Everything from the falls, lighting, and colorful sandstone walls is absolutely beautiful. To see some more photos from this session at Miners Falls, click here!

Grand Portal Point

Arguably one of the most iconic and scenic areas in the park, Grand Portal Point offers you the ability to access the cliffs of Pictured Rocks up close and personal. The only way to access it is by hiking pretty far (about 10 miles round trip) so this location is not ideal for those who can’t hike long distances. The overview takes you directly to a sandstone overlook, where you can see the lake and of course Grand Portal Point. If you chose to elope here, we could pack a dressing tent so you wouldn’t have to hike all 10 miles in your wedding gear! And of course the trail that leads you to Grand Portal Point also has multiple scenic stops along the way, so you can count on this place for some absolutely epic photos from start to finish.

Log Slide Overlook

The Log Slide Overlook is a part of the Grand Sable Dunes shoreline where once upon a time loggers built a chute to slide logs into Lake Superior! The logging equipment is no longer there, but the the upper overlook access gives you some incredible views of the Pictured Rocks shoreline and the Grand Sable Dunes! There is also access to the lower portion, where you can get photos running around the beach with the gorgeous dunes behind you. This spot is fairly accessible by car and doesn’t require much walking (unless you decide to try and clim the dunes)!

Chapel Beach

While it does require some hiking to get there, Chapel Beach is home to another iconic rock formation within the park. The beach gives you access to some beautiful sand, Chapel Beach Falls, and of course an amazing view of Chapel Rock. The falls aren’t very grandeur, but they are still a super unique background for your elopement. Here you can run around on the beach, cozy up on the wooded trails, take photos in front of Chapel Rock, maybe even pop a bottle of champagne and have a picnic here! The hike to get here is about 6 miles round trip, so not as far as Grand Portal Point, but still a solid hike.

Mosquito Beach

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!

Grand Sable Dunes

Another absolutely breathtaking spot in the part, these dunes left by glaciers are at the far end of Pictured Rocks. There are about 5 square miles of dunes, and to access it there are a couple of soft sand trails that will lead you to these beautiful views. Here you get a beautiful view of Lake Superior, seemingly endless sand dunes, and if you get closer to the water you get a beautiful view of the dune overlook. This is an incredible place for an elopement if you want some privacy and a super unique background! You just have to be okay with walking in soft sand! We have to be mindful of the grass and avoid stepping on vegetation, but it would make the most beautiful backdrop for an elopement.

There is only one place I do NOT recommend planning your elopement at – and that would be Miner’s Castle. The stone formation is beautiful and so iconic, but is surrounded by fencing and wooden overlooks. For this reason, it’s better to just avoid it for wedding photos unless you are viewing it from the water!

When to Elope at Pictured Rocks

One of the best parts about Pictured Rocks is that it’s open year round, which means that there are different aspects of the park you can enjoy every season! I’ll give you a glimpse into what expect to experience at Pictured Rocks in every season, so you can see what you feel best fits with your vision!

Spring

Spring is one of the best times to plan your elopement at Pictured Rocks! The waterfalls are flowing at their best due to the snowmelt, and beautiful blooming wildflowers can be seen throughout the park. It’s also one of the more private times to be able to visit! You don’t have to worry about as many crowds going to the spots you’d like to visit. The weather is definitely more mild at this time as well! It may still be a little cool out but not freezing and not summertime hot. You’ll also be beating bug season, which is a huge win because the flies and mosquitos can really come out to play in the warmer months!

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 private pontoon, 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. Weekdays would be your best bet if you were hoping for locations such as Miners Falls or Miners Beach! 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 Pictured Rocks. You can get some absolutely incredible views of the fall colors from so many different areas within the park (especially Grand Portal Point). 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

While there is only one road open in the winter, winter at the park is so gorgeous I couldn’t leave it out of this Pictured Rocks Elopement guide. One of the most incredible things i’ve ever witnessed you can only get in the winter, and that is the amazing ice caves along Lake Superior. They are some of the most gorgeous, unique formations I’ve ever seen and Im completely obsessed with them. Envision this: you get ready at your cozy A-Frame in the snowy woods, write your vows over a cup of coffee, get married in the glowing blue ice of the ice caves….what a dream. My biggest pro-tip would be that you MUST invest in a good pair of crampons, because that ice is slick! There’s also other beautiful snowy areas to explore, including frozen waterfalls, snowy fields, beautiful icy lakeshores, and more!

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 Pontoon
• Visit to multiple locations
• Take a swim in Lake Superior
• Visit Waterfalls
• Pop champagne
• Visit a brewery
• Stop by your favorite food joint
• Have a nice dinner catered OR get a nice dinner at Tracey’s
• 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
• Take a boat tour

Where to Stay

Pictured Rocks is famous for its trails and camping options, so if that sounds like your vibe there are a few different campsites available to stay at! There are some that are located within loops of the trails that are accessible by backpacking only (and a few by boat), while others are accessible by car. All campsites are rustic, and are available for reservation from May 15 – Oct 15. One thing about camping at Pictured Rocks is that no drop-in camping is allowed, meaning you must make a reservation in advance!

Drive-In Campgrounds

Little Beaver Lake Campground (NO PETS ALLOWED AS OF 2023) – This small campground is made up of 8 sites, with all of the campsites being on or near Little Beaver Lake.

Twelvemile Beach Campground (PETS ALLOWED AS OF 2024) – This campground has 36 sites, and are located on a high sandy plateau above Twelvemile Beach on Lake Superior! Some sites have a lake view.

Hurricane River Campground (PETS ALLOWED AS OF 2024) – This campground is has 11 sites on the lower campground loop, and 10 located in the upper loop.

Backpacking Access Campgrounds

If you’re interested in backpacking and camping along the way, a backcountry camping permit is required for all overnight stays. There are 13 designated backpacking camping areas, most of which are along the North Country Scenic Trail. If you’re interested in backpacking, I recommend you view this article by the National Parks Service about backcountry camping at Pictured Rocks!

If camping isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are tons of places to stay all around the Pictured Rocks area. Pictured Rocks is located right outside downtown Munising, which is a very small, cute tourist trap town with some cute local joints and spots to visit. It’s also not far from other areas, such as Marquette, Grand Marais, and Manistique – which are all about an hour away!

If you’re hoping to stay somewhere more local to Pictured Rocks, I’ve pulled together some rental homes that would be perfect to stay at for your elopement!

Munising Area Rental Properties

Wooded Forest Cabin – A 4 bedroom cabin just minutes from downtown Munising and at the doorstep of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The cabin is on a private, wooded street and is set on 6 acres of forest.

Downtown Loft – This 2 bedroom luxury loft is located in the heart of downtown Munising, and is within walking distance to restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, and other area highlights.

Quiet A-Frame – This cozy A-frame cabin is located on 4 acres of land in a quiet neighborhood. Ten minutes from downtown Munising and right outside of Pictured Rocks, this cabin would be such a cute setting to get ready for your elopement!

Green Door Cottage – This is a family home located in the Hiawatha National Forest! It has the cutest enclosed patio perfect for a summer or fall evening outside, and even has an electric sauna!

Driftwood Retreat – This beautiful log cabin home in Munising is located only 10 minutes from the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and comfortably sleeps 7 so if you were hoping to bring a couple of friends or loved ones with you this would be a beautiful spot!

Permit Information

To get married here, you will need a special use permit from the National Parks Service, which costs $100 and you need to apply a minimum of 4 weeks before your date. The park also adheres to a strict Leave No Trace policy! If you are hoping to have guests come with you and want to bring an arch or chairs, there are specific guidelines and locations the park requests you follow – you can inquire with the park about those regulations when you apply for your permit! You can find the link to apply for your permit here.

Can I Bring My Pet?

If you’re hoping to bring your pet, there are specific areas that are pet friendly and many that are not!

Areas that are pet friendly:

Twelvemile Beach and Hurricane River Drive-in Campgrounds
Lake Superior beaches in front of campgrounds and day-use areas
Sable Falls Trail and Beach
Lake Superior Overlook and each
Sand Point Beaches
Munising Falls Trail
Miners Falls / Castle Trails
Miners Beach
All roads, parking lots, and picnic areas

Areas that are NOT pet friendly:

All Northern Country Scenic Trail segments (Lakeshore Trail)
Sand Point Marsh Trail
Beaver Basin Wilderness Area
Grand Sable Dunes Trail
Log Slide and surrounding dunes
Chapel-Grand Portal – Mosquito Loop trails and beaches
Chapel Trails and Beach
Mosquito Trails and Beach
Little Beaver Lake Drive-In Campground
All Backcountry Campgrounds/Campsites

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.
• The only bathrooms available are vault toilets, and they are not in every area. If you think you’ll need to go, be prepared!
• Leave No Trace Principles are enforced throughout the park. We respect Mama Earth! Learn more here.
• Wear trail-appropriate shoes. Some trails can be uneven, it’s not worth breaking an ankle to wear heels!

Pictured Rocks Elopement Guide Vendors

Florists

Samara Floral Co

Munising Flower Shop

Lutey’s

Officiants

Chad Mager

Caterers

Cheryl’s Country Catering

Ashley Webster Catering

Hair / Makeup Artists

Fresh Coast Beauty

Pictured Rocks Elopement Photographer

You’ve officially got all of the tools you need to plan your Pictured Rocks Elopement! Now all you need is a Pictured Rocks 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!