If you’re here, I assume you’re ready to start planning your epic Michigan elopement. But, there’s a lot that goes into eloping so you needed some help! Well, you’re definitely in the right place as this Michigan elopement guide covers a ton of information. From the best places to elope in Michigan to the best places to stay, I spill all the details as a local Michigan elopement photographer!
Michigan is definitely a super underrated elopement location if you ask me. It offers some of the most beautiful landscapes including stunning lakeshores, rolling sand dunes, and even some waterfalls in the Porcupines mountain range. So if you live in or near Michigan and aren’t sure about wanting to elope here, I think this guide might change your mind!
If you’re local to Michigan or live in one of the surrounding states, then driving is definitely a great option. Especially when you are eloping, it is so much easier to get to your destination by car. So even if you are flying in for your elopement, I would highly recommend renting a car.
It’s no secret that Michigan gets COLD in the late fall, winter, and even spring months. So, in my opinion, the best time for a Michigan elopement is from June to October. The weather is much warmer and Michigan gets some of the most beautiful sunsets which are perfect for your elopement photos. But, if you’re a lover of the cold and want a wintery wonderland for your elopement, Michigan has got you covered.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is such a unique and magical location option for your Michigan Elopement It offers stunning turquoise waters of Lake Michigan, white sand beaches, and massive ferns lining the beaches. What I love so much about this location is that there are so many different spots for your ceremony and photos that all feel super different.
Best time of the year to elope: June – October
Permit(s) Needed: Yes, Special Use Permit
Black Rocks is one of the most popular locations in Presque Isle State Park and for good reason. The black rocks line Lake Superior’s shoreline and it is just the most picturesque place. It’s also a famous cliff-jumping spot so if you and your partner are the spontaneous type it could be a fun way to end your elopement.
Best time of the year to elope: June – October
Permit(s) Needed: None
When you think of Michigan, you don’t typically think about Sand Dunes but Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a stunning elopement location! It does not feel like you are Michigan at all which makes this location so magical. The rolling sand dunes right on the lake are stunning at sunset and an amazing location for a simple elopement! If you want a location that makes you forget that you are in Michigan, then this is perfect for you.
Best time of the year to elope: June – October
Permit(s) Needed: Yes a $50 permit and a Michigan Park Pass for your car
Ludington State Park has it all! 7 miles of beautiful shoreline, rolling dunes, wetlands, forests, and tons of beautiful locations overlooking Lake Michigan. From paddle boarding and kayaking to hiking, there are tons of different ways to spend your day when eloping at Ludington state park. You can even hike to the iconic Big Sable lighthouse for your elopement ceremony or capture some stunning portraits.
Best time of the year to elope: June – October
Permit(s) Needed: Yes, Michigan Park Pass for your car
Lake Huron’s beautiful rocky beaches and turquoise blue water is a perfect spot for an intimate beach elopement. If you are hoping to avoid crowds and have a more private elopement, Lake Huron is a great location. And you could even rent an Airbnb cabin on the water and enjoy the weekend there.
Best time of the year to elope: June – October
Permit(s) Needed: None
Every state has different laws and requirements for getting married. So it’s important to look into this ahead of time to understand exactly what you need. To obtain your Michigan marriage license, here is everything you need to do/know:
Here is how to apply for your Michigan marriage license:
You only get to love this day once so I always encourage my elopement clients to make the most of it and do something memorable and fun! Here are some of my top recommendations for things to do in Michigan:
I’m a Grand Rapids, Michigan-based, traveling wedding & elopement photographer who is absolutely obsessed with capturing moments for people in love that will live on forever!
My goal is for your photos to be as real & authentic as humanly possible, so that every time you open up your gallery, it’s like you’re right back there again, feeling alllllll those same feels you felt the first time around. I value real-life moments, not fake shit.
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