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!
Table of Contents
- Why Elope in Michigan?
- How to get to Michigan
- Best Time of the Year for a Michigan Elopement
- Top 5 Places to Elope in Michigan
- How to Get Married in Michigan
- Fun Michigan Elopement Activities + Ideas
- Meet your Michigan Elopement Photographer
Why Elope in Michigan?
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!
How to Get to Michigan
By plane
5 international Airports in Michigan
- Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport
- Cherry Capitol Airport (TVC)
- Detroit Willow Run Airport (YIP)
- Capital Region International Airport (LAN)
By car
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.
Best Time of the Year for a Michigan Elopement
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.
Top 5 Best Places to Elope in Michigan
1. Sleeping Bear Dunes
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
Where to stay near Sleeping Bear Dunes:
- RnR A-frame – totally renovated cutie!
- Luxury on the Edge of Traverse City
- Old Mountain Escape in the Leelanau Peninsula!
2. Black Rocks/Presque Isle State Park
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
Where to stay near Black Rocks/Presque Isle State Park:
- Spacious Downtown Apt- 3 blocks from Lake Superior
- Start the Adventure – Welcoming 3BR Steps to Park!
3. Silver Lake Sand Dunes
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
Where to stay near Silver Lake Sand Dunes:
4. Ludington State Park
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
Where to stay near Ludington State Park:
5. Lake Huron
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
Where to stay near Lake Huron:
- Cozy A-Frame Cabin on the Shores of Lake Huron
- Michelle’s Haven Beach Cottage
- Lakefront fully-renovated cottage getaway
How to Get Married in Michigan
Get your Michigan marriage license
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:
- You do not need to be residents of Michigan BUT applicants must apply in the county in which the marriage is to be performed.
- At least one of the parties must appear in person to apply with the required documents.
- If you are a resident of Michigan, you must obtain a Michigan marriage license from the County Clerk of the COUNTY IN WHICH THE APPLICANT RESIDES.
- Every applicant must bring a valid form of Identification, a copy of their birth certificate, and their social security numbers.
- You must be 18 or older to get a Michigan marriage license.
- Waiting Period? Yes, there is a 3-day waiting period once you receive your license before you can get legally married.
- Application Fee: $20 for residents and $30 for non-residents
- License Expiration? Yes you must get married within 30 days or the license will expire
Here is how to apply for your Michigan marriage license:
- Look over everything you need to know HERE.
- Complete the online marriage license application.
- Schedule your in-person appointment at the correct County Clerk’s office.
Fun Michigan Elopement Activities + Ideas
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:
- Off-Road Sand Dune Buggy Ride in the Silver Lake Dunes
- Stargaze around a bonfire on the beach
- Enjoy a nice bike ride
- Take a swim or go Kayaking/Paddle boarding
- Have a picnic on the beach and watch the sunset
- Go cliff jumping at Black Rocks
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in Traverse City at sunset
Meet Your Michigan Elopement Photographer
Hey, It’s Morgan!
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.
Wanting me to capture your epic elopement?
Inquire HERE!
Additional Resources
- Check out more of my work HERE!
- Learn more about me
- Info and Pricing Page
