How to elope in Michigan
How to Elope in Michigan
Table of Contents
Getting to Michigan
When to elope in Michigan
Where to elope in Michigan
Michigan Honeymoon Trip Itinerary
Where to stay for your Michigan Elopement
Michigan Elopement Day Activities
How to legally get married in Michigan
What to see in Michigan?
How to include family + friends in your elopement
How much does it cost to elope in Michigan?
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages
Getting to Michigan
When to elope in Michigan
Where to elope in Michigan
Michigan Honeymoon Trip Itinerary
Where to stay for your Michigan Elopement
Michigan Elopement Day Activities
How to legally get married in Michigan
What to see in Michigan?
How to include family + friends in your elopement
How much does it cost to elope in Michigan?
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages
Why you should elope in Michigan
Michigan is your perfect elopement location,
If you love:
- Be surrounded by water, especially The Great Lakes
- Forests + woods
- Sandy beaches or a rocky shoreline
- Friendly Locals -who are always willing to help
Michigan has everything to offer that many other places do. Except you won’t find the crowds or price hikes, which makes this the perfect place to relax and find intention for your elopement. “I love to travel, but there is no place like home.” is a line I say more often these days. The Upper Peninsula in Michigan is my favorite place on this earth—it truly is God’s country.
Eloping in the UP means you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find a peaceful, secluded spot to exchange your vows. The wilderness and lesser-known locations ensure that you can have a private ceremony without interruptions.
Michigan is your perfect elopement location,
If you love:
- Be surrounded by water, especially The Great Lakes
- Forests + woods
- Sandy beaches or a rocky shoreline
- Friendly Locals -who are always willing to help
Michigan has everything to offer that many other places do. Except you won’t find the crowds or price hikes, which makes this the perfect place to relax and find intention for your elopement. “I love to travel, but there is no place like home.” is a line I say more often these days. The Upper Peninsula in Michigan is my favorite place on this earth—it truly is God’s country.
Eloping in the UP means you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find a peaceful, secluded spot to exchange your vows. The wilderness and lesser-known locations ensure that you can have a private ceremony without interruptions.
Getting to Michigan
Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a little more remote than most areas. Depending on your base location, you can fly or drive. (I’m a full-blown Midwest person; anything 15 hours or under, I ask myself, why would I fly? I’ll just drive that haha!)
Here are airports in the Upper Peninsula
My personal favorite airports are Marquette + Green Bay. Marquette is great if you want to fly directly into the UP. Green Bay is the best if you don’t mind a little drive, but you will definitely save some money by flying in here.
– Marquette (MQT): Located south of Marquette in a town called Gwinn. Sawyer International Airport
– Escanaba (ESC): Located in the town of Escanaba, very centrally located. Delta County Airport
– Iron Mountain (IMT): Located in Iron Mountain, near the west end of the UP. Ford Airport
We are also very close to Wisconsin, and I tend to fly out of there frequently and can find better deals.
– Green Bay, WI (GRB): Green Bay is one of the biggest towns near the Upper Peninsula, offering many great amenities.
– Appleton (ATW): Located just south of Green Bay, Appleton is a great option to fly into.
Here are airports in the Upper Peninsula
My personal favorite airports are Marquette + Green Bay. Marquette is great if you want to fly directly into the UP. Green Bay is the best if you don’t mind a little drive, but you will definitely save some money by flying in here.
– Marquette (MQT): Located south of Marquette in a town called Gwinn. Sawyer International Airport
– Escanaba (ESC): Located in the town of Escanaba, very centrally located. Delta County Airport
– Iron Mountain (IMT): Located in Iron Mountain, near the west end of the UP. Ford Airport
We are also very close to Wisconsin, and I tend to fly out of there frequently and can find better deals.
– Green Bay, WI (GRB): Green Bay is one of the biggest towns near the Upper Peninsula, offering many great amenities.
– Appleton (ATW): Located just south of Green Bay, Appleton is a great option to fly into.
When to elope in Michigan
In my opinion, the best time to elope in Michigan is July through October.
June
June is when things start to blossom here, and summer is around the corner. But, June can offer unpredictable weather along with bugs, lots and lots of bugs. June temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees, with mosquitos and black flies at their peak. A plus side to June, the apple blossoms and lilac blooms are certainly incredible to witness.
July
As soon as July hits, summer is in full force here in the U.P. The temperature is pretty consistent, the bugs are starting to die off, and the lake temperature is warming up. A great month to be outdoors.
August, September, and October
These are my favorite months of the entire year in the U.P. In August and September, the bugs are gone, golden hour is a little earlier than in July, and the water is warm. Truly making August and most of September the best months for outdoor activities. October is the best month for fall foliage. The peak fall foliage varies every single year and is different across the entire Upper Peninsula. In general, the fall foliage happens within the first two weeks of October.
Winter Elopements
If you want a winter elopement, the U.P. can be a great place to visit in the winter months. December, January and February are the best months in the winter, with plenty of snow.
June
June is when things start to blossom here, and summer is around the corner. But, June can offer unpredictable weather along with bugs, lots and lots of bugs. June temperatures range from 50 to 70 degrees, with mosquitos and black flies at their peak. A plus side to June, the apple blossoms and lilac blooms are certainly incredible to witness.
July
As soon as July hits, summer is in full force here in the U.P. The temperature is pretty consistent, the bugs are starting to die off, and the lake temperature is warming up. A great month to be outdoors.
August, September, and October
These are my favorite months of the entire year in the U.P. In August and September, the bugs are gone, golden hour is a little earlier than in July, and the water is warm. Truly making August and most of September the best months for outdoor activities. October is the best month for fall foliage. The peak fall foliage varies every single year and is different across the entire Upper Peninsula. In general, the fall foliage happens within the first two weeks of October.
Winter Elopements
If you want a winter elopement, the U.P. can be a great place to visit in the winter months. December, January and February are the best months in the winter, with plenty of snow.
Where to elope in Michigan
Choosing where to elope in Michigan might be the biggest decision you make for your elopement day. Michigan is extremely diverse, and offers something for everyone. From the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, a stunning mountain, the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, or a waterfall. You can explore this map to discover some of my personal favorite locations.
My top 3 favorite spots to shoot your elopement!
- Sugarloaf Mountain - Marquette, MI
- Hunters Point Park - Copper Harbor, MI
- Presque Isle Park - Marquette, MI
My top 3 favorite spots to shoot your elopement!
- Sugarloaf Mountain - Marquette, MI
- Hunters Point Park - Copper Harbor, MI
- Presque Isle Park - Marquette, MI
Lets plan your Michigan Elopement!
Lets plan your Michigan Elopement!
Sugarloaf Mountain - Marquette, MI
Sugarloaf Mountain - Marquette, MI
Hunters Point Park - Copper Harbor, MI
Hunters Point Park - Copper Harbor, MI
Presque Isle Park - Marquette, MI
Presque Isle Park - Marquette, MI
Michigan Honeymoon Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – 3
Day 1: Start your Upper Peninsula Road Trip in Marquette. Begin with breakfast at Third Street Bagel, famous for its deliciously huge bagel sandwiches.
Spend your afternoon hiking Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the incredible views of Lake Superior.
For dinner, head to Iron Bay, conveniently located near the old Ore Dock—a perfect spot for capturing photos.
Day 2: Start your morning with breakfast at Bodega before exploring downtown Marquette’s local shops.
After exploring the downtown area and all it has to offer, take a short hike to visit Dead River Falls. Bring your swimsuit and swim at the falls, or follow it up with an afternoon relaxing at McCarty’s Cove beach.
Wrap up your day with dinner at Casa Calabria, a beloved local Italian restaurant. Finish your evening with a visit to Presque Isle Park to watch the sunset at Black Rocks.
Day 3: Travel to Houghton, stopping at Canyon Falls along the way. Once in Houghton, explore the lift bridge and downtown shops.
End your night by enjoying dinner at The Ambassador, famous for its pizza.
Day 4 – 7
Day 4: Take a day trip to Copper Harbor – my personal favorite place in the UP. Make sure to take the drive up Brockway Mountain for breathtaking views and go rock hunting on Lake Superior.
On your drive out, take M26, stopping at Jacobs fall and then getting a delicious treat from The Jampot.
Make a dinner reservation at The Fitz in Eagle River. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Superior while having an incredible meal.
After that, return to Houghton for the night.
Day 5: Drive to Munising, where the highlight here is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I suggest visiting this by water. Either with a sunset Pictured Rocks Cruise or taking a guided kayak tour of the shore.
Day 6: Journey along H-58 to Grand Marais. Spend the day rock hunting for Yooperlites, visiting Sable Falls, and exploring the Log Slide Overlook.
You can choose to stay in Grand Marais or drive back to Munising. I suggest eating at The Bear Trap outside of Munising, or The Grand Marais Tavern.
Day 7: Make the trek to Newberry today. Start the afternoon off by visiting Tahquamenon Falls State Park. You’ll want to make sure to visit the Upper Falls and Lower falls. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can even swim at the Lower Falls.
After enjoying your afternoon there, make a stop at Oswald’s Bear Ranch on your way back to Newberry. This ranch is a rescue facility for Black Bears.
Day 1: Start your Upper Peninsula Road Trip in Marquette. Begin with breakfast at Third Street Bagel, famous for its deliciously huge bagel sandwiches.
Spend your afternoon hiking Sugarloaf Mountain and enjoy a picnic lunch while soaking in the incredible views of Lake Superior.
For dinner, head to Iron Bay, conveniently located near the old Ore Dock—a perfect spot for capturing photos.
Day 2: Start your morning with breakfast at Bodega before exploring downtown Marquette’s local shops.
After exploring the downtown area and all it has to offer, take a short hike to visit Dead River Falls. Bring your swimsuit and swim at the falls, or follow it up with an afternoon relaxing at McCarty’s Cove beach.
Wrap up your day with dinner at Casa Calabria, a beloved local Italian restaurant. Finish your evening with a visit to Presque Isle Park to watch the sunset at Black Rocks.
Day 3: Travel to Houghton, stopping at Canyon Falls along the way. Once in Houghton, explore the lift bridge and downtown shops.
End your night by enjoying dinner at The Ambassador, famous for its pizza.
Day 4 – 7
Day 4: Take a day trip to Copper Harbor – my personal favorite place in the UP. Make sure to take the drive up Brockway Mountain for breathtaking views and go rock hunting on Lake Superior.
On your drive out, take M26, stopping at Jacobs falls and then getting a delicious treat from The Jampot.
Make a dinner reservation at The Fitz in Eagle River. Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Superior while having an incredible meal.
After that, return to Houghton for the night.
Day 5: Drive to Munising, where the highlight here is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I suggest visiting this by water. Either with a sunset Pictured Rocks Cruise or taking a guided kayak tour of the shore.
Day 6: Journey along H-58 to Grand Marais. Spend the day rock hunting for Yooperlites, visiting Sable Falls, and exploring the Log Slide Overlook.
You can choose to stay in Grand Marais or drive back to Munising. I suggest eating at The Bear Trap outside of Munising, or The Grand Marais Tavern.
Day 7: Make the trek to Newberry today. Start the afternoon off by visiting Tahquamenon Falls State Park. You’ll want to make sure to visit the Upper Falls and Lower falls. Depending on the time of year you visit, you can even swim at the Lower Falls.
After enjoying your afternoon there, make a stop at Oswald’s Bear Ranch on your way back to Newberry. This ranch is a rescue facility for Black Bears.
LETS Elope!
Where to stay for your Michigan Elopement
- Pinecrest Northwoods: Cozy cabins surrounded by nature.
- Fresh Coast Cabins: Modern accommodations with a rustic charm.
- Pinewood Lodge: Comfortable lodgings with easy access to outdoor activities in Munising.
- True North Cabin: Rustic but charming cabin on Lake Superior.
Michigan Elopement Day Activities
- Go on a hike
- Kayak Pictured Rocks Lakeshore
- Have a picnic
- Visit a waterfall
- Bonfire & Smores
- Relax + do nothing
- Camping
- Pop a champagne bottle
- Cake Cutting
- Sailboat Ride in Marquette with U.P. Sailing Co
- Rent a Pontoon in Munising
- Seaplane to Isle Royale: Hop on a plane, and go to Michigan’s National Park, Isle Royale
- Visit a brewery
- Side by side ride
- Chase the Northern Lights
- Ceremony with friends + family
- Swim in a Great Lake
If you haven’t noticed a theme by now, these are the most popular activities to include on your Michigan Elopement day because they involve the outdoors! We love our nature here in Michigan.
- Go on a hike
How to legally get married in Michigan
Marriage License
In Michigan, it is required to have two witnesses present, along with an ordained minister at the time of marriage. You must also have a valid Michigan Marriage License that will be signed by the couple, the two witnesses, and an ordained minister.
Michigan Residents: If you or your partner are Michigan residents, you must apply for your marriage license in the county where at least one of you resides. However, once issued, the license is valid anywhere in Michigan.
Out-of-State Couples: If neither of you are Michigan residents, you’ll need to apply in the county where your ceremony will take place.
Michigan requires a three-day waiting period after applying for your marriage license. However, most counties allow you to waive this for a small fee if you’re in a hurry.
After your elopement, you’ll need to turn in your signed marriage license to make your marriage official in Michigan. The signed license must be returned to the same county clerk’s office that issued it. You can usually return it by mail or drop it off in person. The county will then process and officially register your marriage.
Do I Need a Permit to Get Married in Michigan?
A permit will depend on the location of your elopement. It’s best to check with the specific park or area where you plan to elope.
In Michigan, it is required to have two witnesses present, along with an ordained minister at the time of marriage. You must also have a valid Michigan Marriage License that will be signed by the couple, the two witnesses, and an ordained minister.
Out-of-State Couples: If neither of you are Michigan residents, you’ll need to apply in the county where your ceremony will take place.
Michigan requires a three-day waiting period after applying for your marriage license. However, most counties allow you to waive this for a small fee if you’re in a hurry.
After your elopement, you’ll need to turn in your signed marriage license to make your marriage official in Michigan. The signed license must be returned to the same county clerk’s office that issued it. You can usually return it by mail or drop it off in person. The county will then process and officially register your marriage.
Do I Need a Permit to Get Married in Michigan?
A permit will depend on the location of your elopement. It’s best to check with the specific park or area where you plan to elope.
What to see in Michigan?
- Brockway Mountain Drive
- Tahquamenon Falls
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Fayette Historic State Park
- Kitch-iti-Kipi
- The Sault Locks
- Mackinac Island
- Seney Wildlife Refuge
- Drive H58 from Munising to Grand Marias
- Lake of the Clouds
- Visit an Iron ore mine
- Brockway Mountain Drive
- Tahquamenon Falls
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Fayette Historic State Park
- Kitch-iti-Kipi
- The Sault Locks
- Mackinac Island
- Seney Wildlife Refuge
- Drive H58 from Munising to Grand Marias
- Lake of the Clouds
- Visit an Iron ore mine
How to include family + friends in your elopement
Here are some ways to include your loved ones:
- Enjoy a private vow reading and adventure together, then return for a ceremony with your family + friends.
- Spend one day exploring with your partner, spend the next day exploring with your family + friends.
- Friends and family don’t join you but you want a way to incorporate them. Have them all write you a letter and you two can read them on your elopement day.
For more information on how to include family in your elopement - Click Here - Including Family in our Michigan Elopement.
Here are some ways to include your loved ones:
- Enjoy a private vow reading and adventure together, then return for a ceremony with your family + friends.
- Spend one day exploring with your partner, spend the next day exploring with your family + friends.
- Friends and family don’t join you but you want a way to incorporate them. Have them all write you a letter and you two can read them on your elopement day.
How much does it cost to elope in Michigan?
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
- $55 - Marriage License
- $100 - Permit
- $1,200 3-night stay - suite room
- $7,000 - Photographer
- $500 - Catered Dinner
- $750 - Bouquet and boutonniere and florals for reception
- $500 - Hair + Makeup
- $3,000 - Wedding Dress + Accessories
- $1,500 - Suit
Average Elopement Experience
- $55 - Marriage License
- $100 - Permit
- $600 3-night stay - cabin
- $5,000 - Photographer
- $200 - Restaurant dinner and drinks for two
- $250 - Bouquet and boutonniere
- $200 - Hair + Makeup
- $800 - Wedding Dress + Accessories
- $150 - Suit Rental
Prices will vary on your exact location in Michigan - but here is a general idea of what to expect to pay when eloping in Michigan.
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
- $55 - Marriage License
- $100 - Permit
- $1,200 3-night stay - suite room
- $7,000 - Photographer
- $500 - Catered Dinner
- $750 - Bouquet and boutonniere and florals for reception
- $500 - Hair + Makeup
- $3,000 - Wedding Dress + Accessories
- $1,500 - Suit
Average Elopement Experience
- $55 - Marriage License
- $100 - Permit
- $600 3-night stay - cabin
- $5,000 - Photographer
- $200 - Restaurant dinner and drinks for two
- $250 - Bouquet and boutonniere
- $200 - Hair + Makeup
- $800 - Wedding Dress + Accessories
- $150 - Suit Rental
Prices will vary on your exact location in Michigan - but here is a general idea of what to expect to pay when eloping in Michigan.
LETS Elope!
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages
I will plan your entire Michigan Elopement from start to finish!! - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Elopement Planning
- Custom Location Recommendations - Lets be honest, you know you want to elope in Michigan, but might be stuck on “where.” You will receive a questionnaire to get an idea of exactly what you are looking for, then I will send you custom location recommendations based on your perfect elopement day.
- Timeline Creation - Just because you are eloping doesn't mean we shouldn't stick on a timeline. A general overview of how the day will go.
- 80+ page Elopement Planning Guide
- Planning Portal where we will stay on track with all planning
- Vendor Recommendations
- Permit Research
Not only will I guide you through every step of the planning process, but I will make sure you never have to google another thing about elopement planning again!
I will plan your entire Michigan Elopement from start to finish!! - CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Elopement Planning
+ Custom Location Recommendations - Lets be honest, you know you want to elope in Michigan, but might be stuck on “where.” You will receive a questionnaire to get an idea of exactly what you are looking for, then I will send you custom location recommendations based on your perfect elopement day.
+ Timeline Creation - Just because you are eloping doesn't mean we shouldn't stick on a timeline. A general overview of how the day will go.
+ 80+ page Elopement Planning Guide
+ Planning Portal where we will stay on track with all planning
+ Vendor Recommendations
+ Permit Research
+ Above all, a travel guide, personal hype-girl + friend for life!
Not only will I guide you through every step of the planning process, but I will make sure you never have to google another thing about elopement planning again!
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages CLICK HERE
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages CLICK HERE
Not only am I your Michigan elopement photographer, but I am also your planning pro! I work for a travel agency and quite literally plan peoples dream trips daily. So, trust me when I say I've got all the planning and epic destinations on lock down for your elopement! I will take all the stress off of planning your day and bring you custom timelines, packing lists, locations, and more!
Not only am I your elopement photographer in Michigan, but I am also your planning pro! I work for a travel agency and quite literally plan peoples dream trips daily. So, trust me when I say I've got all the planning and epic destinations on lock down for your elopement! I will take all the stress off of planning your day and bring you custom timelines, packing lists, locations, and more! Oh yah, + my name is Brandi!
your planning pro,
calm to your storm, adventure guide, photographer
& friend for life
