7 Activities to Include for a Pictured Rocks Elopement

Written by: Brandi Lynns

May 7, 2025

May 7, 2025

If you’ve heard of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, chances are you’ve heard of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you like colorful cliffs, clear water, waterfalls, and dramatic overlooks. A Pictured Rocks elopement is for you! It’s easily one of the most breathtaking places in the Midwest. Pictured Rocks is just straight-up stunning, and it’s a great place for couples looking to elope in the great outdoors.

Your elopement day is more than just saying “I do”—it’s a full experience filled with love, adventure, and authenticity. Here are 7 activities to include in your Pictured Rocks elopement to make it a day you’ll never forget.

1. Hike for you Pictured Rocks Elopement

There are so many incredible places to hike and say your vows. Miners Beach is perfect if you want something easy to get to, while Chapel Rock or Mosquito Falls offer more of a backcountry feel. A few of my personal favorite spots in the park? Chapel Beach, Miners Falls, and Sable Falls. You really can’t go wrong.

2. Kayak Along the Painted Cliffs

Paddling beneath the famous Pictured Rocks cliffs is a total bucket list experience. You’ll glide past sandstone arches, hidden sea caves, and those iconic streaks of mineral-rich color. It’s peaceful, adventurous, and such a cool way to experience the shoreline.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking

Paddling Michigan

3. Have a Picnic with a View

After your ceremony, take time to slow down with a picnic. Good spots include Log Slide Overlook, Sand Point Beach, or even a quiet spot tucked into the forest near a waterfall. Bring your favorite snacks, pop some bubbly, and enjoy the quiet moments together.

4. Hop on a Sunset Boat Tour

Not into kayaking? A boat cruise is a great way to see the cliffs without breaking a sweat. The evening light makes the colors on the rocks glow, and the calm of Lake Superior at dusk is chef’s kiss.
You can book your Pictured Rocks Cruise HERE!

5. Camp or Backpack for your Pictured Rocks elopement

Whether you’re camping near Munising or backpacking along the North Country Trail, spending the night under the stars adds so much to your elopement experience. Imagine waking up in the middle of the forest on your first full day as a married couple. That’s the kind of memory that sticks.

6. Rent a Pontoon and Explore on Your Own

Want total freedom? Rent a pontoon and cruise along the coast at your own pace. Find a quiet cove, jump in the lake, or anchor and have lunch. It’s private, fun, and makes the day feel truly yours.
Pontoon Rental HERE

7. Swim in Lake Superior

Yes, it’s cold—really cold but it’s also exhilarating. Whether it’s a quick dip or a full-on plunge in your wedding clothes, jumping into Lake Superior is the kind of thing you’ll talk about for years.

Ready to Plan Your Pictured Rocks Elopement?

Your elopement at Pictured Rocks can be as adventurous or relaxed as you want it to be. Whether you’re hiking to a ceremony spot, paddling under the cliffs, or sharing a lakeside picnic, every part of the day becomes part of your story.

If you’re dreaming of an adventurous, meaningful, and totally “you” elopement, I’d love to help you plan and photograph every moment.
Let’s make it unforgettable—together.

Meet your Michigan Elopement photographer!

Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for my couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com

My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.

If you’ve heard of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, chances are you’ve heard of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you like colorful cliffs, clear water, waterfalls, and dramatic overlooks. A Pictured Rocks elopement is for you! It’s easily one of the most breathtaking places in the Midwest. Pictured Rocks is just straight-up stunning, and it’s a great place for couples looking to elope in the great outdoors.

Your elopement day is more than just saying “I do”—it’s a full experience filled with love, adventure, and authenticity. Here are 7 activities to include in your Pictured Rocks elopement to make it a day you’ll never forget.

1. Hike for you Pictured Rocks Elopement

There are so many incredible places to hike and say your vows. Miners Beach is perfect if you want something easy to get to, while Chapel Rock or Mosquito Falls offer more of a backcountry feel. A few of my personal favorite spots in the park? Chapel Beach, Miners Falls, and Sable Falls. You really can’t go wrong.

2. Kayak Along the Painted Cliffs

Paddling beneath the famous Pictured Rocks cliffs is a total bucket list experience. You’ll glide past sandstone arches, hidden sea caves, and those iconic streaks of mineral-rich color. It’s peaceful, adventurous, and such a cool way to experience the shoreline.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking

Paddling Michigan

3. Have a Picnic with a View

After your ceremony, take time to slow down with a picnic. Good spots include Log Slide Overlook, Sand Point Beach, or even a quiet spot tucked into the forest near a waterfall. Bring your favorite snacks, pop some bubbly, and enjoy the quiet moments together.

4. Hop on a Sunset Boat Tour

Not into kayaking? A boat cruise is a great way to see the cliffs without breaking a sweat. The evening light makes the colors on the rocks glow, and the calm of Lake Superior at dusk is chef’s kiss.
You can book your Pictured Rocks Cruise HERE!

5. Camp or Backpack for your Pictured Rocks elopement

Whether you’re camping near Munising or backpacking along the North Country Trail, spending the night under the stars adds so much to your elopement experience. Imagine waking up in the middle of the forest on your first full day as a married couple. That’s the kind of memory that sticks.

6. Rent a Pontoon and Explore on Your Own

Want total freedom? Rent a pontoon and cruise along the coast at your own pace. Find a quiet cove, jump in the lake, or anchor and have lunch. It’s private, fun, and makes the day feel truly yours.
Pontoon Rental HERE

7. Swim in Lake Superior

Yes, it’s cold—really cold but it’s also exhilarating. Whether it’s a quick dip or a full-on plunge in your wedding clothes, jumping into Lake Superior is the kind of thing you’ll talk about for years.

Ready to Plan Your Pictured Rocks Elopement?

Your elopement at Pictured Rocks can be as adventurous or relaxed as you want it to be. Whether you’re hiking to a ceremony spot, paddling under the cliffs, or sharing a lakeside picnic, every part of the day becomes part of your story.

If you’re dreaming of an adventurous, meaningful, and totally “you” elopement, I’d love to help you plan and photograph every moment.
Let’s make it unforgettable—together.

Meet your Michigan Elopement photographer!

Hey, I’m Brandi! Your bubbly and ever-smiling photographer, dedicated to creating a positive atmosphere for my couples. An outdoor enthusiast, dog mom, and above all, I cherish freedom and independence in my life. I’m a full-time photographer and also manage Blue Diamond Travel Agency – both based in the picturesque Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You can learn more about me, by clicking on this link! Hi, I’m Brandi! – brandilynnsphoto.com

My wanderlust knows no bounds – I’m ready to travel wherever necessary to capture the magic of your elopement or intimate wedding.