The Ultimate Summer Michigan Elopement Guide
Written by: Brandi Lynns
June 10, 2025
June 10, 2025
Why Summer is an Amazing Time to Elope in Michigan
Maybe the Midwest doesn’t scream “epic elopement” like some other U.S. destinations… but I’m here to tell you that Michigan might just beat them all. Especially in the summer.
While popular national parks are packed with crowds and inflated prices, Michigan offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape. If you love being surrounded by water (hi, Great Lakes and numerous inland lakes!), sandy beaches, or rocky shorelines, then this place was made for you. Add in the friendly locals, and it’s honestly hard to beat.
And while I love to travel, I find myself saying this more and more: “There’s no place like home.” The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is my favorite place on earth—it truly is God’s country.
Eloping in the U.P. means stepping away from the hustle of everyday life and stepping into a slower, more meaningful experience. The wilderness here gives you the privacy and space to just be present with your partner. No stress, no audience—just you two.
Best Locations to Elope in Michigan in the Summer
Michigan is wildly diverse, seriously! There’s something for every kind of elopement day. Maybe you want to hike a mountain, find a private beach, or exchange vows by a roaring waterfall, you’ll find it here.
When you hire me, you’re not just getting a photographer, you’re getting someone who knows the hidden spots, the quiet corners, and all the underrated gems Michigan has to offer.
Here are a few of my favorite places to shoot elopements in the summer:
My Favorite Summer Elopement Spots
- Sugarloaf Mountain – Marquette, MI
- Hunters Point Park – Copper Harbor, MI
- Presque Isle Park – Marquette, MI
- Little Presque Isle Beach – Marquette, MI
- Chapel Beach – Munising, MI
- Au Train Beach – Au Train, MI
Other Iconic Locations
- Lake of the Clouds – Porcupine Mountains
- Isle Royale National Park – A true wilderness escape (you’ll need a seaplane!)
What to Expect: Michigan Summer Weather Tips
Michigan summers are beautiful, but there are a few things you should know:
- Temps: Usually range from the mid 60s to upper 80s. Pack layers just in case. The nights can still be a little chilly.
- Sunrise/Sunset: Long daylight hours = golden hour magic. Sunset is often around 9:30 PM in June!
- Bugs: June is bug season, especially in wooded or marshy areas. Bring bug spray and maybe even a citronella bracelet. In July and August, they start to die off, so those are better months if you don’t want as many bugs.
- Storms: Quick summer storms can roll through. I always have a backup plan in mind! Along with clear umbrellas.
Fun Activities for Your Elopement Day
Your elopement doesn’t have to stop at the ceremony. Let’s make it a whole experience. Here are some favorite activities couples include in their Michigan summer elopements:
- Hike to your ceremony spot
- Kayak Pictured Rocks
- Picnic on the beach
- Visit a waterfall
- Bonfire + s’mores
- Go camping under the stars
- Pop a bottle of champagne
- Cake cutting by the lake
- Sailboat ride in Marquette with U.P. Sailing Co.
- Rent a pontoon in Munising with Seaberg Pontoon
- Take a seaplane to Isle Royale
- Visit a local brewery
- Go for a side-by-side ride
- Chase the Northern Lights
- Paddleboard or swim in Lake Superior
- Wildflower picking or beachcombing
If you haven’t noticed a theme yet—we love our outdoors here in Michigan.
Tips for Beating the Crowds
Summer is popular here, so if privacy is important, here’s what I recommend:
My number #1 tip – ELOPE ON A WEEKDAY!!
- Elope on a weekday – This is the best way to avoid crowds and getting vendor availability.
- Plan for sunrise or sunset – Better light and less people.
- Choose a remote location – I know some hidden gems!
- Stay at a private Airbnb with lake access – You can do it all in one spot.
Summer Elopement Timeline Inspiration
Want help visualizing what your day could look like?
I help build custom elopement timelines for every couple, but here’s a quick idea:
Full-Day Elopement
- 1:00 PM – Detail photos (rings, dress, vow books, etc.)
- 1:30 PM – Getting ready shots
- 2:00 PM – First look outside your cabin
- 2:30 PM – Adventure begins: Visit a nearby waterfall
- 4:00 PM – Ceremony with family and friends
- 4:30 PM – Family and group photos
- 5:00 PM – Couple portraits in a scenic spot
- 6:00 PM – Catered dinner at your Airbnb
- 7:00 PM – Cake cutting + first dance
- 7:30 PM – Additional dances or toasts
- 8:00 PM – Sunset photos by the lake or forest
- 8:30 PM – Bonfire hangout with family + friends
- 9:00 PM – Photographer coverage ends
Real Couple Inspiration
Want to see what a real summer Michigan elopement looks like?
Taylor + Joey Elopement – Click Here
Lauren + DJ Intimate Wedding – Click Here
Alayna + Jarod Elopement – Click Here
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages
Now you are probably thinking woah, this is a lot of information and might be overwhelming. BUT, this is where I come to play. I am here to make this experience stress-free for you.
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!
Ready to make your elopement dreams come true?
Click here to start planning your summer Michigan elopement.
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.
Why Summer is an Amazing Time to Elope in Michigan
Maybe the Midwest doesn’t scream “epic elopement” like some other U.S. destinations… but I’m here to tell you that Michigan might just beat them all. Especially in the summer.
While popular national parks are packed with crowds and inflated prices, Michigan offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape. If you love being surrounded by water (hi, Great Lakes and numerous inland lakes!), sandy beaches, or rocky shorelines, then this place was made for you. Add in the friendly locals, and it’s honestly hard to beat.
And while I love to travel, I find myself saying this more and more: “There’s no place like home.” The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is my favorite place on earth—it truly is God’s country.
Eloping in the U.P. means stepping away from the hustle of everyday life and stepping into a slower, more meaningful experience. The wilderness here gives you the privacy and space to just be present with your partner. No stress, no audience—just you two.
Best Locations to Elope in Michigan in the Summer
Michigan is wildly diverse, seriously! There’s something for every kind of elopement day. Maybe you want to hike a mountain, find a private beach, or exchange vows by a roaring waterfall, you’ll find it here.
When you hire me, you’re not just getting a photographer, you’re getting someone who knows the hidden spots, the quiet corners, and all the underrated gems Michigan has to offer.
Here are a few of my favorite places to shoot elopements in the summer:
My Favorite Summer Elopement Spots
- Sugarloaf Mountain – Marquette, MI
- Hunters Point Park – Copper Harbor, MI
- Presque Isle Park – Marquette, MI
- Little Presque Isle Beach – Marquette, MI
- Chapel Beach – Munising, MI
- Au Train Beach – Au Train, MI
Other Iconic Locations
- Lake of the Clouds – Porcupine Mountains
- Isle Royale National Park – A true wilderness escape (you’ll need a seaplane!)
What to Expect: Michigan Summer Weather Tips
Michigan summers are beautiful, but there are a few things you should know:
- Temps: Usually range from the mid 60s to upper 80s. Pack layers just in case. The nights can still be a little chilly.
- Sunrise/Sunset: Long daylight hours = golden hour magic. Sunset is often around 9:30 PM in June!
- Bugs: June is bug season, especially in wooded or marshy areas. Bring bug spray and maybe even a citronella bracelet. In July and August, they start to die off, so those are better months if you don’t want as many bugs.
- Storms: Quick summer storms can roll through. I always have a backup plan in mind! Along with clear umbrellas.
Fun Activities for Your Elopement Day
Your elopement doesn’t have to stop at the ceremony. Let’s make it a whole experience. Here are some favorite activities couples include in their Michigan summer elopements:
- Hike to your ceremony spot
- Kayak Pictured Rocks
- Picnic on the beach
- Visit a waterfall
- Bonfire + s’mores
- Go camping under the stars
- Pop a bottle of champagne
- Cake cutting by the lake
- Sailboat ride in Marquette with U.P. Sailing Co.
- Rent a pontoon in Munising with Seaberg Pontoon
- Take a seaplane to Isle Royale
- Visit a local brewery
- Go for a side-by-side ride
- Chase the Northern Lights
- Paddleboard or swim in Lake Superior
- Wildflower picking or beachcombing
If you haven’t noticed a theme yet—we love our outdoors here in Michigan.
Tips for Beating the Crowds
Summer is popular here, so if privacy is important, here’s what I recommend:
My number #1 tip – ELOPE ON A WEEKDAY!!
- Elope on a weekday – This is the best way to avoid crowds and getting vendor availability.
- Plan for sunrise or sunset – Better light and less people.
- Choose a remote location – I know some hidden gems!
- Stay at a private Airbnb with lake access – You can do it all in one spot.
Summer Elopement Timeline Inspiration
Want help visualizing what your day could look like?
I help build custom elopement timelines for every couple, but here’s a quick idea:
Full-Day Elopement
- 1:00 PM – Detail photos (rings, dress, vow books, etc.)
- 1:30 PM – Getting ready shots
- 2:00 PM – First look outside your cabin
- 2:30 PM – Adventure begins: Visit a nearby waterfall
- 4:00 PM – Ceremony with family and friends
- 4:30 PM – Family and group photos
- 5:00 PM – Couple portraits in a scenic spot
- 6:00 PM – Catered dinner at your Airbnb
- 7:00 PM – Cake cutting + first dance
- 7:30 PM – Additional dances or toasts
- 8:00 PM – Sunset photos by the lake or forest
- 8:30 PM – Bonfire hangout with family + friends
- 9:00 PM – Photographer coverage ends
Real Couple Inspiration
Want to see what a real summer Michigan elopement looks like?
Taylor + Joey Elopement – Click Here
Lauren + DJ Intimate Wedding – Click Here
Alayna + Jarod Elopement – Click Here
Michigan Elopement Photography Packages
Now you are probably thinking woah, this is a lot of information and might be overwhelming. BUT, this is where I come to play. I am here to make this experience stress-free for you.
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!
Ready to make your elopement dreams come true?
Click here to start planning your summer Michigan elopement.
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.
