Want a unique, intimate spot for your wedding in Minnesota? Look no further than Black Beach in Silver Bay! This spot is like the Midwest’s version of a black sand beach in Iceland!
I had the chance to photograph B + R’s beautiful celebration at Black Beach in Silver Bay, and everything about their day felt dreamy and cinematic.
Keep reading to learn more about planning a wedding at Black Beach in Silver Bay and take a look at Brody and Rowan’s wedding here to get a better idea of what your own celebration could look like!
Brody + Rowan’s Intimate Fall Wedding at Black Beach in Silver Bay
Here’s a behind-the-lens look at Brody + Rowan’s wedding:
Consult call
During my initial consult call with Brody and Rowan, there were a lot of mixed emotions about their wedding and how they wanted their day to look. Outside voices were encouraging them to plan a larger wedding, but they shared with me that a large wedding just didn’t feel like them.
Duluth already held meaning for these two, and they were pretty set when we spoke that their wedding was going to be somewhere in Duluth; they just needed to find the perfect spot for them. Rowan’s parents got engaged in Duluth, and she went to school here. Also, one of Brody and Rown’s first trips to the North Shore as a couple was to Black Beach.
A few days before our call, Brody and Rowan made the final decision to have an intimate wedding along the North Shore, and once they did, everything truly started to click into place. I always tell my couples to do what feels right for you and your partner – this is your day, and it should look exactly how you want.
Getting ready
Rowan got ready the morning of their wedding with her wedding party at an adorable Airbnb in Two Harbors. One of my favorite details from the day was her earrings, which were little nods to their two cats, Uno (their one-eyed kitty) and Willow!
Once she was ready, we headed down to the water to grab some portraits of her – the weather was absolutely beautiful on the day of their celebration. It was a perfect North Shore fall day!
Rowan also had an emotional, heartfelt look with her father next to the water. Brody and Rowan chose not to do a first look, so once they were both ready, we headed to their ceremony site. The first time they saw each other was when Rowan walked down the aisle!
The ceremony
Rowan and Brody had their ceremony at the trailhead at Black Beach in Silver Bay. One huge perk to this is that the trailhead is free to use, and no permits are required. Plus, the beach is large with multiple different sections, so it’s a great place for intimate weddings or elopements!
Their ceremony was short and intentional, and my husband (Bradyn) actually officiated their ceremony, which made it feel even more personal.
The reception
Afterward, we stayed nearby for family formals and portraits, then drove North to Palisade Head to take pictures of Rowan and Brody next to the water.
They ended the day with an intimate dinner celebration with their guests, and I wrapped up their photography coverage after portraits, giving them space to fully settle into the evening and be present with their people. It was a beautiful day with these two, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to photograph their magical celebration!
Your Guide to Planning a Wedding at Black Beach in Silver Bay
Nestled in the charming town of Silver Bay, MN, just a short 45-minute drive North of Duluth, this hidden gem boasts views of Lake Superior, majestic cliffs, black sand, and a rocky shoreline that makes for the perfect backdrop for your wedding.
It’s completely free to have your wedding/elopement here, but keep in mind that this location gets super busy on weekends, and it continues to grow in popularity. Also on the weekends, there will be many more shuttles transporting people back and forth between parking lots.
I personally suggest planning your wedding here anytime from June to mid-October for the best weather and sunsets! Also, if you want privacy on the day of your celebration, the best time to hold it would be early morning on a weekday, around sunrise!
Remember, always practice leave no trace principles! This means pack out what you bring on the beach! This is a beautiful spot on the North Shore, and it deserves to be taken care of.
Something else that’s unique to getting married (or eloping here) is all of the different activities you can do either before or after your ceremony. Some of my top recommended activities include:
- Hiking
- Stargazing
- Kayaking
- A sailboat tour on the lake
- Have a first dance together on the beach
- Visit a local brewery
- Camping
- BBQ
- Campfire + Smore’s
- Paddle boarding
- Cliff jumping
… and so much more!
If you’re looking for even more ideas, I’ve put together some of the best stops along the North Shore of MN, from restaurants to coffee shops to hiking trails and even places to satisfy your sweet tooth. All of the suggestions I’ve included are in order from Duluth, MN, and up the North Shore! You can check out the guide here!
Ready to Plan Your Wedding at Black Beach in Silver Bay?
I hope you found all this info on planning a wedding at Black Beach in Silver Bay helpful, and hopefully, B + R’s wedding here gave you some inspo and ideas on what your own celebration here could look like.
Now all you need is your wedding photographer! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Duluth, Minnesota, specializing in playful, true-to-color photos for couples who love Lake Superior and the North Shore of Minnesota. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to connect!
You can click here to learn more about my wedding photography services or head over here to get in touch!
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