Have you been thinking about planning your elopement in Minnesota along the North Shore? The North Shore is love at first sight – picture stunning beaches, cliffs, lush forests, and that’s not even scratching the surface of everything the North Shore has to offer you!
Keep reading to learn more about planning your dream Minnesota elopement on the North Shore!
What Does It Mean to Elope?
I eat, sleep, and breathe elopements! Elopements, for me, are incredibly special because they’re a way to plan an intentional, intimate wedding day that looks exactly how you want! Elopements appeal to many of my couples because they are way more relaxed and put less pressure on them than a traditional wedding. With an elopement, you can be fully present and have the freedom to build a day that actually feels like you.
The main difference between weddings and elopements is the number of people you choose to invite. Typically, elopements have a guest count of 3-15 people, or an elopement can just be you and your partner if you don’t want to invite guests. Many of my couples choose to elope because they can save on wedding costs and also choose a location they truly love or a nontraditional location. After all, with an elopement, location possibilities are endless!
Why Having a Photographer for Your Elopement Matters
Your photos are what you’re going to have to look back on from your elopement to remember this special day and cherish for years to come. To me, investing in photography is always worth it, especially for such a big moment in your and your partner’s lives, and it deserves to be documented. With that being said, when choosing your elopement photographer, my advice is to choose someone you genuinely enjoy being around, as this is who you’re going to be spending a lot of time with, and it’s important to work with a photographer who can bring out the best version of you and your partner.
Another reason to hire a photographer for your elopement is that they can support you throughout with location suggestions, timeline planning, permit guidance, and overall help throughout the entire elopement process to make things much less stressful and easier for you!
How to Get Married in Minnesota
First things first, let’s discuss how to get married in Minnesota. You will need to first get your marriage license. You can apply for your marriage license in any county in Minnesota, and you don’t have to apply in the county where you want to get married. The fee for a marriage license application is currently $125, but always check the official site of the county you are planning on getting your marriage license in, as this is subject to change. Also, there is typically no waiting period to get your license.
To elope in Minnesota, your marriage license is required, and you also need an officiant who is 21 + and two witnesses who are over the age of 16. Your photographer and/or videographer can also serve as a witness if you want.
Your Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Minnesota Elopement on the North Shore
Best Places to Elope on the North Shore in Minnesota
Black Beach in Silver Bay
Want a unique, intimate spot for your elopement on the North Shore? Look no further than Black Beach in Silver Bay! This spot is like the Midwest’s version of a black sand beach in Iceland! 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. Want more info about planning an elopement here? Check out a blog post I wrote all about Black Beach in Silver Bay here!
Bean and Bear Lakes Loop
Love to hike and can’t get enough of nature? Strap on your hiking boots and hike the Bean and Bear Lakes Loop (7-miles), and say ‘I do’ overlooking one of the iconic lakes.
Lake Superior
Obsessed with Lake Superior? You and me both! Hop on a sailboat and sail Lake Superior while you say your vows.
1-mile hike around the Lighthouse in Two Harbors
For an easy, less than a mile hike, trek the Two Harbors Lighthouse Trailhead for your elopement! It takes no longer than an hour to complete and is a peaceful spot to tie the knot.
Agate Beach
Agate Beach is a beautiful pebbly/sandy/rocky beach with a long pier that leads you to the Lighthouse in Two Harbors.
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a charming beach located in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This spot has incredible views of Lake Superior and the Historic Split Rock Lighthouse.
Stoney Point
Stoney Point offers you a breathtaking stretch of the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s right in between Duluth and Two Harbors, MN, and has gorgeous scenic viewpoints all along the path.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park is a gorgeous state park with towering cliffs, gorgeous lakefront beaches, forests, and even waterfalls!
Bluefin Bay
Bluefin Bay is the perfect backdrop for your day if you want it to feel romantic and dreamy, with everything taking place next to the water. You can have your ceremony at the Beach Patio or the Tofte Cove, and another amazing feature of this venue is that they also have on-site accommodations. On-site, they have condos, townhomes, and suites, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. There are lots of great hiking spots nearby, as well as many activities you and your partner can enjoy! You can check out a beautiful fall wedding I photographed at Bluefin Bay here!
Palisade Head
Palisade Head is a gorgeous spot to tie the knot! It has a beautiful view of Lake Superior and is an easy 1-mile out-and-back hike.
Artist’s Point, Grand Marais
Situated in Grand Marais, this magical peninsula overlooks the water and isn’t far from the Grand Marais Lighthouse. The couple featured in this blog got married in the winter at Grand Marais!
What Time of the Year Is Best for Planning an Elopement in Minnesota Along the North Shore?
The North Shore of Minnesota has a lot to offer year-round; however, each season has its pros and cons. If you want to plan your elopement along the North Shore, I would definitely encourage you to consider the weather before finalizing your elopement date:
Spring (March – June)
The ‘brownest’ and most unpredictable time of year. If you’re open to taking a gamble on the weather and don’t really give a hoot about whether the trees are budding or you’re hiking through the snow, then you can plan a spring wedding.
Summer (June – September)
Summer is one of the most popular times for elopements, as the weather is comfortable, the days are longer, and there’s plenty of warmth and sunshine!
Fall (September – December)
Many couples also choose to get married at this time of the year along the North Shore, and it’s easy to understand why. You’ll have gorgeous fall colors and a moody, dramatic backdrop to work with.
Winter (December – March)
If you love the idea of a snowy backdrop and the cold, having a wedding next to Lake Superior during winter will be *chef’s kiss*. Be aware – it gets quite chilly up here, and the sun sets early, so you will want to plan accordingly and bring hand warmers along with you!
Permits and Rules for Eloping on the North Shore in Minnesota
Before finalizing your elopement location, I always recommend researching to see if the location requires you to have a permit or not. Some locations along the North Shore do require permits, depending on the location and your guest count. Also, some locations only allow photos but not ceremonies, such as Palisade Head. If we work together, I’ll let you know if you need a permit or not, depending on the location you choose. I’ll also get your permit for you if you do need one, so you have nothing to stress about!
Also, remember to always practice the Leave No Trace principles! This means pack out what you bring! You can learn more about Leave No Trace principles here. The North Shore is beautiful, and it deserves to be taken care of.
Activities to Include as Part of Your Minnesota Elopement
Make your elopement an unforgettable experience! With your elopement, you can make your day look however you want. Here are some activities I recommend adding to your elopement:
- Grab coffee in the morning
- 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
- Book a private dinner
- Turn your elopement into a multi-day trip
What to Pack for Your Minnesota Elopement
Here’s my must-haves for your Minnesota elopement:
- Layers (it’s much cooler by the lake)
- Hiking boots or comfortable shoes
- Water and snacks
- Vow books
- Wedding rings
- Headlamp (if you’re planning your elopement near sunset)
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Permit (if applicable)
- Marriage License and a blue or black pen to sign it
- Florals (bouquet, boutonniere)
- An extra pair of socks and shoes
- Backpacks
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Umbrellas
- A mini first aid kit with Band-Aids, tape, tweezers, medication, etc.
- Hand warmers (if eloping in the colder months)
Where to Stay for Your North Shore Elopement
Along the North Shore, there are so many great accommodation options, whether you want a hotel, an Airbnb, or to stay in an A-frame cabin.
Duluth has lots of amenities and easy access to various elopement locations listed in this blog. You could also choose Two Harbors or Silver Bay for proximity to popular locations. Tofte or Lutsen are perfect for quieter nature-focused stays. Grand Marais is a full experience with shops, food, and lake views. The perfect place all depends on what type of experience you’re looking for!
Planning Your Elopement and Creating an Elopement Timeline
Your elopement can be so much more than a couple of hours spent with your partner, with a photoshoot. Your elopement timeline can look however you and your partner want. You have total flexibility and customization over your timeline. For example, your elopement timeline could include getting ready, first look, ceremony, portraits, exploring or hiking, and a celebration. Or it could be something entirely different – you get to decide based on what’s most important to you and your partner. Remember, there is no “perfect” elopement timeline or a certain way your elopement has to look.
As you create your elopement timeline, some things I recommend considering are driving time between locations, lighting, sunset timing, and crowd levels.
Your Elopement FAQ’s Answered :
- Can we bring guests to our elopement?
Yes, you can absolutely bring guests to your elopement!
- Do we need a permit to elope?
It depends on where you’re eloping in Minnesota. Places like Black Beach in Silver Bay don’t require you to have a permit, whereas Tettegouche State Park requires a $35 permit. Always do your research first to see if you need a permit or not!
- What do we do if it rains on the day of our elopement?
I always tell my couples to embrace the rain! Some of my favorite photos are ones I’ve taken in the rain! The weather along the North Shore can be unpredictable, so it’s best to always bring along a rain jacket and an umbrella just in case.
Additional Resources for Planning Your Elopement on the North Shore
As I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, I love the North Shore, and I want to help you plan the perfect elopement here! I’ve written a few different blogs that I think will be helpful to you as you begin planning your North Shore elopement, which you can check out if you’d like by clicking the links below:
Your Simple Wedding Vendor Checklist + My Preferred Vendors
39 Of The Best Stops Along The North Shore, MN From A Local
Ready to Plan Your Elopement in Minnesota?
I hope you found all this info about eloping on the North Shore in Minnesota helpful and that you’re even more excited about the possibility of eloping here! The North Shore is a magical place to elope – there’s truly something here for every couple.
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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