Are you thinking of having a Grand Marais elopement in winter? You’ve found yourself in the right place.
As a Minnesota elopement photographer, I’ve had the joy of photographing weddings throughout the state and along the coast. I was lucky enough to photograph Kelsie and Tim’s celebration, and it was such a beautiful day.
Keep reading to learn more about having an elopement in Grand Marais during winter and get a glimpse into K + T’s day!
Kelsie + Tim’s Breathtaking Winter Elopement in Grand Marais
Kelsie and Tim are just the sweetest couple. They live in Hudson, WI, and went to Grand Marais on their babymoon. During that trip, is when they knew they wanted this to officially be the location of their future elopement. During our initial consult call, their 2-year-old son was stealing the show!
Let’s start off with a sneak peek at the day I photographed for K + T.
Getting Ready
Kelsie and Tim stayed at the perfect Airbnb just a few miles North of Grand Marais (Agua Norte). It is the perfect 1-bed 1-bath space for those looking to elope in this part of Minnesota, with lots of windows overlooking the breathtaking Lake Superior.
They both chose to get ready together at the Airbnb because of how great it is. Kelsie did her own hair and makeup. Once they were ready, we did a first look right outside the Airbnb.
The Ceremony
Their ceremony was absolutely dreamy. We drove into town in Grand Marais and hiked out to Artist Point, where my sweet husband (Bradyn) officiated their ceremony. Artist Point is a beautiful shoreline spot near Grand Marais Lighthouse. It was a cold and windy day, but Kelsie said the adrenaline kept her warm, which is just the sweetest.
Post-Ceremony
When the ceremony was finished, we took some portraits out near the Lighthouse and then traveled to George Washington Pines, a short, easy trail filled with trees that’s stunning when covered in snow. Then, drove back to the Airbnb to pop some champagne and celebrate.
Pros of Eloping in Winter
Winter is easily one of the most underrated times of year to elope. Most couples might immediately think to elope in summer, but the cooler months are truly magical. Here are some reasons why it’s a great idea to consider eloping in winter!
- The snow-covered landscapes often lead to places feeling a lot quieter and more intimate. You may even get some locations completely to yourselves without tourists!
- It can be easier to get accommodations in the winter months. Plus, pricing may be lower due to the greater availability.
- There are lots of fun seasonal activities you and your partner can do during your elopement, like snowshoeing, sledding, or even ice skating if that’s your thing.
Tips for a Winter Elopement in Grand Marais
If you’re thinking about having a winter ceremony in Minnesota, there are a few things you should know.
Prepare extra travel time for snow
One thing to know about the North Shore of Minnesota is that it can get a lot of snow in winter. Because of that, travel can take a bit longer with a winter elopement. Grand Marais is 2 hours north of Duluth, and Highway 61 can be a challenging commute when storms roll through. Be aware of snow-covered roads, icy conditions (especially black ice), and reduced visibility. Highway 61 can feel quick in the warm months but typically take much longer in the winter.
My best advice is to build extra travel time into your timeline to make sure you still have a relaxed day, even if you are staying nearby, like K + T. This helps you enjoy your day rather than feeling rushed, stressed, or even overwhelmed. Worst comes to worst, you’ll have some extra time at each location!
Have backup plans for the weather
Winter weather can be unpredictable. Yes, winter elopements are pure magic, but it’s always possible that a planned mountain overlook could become inaccessible after a winter storm passes through. It’s best always to have some flexibility with backup locations or even other possible routes in case something happens.
Use layers as much as possible
The best way to stay comfortable during a winter elopement is to use layers, which can also give you flexibility as the weather changes throughout the day. This is especially true if you’ll be walking or hiking any trails during your elopement, which could affect how warm or cool you feel. Layers make it easy to regulate and stay comfortable. I personally recommend using fleece-lined leggings under dresses and hand warmers in your boots and coat pockets! I’m always happy to share more tips with my couples when it comes to staying warm in winter!
Know that sunsets are earlier because days are shorter
As you probably know, daylight is more limited in the winter months. You might lose up to several hours of daylight compared to a summer elopement, depending on the location and time of year. When it comes to your timeline, it’s important to plan around earlier sunset times to make sure there’s enough time for your ceremony, portraits, travel, or any other activities you plan to have during your elopement celebration.
It can make all the difference to start your day a little more easily, so you can take full advantage of the sun throughout the day.
Consider a Winter Minnesota Elopement
Even though winter might not be the first season you think of when planning an elopement, it truly can be very memorable and rewarding. There are so many great opportunities for adventure, and you’ll have an experience that will feel distinctly different from other times of year.
If you’re dreaming of having your own winter elopement in Grand Marais or somewhere else along the North Shore, I’d love to learn more about what exactly it is that you’re planning. I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in Duluth, and 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!
Read these next:
Your Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Minnesota Elopement on the North Shore
Duluth Wedding Venues: Your Guide to Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club
