As someone who grew up in the Northland and currently lives in Duluth, MN, I’ve spent a lot of time here throughout my life. I’ve had the opportunity to explore and see the best of what the North Shore has to offer, and I’m thrilled you’re considering eloping here! To help you narrow down your search, I wanted to put together this guide of the Best Places to Elope along the North Shore of MN!
Best Places to Elope along the North Shore of MN Elopement Photographer
Here are my favorite places to elope on the North Shore! I’ve listed the locations starting in Duluth, MN, and then heading north up the shore towards Grand Marais, and I’ve also included each spot’s Google pin:
Park Point (Duluth)
Park Point in Duluth is a gorgeous spot that is located at the end of Minnesota Avenue and is also a popular summer destination for swimming. You’ll find it across the Aerial Lift Bridge, and Park Point stretches along a charming coastal neighborhood that is surrounded by tall beach grass.
It also happens to be the world’s longest freshwater sandbar. This spot looks a bit different from the rest of Lake Superior and the North Shore, as it doesn’t have a rocky coastline. You can also walk the Park Point trail, which is a 5.2-mile out-and-back that takes you through the Minnesota Point State Natural Area.
In the park, you’ll find beautiful pines and sandy soil and you can pass by the historic ruins of the Minnesota Point Lighthouse.
Brighton Beach (Duluth)
The best sandy beach on the shore of Lake Superior? Brighton Beach, located on the far east end of Duluth’s Lake Walk. It has picturesque views and is full of black river rock and surrounded by giant boulders.
Agate Bay (Two Harbors)
Agate Beach is a beautiful pebbly/sandy/rocky beach with a long pier that leads you to the Lighthouse in Two Harbors.
Gooseberry Falls (Two Harbors)
Gooseberry Falls is a rocky beach with cascading waterfalls and tranquil forest trails. It’s perfect for an adventurous elopement.
Pebble Beach (Two Harbors)
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.
Black Beach (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!
Sea Caves Beach Trailhead (Silver Bay)
Sea Cave Beach is still very much a ‘hidden gem’ in my eyes. It’s a much more private spot for an elopement with stunning views of the water and nature.
Bluefin Bay (Lutsen)
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!
Artist’s Point (Grand Marais)
Situated in Grand Marais, this magical peninsula overlooks the water and isn’t far from the Grand Marais Lighthouse.
George Washington Pines (Grand Marais)
George Washington Pines in Grand Marais is another spot that I consider to still be a ‘hidden gem.’ The trail to get here runs along an abandoned road that goes through gorgeous tall red pines all the way to Elbow Lake.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Minnesota Elopement Location
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.
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.
Guest count
For your elopement along the North Shore, I suggest keeping your guest count to a minimum. Some of these spots would be more difficult than others to have a larger guest count, as there simply isn’t the space / they are a bit more challenging to access.
Time of day/lighting
For your elopement, time of day and lighting matter when it comes to your elopement photos. As your photographer, I can help you choose the perfect time of day to plan your celebration, so don’t stress about this too much – it’s just something I wanted you to keep in mind.
Privacy
Different spots along the North Shore get more popular at certain times of the year. If we work together, I can help you choose the best location that offers you privacy depending on the time of day/day of the week you decide to have your elopement. It’s definitely possible to have a quiet, private elopement at all of the spots mentioned above.
Accessibility
Some spots can be a bit harder to access here vs others. If you’re planning to invite guests, I highly recommend making sure the spot you’re choosing is accessible to all – some spots along the North Shore can be rocky, slippery, or difficult to navigate.
Time of year
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 and location! For a comprehensive overview of what you can expect from each season, go here!
Additional Resources for Planning Your North Shore Elopement
As I’m sure you’ve figured out by now, I love the North Shore, and I want to help you plan your dream elopement here! I’ve written a handful of blogs that I think will be a helpful resource 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 Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Minnesota Elopement on the North Shore
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 this helpful, and will be referencing this guide of Best Places to Elope along the North Shore of MN when it’s your time to begin planning. The North Shore is a beautiful place to elope and I can’t wait for you to experience it first-hand!
Now all you need is your Minnesota elopement 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 learn more about my wedding services here or get in touch with me here!
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