Northern Michigan Elopement GuideA big landscape, a small guest list

Northern Michigan has some of the most dramatic, varied scenery in the Midwest — which makes it a natural fit for an intimate elopement. Here's where, and what to plan for.

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Where to Go

*Six landscapes,**none of them the same*

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — towering sand dunes and Lake Michigan views; Pyramid Point and Empire Bluffs are popular spots with fairly easy hikes.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore — in the Upper Peninsula, with cliffs, waterfalls and beaches.
Mackinac Island — no motor vehicles allowed, so horse-drawn carriages are the way around.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes — a desert-like landscape, with dune rides if you want them.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — "The Porkies": dense forest, waterfalls and mountain views.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park — one of the few designated dark sky parks in the U.S., built for a night ceremony.

One of our favorite elopement films was a sunrise ceremony on Sugarloaf Mountain outside Marquette — you can watch it on our films page.

Planning Tips

*A few things**worth checking first*

Check whether the location requires a permit for a ceremony or for photography/video — the national lakeshores have their own wedding permit pages (Sleeping Bear, Pictured Rocks).
Consider the season — Northern Michigan's look changes completely from summer to fall to winter.
Hire local vendors who already know the area and its logistics.
Plan for accessibility, especially if guests are coming or the site involves a hike.
Leave room in the schedule for spontaneous moments and exploring — some of the best footage happens off the plan.

Bride and groom walking toward their log home through the pines at dusk — Ann & Brad · Vanderbilt →

Eloping?

*Tell us where**you want to say it*

A dune at sunrise, a dock on Lake Michigan, the porch of a cabin you built yourselves — send us the place and the date and we'll tell you how we'd film it.