Are you and your partner planning a Midwest elopement but you can’t decide where you want to go?! The Midwest is full of underrated gems — and this guide will walk you through the best places to elope in the Midwest for couples who want adventure, connection, and gorgeous natural backdrops that don’t feel like you’re in the Midwest!
SPOILER ALERT: All the images you’ll be seeing in this list were truly taken in the Midwest!! And you might be surprised at how beautiful the it can be and you might add it to your bucket list 😉
As a local Midwest elopement photographer, planner and expert that’s based out of Minnesconsin (That’s a thing right?! When you live right on the border of Minnesota & Wisconsin, and are an expert in both states?!), I’ve come to fall in love with the Midwest. I’ve done lots of exploring, research, and all the things to find some of the most beautiful spots here – so let me share that with you!
15 BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE MIDWEST
Surprisingly, this is actually such a gorgeous part of the country with LOTS of options for your elopement location like: an ancient ocean (cough, cough, Lake Superior, cough cough), the Greatest of Lakes, our own version of mountains, rocky river beds, EPIC sunrises and sunsets, and so much more!! (Am I convincing you yet?!)
So, if you and your partner are looking to create an intentional elopement day (or days) outdoors in nature with minimal crowds, then you’ll be surprised at what the Midwest has to offer for you.
BUCKLE UP, AND LET ME SHOW YOU HOW INCREDIBLE THE MIDWEST IS!
WHERE TO ELOPE IN THE MIDWEST
Imagine your Midwest elopement for a second – an intentional adventure for two, fueled by laughter, connection, and the raw beauty of the Midwest. You can celebrate under a star-studded sky on a secluded lakeshore, kayak under the moonlight on some of the best lakes in the states, or cozy up together with a bonfire and smores.
The Midwest offers a million ways to elope with intention, soaking up the earthy charm and creating memories that you’ll never forget! And, not to mention… we don’t have the crowds like the West Coast does!
THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN THE MIDWEST
MN NORTH SHORE (MINNESOTA)
- Where to Stay: Consider staying at North Shore Camping Co
Minnesota’s North Shore is honestly one of my homes away from home. The north shore is absolutely magical and a perfect location if you’re wanting to really ground yourselves in nature and involve some outdoorsy activities for your elopement experience. This part of Minnesota is truly full of hidden gems, beauty, and LOTS of things to do!
P.S. This is the most popular spot for eloping in Minnesota, and where I photograph elopements the most!
TAKE A LOOK AT MN NORTH SHORE ELOPEMENTS I’VE PHOTOGRAPHED:
- Tofte MN Elopement with Kayla & Bennett
- Lake Superior North Shore elopement with Chris + Tyla
- Hiking Elopement in Tettegouche State Park & Superior National Forest with Cassie & Peter
- Palisade Head Elopement with Miranda & Duncan
- Silver Bay MN Elopement at Palisade Head & Black Beach with Stephanie & Reid
CURIOUS ABOUT ELOPING ON THE MN NORTH SHORE?!
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK (MINNESOTA)
- Where to Stay: Want a unique lodging experience?! Consider a houseboat!
Voyageurs National Park is one of the most underrated places to elope in Northern Minnesota, which totally blows my mind! This park is perfect for you if you’re wanting to incorporate privacy, hiking, fishing, camping, boating, and stargazing into your elopement. It’s even recognized as an international dark sky park! (And you may even be able to catch the Aurora Borealis up here!)
MADELINE ISLAND (WISCONSIN)
- Where to Stay: Madeline Island Inn
Madeline Island is the largest island in Lake Superior that has just magnificent views of Lake Superior. It has miles of sandy white beaches and lots of beautiful bluffs. If you love the outdoors, you can explore by hiking, biking, canoeing, or kayaking! Madeline Island is truly a little slice of paradise in Wisconsin. It’s quiet, and just so beautiful. Lake Superior may not seem like much, but it’s often too cold to swim in year around leaving it crystal-clear blue! In a lot of spots, you can see down to the bottom.
DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK (WISCONSIN)
- Where to Stay: Check out Nord Haus nestled along Dell Creek!
Located just about 35 miles north of Madison and over by the Wisconsin Dells, lies Devil’s Lake State Park!! This park is a part of the National Ice Age Trail with gorgeous bluffs, 30 miles of hiking trails, swimming beaches, and a GORGEOUS lake that you can paddle on! You will need a Wisconsin State Park Vehicle Pass.
NOTE: From May through October, this state park is incredibly busy at prime times and on weekends, and you can expect long wait times and crowds. On the weekends, parking lots are usually full by 9am! So plan to elope on a weekday and in the early morning!
BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK (SOUTH DAKOTA)
- Where to Stay: Cedar Pass Lodge
Want to feel like you went to a whole other world (like a planet in Star Wars)?! You’re gonna want to check out Badlands National Park! This part of South Dakota is truly something special, and it won’t feel like you’re in South Dakota. This part of the states is SIGNIFICANTLY underrated!
CUSTER STATE PARK (SOUTH DAKOTA)
- Where to Stay: Custer State Park Lodge
Looking for a hidden gem that’s around the area of Badlands National Park?! You’re gonna wanna hear more about Custer State Park! This state park is located just a little over an hour away from the national park. It offers granite peaks, clear mountain blue water, and 71,000 acres to explore!
INDIANA DUNES STATE PARK (INDIANA)
- Where to Stay: Cabin right on Porter Beach
Who says we don’t have gorgeous sand dunes in the midwest?! You’ll feel like you’re transported to a planet in Star Wars, wanting to have your lightsaber in hand. The Indiana Dunes are truly breathtaking! It’s even a perfect spot for stargazing after the sun goes down. However, it can be very busy during the summer and fall seasons, so try aiming for a weekday and the early morning/sunrise time for maximum privacy.
TURKEY RUN STATE PARK (INDIANA)
- Where to Stay: Turkey Run Inn
14 miles of hiking trails, sandstone rivines, and the biggest canoeing & kayaking river in Indiana… need I say more?! If you’re looking for a location with unique features and plenty of hiking trails, take a peek at Turkey Run State Park!
PORCUPINE MOUNTAINS (MICHIGAN)
- Where to Stay: Mountain View Lodges
Ready for another severely underrated spot in the Midwest?! Allow me to introduce you to the Porcupine Mountains (also known as the Porkies) of Michigan! They’re located near the shore of Lake Superior, and offer gorgeous hiking trails with insanely stunning views.
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE (MICHIGAN)
- Where to Stay: Waterfront House with Private Beach & Dock
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located right on the south shore of Lake Superior and offers gorgeous sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, unique rock formations, and so much more!
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES (MICHIGAN)
- Where to Stay: Stony Brook Lodge
Did you know that the upper Midwest has more than just one area of sand dunes? Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan is located right along Lake Michigan, and is known for the HUGE sand dunes along the shore. It offers beautiful and unique views for your elopement experience.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK (NORTH DAKOTA)
- Where to Stay: Spirit of the Badlands
North Dakota may be commonly known as a fly-over state, but I’m here to say that there’s a few beautiful corners in the state too! Theodore Roosevelt National Park is one of those beautiful spots in ND. Located in the Western part of the state, it’s where the great plains of the Midwest meet with the rugged Badlands! This park is known for it’s painted canyon and where Theodore Roosevelt once used to live.
PEMBINA GORGE (NORTH DAKOTA)
- Where to Stay: Moose Creek Lodge
The Pembina Gorge offers beautiful, wide views of the Pembina River. This park offers 30 over 30 miles of trails that you can utilize for horseback riding, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and OHVs!
HOCKING HILLS STATE PARK (OHIO)
- Where to Stay: Hocking Hills State Park Lodge
When you think of Ohio, you probably don’t think of state parks with waterfalls and caves right?! Hocking Hills State Park offers over 25 miles of hiking trails, perfect if you’re looking to explore in the outdoors for your Ohio elopement.
CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK (OHIO)
- Where to Stay: Inn at Brandywine Falls
This national park is along the Cuyahoga River, which winds itself through forests, rolling hills, and farmlands. A lot of local Ohio-ians find this national park to be peaceful!
GARDEN OF THE GODS (ILLINOIS)
- Where to Stay: The Hickory Hollow Log Cabin
You’d be surprised at how Illinois has some true gorgeous locations outside of Chicago.. I mean, I’m always amazed at the beauty we have here in the Midwest! Garden of the Gods is no exception. This park offers panoramic views of the rolling hills, rock bluffs above the forest, and so much more. This is a perfect spot for beautiful fall colors too!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ELOPING IN THE MIDWEST
What’s the best time of year to elope in the Midwest?
There’s truly no wrong time, it just depends on what you’re looking for!
- Fall gives you those vibrant colors and crisp air (one of my favorite seasons for elopements).
- Spring is full of new life, though it can be muddy in places.
- Summer is lush and green—great for lakes, waterfalls, and longer days.
- Winter is magical and moody, especially if you love snow-dusted trees and cozy layers.
I help you pick a date based on weather, lighting, crowds, and what will feel most aligned for your day.
DO WE NEED A PERMIT TO ELOPE IN A PARK OR OUTDOOR SPACE?
Sometimes, yes! A lot of the beautiful spots you’ll see in this guide (like state parks, national lakeshores, or public lands) may require a special use permit, especially if you’re bringing a photographer or having a small group of guests. It’s not as intimidating as it sounds, and I help my couples figure it out step-by-step. Whether you’re eyeing Devil’s Lake or Tettegouche State Park, I’ll make sure you know what’s needed!
MIDWEST ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Are you feeling inspired to elope in the Midwest after looking through some of the best locations to elope at… but maybe feeling overwhelmed with planning?? I’m your local Midwest elopement photographer, and I’m here to help you plan the elopement of your wildest dreams WHILE documenting the art of your story!
I hope you enjoyed this INCREDIBLE list of the best places to elopement in the Midwest!! Don’t trust people that say this is fly-over country 😉
