A Comprehensive List of the Best Places to Elope for Your Wisconsin Elopement
If you’re here, you probably already know that Wisconsin is an incredible hidden gem, and we truly have so many beautiful pockets here! I know elopements aren’t exactly a big thing in the Midwest, especially in Wisconsin, but this is your sign to just do it. You won’t regret it – and I’m here to help you with telling you some of the best places to elope in Wisconsin!
The Top 8 Elopement Spots in Wisconsin
- Madeline Island
- Interstate State Park
- Bayfield
- Cave Point County Park
- Lake Pepin
- Pattison State Park
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Willow River State Park
Just a quick little note before we dive on into some of these epic Wisconsin elopement locations – it’s really important to keep the “Leave No Trace” principles in mind. Take care of the environment, and leave it in better condition than when you found it, and respect the Earth!
THE BEST WISCONSIN ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS
INTERSTATE STATE PARK
Interstate State Park is right on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. It’s only about an hour away from Minneapolis, and offers breathtaking views from the bluffs! The Ice Age/Pothole trail (On the WI side!) offers privacy, beautiful trees, the St.Croix River, and towering bluffs to give you amazing scenery everywhere you look. This spot is perfect if you don’t want to travel very far away from the Cities, but want to feel like you’re miles and miles away!
Looking for inspiration? Check out Gretchen and Dan’s Elopement!
PATTISON STATE PARK
Did you know that Pattison State Park has the highest waterfall in the whole state of Wisconsin?! This state park isn’t nearly as popular as some other spots, so if you’re looking for a beautiful location to tie the knot with your partner with an intimate setting… Pattison State Park is a great option for you!
There’s waterfalls, beautiful trails that walk right along the river, and paths that take you through beautiful forests. It’s perfect if you’re wanting to feel like a forest faerie on your wedding day!
DEVIL’S LAKE STATE PARK
Located in Baraboo Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is undoubtedly Wisconsin’s most popular state park! I mean, why wouldn’t you elope here when there’s 500-foot bluffs and a 360 degree view of this gorgeous lake?
This state park is located along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail (can you believe that glaciers used to exist here?!) and is just absolutely BEAUTIFUL! You cannot go wrong with eloping here, if you and your partner are obsessed with the outdoors.
Willow River State Park
Are you looking for a gorgeous spot outdoors that’s close to the Twin Cities area to include some water activities? You might want to check out Willow River State Park! This park has beautiful views of Willow Falls and the Willow River gorge that you can walk/hike around! You can also paddleboard, fish, canoe, kayak, or swim in Little Falls lake.
If you’re looking for a spot that you don’t have to travel to far for, but also want gorgeous views and the chance to do incorporate a water activity, this could be your spot!
AMNICON FALLS STATE PARK
This is a hidden gem located in the South Range of Wisconsin. Amnicon Falls State Park is located on some gorgeous waterfalls and rapids right along the Amnicon river. It’s a super charming little spot and absolutely stunning in the fall! And again, a bit more quite than a few other parks and spots.
MADELINE ISLAND
I’ve traveled to Madeline Island quite a lot over the last handful of years, and it’s just an absolutely stunning location! I think it may be my favorite spot in Wisconsin! Madeline Island is the largest island in Lake Superior with 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, which makes it the perfect place for eloping!
NOTE: You do have to take the ferry from Bayfield to get to Madeline Island
KETTLE MORAINE STATE FOREST
Kettle Moraine State Forest is located in southeastern Wisconsin, about 45-50 minutes from Milwaukee! It was created more than 10,000 years ago when two glacial sheets collided. The forest is filled with kettle lakes, wetlands, a hidden spring, valleys, high hills, and moraines! You can read more about Kettle Moraine State Forest here!
BAYFIELD
If one town was a mirrored image of any town in Hallmark movies, Bayfield would be it! It’s right on Lake Superior, and is actually the town you go through if you want to get to Madeline Island! There’s adorable shops, an amazing cafe (Wonderstate Coffee), a ferry to Madeline Island (Mad Ferry), a gorgeous apple farm (Blue Vista Farm), and sooo much more!
Cave Point County Park
Looking to elope in the Door County area of Wisconsin?! You’re going to absolutely LOVE Cave Point County Park! It’s on the shoreline of Lake Michigan with limestone ledges/cliffs and underwater caves which is pretty cool! The waves are usually beautiful here, and there’s quite a few spots to stop at. This is a pretty popular spot in Door County, so you’ll want to plan your elopement accordingly!
Peninsula State Park
Another Door County classic! Peninsula State Park is perfect for your elopement day if you want a sandy beach and to be surrounded with lots of trees, and the chance to see some bluffs with panoramic views! This park is also so incredible beautiful in any season, from wildflowers in the spring to the stunning fall colors in autumn!
Washington Island
Who knew Wisconsin had so many islands that you could take a ferry too, right?! If you’re looking for a scenic and quiet place to adventure to in Eastern Wisconsin, Washington Island is worth checking out. You’ll take the ferry over from the tip of the Door County peninsula and straight to the island within 30 minutes or so! You have the choice to bring your car with you or to rent bikes when you get there! You’ll also want to make sure you make time to stop at one of the lavender fields on the island.
TIP: If you want to be there when the lavender is blooming, Mid to Late July is the best time to elope on Washington Island.
Whitefish Dunes State Park
A beach elopement, anyone?! Who knew that Lake Michigan also has sand dunes, right?! If you and your partner are wanting more of a beachy-vibe for your special day, I think you’re going to love Whitefish Dunes State Park. There’s over 14 miles of beautiful trails that take you through the dunes and forest, which also means there’s lots of space to find a private spot for your adventure! This spot is also just a little south of Cave Point, so you can visit both locations easily!
LAKE PEPIN
Lake Pepin is an extremely small, quaint but beautiful town located in Western Wisconsin that is also that birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote the popular The Little House oxn the Prairie series!
There are a couple of super venues located in Lake Pepin, and it’s not a far drive for those who are located in the Twin Cities area!
ARE YOU STILL LOOKING FOR A LOCATION THAT SPEAKS TO YOU?
Part of the elopement experience with me includes personalized location recommendations based on your vision, your wants, and your needs!! So if after going through this list you didn’t find a location that speaks to you and your partner, click the button below so I can help you on this journey and find a location that DOES speak to you!!
LOOKING FOR MORE GUIDANCE?
I wrote an entire guide with all the information you need about planning your dream elopement here in Wisconsin. As a local Wisconsin elopement photographer that’s photographed a handful of elopements here, I’ve learned all the things you need to know about planning your elopement.
