How to Elope on MN North Shore

The Ultimate Guide to Your MN North Shore Elopement in 2025!

If you and your partner are thinking of eloping in Minnesota to make your wedding day an intimate experience, the MN North Shore will definitely offer you so many gorgeous options to do just that! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to elope on MN North Shore, written by a local Minnesota elopement photographer!

By the end of this guide, you will be able to create your elopement experience of a lifetime up on the MN north shore!!

This How to Elope on MN North Shore Guide Covers:

• How to Elope on MN North Shore
• The Best Places to Elope on MN North shore
• Activities For Your MN North Shore Elopement

THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO ELOPE ON MN NORTH SHORE

Spring + Summer (June to August): Everything is in bloom during these months (leaves on the trees and flowers sprouting from the ground) but it can get pretty warm and humid during these months so be prepared!

Fall (September to October): Autumn is one of the best times to experience Minnesota North Shore!! The colors up north are unmatched, and if you’re looking for some moody/beautiful backdrops, the fall season is your best friend. One thing to keep in mind is the Fall season is one of the busiest times of year up north, so if you can, avoid a weekend day!

Winter: If you’re a fan of the snow and cold weather, then you may want to consider eloping in the month of December or January! Be warned though, it can be QUITE cold during these months so plan accordingly! The north shore also experiences lake effect snow so even though the forecast may say it won’t snow, there are good chances it could still snow!

TIPS FOR SELECTING YOUR ELOPEMENT DATE

TIP ONE: The North Shore’s busy months are from June to October, so I highly recommend avoiding holiday weekends and weekends in general, unless you’re planning to get up at sunrise. Traffic can be backed up for MILES on Fridays and Sundays, especially if there’s construction.

TIP TWO: The least busiest days of the week will be Tuesdays and Wednesdays, if you want maximum intimacy and privacy for your elopement.

TIP THREE: Airbnbs and hotels book up pretty fast for the busy season, so consider this before being set on a specific date! You might want to look at lodging options for different dates first.

THE BEST PLACES TO ELOPE ON MN NORTH SHORE

Jay Cooke State Park

This state park isn’t nestled along the iconic HWY 61 of the North Shore, but it’s just as equally as stunning! There’s miles of hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, a rocky 13-mile gorge, and a unique suspension bridge. This park is also closer to Duluth than you think!

Brighton Beach

Brighton Beach (also known as Kitchi Gammi Park) is an excellent location if you’re wanting to be right along Lake Superior, without even having to leave Duluth! There’s tables and grills, that would make for a perfect picnic on your big day.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is home to one of the most photographed lighthouses in the States! Not only does this state park have an insanely gorgeous lighthouse up on the cliffs of Lake Superior (and yes, you can go for a tour to see the inside!), but it’s also home to some incredible hiking trails on the North Shore.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Are you and your partner looking for an EPIC waterfall for your elopement day? You’re gonna want to consider Gooseberry Falls! This park is known for it’s jaw-dropping waterfalls, Lake Superior shoreline, and beautiful river gorge. Gooseberry also has lots of accessible paved trails throughout the park. (NOTE: This is another incredibly busy state park, and is one of the most popular ones on the North Shore)

Black Beach

When you think of Minnesota, a black sand beach probably doesn’t even cross your mind! But it’s true, we have a beautiful black sand beach that feels like you’re in Iceland. There’s no hiking at this beach, just walking paths! (NOTE: This is another busy location on the North Shore)

Click here to look at Stephanie and Reid’s Black Beach Elopement!
Looking for a full guide on how to elope on Black Beach? I already have it written for you, just click here!

Palisade Head

Dreaming of jaw-dropping cliffs above Lake Superior for your elopement day? Then you’ll want to visit Palisade Head, because these are the tallest cliffs along Lake Superior! You’ll have to be careful when exploring because there are ZERO fences! While you can’t have a legal ceremony here, you can take portraits here (or exchange your private vows). You can park at the bottom of Palisade Head and hike straight up the 0.9 mile road, or drive to the top and try to find a parking spot! (Again, this is also a busy spot! Do not park on the rocks and out of designated parking areas. This is also apart of Tettegouche State Park, so you will need a state park pass.)

Click here to look at Miranda and Duncan’s Palisade Head & Black Beach Elopement!

Tettegouche State Park

Are you envisioning epic cliff landscapes, rocky beaches, stunning waterfalls, and a whole lotta Lake Superior?! Tettegouche State Park has lots of spots to explore and adventure around. Whether you want a leisure walk, or a muddy hike, Tettegouche really has it all! (NOTE: this is one of the busiest state parks on the North Shore)

Click here to look at Cassie & Peter’s North Shore MN Elopement where we explored around Tettegouche State Park and the Sawtooth Mountains!

Lutsen Mountains

The Lutsen Mountains, located in the Superior National Forest, is an extremely popular seeing spot in the winter, but did you know there’s lots to do around the Lutsen Mountains outside of winter? There’s hiking trails, gondola rides, an alpine slide, a winery, and so much more you can enjoy in the mountains of Minnesota.

Temperance River State Park

This is one of my favorite state parks along the North Shore! There’s stunning waterfalls, the Temperance River gorge, and just epic rock formations with beautiful views.

Click here to look at Kayla and Bennett’s North Shore elopement where we explored Temperance River State Park and Superior National Forest!

Artist’s Point in Grand Marais

If you’re looking for an adorable, artsy harbor town nestled on the North Shore to spend your elopement celebration in… here’s Grand Marais for you! Artist’s Point in Grand Marais is a small and easy walk to the rocky shore of Lake Superior.

Gunflint Trail

The Gunflint Trail is a 57 mile national scenic byway that starts in Grand Marais! Exploring the gunflint trail is perfect for the outdoorsy couples that really want to immerse themselves in the beauty of Minnesota. Gunflint Trail is truly something remarkable up north!

(You’ll want to check out the Gunflint Lodge for lodging!)

Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale NP is truly a hidden gem!! It’s a remote island with ZERO cars and a whole lotta wilderness! You can hop on a ferry or seaplane from Grand Marais or Michigan, and be ready to have an intimate elopement experience on this little island.

MICRO-WEDDING VENUES ON MN NORTH SHORE

Are you looking to have more of a micro-wedding (15-30) guests on the North Shore? Here are some of the best locations that you might want to check out.

• Bluefin Bay Tofte Cove (Capacity: 30 max)
• Larsmont Cottages (Capacity: 50 max)
• Cascade Lodge (Capacity: 60 max)
• Cedar Cliff Retreat (Capacity: 21 max)
• Tettegouche Lodge (Capacity: 22 max)
• Grand Superior Lodge (Capacity: 160 max)

HIRE YOUR MINNESOTA ELOPEMENT VENDORS

The vendors you hire for your elopement day can make or break your experience!! The biggest tip I have for you when hiring vendors, is to make sure they understand your vision and that they have provided experiences for elopements before!! For example, there’s a big difference between photographers that specialize in traditional weddings versus elopements. You want to hire an elopement photographer that can provide the best experience possible for you!

Here are some elopement vendors you should consider hiring:

• Photographer
• Videographer
• Hair & Makeup Artist
• Florist
• Chef
• Officiant

Another tip for finding the right vendors, is to meet with them over the phone or on a zoom call. Ask all that you need to know!

How to Legally Get Married on MN North Shore

If you wish to get legally married on the North Shore, then you’ll need a Minnesota marriage license. You can get your MN marriage license in any county in the state of Minnesota! If you live in Minnesota, just find the closest county clerk in your county to make it as easy as possible.

You’ll need an ordained officiant and two witnesses for your Minnesota elopement ceremony to legalize your marriage! You can hire an officiant to help you with your ceremony, or you can have your elopement photographer sign your marriage license if they’re ordained! (HINT: I’m an ordained Minnesota elopement photographer 😘)

THE BEST LODGING ON THE MN NORTH SHORE

North Shore Camping Co.

Are you and your partner looking for an EPIC glamping experience for your elopement? North Shore Camping Co. is nestled in the trees just above Lake Superior, and is the perfect lodging option for truly grounding yourselves in nature for your elopement experience. (They also have saunas for you to get sweaty in!)

Bluefin Bay

Bluefin Bay is a charming resort right along the shore of Lake Superior, and is one of my favorite places to stay. They have incredible amenities (including an outdoor hot tub with gorgeous Lake Superior views), saunas, campfires, and so many activities you can book. And it’s all included!

Tofte Trails

Looking for an upscale cabin just minutes away from the Lutsen Mountains? Tofte Trails offers some incredible cozy cabins for your elopement day.

Cascade Lodge

Cascade Lodge is a beautiful historic place to stay up on the north shore. It’s located just 15 minutes from Grand Marais, set right along the Lake Superior shoreline, with hiking trails right there!

THE BEST ACTIVITIES TO DO ON YOUR ELOPEMENT DAY ALONG MINNESOTA NORTH SHORE

North Shore MN Elopement Packages

Are you and your partner ready to elope on the MN North Shore?!! Then it’s PLANNING TIME!! Your elopement day should be an intentional wedding day experience that’s completely unique to you and your relationship, which is why I specialize in handcrafted elopement experiences on the MN North Shore.

I’m here to not only photograph your elopement day, but to help you plan your entire experience.

HOW TO CHOOSE WEDDING ATTIRE FOR YOUR NORTH SHORE ELOPEMENT

It is quite simple really – glam yourself but do it wisely! If you are going to be out in nature and need to hike, then comfortable footwear will be essential! For example, a lot of my couples bring a gorgeous pair of shoes for the moment when we arrive at their elopement location. Also, it is your day, wear whatever you like! You can opt for traditional wedding attire, but also choose casual wear! (FYI Pantsuits and black wedding dresses are definitely a thing!)

LEAVE NO TRACE

Let’s talk about something close to my heart – protecting these incredible North Shore spaces we’re lucky enough to celebrate in. Every time I’m photographing or just simply enjoying these spaces, I’m reminded of how precious these places are.

As an elopement photographer, it’s crucial to advocate and help protect these spaces so we can continue to experience them for many, many years to come! Whether it’s packing out everything we bring in or not trampling fragile vegetation, these small actions ensure these wild places stay wild for future couples and generations to enjoy!

The Leave No Trace Principles Are:

1. Plan ahead and prepare

2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

3. Dispose of waste properly

4. Leave what you find

5. Minimize campfire impacts

6. Respect wildlife

7. Be considerate of other visitors

Want to learn more about leaving no trace? You can read more here.

LOOKING FOR MORE NORTH SHORE MN ELOPEMENT INSPIRATION?

Check out some of these elopements I’ve photographed over the last couple of years along the North Shore!

• Two Harbors MN Elopement with Melissa & Seth
• Minnesota Fall Elopement in Silver Bay, MN with Stephanie & Reid
• Tofte MN Elopement with Kayla and Bennett
• Duluth MN Elopement with Miranda & Duncan
• Lake Superior Elopement with Chris & Tyla