Melissa and Seth had one request for their Two Harbors MN elopement: make it an adventure. So we spent 8 hours exploring some of best spots along Minnesota’s North Shore, starting with a morning hike to Caribou Falls and ending with their ceremony at Split Rock Lighthouse – with their families by their side. Because who says you can’t have both an epic hiking adventure AND get married with your people there to celebrate?
Want to learn more about eloping on the MN North Shore? Here’s the ultimate guide to eloping on the MN North Shore in 2025!
Melissa and Seth started their elopement day with meeting me at the trailhead for Caribou Falls (accessible via the Superior Hiking Trail). These two knew they wanted to spend most of their day alone, just the two of them, out exploring the north shore. Seth was born and raised in Duluth but Melissa had never been to the North Shore until their elopement day! It was SO fun getting to show Melissa around for the first time (and she definitely fell in love)
NOTE: If you explore this waterfall on your elopement day, make sure you’re wearing good waterproof shoes. If there’s been recent rain, you may not be able to walk around the bottom of the waterfall. There’s no space to have an elopement ceremony with any guests here, but it’s a beautiful spot to explore as an adventure.
After spending some time at the waterfall, we packed up and drove to Palisade Head! And holy shit, was it busy. M&S eloped on a Saturday in peak fall season, so it was bound to be pretty busy (and a good thing we got an early start at the waterfall.) We waited about 20 minutes to park at Palisade Head, then walked around the cliff edges (safely) and soaked up the beautiful views. (Their pups were also there in spirit so I had to get a photo of Melissa’s lockscreen!)
After having some fun at Palisade Head, we made the short drive to Black Beach where they could get just a little closer to Lake Superior. Isn’t it incredible how many different vibes and views they got to experience during their elopement day? Once we got to the beach, they leisurely walked around, soaking it all in, and skipped some rocks. (They also got a Black Beach crewneck from Stitched Graphics)
After adventuring ALL along the North Shore, it was time to take a little food break and then recovene for their Split Rock Lighthouse State Park elopement ceremony. We meet up with their immediate families right around sunset (although it was pretty cloudy the entire idea) where they got to exchange their vows right on Lake Superior.
After their beautiful wedding ceremony in Split Rock State Park, it was time to part ways so they could go enjoy a warm dinner with their families to celebrate.
North Shore MN Elopement Photographer: Samantha Burke Photography
Florist: Flora North
Hair & Make Up: Hustle and Heart Salon
Ready to plan your own Two Harbors MN elopement adventure? Whether you’re dreaming of hiking to hidden waterfalls or exchanging vows at Split Rock Lighthouse (or both!), I’m here to help you create a day that feels completely aligned and authentic to you! The best part? We can craft an adventure that gives you private moments AND time to celebrate with your favorite people. Reach out to me below to get the elopement experience started!
READY TO CHAT ABOUT YOUR ELOPEMENT? CLICK HERE TO REACH OUT!
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HEYY HEYY!! I'm Sam, your elopement photographer and experience creator based out of Minnesota!! You can also find me on a flight somewhere, swimming in the ocean pretending I'm a siren, screaming my heart out at concerts, or reading some smutty enemiesy to lovers romance books!!