So, you’re thinking about eloping on the North Shore of Minnesota? Let me tell you—you’re in for something truly special. Imagine standing hand in hand with your partner, surrounded by towering pines, dramatic cliffs, and the endless blue of Lake Superior stretching out before you. The waves crash against the rocky shoreline, the breeze carries the scent of the forest, and in that quiet, breathtaking moment, it’s just the two of you—no stress, no distractions, just love.

Eloping on the North Shore isn’t just about choosing a stunning backdrop for your vows (though, let’s be honest, it’s hard to beat). It’s about creating a day that feels 100% you—adventurous, intimate, and free from the pressure of a big traditional wedding. Whether you’re envisioning a quiet sunrise ceremony on a secluded beach, exchanging vows beneath a waterfall, or hiking to a cliffside overlook for an epic golden-hour moment, this guide will help you bring your dream North Shore elopement to life.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from the best locations and legal requirements to tips on making your day unforgettable. So, let’s dive in and start planning the adventure of a lifetime!

Table of Contents

Why Elope on the North Shore?
Legal Requirements & Permits
Best Locations for a North Shore Elopement
Best Time of Year to Elope
Where to Stay on the North Shore
What to Pack for Your Elopement
How to Include Family in Your Elopement
Hiring Your Vendors
Final Tips for an Unforgettable North Shore Elopement
Leave No Trace

Why Elope on the North Shore?

Eloping on the North Shore of Minnesota means exchanging vows in a place where rugged cliffs meet the vast expanse of Lake Superior, where waterfalls carve through dense forests, and where adventure is around every corner. Whether you dream of saying “I do” on a rocky overlook, beneath a towering pine tree, or beside a cascading waterfall, the North Shore offers an unmatched backdrop for an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience.

Beyond its beauty, eloping here allows you to:

• Skip the stress of a big wedding and focus on what truly matters.
• Immerse yourselves in nature while creating a unique, adventure-filled experience.
• Have an intimate, meaningful ceremony without the pressure of a large crowd.
• Plan a wedding day that reflects your relationship—whether that means hiking to a scenic overlook, kayaking on the lake, or cozying up by a campfire after saying your vows.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels effortless, adventurous, and true to you, the North Shore is the perfect place to make it happen.

Legal Requirements & Permits

Before you set off on your North Shore elopement adventure, you’ll need to take care of a few legalities. The good news? Getting legally married in Minnesota is pretty straightforward.

Marriage License Requirements

• You can apply for a marriage license at any county registrar’s office in Minnesota.
• Both parties must be present and provide valid identification.
• The fee is typically around $115 (or about $40 if you complete 12 hours of premarital counseling).
• There’s no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you receive your license.
• Your marriage license is valid for six months.

Who Can Officiate?

Minnesota allows a variety of people to officiate your ceremony, including:

• Judges
• Ordained ministers (including those ordained online)
• Court-appointed officiants

If you want a truly intimate experience, you can have a close friend or family member get ordained online and officiate your ceremony. If you want a “just you two” experience, I happen to be ordained through the Universal Life Church and would be honored to officiate your ceremony!

Do You Need Permits?

If you’re eloping in a Minnesota state park, you may need a special-use permit. Each park has different regulations, so it’s best to check with the Minnesota DNR or the specific park office. Some locations are more relaxed, while others require approval for ceremonies, especially if you’ll have guests or decorations. (Pssst, this is something I can help you with!)

Best Locations for a North Shore Elopement

The North Shore is packed with breathtaking spots for an elopement. Here are a few of the best:

1. Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche State Park offers dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and secluded beaches, making it a stunning spot for an adventurous elopement. With scenic overlooks and epic views, it’s perfect for couples who love hiking and exploring.

• Permit Required: You need a park pass to enter the park. Day passes are $7.00 and can be purchased online here, or in-person at the office. You do not need a special use permit to have a wedding ceremony here, but you are not allowed to block off any section for your ceremony.

2. Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls features iconic waterfalls, beautiful forests, and views of Lake Superior creating a picturesque setting for your elopement. With easy trails and scenic viewpoints, it’s perfect for a simple yet stunning ceremony. To avoid crowds, plan for an early morning or weekday elopement.

• Permit Required: You need a park pass to enter the park. Day passes are $7.00 and can be purchased online here, or in-person at the office. You can rent the Lady Slipper Lodge at Gooseberry Falls for $75. It is opened from 8am to 5pm. Find more information about this here!

3. Black Beach (Silver Bay)

Black Beach in Silver Bay offers a unique black sand shoreline and stunning rock formations, creating a moody, romantic setting unlike anywhere else in Minnesota. With easy access and no hiking required, it’s a perfect spot for an intimate and scenic elopement.

• Permit Required: You do not currently need a permit to hold a wedding ceremony here, but you are not allowed to block any specific section off for a ceremony.

4. Palisade Head

Palisade Head boasts jaw-dropping cliffside views over Lake Superior, making it one of the most adventurous elopement spots on the North Shore. A short but steep drive up the road (only open from May-November) and a few short hikes can lead to many dramatic and unforgettable backdrops, perfect for couples seeking a bold and breathtaking setting.

• Permit Required: You cannot have a legal wedding ceremony at Palisade Head, BUT it’s a great location for bridal portraits!

5. Artist’s Point (Grand Marais)

Artist’s Point offers a rugged, windswept shoreline with stunning rock formations and crashing waves, creating a beautifully wild setting for an intimate ceremony. Its close proximity to the center of Grand Marais makes it easy to celebrate after your vows.

• Permit Required: Artist’s Point in Grand Marais typically does not require a permit for small, intimate ceremonies – but it’s always a good idea to check with local authorities.

These are just options – there are SO MANY other amazing options for eloping on the North Shore, your opportunities are truly endless!

Best Time of Year to Elope on the North Shore

Each season offers something unique, so your ideal timeframe for your elopement on the North Shore will depend heavily on what kind of experience you are dreaming of!

Spring (April-May): Spring in Northern Minnesota brings powerful, rushing waterfalls from the snowmelt, vibrant wildflowers beginning to bloom, and fresh greenery returning to the forests. While the landscape comes alive, the weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of crisp mornings, rainy afternoons, and occasional late-season snow.

Summer (June-August): Summer in Northern Minnesota offers warm temperatures, lush forests, and vibrant blooms, creating the perfect backdrop for an outdoor elopement. While the weather is ideal for exploring, it’s also peak tourist season, so expect more visitors at popular spots, especially on weekends.

Fall (September-October): Fall in Northern Minnesota is known for its stunning fall colors, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it one of the best times to elope. The vibrant foliage creates a picturesque backdrop, and the crisp air adds to the cozy, intimate atmosphere. The Minnesota DNR has a “Fall Color Finder” that you can find here to help you track the peak colors during the season!

Winter (November-March): Winter in Northern Minnesota offers snowy, dramatic landscapes that create a magical and adventurous setting for elopements. The serene beauty of snow-covered forests and frozen lakes is perfect for couples seeking a winter wonderland, though be prepared for subzero temperatures that require careful planning and the right gear.

Where to Stay on the North Shore

There are plenty of cozy spots to stay for your elopement along the North Shore. Here are some top picks:

• Lutsen Resort – A lakeside retreat with a historic lodge feel.
• Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior – A luxurious stay with epic views.
• Superior Shores Resort – Perfect for couples who want privacy and comfort.
• Airbnb Cabins – From treehouses to lakeside cottages, there are tons of unique stays along the North Shore. Find my top picks here!

What to Pack for Your Elopement

Packing smart will help ensure a stress-free day. Here’s a checklist to help:

• Wedding attire – dress, suit, jewelry (rings!!), shoes, etc. (consider layering for the unpredictable weather depending on when your elopement is)
• Sturdy shoes – if you’re hiking to your location, it might be a good idea to pack a pair of shoes you can wear once you get to the location, and wear hiking appropriate shoes on your way there.
• Bug spray & sunscreen – both are sooo essential for summer elopements, especially once the mosquitoes come out as they can be overwhelming at times.
• Hand warmers & blankets – great items to have with for fall or winter elopements!
• Vow books, bouquet, flatlay items (if that’s your thing)
• Permits & marriage license – so, so important! Your officiant needs to sign your official marriage license, so this is a very important piece to remember to bring!

How to Include Family in Your Elopement

Even if you’re eloping on the North Shore of Minnesota, you can still involve your loved ones! Here’s how:

• You can invite a few close family members to be present during the ceremony, or even host a post-elopement celebration back home to share your joy.
• For those who can’t attend, live-streaming your ceremony is a great option, allowing loved ones to witness your special moment.
• You could also read letters from family members during your vows, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to your day.

Hiring Your Vendors

While an elopement is simpler than a big wedding, you’ll still want a few key vendors:

• Officiant: Whether it’s a professional or a friend, you’ll need someone to make it official.
  • Some great officiants serving the North Shore area include:
    • Marry Me In The Northland
    • Vows With Angie

• Florist: A bouquet can add the perfect touch. Of course traditional, real bouquets are stunning – but don’t be afraid to use artificial bouquets as well!
  • Some great florist ideas both local and online:
    • Anderson’s Greenhouse (Two Harbors)
    • Superior Blooms (Duluth)
    • Ling’s Moments (Online) – I actually got my wedding flowers from this website and they were very impressive!!

• Hair & Makeup Artist: Today’s the day to spoil yourself! Not wanting to do your own hair or makeup? I have some great recommendations along the shore.
  • Some great local hair and makeup artists:
    • Salon 507 (Two Harbors)
    • Dept.Two (Two Harbors)
    • Captivating Beauty (Lutsen)

• Photographer: Capturing your day is essential (hey, that’s me!).

Final Tips for an Unforgettable North Shore Elopement

• Embrace the weather—it’s part of the adventure and what makes the North Shore so special!
• For a more peaceful experience, elope on a weekday when there are fewer crowds.
• Consider a private vow exchange for a truly intimate and personal moment.
• Above all, make the day about you two—this is your unique adventure, so enjoy every moment!

Leave No Trace

he North Shore is a stunning, wild place, and we all have a responsibility to keep it that way. Follow these Leave No Trace principles when eloping:

• Pack out everything you bring in.
• Stay on designated trails to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Respect wildlife and avoid leaving behind decorations.
• Choose a location that allows elopements without harming the environment.

By keeping these guidelines in mind, we can ensure that future couples can enjoy this incredible place just like you!

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Ready to Elope on the North Shore? Let’s Make It Happen!

If you’re dreaming of eloping on the North Shore of Minnesota in a stress-free, adventure-filled environment, I’d love to be your photographer and guide. Reach out to me today, and let’s start planning your dream elopement!