How To Elope On Mackinac Island

 

If you’re looking for a romantic place to elope with lots of charm and scenery, eloping on Mackinac Island might be the perfect option for you! Located in Lake Huron, between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, Mackinac Island is a secluded and picturesque destination that offers plenty of elopement activities, making it the perfect place to elope or have an intimate wedding! It also has a car-free policy, with horse-drawn carriages and bikes being the main forms of transportation on the island. Being on Mackinac Island is like being transported back in time!

 

After you cruise in a ferry across the waters of Lake Huron, you’ll step off the boat and be greeted with a bustling street full of activity, the smell of fresh fudge wafting through the air! Old-timey buildings line the street on both sides with unique souvenirs and restaurants. Horse drawn carriages meander through the busy street! The nostalgic look of this main street is perfect for photo opportunities.

 

 

Hop on one of the horse carriages or rent a bike to explore the road that encircles the entire island, or take a shortcut through one of the many hiking trails or roads that wander through the middle of the island. Mackinac Island is full of charming history and Victorian architecture. The landscape itself is full of scenic beauty with its beautiful water views, forests, and rocky cliffs. There are so many beautiful places to have a ceremony and explore on your wedding day!  Here’s everything you need to know about eloping on Mackinac Island, including the best locations, when to elope, and what to do on your elopement day!

 

When to Elope on Mackinac Island

 

There are four full seasons that would be great to elope on Mackinac Island, each with their own advantages.

 

 

• Summer:

The best time to elope on Mackinac Island is during the summer months, between June and August. During those months, the weather is warm and the island is bustling with activity. There are also more activities and events happening on the island in the summer.

 

• Fall:

Fall is also a great time to get married on Mackinac Island, especially if you are aiming for a secluded elopement. The fall season lasts September to November, with October being the ideal month for catching the vibrant fall leaves. Michigan’s fall colors are a must-see and will be the perfect backdrop for your elopement photos and video!

 

• Winter:

This time of year is definitely the coldest, but there is nothing like the beauty of Mackinac Island with a dusting of fresh snow! The island turns into a magical winter wonderland December through March, with activities that you can’t access any other time of the year! You can take advantage of the snow on your elopement day by going cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing.

 

• Spring:

The weather is more mild at this time of year with a higher chance of rain, but the Spring season, March through May, is also a great time on the island. Spring is also a beautiful time to visit with the wildflowers popping up across the island. Eloping at this time of year is perfect for avoiding the tourist crowds!

 

Where to Elope on Mackinac Island

 

Mackinac Island offers many different beautiful spots for an elopement ceremony. Some popular options include:

 

 

• The Grand Hotel:

The Grand Hotel is a historic and luxurious hotel that offers a stunning backdrop for an elopement ceremony. You can choose to get married on the porch, the lawn, or in one of the many beautiful rooms. The elegant flower-filled gardens and picturesque grandeur of the hotel will make for a romantic elopement spot!

 

 

• Mission Point Resort:

Mission Point Resort is a beautiful and serene resort that offers breathtaking views of Lake Huron. You could have your ceremony on the beach, the lawn, or in one of the many beautiful indoor spaces. The resort also has beautiful gardens full of flowers and ample photo opportunities.

 

• The Butterfly House:

The Butterfly House is a unique and beautiful indoor garden in a greenhouse that offers a stunning backdrop for an elopement ceremony. Imagine getting married surrounded by thousands of butterflies and vibrant greenery, making for a magical and unforgettable experience.

 

• Sunset Rock:

Sunset Rock is a beautiful and secluded spot that offers panoramic lake views and a view of the Mackinac Bridge. This overlook with a short stone wall barrier is perfect for a sunset ceremony, but is beautiful at any time of the day!

 

 

• Arch Rock:

This spot is iconic! Get married with the rock arch and water views behind you, and it will be incredibly romantic! Arch Rock is one of the most visited places on the island, so we would recommend planning for sunrise or sunset. If you’re not comfortable with a small audience of curious tourists, I would recommend having your ceremony elsewhere and coming here for portraits.

 

 

• Marquette Park:

Marquette Park a beautiful landscaped park just outside the main drag of Main Street. Fort Mackinac serves as a backdrop at the top of the hill, giving the park an old-timey feel. You can find a secluded spot on the lawn in the park and say your vows with the flowers and fort in the background.

 

• Off the beaten path:

There is a gorgeous beach all the way around the island, as well as paths through the forest all throughout! There are plenty of beautiful spots to have a ceremony anywhere on the island!

 

Elopement Activities on Mackinac Island

Aside from the ceremony itself, there are many different elopement activities that you can enjoy on Mackinac Island! Some popular options include:

 

 

• Horse-drawn carriage rides:

Horse-drawn carriage rides are a popular way to explore the island and enjoy its beautiful scenery. This is the easiest and most relaxing way to get around the island! All you have to do is sit back and watch the scenery pass by!

 

• Biking:

Another great way to explore the island is by biking, with many scenic bike paths to choose from. You and your partner can rent bikes and take a leisurely ride around the island, enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. You can choose to take the paved loop around the island, stopping at different spots along the way, or take a trail through the middle of the island and explore some of the lesser known spots!

 

 

• Hiking:

Mackinac Island offers many different beautiful hiking trails, each with its own unique charm. These trails take you through majestic forests and enchanting wetlands, along rocky bluffs with stunning views as far as you can see! Hiking is a great way to find secluded spots that you can only get to be exploring!

 

 

• Boat cruises:

A boat cruise is a unique and romantic activity to do on your elopement day!  You can enjoy the island’s beautiful scenery, watch the sun set over Lake Huron, and cruise under the Mackinac Bridge. There are quite a few options to choose from, including a tall ship with sails or a large boat with a full-service bar and live entertainment!

 

• Kayaking and paddle-boarding:

Kayaking or paddle-boarding is a great way to experience the island’s beautiful waters and stunning shoreline. You and your partner can rent kayaks or paddle-boards and explore the many coves and inlets around the island, or take a guided tour for a more immersive experience.

 

• Golfing:

If you and your partner enjoy golfing, Mackinac Island offers some of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the area. You can spend a relaxing afternoon on the links, enjoying the island’s natural beauty and fresh air.

 

• Spa treatments:

End your elopement day with some relaxation! There are many different spas on the island that offer relaxing and rejuvenating treatments. Enjoy the spa experience before heading back to your lodging on Mackinac Island!

 

• Winter activities:

Mackinac Island offers different activities that you can only take advantage of during the winter season. You can choose to go cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing! With the island covered in snow, you’ll get a completely unique experience that you can’t get any other time of the year! With that in mind, you also might consider snowmobiling to the island like the locals do! When the lake gets frozen with ice you can follow the ice bridge to get to the island, a path lined with Christmas trees, and then snowmobile as your transportation around Mackinac Island

 

 

Eloping on Mackinac Island makes for a beautiful and unforgettable experience. With its picturesque scenery, unique charm, and variety of elopement activities, Mackinac Island offers the perfect backdrop for a romantic elopement or intimate wedding!

You can check out this Mackinac Island elopement we captured for inspiration: Mackinac Island Elopement Wedding

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