How to Elope in Michigan

So, you’re thinking about eloping in Michigan? We don’t blame you! Michigan is a beautiful state! Did you know that there are more than 11,000 inland lakes? No matter where you are in Michigan, you are never more than 6 miles from a lake or more than 85 miles from one of the Great Lakes! Making Michigan the amazing water wonderland that it is. Whether you’re thinking about eloping on a lakeshore under a dramatic and colorful sunset that will leave you speechless, or nestled into a beautiful forest of vibrant Autumn leaves. Michigan has got you covered!

Now that you have decided you want to elope in Michigan, you are probably thinking what do we do next? Do we look for a location? Are there any forms or permits we will have to get? What about an officiant? These are all good questions! We suggest the first thing you do when planning an elopement is hire a good elopement photographer and or videographer. They will be able to help plan and guide you through every step of the way. That’s why we recommend booking them first! Wedding and elopement planning can be stressful… but it doesn’t have to be 😉

First things first, start your search for your photographer and videographer. Once you have your search narrowed down, inquire with them. If they are available for your date, book them and they can start to help you build the perfect day you’re envisioning. If they are already booked, consider possibly moving your date. We have found eloping during the week works the best to avoid any crowds on your elopement day, especially if it’s a popular location!

 

 

Locations

Once you have your photo and video team booked, we can start to go over some amazing location options that will make your day perfect. Are you envisioning a beautiful beach elopement? Or what about a dreamy forest elopement in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? 

Lake Superior

When it comes to beach elopements on the Great Lakes, without a doubt, our favorite is the Lake Superior shoreline. It has it all! The sheer cliffs, the waterfalls, sandy beaches, intensely beautiful shores filled with colorful rocks and agates and, if you’re lucky, you might even find a pudding stone or two. We recommend planning it for either sunrise or sunset. The dramatic golden glow as the sun rises or sets is magical. It sets the perfect mood for the most stunning portraits and cinematic film.

To make the most out of your experience, we suggest taking a few extra days after your elopement to check out all the other amazing spots in the area. After all, it is known for the famous multicolored Pictured Rocks cliffs in Munising, and don’t forget the super cool sandstone formations like Miners Castle and Chapel Rock. Maybe you want to take a nice hike through a beautiful forest to one of 300+ waterfalls in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A few we like are the Tahquamenon Falls, Miners falls, and even the beautiful cascading Au Train Falls.

 

Porcupine Mountains

If you love to hike, we highly recommend the Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park, especially in the fall! It has many trails, beautiful waterfalls that eventually flow into rivers and streams. That puts this at the top of our list for places to hike and explore in the Upper Peninsula. When you’re there, make sure to see the Lake of the Clouds, as it’s the most photographed location in the Porcupine Mountains. When you’re standing up on the mountain looking down at the lake you instantly notice the reflection in the water of all the beautiful lush trees surrounding it. It’s a sight that you will remember forever!

Lake Michigan

Maybe you’re thinking you might want the sandy Lake Michigan elopement instead. There is nothing like reading your precious vows to one another with your toes in the sand with Lake Michigan’s waves rolling in beside you. Followed by spending the evening relaxing and soaking in one of the most remarkable sunsets you’ve ever seen. Is there a better way to say “I do” than that?

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

One of our favorite sandy spots in Michigan is Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Bordering both Lake Michigan and Silver Lake, the remarkable dunes consist of nearly 2,000 acres of rolling sandy hills. Plus they have ATV rentals available so you can make your day unique and adventurous. The view of Lake Michigan from the top of the dunes is a sight to see, making it the perfect spot to tie the knot!

Sleeping Bear Dunes

How do sugary sands and emerald blue water sound? Another great option is Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes. Its beautiful, vast, and ever-changing sand dunes that lead straight out to Lake Michigan that make this location special. If this is your choice, make sure to go hike Empire Bluff Trail. It’s just a short drive away and the first dune top view you see on the trail is worth it alone. Another short hike past that, the beautiful wooded trail opens up to reveal a wide elevated view of Lake Michigan, leaving you speechless! You won’t want to leave!

Mackinac Island

Last but by far not least, we have Mackinac Island! Where do I start? This area has it all! There are so many fun things to do in and around Mackinac Island! It’s about a 15 to 20-minute ferry boat ride to get to the island. The island itself has some incredible spots! My personal favorite is Arch rock. It’s a natural limestone arch that is 146′ above the lake. The view from the bottom is pretty but the best view is from up top. You can get a horse-drawn carriage ride, rent a pedal bike and ride, or hike up to reveal the breathtaking view. Looking through the center of the giant limestone arch overlooking the emerald blue water is truly one of a kind! 

To make the experience truly remarkable, you could then spend the next couple nights at the one and only, The Grand Hotel! This unrivaled hotel first opened its doors in 1887. Boasting its 660-foot long front porch overlooking the beautiful straits of Mackinac. It has 393 rooms and every one of them is different from the last one. It’s so unique that in the past, five U.S. presidents had visited there for a stay and three movies have been filmed there.

Another interesting fact about Mackinac Island is that motor vehicles are prohibited on the island. It may sound inconvenient at first, but it’s what truly makes Mackinac Island so unique. You can get horse-drawn carriages to take you anywhere you want to go or rent bicycles and take a couple of hours to ride the perimeter of the island. Be sure to stop down at the Mustang Lounge downtown for a burger and a brew and do not forget to stop and pick up a slice of the famous Mackinac Island fudge! If you love to shop, you will love Mackinac Island!!! All the buildings and homes are a step back in time. With no modern cars and trucks around, only horses and bicycles, it feels like you’re set back in time. It’s a very unique experience and it would be the ultimate place to elope.

 

 

Best time of year to elope?

Whether you prefer winter, spring, summer, or fall, Michigan has it all!

Winter

If you love the snow, the winter months in Michigan are like a winter wonderland. With all of its glistening white frost and it’s beautiful icy streams, it’s a pretty time of year! If you are considering doing a winter elopement, make sure you are fully prepared. Michigan winters can get very cold and can accumulate snow very quickly. But don’t let that deter you; just make sure you’re fully prepared with all the right gear.

 

Spring

With warmer weather on the horizon, springtime elopements in Michigan can be extraordinarily pretty. The smell of lilacs in the air, all the shades of green as trees begin to bud, seeing wildflowers popping up with the warm spring breeze. An outdoor springtime elopement in Michigan can either be a 70’s and sunny kind of day or a 30’s and snowy kind of day. Michigan weather loves to remain unpredictable in the spring and it’s good to have a backup plan when planning an elopement at that time of year. Either way, the pretty landscape makes for some stunning photos and videos in any weather situation.

 

Summer

Michigan has the longest freshwater coastline in the nation! Its dreamy deep emerald blue waters make it the ultimate summer beach elopement destination! All the trees are in full bloom, flowers are lush and the scents of summer are in the air. Just picture saying your vows to each other on a sandy beach as the sun goes down. It does not get much better than tying the knot at a beautiful beachside location that you will remember forever. Just remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of water, and plan to find some shade. Michigan can get pretty hot and humid in the summertime.

 

Fall

Without a doubt the best time of year to elope in Michigan. It’s our favorite time of year. With the cooler air moving in, the vibrant colors usher in the magic of the season, and it’s truly a sight to see. The apple orchards and cider mills are in full force…nothing says fall in Michigan like the comfort of a glass of freshly pressed apple cider and a warm doughnut.

Fall here in Michigan does not last long. When eloping here in the fall, make sure to look at the color map to try to plan your elopement day for the most colorful days possible. Sunrises and sunsets this time of year can be EPIC!!! However, Michigan can get some crazy temperature drops. So if you’re wanting to do photos in the evening to capture that amazing sunset, DO IT!!! Just make sure you bring some warm layers, like leggings and a jacket.

 

Lakeshore Tips

The lakeshore is truly amazing! However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are planning on eloping on any lakeshore in Michigan. It gets pretty windy on the shore at times and it’s best to just plan for wind being a factor when it comes to an arch design or loose flowers and decorations. Another thing to keep in mind when planning a beach elopement in the summer is that at times the sand can get quite hot and burn your feet. It’s a good idea to get some kind of cool flip-flops or sandals that go with your elopement outfits, that way it still has the “beach feel” and your feet are happy! If you have sensitive eyes, it’s a good idea to bring some sunglasses, as the sun can be pretty direct and intense on the lakeshore.

Making Your Elopement Legal

By now you have your photo and video team all booked. You have all of the locations narrowed down to the one perfect spot. So what do we do next? Do we need a permit for your ceremony spot? What about a marriage license? Great questions! The answer is yes! First, we would lock in a permit (if required) at your ceremony location. We like to do this first. Sometimes it can take a little time to get the permit approved.

Yay! Your permit application for your ceremony location is now sent in. Next, we have your marriage license. If you’re a Michigan resident, the fee is $20, but if you’re a non-resident the fee is $30. You can apply in person at any local county clerk or online. Keep in mind, although you received your marriage license, applicants must wait three days from the day of application before the marriage license is valid. This waiting period does not include the application day. To waive the three-day waiting period there is a $10 waiver fee is required in addition to the $20 marriage license fee. The license is valid anywhere in the state for 33 days from the date of application.

That being said, it’s important to time your marriage license application just right. But don’t sweat it! Your photo and video team can also help with that.

Conclusion

Your elopement should be stress-free! From when, where, how, all the way to the end of the night on your elopement day. Standing there in the sand as the Lake Michigan waves gently roll in cooling your feet and the sun is like a great big romantic fire in the sky, it’s as if the colors and tones of the light reflecting on the water are just enough to calm you. Taking the beautiful sunset together after a stress-free day filled with love and adventure is a wonderful thing. An elopement day sunset is when the sun ends the two separate journeys and rises again in the morning with a big beautiful glow representing your new life as a married couple.

Planning can be overwhelming when trying to do it by yourself. Simply fill out a contact form and inquire with us. We would love to help you start building your dream elopement.