Where to Elope in Minnesota

Wedding & Elopement Planning
Written By Abi Sutcliffe

So, a little birdie told me you’re thinking about eloping in Minnesota? I’m Abi, an adventure wedding and elopement photographer based in Minneapolis! I love to explore the Midwest, and have a soft spot for the North Shore of Minnesota. If you’re looking for reliable adventure elopement info from a well-traveled someone enamored with the beauty of the Midwest… well, you’re in good hands!

Why elope in Minnesota?

Let’s get one thing straight: the Midwest is not just all corn fields and cows. When I moved here from the mountains of New Hampshire, I had no idea what to expect. But with every intentional Minnesota adventure I build either with my elopement couples or on my own, I fall in love with the Midwest a tiny bit more.

Minnesota might not be a top-ticket elopement destination for a lot of people, but I’m here to change your mind on that. ;) From dreamy forest elopements, to microweddings on foggy pebble beaches, to intimate weddings overlooking a dramatic cliffside: we’ve really got something for everybody. And for a hell of a lot cheaper than your glamorous Colorado or PNW destinations!

If you’re not convinced yet, check out my blog post about eloping at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on the North Shore.

Where to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore

If a beautiful spot out in nature is what you’re looking for, you might want to consider a North Shore MN elopement. When you elope on the North Shore of MN, there’s no shortage of stunning views, outdoor activities, and natural wonders to create the most amazing backdrop for your day.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

I truly think this is one of the best places to elope in Minnesota. Expect some uneven terrain and a bit of a walk, but there are a few different locations that are beautiful and just a short walk from a parking lot.

The photos below are from the most magical, foggy North Shore MN elopement that I had the honor of photographing.

A couple shares their first kiss on their wedding day on Pebble Beach in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park in Minnesota. The iconic Split Rock Lighthouse is in the background of their foggy beach elopement.
A moody black and white photo of a couple crouching on the beach on their wedding day. They are eloping on the North Shore of Minnesota and pointing into Lake Superior.
A couple stands in wedding clothes on the peninsula of a rocky beach on the North Shore of Minnesota. There is fog in the distance.

Palisade Head

Easily one of the most iconic places to elope in Minnesota, Palisade Head is the choice for you if you love that dramatic cliffside view over Lake Superior. Depending on the season, you can drive right up to the top - but if the road is closed it’s just a half mile walk to the top.

Note: As of October 5th, 2023, Tettegouche State Park is only allowing elopement ceremonies to take place in three very specific locations in the park with a pre-approved special use permit. Palisade Head is not one of the approved ceremony locations, but we are more than welcome to take epic couples portraits up here!

A 35mm film photo of Palisade Head on the North Shore of Minnesota. Rocky bluffs stand against Lake Superior and a cloudy sky.
Moody cloudy sky over Lake Superior shines sun rays onto the water. Shot on 35mm film.
A 35mm film photo of a person standing on a brick wall overlooking Lake Superior at Palisade Head. The photo is foggy and blue.

Black Beach

Another truly iconic Minnesota elopement destination, Black Beach is a great choice if you want stunning views without the hike. With two parking lots, it’s just a short walk down to the beach from the road.

A couple wears Renaissance clothes for their Renaissance themed engagement photo session. They are holding lanterns at blue hour on Black Beach overlooking Lake Superior in Minnesota.
A couple wearing Renaissance themed clothes to their engagement photo session runs along Black Beach in Minnesota.
A couple stands on a rocky bluff overlooking Lake Superior at Black Beach. The photo is brown and moody.

Grand Marais

An LGBTQ couple hikes in Grand Marais Minnesota. They stand on a rock face overlooking a valley with trees.

When you think the Midwest, you certainly don’t think elevation gain (or at least I didn’t). But there are tons of hikes in Grand Marais where you can get stunning, sweeping views! Especially in the fall, the views of the foliage in Grand Marais is unmatched.

On the left: me and my partner hiking in Grand Marais in October of 2020!

Sea Caves Beach Trailhead

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more private and secluded, this might be a good option for you! This little spot has beautiful shorelines and rock formations without the crowds of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park or Black Beach. A perfect little gem for a MN elopement! You can even bring a kayak to paddle out for a closer view of the caves!

The sun rises over rocky caves in Lake Superior on Minnesota's North Shore.


Voyageurs National Park

This is one of the most epic places to elope in Minnesota, for the adventurous at heart! You can either rent a cabin or Airbnb nearby and spend the day hiking and paddling, or you can book a canoe-in campsite for an even bigger adventure. During my 2022 trip, my partner and I stayed in a canoe-in site. The morning light on the island was UNREAL, and I’ve been dying to go back with a couple!

The sun rises over the lake at the paddle in campsite in Voyageurs National Park. The moody landscape photo has yellow and green tones.
Moody light in the morning at Voyageurs National Park

Where to elope in Minneapolis/the Twin Cities area:

Maybe you love the idea of eloping, but don’t want to travel too far from the Twin Cities. Well fear not - I and other vendors offer plenty of elopement packages in Minneapolis!

Interstate State Park

Interstate State Park holds a special place in my heart because it was one of the first places I worked as a couples photographer in Minnesota or Wisconsin! The photos below are from a more recent session there - it’s still one of my favorite places near the Twin Cities for engagement photos! I would love to photograph an Interstate State Park elopement as well. ;)

A couple stands on rock formations during their engagement session at Interstate State Park in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
A couple kisses while sitting on a stone wall overlooking the St. Croix River at Interstate State Park on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
A couple looks at each other while standing on a bluff overlooking the St. Croix River during their engagement session at Interstate State Park.

Minnehaha Falls

I know this one is not exactly a hidden gem, but hey - it’s popular for a reason! The iconic Minnehaha Falls could be the perfect backdrop to exchange vows.

A couple looks at each other and runs their hands through each others hair during their engagement session at Minnehaha Falls in Minnesota.
A moody black and white photo of a couple holding each other in front of Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis during their waterfall engagement session.


The Minneapolis Court House

Weirdly, this is the only elopement destination on this list that I haven’t actually been to! It’s been on my bucket list forever because the Minneapolis Court House is actually pretty gorgeous… if you’re thinking about eloping but don’t want to head out into nature to do it, eloping at the Minneapolis Court House is easier than you think - and there are so many iconic photo ops nearby we can hit up along the way!

And so many more…

Overwhelmed by possibility yet..? I hope I’ve given you a few ideas on places to elope in Minnesota, but ultimately your elopement experience is about YOU and what speaks to you. If you still need help finding that perfect spot - let’s chat! I’ve got a knack for helping couples build epic elopement timelines that feel true-to-them and FUN - and it helps that I’m pretty well-versed in how to elope in Minnesota and the language of special use permits. I’ve got a ton more ideas up my sleeve, so let’s get to dreaming! Click here to submit an inquiry.

For more tips on all things eloping in the Midwest, join my Facebook group to connect with other eloping couples in the Midwest! And when you’re ready to announce your elopement, I have more tips for you here.

xoxo,

Abi

(she/her)





Abi Sutcliffe
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