Whether you’re wanting to get married on a beach, in a forest, in front of a waterfall, or on an epic cliff – look no further than Michigan. With nearly 100,000 square miles and over 100 state and national parks, there is no shortage of beautiful locations in the state. This list includes some of my favorite locations in the state for your outdoor elopement or intimate wedding!
Saugatuck Dunes State Park
(Saugatuck, Lower Peninsula)
Whether you’re looking to elope on the beach or in the woods, Saugatuck Dunes has great spots for both. Or you can get married in the beautiful tall trees, have a picnic on the beach, and then go for a swim after. It’s a short and relatively flat walk from the parking lot, making it a very convenient spot!
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
(Munising, Upper Peninsula)
This epic park has so many locations that are perfect for an elopement. You can get married on the sand dunes, in front of a waterfall, or on a beautiful cliff. With so much to explore, an all-day elopement would be perfect for Pictured Rocks.
Mackinac Island
(between Lower and Upper Peninsulas)
Mackinac Island is one of the most unique spots in the country. With no motor vehicles allowed on the island, you can get around by foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage. The romanticism on Mackinac is felt all over the island. There are many natural options for an elopement, along with several beautiful and unique venues.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
(Maple City, Lower Peninsula)
This gorgeous spot has so many great places to explore. With crystal blue waters, sandy beaches, panoramic overlooks, and historic farms and landscapes, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers breathtaking backdrops for elopements and intimate weddings.
Marquette
(Upper Peninsula)
This is my favorite area of the UP! With a great downtown with lots of food options, and all of my favorite Michigan hikes nearby, you can’t go wrong with a Marquette elopement.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
(Hart, Lower Peninsula)
These epic dunes will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Tatooine! You can even rent a dune buggy to drive through and explore the Silver Lake Dunes together.
Headlands International Dark Sky Park
(Mackinaw City, Lower Peninsula)
This unique location is the perfect place for a sunrise or sunset elopement, where you and your partner can stargaze before or after. The park is open 24/7 and open to the public, making it easily accessible and flexible for your elopement timeline.
Porcupine Mountains
(Carp Lake Township, Upper Peninsula)
This state park is the largest in Michigan at 60,000 acres. There are gorgeous views and breathing waterfalls throughout the park. With various hiking trails, this location is perfect for a completely private ceremony.
Isle Royale National Park
(Keweenaw, Upper Peninsula)
This island is on Lake Superior and features gorgeous views. With tons of wildlife on the island, you may even get lucky and have a moose crash your wedding photos!
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
(Paradise, Upper Peninsula)
This state park has one of the largest waterfalls in the midwest. This is undoubtedly one of the most epic locations in Michigan for an elopement!
Hiawatha National Forest
(Manistique, Upper Peninsula)
If privacy is important to you on your wedding day, this national forest may be the perfect spot for you. There are several restrictions in this area, and groups of more than 10 people are prohibited, causing this area to be calm, quiet, and private. The beautiful trees will make the perfect backdrop for your elopement.
No matter where you choose to elope in Michigan, I’m here to help guide you through the process. There are so many epic locations in this state, it would be impossible to list them all, but I would love to help you pick the perfect location and find a private spot for the best day of your life!
If you’re looking for more information on how to elope in Michigan, click here!
Scroll down for more photos of gorgeous Michigan elopements!
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