The Ultimate Guide to an Upper Peninsula Elopement at Pictured Rocks of Michigan

Are you thinking of eloping at Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula of Micgian? Use this as an Ultimate Guide to creating an experience you’ll never forget! There really is something special about the U.P. in MI!

Before I dive into sharing how to elope, let me introduce you to Andrew and Nicole! They’re full of life and laughter so as we started planning this elopement styled shoot, I knew we’d end up having a ton of fun! In the days leading up to the session, we hiked several trails throughout the park; however nothing prepared us for the beauty we would witness on this day. We chose a weekday to avoid a ton of other tourists and I planned 3 locations a bit off the beaten path in hopes of a truly unique experience.

Adventuring at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Getting ready was a simple affair at their cabin, and soon enough we piled in a car to head to our first stop! It had been sprinkling for most of the day with a heavy cloud coverage so despite being the beginning of August, we needed coats during the hike from the car to the beach (great time to mention the weather: the U.P. is often cold even during the middle of summer so packing layers and coats is never a bad thing!)

The cliffs along the lakeshore are one of my favorite things about this area of Michigan and this spot did not disappoint. Given the rainy weather for the first half of the day, there was hardly anyone on the beach and by just walking down a little ways, we had the entire beach to ourselves. 

The next location was even more deserted as we only saw a few other hikers along that path over some dunes beside a smaller lake. Nicole put on a drop veil (my favorite!) which made those photos extra dreamy! The sun even began to shine which warmed us all up and made for a lovely rest of the day.

Our final spot was an abandoned land slide overlooking Lake Superior. This ended up being everyone’s favorite spot as it almost had a tropical feel with how blue the water below was! To wrap up our time together, I turned on the song they had as their first dance (Helpless from the musical Hamilton) as they laughed and sang along!

As you continue enjoying these photos from this Upper Peninsula Elopement inspiration at Pictured Rocks of Michigan, I’ll sprinkle in some helpful tips and tricks as a part of this Ultimate Guide in case you want to elope yourself at this stunning location!

Applying for a Marriage License in Michigan

To get legally married in Michigan, you and your partner need to obtain a marriage license from a County Clerk's office in Michigan. If you live in Michigan, apply at the county of your residence; however, if you're from out of state, you must apply at the county you will be getting married at.

Each county is a little different when it comes to what is required so to be safe, plan for both of you to come to the County Clerk's office to apply for a marriage license (call ahead or review their website as some require appointments be made ahead of time while others offer walk-in appointments.) You will need to present a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, social security number (some counties request a copy of the card), and a copy of your birth certificate (again, whether it needs to be a certified copy or not depends on the county so check before you go!)

Michigan is a great state when it comes to the cost of a marriage certificate as it only costs $20 for residents and only $30 for out-of-state residents. 

There is no waiting period if you and your partner are both residents of Michigan and complete a premarital education course approved by the County Clerk. For those from out of state, you will need to wait three days before getting married. Be sure to either arrive at least 4 days before your elopement day or get legally married at your own state or country courthouse ahead of time.

Your marriage license is valid for 33 days from the date of issuance. On the day of your wedding, you need to have two witnesses present who are at least 18 years old. They will need to sign your marriage license after the ceremony.

And finally, after your wedding, your officiant needs to file your marriage license with the County Clerk's office within 10 days.

Elopement Day Activities in the Upper Peninsula

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a stunning location with rugged, colorful cliffs and pristine beaches along the southern shore of Lake Superior. The park covers over 73,000 acres, and there are so many activities that you can enjoy when eloping in the area.

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Pictured Rocks, with several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels available. Some of the trails take you through the forests and to waterfalls, while others provide stunning views of the lakeshore and rock formations. Hiking to a scenic overlook for your ceremony or for a picnic reception can create the most picturesque moments at an Upper Peninsula Elopement.

Take adventure a step further and consider kayaking or canoeing along the shore, allowing you to get up close to the colorful cliffs and rock formations. You can rent kayaks or canoes from several outfitters in the area or join a guided tour to learn more about the park's geology and history.

Of course, there are beautiful beaches where you can relax and swim. Swap your wedding attire for a bathing suit and just have fun! Given the miles and miles of lakeshore, there’s lots of spots both on and off the beaten path!

Want something a little less adventurous but still gorgeous? A scenic cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy the beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Pictured Rocks Cruises will take you along the shoreline to see the cliffs, waterfalls, and rock formations. The cruises typically run from mid-May through mid-October and are a popular activity for visitors to the park.

Where should you stay?

If you’re looking to fully experience the UP, camping is a great way to not miss a moment. The park has several campgrounds, including backcountry camping options, that offer campsites for tents and RVs.

Not everyone loves the idea of camping the night before your wedding day, so thankfully there are hotels, cabins, and Airbnbs around Munising and Grand Marias, MI. Due to the popularity of the Upper Peninsula as a vacation spot, everything does book up quickly however if you’re planning a more last minute elopement, Manistique and Marquette are within a 1-2 hour drive to give you a few more options.

Other Places to Elope in Michigan

While Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is incredible, there are so many beautiful and secluded spots that are perfect for eloping throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This Ultimate Guide would not be complete without giving you a chance to check out these additional locations that have a ton to offer:

• Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park: As the second largest state park in Michigan, you know you’ll have lots of variety in landscape and adventurous activities to choose from! The rolling hills that surround the smaller lakes and lake shore of Superior create the perfect backdrop to say your vows.

• Tahquamenon Falls State Park: This park has two large waterfalls and miles of hiking trails through the forest. It also has a rustic lodge with cabins that could be perfect for a small wedding party.

• Keweenaw Peninsula & Isle Royale: This rugged peninsula is known for its scenic beauty and historic mining towns. There are many scenic drives, hiking trails, and waterfront venues that could be perfect for an elopement. Isle Royale is only accessible by ferry but is worth the trouble of getting there because of the secluded beauty you’ll experience here. If you really want to get away, you won’t regret getting married here.

• Mackinac Island: This charming island in Lake Huron is known for its historic architecture, fudge shops, and scenic views. There are many wedding venues on the island, as well as opportunities for outdoor ceremonies in places like Marquette Park or on the beach. Mackinac does get EXTREMELY crowded during the summer so planning a weekday elopement would be best for this location in particular. 

• Black Rocks Presque Isle: Talk about unique and beautiful! The shoreline here has an otherworldly feel with the black colored rocks. If you want drama in your photo (or perhaps want to add cliff jumping to your day), this might be the perfect location!

• Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes: While technically part of the Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes has a lot of the same feeling and views as you’ll find several hours north. The views across Lake Michigan are incredible so running across these dunes will make for jaw-dropping images!

Ultimately, the best place to elope in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan will depend on your personal preferences and the type of ceremony you envision. Considering factors like accessibility, scenery, and amenities will help you decide which location will suit your elopement best.

Are you convinced by this Ultimate Guide that an Upper Peninsula Elopement at Pictured Rocks of Michigan is for you? Have you already begun envisioning yourself in these photos?

I’d love to photograph you for your elopement in the U.P., so if you’re looking for someone who will match your excitement and cheer you on at every stage in the wedding process, shoot me a message and let’s start talking about the amazing adventure you have ahead of you!