Minneosta elopement at black beach

How To Elope on Minnesota’s North Shore

Wedding Tips

Minneosta elopement at black beach

You decided the big traditional wedding isn’t for you and your ready to plan a day around adventure and your love. You want to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore but not sure how. Well this blog will tell you exactly how to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore along with the best places and activities to do.

In this how to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore guide we will cover:

  • How to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore
  • The best locations for your elopement
  • The best time of the year to elope
  • How to legally get married in MN
  • Activities to include in your elopement
  • Places to stay

Meet Your Adventure Elopement Photographer

Minnesota elopement photographer

Hey, I’m Marcus! I’ll be your go to resource for all your Minnesota elopement planning. I grew up in Minnesota and have spent over 10 years hiking all over Minnesota’s North Shore. I know all the famous spots like the back of my hand but I also know the secret locations that are away from the crowds.

Between photographing landscapes and elopements, I learned so many tips and tricks on how to make an unforgettable experience here. I’ll help you plan an adventure of a lifetime and come prepared with back up plans as well just in case that crazy weather happens.

The Best Locations for Your Minnesota Elopement

Minnesota elopement at Palisade Head

Palisade Head

Are you wanting those dramatic and epic photos that deliver that WOW factor? Then Palisade Head is the place you’re looking for. With cliffs taller than 300 feet overlooking Lake Superior this place is epic. My favorite time to be here is sunrise. The morning sunrise lights the cliffs up in a burning orange color and there’s hardly anyone around.

Black Beach

Are you dreaming of Iceland but don’t want to travel that far? This black sand beach will give you those Iceland vibes. With beautiful rocky formations surrounding the beach there’s tons of unique places for photos.

Tettegouche State Park

Tettegouche has it all from tall cliffs, lakefront beaches, romantic forests, and stunning waterfalls. You can have your ceremony hear and then enjoy hiking to some beautiful locations after.

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock is home to the most famous lighthouse in Minnesota. Dramatic rock formations make up the shoreline below the lighthouse that sits high on a cliff. There’s also a beautiful pebble beach and short hikes that lead to pristine overlook views. You can tour the lighthouse as part of your day.

Temperance River State Park

This park has unique gorges to explore along with waterfalls, lakefront beaches, and unique rocky cliffs that overlook Lake Superior.

Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park has some beautiful waterfalls and forests that make for the perfect place to explore. I know a secret spot to get to a waterfall that’s beautiful here.

The Superior Hiking Trail

There’s tons of incredible locations along the SHT that overlook some of the most breathtaking views Minnesota has to offer. If you want complete privacy (maybe a few hikers will pass by) and you’re up for adventure then ask me about my favorite spots when you inquire. I like to keep these places more private.

Oberg Mountain

Oberg Mountain has an easy 20-30 minute hike to get to one of the prettiest overlook views of Lake Superior. The forest that surrounds the mountain is breathtaking especially during the fall colors.

When is The Best Time of The Year To Elope on Minnesota’s North Shore

how to elope on Minnesota's North Shore

The best time of the year to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore is May-October. May through August is the summer months that bring lush green vegetation and warmer weather. The snow is usually gone by May as well and the weather stays pretty mild in this area all summer. Be prepared for mosquitoes this time of the year as well.

Mid September through the middle of October is when you can expect the fall to begin on the North Shore. The Minnesota DNR keeps a current tracker on the fall colors so you know when they are at their peak. You can find that here. There’s more tourists this time of the year with the beauty of our fall colors but there’s also no mosquitoes or at least less.

How To Elope on Minnesota’s North Shore Legally

couple getting married on Minnesota's North Shore

Marriage License

To get married in Minnesota, you will need to apply for a marriage license. It does not matter what county you apply in, as long as you are getting married somewhere in the state of Minnesota. 

Fees

The fee for a marriage license in Minnesota is $115, unless you take 12 hours of premarital education classes. If you take the classes, a marriage license is only $40. You will need to look up premarital counselors that are certified to provide the education and have proof that you took the classes. We did ours with our Pastor.

There is no waiting period to get the license typically, you will just need to make an appointment at the licensing office. Your license is good for 6 months from the date it is issued.

Officiant

In Minnesota, you need to be married by someone who is authorized to perform marriage ceremonies, which includes judges and ordained ministers of any faith. Online

In addition, officiants need to file for their “officiant credentials” with any Minnesota county. The documents you’ll need for this credential will likely vary a bit from county to county. 

If your officiant got ordained online to perform your ceremony, they’ll need to call a Minnesota county clerk and find out exactly what documents they’ll need for their officiant credential before they perform the wedding. 

You can perform marriages anywhere in Minnesota once your credentials are recorded. Each county may have a different style of marriage certificate, but they will all have a space for you to complete the county in which your credentials are recorded.

Witnesses

Minnesota requires 2 witnesses to sign your marriage license. Your photographer and/or videographer can serve as a witness if it’s just you two or you can ask other people or hikers that are around.

Permits

Depending on where you’re eloping, you might need a special permit to have a wedding ceremony there. Some state parks and national parks, for example, require ceremony or photo permits. 

If we need to get permits, don’t worry. I offer assistance to help obtain the permits we need so everything is legal.

Activities To Include During Your Minnesota North Shore Elopement

couple eloping at Palisade Head on Minnesota's North Shore

When you’re eloping the best part is you get to do what you want. So let’s plan some activities that get you excited about your special day and will make it unique to your love story. Here’s a list of ideas to help you get started:

  • Go on your favorite hike
  • Choose a hike you have been dreaming of doing but haven’t yet
  • Go canoeing or kayaking
  • Rock climbing at Palisade Head
  • Chase waterfalls
  • Camp out under the stars
  • Dance under the Northern Lights
  • Have a bonfire and make s’mores
  • Horseback riding
  • Go for a boat cruise on Lake Superior
  • Golfing
  • Take a helicopter ride
  • Drive the Gunflint Trail
  • Explore a new state park
  • Snowboarding/skiing
  • Go ice skating

Place to Stay When Eloping on Minnesota’s North Shore

There’s a variety of options to choose from whether its a hotel or a cozy Airbnb along the North Shore. Depending on where you’re planning to elope I recommend booking a place nearby so you don’t have to drive as much. Here’s a list of options:

Cove Point Lodge

This is a great place to stay and is only 15-20 minutes south of Black Beach, Palisade Head, and Tettegouche State Park. It’s located in Beaver Bay and sits right on Lake Superior. You can go for swims in the cove located right behind the lodge Check them out here.

GrandStay Hotel

This hotel has the perfect location in Silver Bay. It’s a 1 minute drive from black beach and 3-5 minutes from Palisade Head and Tettegouche State Park. Plus there’s so much more in the area. Check them out here.

Bluefin Bay Resort

Bluefin Bay is a beautiful resort right along the shore of Lake Superior. They have incredible amenities (including an outdoor hot tub with gorgeous Lake Superior views), saunas, campfires, and so many activities you can book. Check them out here.

Grand Superior Lodge

Grand Superior Lodge sits right on Lake Superior and located in Grand Marais. They have a great dining place along with an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness center, bike rentals, and complimentary s’mores. They are in a great location and if you like golf, a great course is located nearby. Check them out here.

Airbnb Cabin/Home Options

Minnesota has tons of unique A-Frame cabins and homes along the North Shore that you can rent. Whether you’re looking for a cozy small place for the two of you or a larger home to include some family and friends. As a bonus most of them come with a sauna and/or a hot tub to enjoy along with pristine views of Lake Superior. Here are some of my favorites:

black beach elopement in Minnesota

Popular Places to Eat on Minnesota’s North Shore

There’s some pretty iconic places that are a must try in Minnesota when visiting the North Shore. Here’s a short list of places I recommend:

  • Betty’s Pies: arguably the most popular must stop place along the North Shore
  • Vanilla Bean Cafe in Two Harbors
  • New Scenic Cafe just north of Duluth
  • Sven and Ole’s Pizza
  • World’s Best Donuts
  • Grand Superior Grill
  • OMC Smokehouse in Duluth
  • Cove Point Crossings
  • Do North Pizza

What to Pack for Your North Shore Elopement

The weather can vary along the North Shore as Lake Superior acts more like an ocean and temps can vary widely throughout the year. Here’s a list of items I recommend bringing depending on your activities and when you’re eloping:

  • Down puffy jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Light gloves, handwarmers, and hat
  • Swimsuit
  • Hiking boots or shoes
  • Warm leggings for under your dress
  • Suit jacket, pants, belt, and tie
  • Wedding rings
  • Vow books
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks for hiking
  • Headlamp
  • Dress, earrings, necklace, shoes
  • Marriage license
  • Sentimental items for your elopement

The Final Piece on How to Elope on Minnesota’s North Shore

Hire an elopement photographer that knows the area well and can help make your elopement day extra special. I’m ready to help create that once in a lifetime experience for you and capture the special memories that go along with it. You can fill out my inquiry form below or contact me here.

Checkout a black beach and Palisade Head Elopement

Checkout a MN North Shore Hiking Shoot

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