If you and your partner want to elope in Michigan, this blog breaks down all the most important FAQs for Michigan elopements!

Michigan is a large and forested state packed with natural beauty. You can boat along Michigan’s western “sunset coast,” dune buggy up Silver Dunes, or ferry to Mackinac Island or the remote Isle Royale. The entire state of Michigan is an unexpected wonder to most visitors. All that pristine nature makes Michigan a hidden gem for your midwest adventure elopement.

If you’re looking for places to elope in Michigan, check out my list of favorites here!

Who is a Michigan elopement great for?

Whether you’re from out of state or already residents of Michigan, there is so much to enjoy on your elopement day! You won’t have to travel far to reach the Lake Michigan or Superior coast lines. If you like sandy beaches and dramatic sunsets, Lake Michigan is ideal. If you prefer rocky shores, colorful cliffs, and pristine wilderness, the Superior coastline is great for you. The state is great for hikers and outdoors-people, with boating, hunting, fishing and camping all through the state. The islands off the coast of Traverse city and Mackinac feel a bit like the north atlantic coast line, and the perfect place to spend hot summer days.

How much does it cost to elope in Michigan?

Michigan elopements are on the affordable side! However, like with planning any vacation or wedding, it’s good to book hotels and venues in advance. This gets you the best prices and makes sure what you want is available.

That said, there are a few different ranges for planning a Michigan elopement budget.

Luxury Michigan Elopement Budget

A luxury Michigan elopement would be including larger venues, more vendors and 5 star accommodation. You can book private boat charters, hire private chefs or any other number of services. A full day of photography coverage will range around $7k.

Imagine a week on Mackinac Island at the Grand Hotel, with private sunset sailboat tours. You can ride around the island by horse and carriage, grab fresh fudge, and then dine at the Hotel’s exclusive Main Dining Room for dinner.

Likewise, you could spend a few days in the lakeside towns of Traverse City, Marquette, St. Joseph, Ludington or Holland.

The cost of a luxury Michigan Elopement with similar activities and a few guests would be $14,000 and higher.

Average Michigan Elopement Budget

The average Michigan elopement includes a nice hotel stay, or maybe a larger Airbnb with family and friends.

You can have a simple ceremony outdoors with a private dinner in the evening. A chartered boat ride or hike is another great activity to add on.

The average cost of a Michigan elopement is around $7-8k

DIY Michigan Elopement Budget

For couples who want to elope in Michigan on the smallest budget possible, you’ll need to factor in some hotel stays, permits and a mini photography package.

You can easily keep things under $6k if you want a simple outdoor ceremony in your wedding attire, and adventure portraits!

What are the legal requirements to get married or elope in Michigan?

On your marriage application, you’ll need to provide your basic information like names, gender, phone number, address, date and city of birth, and all your prior marriages. Additionally, you’ll need your parents’ birth names (mother’s maiden name, for example) and birthplaces.

If you or your partner are a Michigan resident, you should apply for a marriage license in your county of residence. If both of you are Michigan residents, then you can apply in either county of residence if you don’t already live in the same county. You can then have your marriage officiated anywhere in the state. The application costs $20.

However, if neither of you live in Michigan, you have to apply for a marriage license in the same county where your ceremony will take place. The application costs $30.

Finally, Michigan marriage applications expire after 33 days, and must be signed by two witnesses over 18 to become valid.

Here is a link to the Kalamazoo county office and here is a breakdown of Michigan marriage license FAQs.

What permits are needed for outdoor elopements in Michigan state and national parks?

If you want to elope in Michigan, make note that many Michigan State and National Parks require permits!

In most cases, wedding ceremonies require permission. Since every park has its own requirements, it’s best to reach out as soon as you know the location you want to elope at.

Permits are not generally expensive or difficult to obtain, but you don’t want to wait until the last minute.

When you reach out, explain to the park office exactly what you want to do. It’s important to be specific. Therefore, tell them how many people will be involved and exactly where you want to have your ceremony. Make sure to explain it’s only a simple vow exchange in nature among yourselves or close friends and family.

If you’re vague and say “wedding” they may get the wrong impression and say no!

When is the best time to elope in Michigan?

The best time to elope in Michigan is May to October. By mid May, the entire state has regained its foliage and is very lush and green.

Summer months are warm, humid and perfect on the lakes. Lake Michigan sunsets are really like no other. For a short, split second, you might just think you’re in California!

Fall is another beautiful time to elope in Michigan due to the changing leaves and dry, mild weather.

A couple in white dress and olive green suit stands smiling at the camera holding a bouquet of white flowers on their elopement day

What are some of the best places to elope in Michigan?

If you’re not from Michigan, you might be surprised to know Michigan has two parts. These two parts are the Upper Peninsula (the U.P. or just “up north”) and the Lower Peninsula. The lower peninsula is what most people know of when they think “Michigan.”

Locations in the Upper Peninsula for Michigan elopements

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Turnip Rock
Chapel Rock
Isle Royale
Marquette, MI
Copper Harbor
Anywhere along the Lake Superior shoreline

Locations in the Lower Peninsula for Michigan elopements

Torch Lake
Boyne Mountain
Silver Beach
Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook
Wilderness State Park
Anywhere along the Lake Michigan shoreline

Islands along the Great Lakes for Michigan Adventure Elopements

Manitou islands
Mackinac island
Isle Royale
Beaver Island

Michigan State and National Parks great for adventure elopements

Warren Dunes State Park
Huron-Manistee National Forest
Sleeping Bear Dunes State Park on North Manitou Island
Silver Lake and Silver Dunes State Park
Arcadia Dunes Nature Preserve

What other vendors can we involve in our Michigan elopement?

You can involve any vendor you’d normally involve for any other wedding! Think about what matters most to you, or what you would really enjoy. Try to consider activities, guides and other small luxuries for yourself you might want to splurge on. Michigan has a lot of waterfront, so boats might be a unique place to start.

Here’s a list of ideas for you:

Photographer
Officiant
Private chef
Florist
HMUA
Private ceremony location, lodge or cabin
Cake artist
Musician for your ceremony
Hiking guide
Sail boat or speedboat tour

A couple poses for elopement photos in a Michigan park on a sunny summer day. The man is carrying the woman on his shoulder.

What are some example timelines for an outdoor elopement in Michigan?

FULL DAY 8 HOUR - Intimate Family Wedding on Lake Superior

A full day elopement photography package is the most popular. This allows you coverage of your entire day without ever feeling rushed. If family and friends are included, full day coverage is also beneficial so everyone can be photographed together.

11:30am - 1:30 - Getting ready with family in the hotel, cabin or Airbnb

1:30pm - 2:00pm - First look in the woods

2:00pm - 3:30pm - Short hike through the woods to the top of pictured rock

3:30pm - 4:30pm - Vow exchange over lake Michigan with family and portraits

4:30pm - 6:30pm - Cocktails and dinner with guests

6:30pm - 7:30pm - Private sunset excursion with portraits along the beach

MINI 4 HOUR - Sunset Vow Exchange on Lake Michigan

A mini elopement photography package is great for couples who only want coverage of their vow exchange and portraits. Remember, since it's outside, it will require time to move between locations and explore, so 4 hours goes by fast!

3:30pm - First look on beach

4:00pm - 5:00pm - Explore the beach and walk to ceremony location

5:00pm - 5:30pm - Exchange vows

7:00pm - 7:30pm - Portraits on the beach with a sunset picnic

What kinds Michigan Elopement Packages are there?

Many photographers offer mini to multi day coverage. Mini coverage, usually around 4 hours, is enough for a short ceremony and portraits exploring a beautiful location. Full and multi days get you multiple locations and activities, plus a more relaxed timeline. You’ll be able to fit in plenty of coverage no matter what you choose to do!

An experienced photographer who specializes in outdoor adventure elopements will run around $6,000 for a full day of photography coverage. Make sure to find a photographer who’s willing to assist with some of the logistics, as the best ones will include this in their services.

Remember that your elopement is NOT “just a photoshoot.” It’s your wedding day! You’ll be exploring and enjoying the day in a natural way. Your photographer is just along to document things as they happen, not interfere with your experience.

VIEW MY MICHIGAN ELOPEMENT PACKAGES