Michigan is a very large state with two distinct peninsulas, so it’s best to break up the best places to elope in Michigan by region. Since the state is famously shaped like a hand, you’ll often hear regions referred to with terms like “The Pinky” or “The Thumb.” Ask any Michigander where they’re from and they’ll confidently hold up their hand and point to a location on their palm!

The Upper and Lower Peninsulas make up the two “hands” of the state. In either region, the best places to elope in Michigan feature lots of water, dense forests and tons of hiking.

If you’re at the start of your elopement planning journey, check out my Ultimate Guide here!

Let’s get into it.

Best Places to Elope in Michigan: the Upper Peninsula

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Munising, MI

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is truly the best place to elope in Michigan. The rocky vertical cliffs of Pictured Rocks stretch a 15 mile span beginning at Munising, Michigan. In total, there are 42 miles of sandy beach, pebbled shores, cascading waterfalls and rainbow colored cliffs. Lake Superior’s cold, clean freshwater glows a deep navy blue and turquoise on sunny days. Many options for hiking, water sports and boating along Lake Superior’s shoreline begin here!

Key features: best views along the Superior shoreline

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Close to the WI border, between Duluth, MN and Marquette, MI

This state park is actually Michigan’s largest. It’s a remote location with the largest nearby City being Duluth, Minnesota at 3 hours away to the west. It’s a pristine hiking and outdoor recreation area, and most convenient for those coming from Wisconsin or Minnesota.

Key features: close to Wisconsin and Minnesota

Isle Royale National Park and Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County, MI

Isle Royale is a truly wild, truly unique place to elope in Michigan. It is an archipelago located on Lake Superior between the Copper Harbor area of the Upper Peninsula and Thunder Bay, Ontario across the Canadian border. It is entirely disconnected from the mainland communities and a place for immersive wilderness.

It’s ruggedness makes it an adventure paradise for backpackers, hikers, boaters, kayakers, and even divers. Due to the remoteness of the area, most people set up base camps or portage with kayaks and canoes. For a more comfortable stay during your elopement, you can book accommodation at Rock Harbor Lodge or the Windigo Camper Cabins.

Key features: rugged, pure wilderness, Keewenaw Brewing Co,

Presque Isle State park

Marquette, MI

Marquette is a beautiful and historic town along Lake Superior and a great location for an elopement. Presque Isle State Park lies at the northern edge of the city and this is where the famous Black Rocks cliff jumping point is. You can elope here on the beach at sunset, overlooking the deep green and blue waters of superior.

Key features: Sugarloaf Mountain hike, Black Rocks cliff jump, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse

Ottawa National Forest

Bruce Crossing, MI

Key features: 18 waterfalls including Bond Falls, wildlife viewing, hiking and the Sylvania Wilderness area

Sylvania Wilderness

Watersmeet, MI

The Sylvania Wilderness is a protected area within Ottawa National Forest. It’s a dense network of old growth forests and pristine waters covering 18,327 acres. There are 34 named lakes spanning an area populated by thriving plant and animal life, including bald eagles, rare orchid species, loons and osprey. 

Key features: right near Wisconsin border, ideal for non-motorized water sports, wildlife viewing, fishing and old growth forest

Where to stay: Wilderness Bay Lodge and Resort, Thousand Island Lake Resort, Sylvania Wilderness Cabins

Hiawatha National Forest

Between Munising and Manistique, MI

The Hiawatha National forest touches Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior - 3 of the 5 great lakes. Its western edge is very accessible from Wisconsin, making it ideal for those coming from out of state to elope in Michigan.

Key features: shores touching 3 of the 5 great lakes, sea stacks, sea arches, waterfalls, camping, water sports

Best Places to Elope in Michigan: Northern Lower Peninsula

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Maple City, MI located on the “pinky” near Traverse City, MI

Sleeping Bear Dunes is maybe the best place to elope in Michigan for a sunset beach ceremony. The dunes are the source of native folklore and an impressive geological feature. Many dunes tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, providing birds eye views of the lake. There are almost a hundred miles of hiking trails along the lake and its location near Traverse CIty provides a balance of nature and urban amenities for you and your guests.

Key features: impressive views of Lake Michigan and sunsets over the water, the Sleeping Bear Dunes Overlook, Sleeping Bear Dunes Beach, Glen Lake

Mackinac Island 

Mackinac Island, MI east of St. Ignace on Lake Huron

Mackinac Island is an iconic Michigan location and can accommodate a range of elopements and intimate weddings. There are a number of high end hotels and resorts on the island. You and your guests will be able to stay, dine and explore in comfort. It’s perfect for couples seeking those pure Michigan water activities, green forests and sunny beaches, without having to rough it. The island is equipped for all your guests and is truly one of the best places to elope in Michigan.

Key features: Mackinac Island fudge, boating, car-less culture, horse and buggy rides, Mackinac Island Grand Hotel

Headlands International Dark Sky Park

Mackinaw City, MI

This area at the very tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is a designated dark sky area. It has 2 miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore for sky gazing and star viewing. You can rent the Waterfront Event Center for larger weddings as well!

Key features: dark sky area, old growth forest, Waterfront Event Center

Enchanted Forest at The Highlands

Harbor Springs, MI

This unique venue is the best place to elope in Michigan if you want a spot for a small ceremony surrounded by trees and twinkling light fixtures. Its location near the Boyne Mountain ski area makes it a year round venue option, and is extra magical in winter.

Key features: rustic yurt, bar and fireplace, accommodates up to 150 people, surrounding Boyne highlands ski area, ideal for winter elopements in Michigan

Huron-Manistee National Forest 

Cadillac, MI

Another lush forested area in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. There are a number of areas for camping, water sports and wildlife viewing.

Key features: Caberfae ski area, also near Ludington State Park and beach, and Hamlin Lake

Hartwick Pines State Park 

Grayling, MI

This is one of Michigan’s largest State Parks and has some of its last remaining old growth pine forests.

Key features: 49 acres of old growth pine forest, AuSable River

Best Places to Elope in Michigan: western shore of the lower peninsula and The “Pinky”

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Mears, MI

Silver Lake Sand Dunes is a popular summer destination. People head here to camp and party on long weekends, lounge on the beach and race up and down the dunes on modified buggies. The desertlike expanses of sand and dune offer a range of beach activities for everyone, from the adrenaline loving to the sun bathing.

Key features: dune buggy racing, off roading, Silver Lake, kayaking, sailing, sand boarding, fat bikes, SUP, camping, hiking and boating

Warren Dunes State Park

Sawyer, MI

On almost 2,000 acres of forest and 3 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Warren Dunes State Park is another impressive sandy beach area. The dunes sit over 250 feet above the lake and on a clear day, you can make out the Chicago skyline. Climb Tower Hill to watch sunset over the lake and say your elopement vows with your feet in the sand.

Key features: old growth forest, sand boarding

Glass House 

Zeeland Charter Township, MI

The Glass House is a unique intimate wedding and elopement greenhouse venue located between Grand Rapids and Holland, MI. It’s perfect for a bohemian style or garden party intimate gathering. It’s also not far from Holland, MI and in spring can be combined with the tulip gardens and lakeshore areas on Lake Michigan.

Key features: aesthetic greenhouse and grounds, near Holland and the Veldheer tulip gardens

The Fields of Michigan Luxury Glamping

South Haven, MI

If you love the idea of an elevated camping experience for your Michigan elopement, The Fields is perfect for you. They are tailored to people who want a relaxed bohemian style event centered around nature and fun. This event space is ideal for people who want a multi night party for friends and family outdoors.

For details on buying out the venue location for your event, go here.

Key features: glamping, large event space, rustic and bohemian decor

Best Places to Elope in Michigan: eastern shores of the lower peninsula, The “Thumb,” and Lake Huron

Turnip Rock

Port Austin, MI

Located at the tip of the Lower Peninsula’s “thumb,” Turnip Rock is one of the most famous “sea” stack formations in the state. However, you cannot access it without a kayak or boat. By land, it lies behind a very tightly secured gated community. Get out to this spot for sunrise on a calm summer or fall day to read your vows!

Key features: popular sea caves and sea stack, only accessible by the water

Rustic Wild Arrow

Brooklyn, MI

This photo location is a curated garden of beautiful setups. You can come here for family portraits, engagement photos or wedding portraits. If it’s just the two of you, this is the perfect place to read your vows in private among a gorgeous backdrop!

Key features: curated photo garden, multiple setups, great customer service

Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory

Detroit, MI

This gorgeous conservatory and greenhouse located in the middle of Detroit is the dreamiest backdrop for your wedding ceremony. While the location is stunning, beware of many negative reviews regarding communication and planning with the conservatory staff.

NOTE: TEMPORARILY CLOSED NOW THROUGH 2024 FOR MAJOR RENOVATIONS
Key features: beautiful grounds, centrally located in Detroit

Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Ann Arbor, MI

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are a popular place for University of Michigan alumni. It’s a green and lush garden location with multiple spots for ceremonies, photos and portraits.

This blog was written and researched by Mariah, a Copywriter and Brand Strategist for Photographers and Small Businesses.