Best Places to Elope in Michigan

​If you are hoping to elope in Michigan, then you’re in for a treat. This state truly has some of the best beaches, forests, and parks for unforgettable elopements and intimate weddings.

As a Michigan-based photographer, I’ve spent years scoping out some of the most amazing spots around the state, and I’m sharing them below!!

If you’re hoping to have an elopement or intimate wedding in Michigan, ​then these are the top places I recommend.

Michigan Elopement Locations:

Elope in West Michigan

Riley Trails / Holland, Michigan- forest with tall pine trees, easy access

Tunnel Park Beach / Holland, Michigan- beach with dunes and beach grass, easy access (check out this foggy sunset Tunnel Park beach elopement to see just how beautiful this spot it!)

Saugatuck Dunes / Saugatuck, Michigan- shoreline and dunes, short hike through forest required

Silver Lake Sand Dunes / Pentwater, Michigan- large sand dunes and beach access, hiking up dunes required (check out this gorgeous boho Silver Lake Sand Dune elopement for inspiration, you won’t believe this is in Michigan!)

Provin Trails / Grand Rapids, Michigan- forest with tall pine trees, easy access

Glass House / Zeeland, Michigan- small greenhouse venue, perfect for romantic, intimate elopements

Rosy Mound / Grand Haven, Michigan- dunes and hiking trails leading up to the beach

Elope in Northern Michigan

Mission Point / Traverse City, Michigan- quaint beachfront with a lighthouse at the end of the peninsula (check out this autumn vineyard elopement at a Traverse City winery on Old Mission Peninsula!).

Sleeping Bear Dunes / Empire, Michigan- massive national lakeshore with incredible dunes, beaches, and views (my favorite spots include Sleeping Bear Overlook, Empire Bluff Trail, and Pyramid Point)

Good Harbor Bay Beach / Glen Arbor, Michigan- easily accessible beachfront with beautiful blue water

Mackinac Island / Mackinaw, Michigan- quaint, historic island with many small wedding venues and locations to elope

Elope in the Upper Peninsula

Pictured Rocks Lakeshore / Munising, Michigan- incredible cliffs and clear blue water, best viewed from boats or hiking trails

Dead River Falls / Marquette, Michigan- short but wide waterfall falling into a quiet pond, short hike to access

Munising Falls / Munising, Michigan- take a short paved trail to my favorite tall waterfall in Michigan that you can walk beneath and around

Black Rocks / Marquette, Michigan- beautiful rocky lakeshore with many cliffs and coves for intimate elopements

Sunset Point / Presque Isle Park, Michigan- rocky lakeshore with beach access and sunset views

Lake of the Clouds / Porcupine Mountains, Michigan- a mountainous region with hikes overlooking the lake.

Elope in Michigan & Get Creative

If you’re still looking for more ideas, consider a few of these:

• Rent a pontoon, yacht, or sail boat and tie the knot on Lake Michigan!
• Also, you could pick your favorite apple orchard or winery and ask for permission to tie the knot on their property!
• Additionally, don’t be afraid to consider backyards and private properties! Some of the most beautiful weddings and elopements that I’ve photographed have been in backyards!

However the greatest part about having an intimate wedding or choosing a location to elope, is that there are no rules! So if you’re wanting to elope in Michigan, feel free to get creative!!

In conclusion, Michigan is such a great place to elope! If you’d like personalized advice and recommendations for your own elopement, then reach out and let’s chat!

Here’s a few more articles that you’ll love:

• Best Places to Elope– If you’d like to look outside of Michigan, then check out my list of the top locations for elopements around the U.S. and beyond!
• How to Elope Without Hurting Feelings– Tips and advice for eloping without offending family.
• Best Michigan Wedding Venues– For a bigger celebration of your love, check out my favorite wedding venues in Michigan!
• Wedding Day Essentials for Brides– A full list of must-have items for your wedding day.

Or visit my Planning Tips page for more wedding and elopement advice. Happy planning!!