Minnesota offers a variety of scenic locations for couples looking to elope, whether you want a lakeside view, a waterfall setting, or to have your ceremony in a forest. By choosing the right location and planning for the season, you can create a memorable and personal elopement experience in the natural beauty of Minnesota. To make your elopement planning as smooth and fun as possible, I’ve created a list of the best places to elope in Minnesota. Let’s dive in!
Why Should You Elope in Minnesota?
- Beautiful Locations: From the cliffs on the North Shore of Lake Superior to the many prairies and forests, Minnesota offers a variety of landscapes. Minnesota’s state parks, lakes, and remote wilderness areas offer plenty of quiet spots for a meaningful ceremony.
- Variety: With fall colors, snowy winters, wildflowers in spring, and long summer sunsets, Minnesota provides different settings for elopements year-round.
- Atmosphere: Eloping in Minnesota means enjoying a laid-back environment, friendly communities, and countless opportunities to connect with nature on your special day.
Best Places to Elope in Minnesota
Lutsen:
Along Minnesota’s North Shore, Lutsen is a small community known for its outdoor recreation and endless views of Lake Superior. The area is home to the Lutsen Mountains ski resort, which offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the warmer months. Nearby, the Superior Hiking Trail and Cascade River State Park provide opportunities for exploring forests, waterfalls, and rugged terrain. With access to year-round activities and lakefront scenery, Lutsen is a popular destination for an elopement in northern Minnesota.
Best Ceremony Spots:
- Moose Mountain Summit: Accessible by gondola, this spot offers expansive views of Lake Superior.
- Cascade River State Park: Features waterfalls and wooded trails with scenic overlooks.
- Lake Superior Shoreline: Several rocky beaches provide a peaceful setting for a lakeside ceremony.
Pro Tip:
A sunrise or sunset ceremony can provide the best lighting and fewer visitors at popular spots.
Tettegouche State Park:
Tettegouche State Park, also along the North Shore, is known for its cliffs, forests, and waterfalls. The park’s terrain and multiple scenic locations make it ideal for couples looking for an outdoor setting.
Best Ceremony Spots:
- Shovel Point: A short hike leads to an overlook with panoramic views of Lake Superior.
- High Falls of the Baptism River: One of the tallest waterfalls in Minnesota, surrounded by dense forest.
- Palisade Head: A cliffside location offering sweeping views of the lake.
Pro Tip:
A sunrise or sunset ceremony can provide the best lighting and fewer visitors at popular spots.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW):
For couples who want a remote and quiet ceremony, the Boundary Waters offers unmatched solitude. This wilderness area is filled with interconnected lakes, forests, and wildlife, making it perfect for an adventure elopement.
Best Ceremony Spots:
- Secluded Lake Shorelines: Paddle to a private campsite and exchange vows by the water.
- Rocky Overlooks: Some portage trails lead to high points with expansive views.
- Islands: Many lakes feature small islands perfect for an intimate ceremony.
Pro Tip:
A canoe elopement allows you to explore multiple locations and find the perfect spot for your vows. Give me allll the camp vibes! 🏕️
Gooseberry Falls State Park:
One of Minnesota’s most well-known state parks, Gooseberry Falls offers accessible waterfalls, wooded trails, and direct access to the Lake Superior shoreline. This location is great for couples looking for a mix of waterfalls and lake views.
Best Ceremony Spots:
- Upper or Middle Falls: These waterfalls provide a natural, scenic backdrop.
- Lake Superior Shoreline: The park offers rocky beach areas with open views of the water.
- Gitchi-Gami State Trail: A high overlook with sweeping forest and lake views.
Pro Tip:
Gooseberry Falls is a popular destination, so plan your elopement for a weekday or early morning to avoid crowds.
Jay Cooke State Park:
Located just south of Duluth, this park offers a vibrant winter landscape with beautiful northern snow-covered trees, frozen rivers, and the iconic swinging bridge spanning the St. Louis River. The park’s terrain and multiple overlooks provide an adventurous setting for a winter elopement. The park is open year-round, but keep in mind that the trails can be icy. Make sure to bring proper footwear!
Best Ceremony Spots:
- Swinging Bridge: A unique and picturesque location over the rushing river.
- River Gorge Overlooks: Multiple scenic viewpoints along the trails.
- Secluded Woodland Trails: Quiet forested paths offer privacy for an intimate ceremony.
Pro Tip:
Winter elopements here can be especially beautiful, with snow-covered trees and frozen waterfalls. ❄️
Temperance River State Park:
Along the North Shore, this park is known for its river gorge, in the wintertime, its frozen waterfalls, and beautiful views of Lake Superior. The park’s combination of rushing water, deep canyons, and snow-covered pines creates a beautiful winter setting for an elopement. The River Gorge offers a one-of-a-kind backdrop for a ceremony, especially in the wintertime, when everything is frozen over. Winter storms can make Lake Superior’s shoreline unpredictable, so check conditions before planning a lakeside ceremony.
Best Ceremony Spots:
- Temperance River Gorge: The rushing water and high rock walls create a dramatic backdrop.
- Lake Superior Shoreline: The park offers direct access to a peaceful lakeside setting.
- Hidden Waterfalls: Several smaller falls throughout the park offer secluded ceremony spots.
Pro Tip:
Plan for a short hike to find a quiet location away from main trails. Always make sure to pack the proper hiking attire! An extra pair of hiking shoes can save the day. 🥾
Tips for Planning Your Minnesota Elopement
- Consider the Season: Each season offers a different experience. Fall for colorful leaves, winter for snow-covered trees, spring for wildflowers, and summer for long daylight hours.
- Stay Flexible: The beauty of eloping is its simplicity. Embrace spontaneity and enjoy every moment!
- Plan for Weather: Minnesota weather can change quickly, so prepare for varying conditions depending on your location and season.
- Choose a Weekday: Popular parks and scenic spots are less crowded on weekdays.
- Pack Accordingly: If you’re eloping in a remote area, bring proper gear, extra layers, and essentials for comfort.
- Work with Local Vendors: Collaborate with local experts, including photographers (like me! 🙋🏼♀️), florists, and officiants who have an in-depth knowledge of the area.
Minnesota offers a variety of locations for couples looking to elope, whether you want a lakeside view, a waterfall setting, or a forest backdrop. By choosing the right location and planning for the season, you can create a memorable and personal elopement experience in the natural beauty of Minnesota.
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