So, you’ve decided to elope in Minnesota, and now you’re wondering, when is the best time to tie the knot? The answer depends on the kind of experience you envision for your elopement day. Deciding to elope in Minnesota means choosing a location with distinct seasons, each offering different activities and backdrops for your ceremony. Whether you prefer a ceremony surrounded by the greenery in the spring, a summer elopement alongside the lake, saying your vows under a canopy of trees filled with the fall colors, or a cozy cabin winter setting with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, Minnesota provides options for every preference. This guide will help you decide the best time for your elopement based on weather, scenery, and experience.
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Spring Elopements
Best Months: April to June
Spring in Minnesota is one of my favorite times of the year! The ice slowly thaws, the lakes come to life, and there are so many different wildflowers! Spring brings greenery, longer daylight hours, and warmer temperatures making it an ideal season for outdoor ceremonies.
Why Choose Spring:
- Scenery: Wildflowers scattered along the hiking trail or by the lake create beautiful scenery for your elopement photos.
- Mild Weather: By Spring, the snow has melted, and trails become more accessible for outdoor ceremonies. Temperatures range from the 50s to 70s, making it comfortable for fun outdoor activities, and you don’t have to worry as much about sweating through your wedding attire. Some of the activities that my couples’ choose for their elopement day include, canoeing, swimming, rock climbing, cliff jumping, or having a picnic together with locally sourced treats!
Pro Tips for a Spring Elopement:
- Be prepared for occasional rain showers. A light rain jacket or an umbrella can save the day.
- Especially after rain or near a body of water, bring bug spray to repel the mosquitoes.
- Plan for cooler mornings and evenings, especially early in the season.
- Opt for a weekday elopement to avoid crowds and provide a more private elopement experience at popular locations.
Top Locations for Spring Elopements:
- Minnehaha Falls: Located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Minnehaha Falls is a 53-foot waterfall within Minnehaha Regional Park. Just a short drive from downtown, the park offers paved trails, stone bridges, and scenic overlooks, making it a popular spot for an elopement. Spring and summer bring lush greenery and a large amount of flowing water from the waterfall, while winter transforms it into a giant icicle. The park also features historic sites, picnic areas, and access to the Mississippi River, providing a variety of backdrops for elopements and outdoor activities.
- Gooseberry Falls State Park: Located along Minnesota’s North Shore, Gooseberry Falls State Park is known for its series of waterfalls, cliffs, and the large Lake Superior shoreline. The park spans over 1,600 acres and offers a network of hiking trails that wind through forests, rocky terrain, and along the Gooseberry River. With its easily accessible waterfalls and beautiful landscapes, the park is a popular destination year-round, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the region’s natural beauty.
- Itasca State Park: Located in northern Minnesota, Itasca State Park is the oldest state park in the state and is home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Spanning over 32,000 acres, the park features lakes, forests, and a variety of hiking trails. Visitors can walk across the Mississippi River, and enjoy activities such as boating, camping, and wildlife viewing. With its mix of natural and historical significance, Itasca State Park offers a diverse setting for outdoor exploration.
Need more location suggestions? Check out my blog post: Where to Elope in Minnesota: A Guide to the Best Locations.
Summer Elopements
Best Months: July to August
Summer in Minnesota offers long days and warm weather, making it an ideal time for an elopement in the forest or by a lake. I love Minnesota summers because they provide the perfect amount of warmth that isn’t humid, but still allow you to enjoy all the water activities the state has to offer! Minnesota summers are unlike anything I’ve experienced, but just make sure to have bug spray on hand! As your elopement guide, I’ll help craft a packing list so you can be prepared for all weather scenarios and not have to worry about forgetting something essential. Even something as small as a hair tie or an umbrella can really save the day!
Why Choose Summer:
- Warm Temperatures: Warm temperatures, typically ranging from the 70s to 90s, make outdoor activities enjoyable without having to deal with humidity.
- Adventure: Opportunities for water-based activities like canoeing or sailing before or after your ceremony.
- Golden Hour: The long days provide extended golden hours for perfect sunset photos.
Pro Tips for a Summer Elopement:
- Schedule your ceremony in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
- Stay hydrated and pack sunscreen if you’re spending time outdoors.
- Mosquitoes can be an issue, especially near water. Make sure to bring repellent.
Top Locations for Summer Elopements:
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW): Located in northern Minnesota, the BWCAW is the state’s pride and joy. The forests span over one million acres within the Superior National Forest. Known for its remote wilderness, the area features over 1,200 miles of canoe routes, scenic portages, and numerous campsites. Visitors can explore by paddling through interconnected waterways, hiking forested trails, and experiencing the abundant wildlife. With no motorized vehicles allowed in most areas, the Boundary Waters offers a quiet and secluded setting for those seeking adventure and solitude in nature. The water in the Boundary Waters is so clean that in most places, you can even drink directly from the lakes with no filter needed! It truly is one of the few places in the world where you can experience the natural beauty to the fullest.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Along Minnesota’s North Shore, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is home to the historic Split Rock Lighthouse, perched on a rocky cliff overlooking Lake Superior. The park spans over 2,000 acres and offers hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and access to the shoreline. Visitors can explore the lighthouse, walk along pebble beaches, and take in views of the lake. The park also features opportunities for camping, picnicking, and wildlife watching, making it a popular destination for those looking to experience Minnesota’s North Shore landscape.
- Voyageurs National Park: Located in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border, Voyageurs National Park is a water-based park known for its interconnected lakes, forests, and rocky shorelines. Spanning over 218,000 acres, the park is best explored by boat, kayak, or canoe, with numerous waterways providing access to remote campsites and scenic islands. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with chances to see bald eagles, moose, and black bears. With its mix of water and wilderness, Voyageurs National Park offers a unique setting for outdoor exploration and adventure.
Need more location suggestions? Check out my blog post: Where to Elope in Minnesota: A Guide to the Best Locations.
Fall Elopements
Best Months: September to October
Why Choose Fall:
- Autumn Colors: The state’s forests transform into a canvas of red, orange, and gold.
- Comfortable Weather: Cooler temperatures make it enjoyable to explore trails and outdoor venues.
- Decor: Fall festivals and harvest-inspired decor add a special touch to your day.
- Timing: Popular parks are less crowded compared to peak summer months.
Pro Tips for a Fall Elopement:
- Plan for the changing foliage by choosing locations known for vibrant autumn colors.
- Layer up for cooler mornings and evenings, as the temperature can drop quickly.
Top Locations for Fall Elopements:
- Tettegouche State Park: Located along Lake Superior’s North Shore, offers multiple cliffs, waterfalls, and forests that transform into rich colors in autumn. The park’s terrain and lake views provide an incredible setting for an adventurous elopement. Some of the best ceremony spots in Tettegouche include the High Falls on the Baptism River, which is a 60-foot waterfall surrounded by fall foliage, accessible via a scenic hike. Palisade Head is also a popular elopement spot because it has one of the best views of Lake Superior. Keep in mind that the park can be busy in the fall, so a sunrise or weekday elopement is recommended for privacy. Be prepared for cool lake breezes, especially on cliffside locations.The trails vary in difficulty, so choose a location that fits your comfort level.
- Oberg Mountain: Oberg Mountain, near Lutsen, is one of the best fall color destinations in Minnesota. The moderate hiking loop offers several overlooks showcasing the hills covered in peak fall foliage. This location is perfect for couples looking for a private ceremony. The Main Overlook has a great view of the miles of forest. There are also several spots along the loop that provide views of the Sawtooth Mountains. The hike is about 2.5 miles round trip, with a few steep sections. It is manageable for most skill levels.
- Gunflint Trail: The Gunflint Trail, stretching from Grand Marais into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, offers remote, untouched landscapes with many opportunities to view the fall color. One of the most beautiful spots for an elopement is Honeymoon Bluff, a short hike leading to a high overlook of Bearskin Lake and the forests. Side note: I just think getting married at a place called “Honeymoon Bluff” is so fun!
Need more location suggestions? Check out my blog post: Where to Elope in Minnesota: A Guide to the Best Locations.
Winter Elopements
Best Months: December to February
While Minnesota winters are cold, I’ve found that for couples who choose to embrace the season, it can provide a peaceful setting. Imagine cozying up next to your love by a fire in a lodge or an A-frame Airbnb, sipping hot chocolate as you warm up after a winter activity such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice-fishing, ice skating, or hiking. So cozy!
Why Choose Winter:
- Quiet Locations: Popular spots are less crowded, providing privacy for your day.
- Atmosphere: Think warm blankets, hot cocoa, and twinkling lights.
- Unique Photos: Frozen waterfalls, lakes, frosty mornings, fog, and misty landscapes add a really cool touch to your elopement images.
Pro Tips for a Winter Elopement:
- Incorporate cozy elements like a faux fur shawl or hand warmers for added comfort.
- Plan your ceremony around daylight hours, as winter days are shorter and the sun sets earlier.
- Dress warmly with layers, including thermal wear and insulated footwear.
- Consider indoor backup options in case of extreme cold.
Top Locations for Winter Elopements:
- 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.
- 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!
- 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 breathtaking 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.
Need more location suggestions? Check out my blog post: Where to Elope in Minnesota: A Guide to the Best Locations.
No matter what season you choose to elope in Minnesota, each one offers its own unique atmosphere and beauty for your elopement day. Ultimately, the best season for your elopement depends on your personal style and what kind of experience you want to have, but no matter when you elope, Minnesota’s beauty will make your elopement day unforgettable.
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