Elope in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Why Elope in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula?
Michigan is home to many sand dunes, cliffs and waterfalls but you will find that most of everything will be in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s like a whole ‘nother world once you cross the Mackinac Bridge. You lose cell service, the trees take on a different shape and the air smells fresher!
Easy Steps to Elope in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Choose your Date + Location
Hire Your Elopement Photographer (Hey! I’m Julie with Catchfly Photography!!)
Apply for your Marriage License + Permits
Plan your Elopement (Activities + Hire Other Vendors + Airbnb)
Have the BEST, most Authentic Day!
Popular Locations to Elope in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Copper Harbor
Isle Royale National Park
Marquette
Presque Isle
Little Presque Isle
Sugarloaf Mountain
Dead River Falls
Hogback Mountain
Munising
Pictured Rocks
Minors Falls
Ontonagon
Porcupine Mountains
Paradice
Tahquamenon Falls
Choose your Date + Location
Generally, it’s best to have a general idea on a month + location for your elopement, but even if you still haven’t officially decided by the time you’re looking for a photographer, that’s okay too and something I help my couples do!
Seasons in Michigan:
Fall: (September-December) Fall in the U.P. has some of the BEST colors, so if fall is your vibe…the U.P. is the place to be!
Winter: (December-March) Michigan’s upper half tends to be a little colder and see more snow than Michigan’s lower half of the state. So if winter wonderland and ice caves are your vibe, I’d aim for these months.
Spring: (March-June) The start of nature coming back to life. Green colors coming back into the trees. I would be mindful of Midge Flies which tend to hang out by the waters in the month of May.
Summer: (June-September) Warmer days for exploring + hiking and warmer nights under the stars. These are Michigan’s most popular months to get married. I would recommend a weekday wedding for less crowd and a more intimate vibe.
Hey! I’m Julie with Catchfly Photography
Hire your Elopement Photographer
Hey you two! I can’t tell you how excited I am that you and your partner have chosen to throw tradition to the wind, grab hold of what’s important to both of you, and create an incredibly unique wedding experience that’s a true reflection of who you are. There aren’t many couples brave enough to follow their hearts instead of following the “rules,” so, I’ll just say it outright—congrats on being pretty badass.
The most amazing thing about choosing to elope is that you can forget all expectations, opinions, and obligations about what you’re “supposed” to do, and instead focus entirely on what matters most to you two, with nothing holding you back. All of this freedom can be a bit overwhelming though—when there’s no longer any “rules” or “formula” on what your wedding day is “supposed” to be, then how do you plan it?
That’s where me & this guide come in—to help make the process of dreaming and planning your unique wedding day as simple and stress-free as possible. I’m here for you every step of the way. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the process of creating a wedding experience that you’ll love every minute of. I can’t wait to get to know you two better and help you create an incredible elopement day!
Working with me, your all inclusive package will always include: One (Cool AF) Photographer, Travel Fees within the state of Michigan (up to) 20 guests, Custom Timeline Planning, UNLIMITED Email + Phone Calls, Detailed Questionnaires, 100 Page Elopement Guide, Location Recommendations and Location Scouting and Airbnb Recommendations!!
Want to learn more about your experience with me + pricing?
Apply for your Marriage License + Permits
Permits
I would start with your permit as you will want to secure your space as soon as possible. Summer can be some of the busiest times for weddings and some locations only allow so many ceremonies per day. The good news is that most locations do not require a permit (Like Presque Isle!) but Little Presque Isle does (based on how big your event is, what types of decor, how many cars, etc)
Marriage License
If you or your partner live in the State of Michigan, you can apply for a marriage license in the county you live in and it can be used anywhere in Michigan. There is a 3 day waiting period after applying and then your license is valid for up to 30 days from the approval date.
If you live out of the state of Michigan, you will have to apply in the county you plan on getting married in.
Most Marriage License fees range from $20-$30 and SUPER affordable. This depends on if you are a Michigan resident or not.
Plan your Elopement
The fun part! There are lots of activities you can do that aren't limited to just a ceremony and reception. This is your chance to craft an entire day together, from start to finish, that is representative of who you are as a couple. Here are some Ideas to do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula:
Hiking
Walk Along the Beach (Have a campfire!)
Riding Bikes/Horseback Riding
Soak in a Hot Tub/Relax in a Hot Tub
Have a Picnic
Kayak/Paddle Board
Skiing (Downhill or Cross Country)
Make S’mores or Cuddle by a Fire
Some of these ideas don’t require a lot of planning to incorporate them into your wedding day, while others you’re going to want to book in advance or hiring a professional guide. Make sure you schedule enough time for these in your day (or days) so that you can enjoy them fully without feeling rushed.
The best place to start this process? Ask yourselves things like:
What are our favorite activities to do together?
What do we do for fun on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis?
How could we incorporate what we love to do on our elopement day?
Is there a new activity that we want to try together on our elopement day?
Think outside the box! Get creative and don’t be afraid to splurge—it’s your wedding day, after all!
More information can be found in my 100 page Elopement Guide I send all my booked couples!
Hire Other Vendors
The most common vendors that couples hire for elopements & intimate weddings are florists, hair & makeup artists, officiants, private chefs & caterers (for eating with friends and family with an intimate setting under the stars at your Airbnb as opposed to a restaurant) , and videographers. While it's not required to hire any particular vendors for your day, partnering with a few high-quality, amazing vendors can absolutely elevate your experience.
HERE’S MY BEST ADVICE ON HOW TO PICK THE BEST HIGH-QUALITY VENDORS:
Read Reviews!
Talk to them on the phone
Carefully read and understand contracts
Use these resources: The Knot, Wedding Wire, Google, Junebug Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, Pinterest + Instagram Hashtags
Have the BEST, most Authentic Day!
Be present, be you, & let your authentic emotions soar. Soak in every moment and enjoy your intentional, meaningful, perfect for you day together.
Remember, your day might not go exactly according to plan, but that's half the adventure. Relax, breathe, and don’t stress about anything, photos included.
If you have a beautiful experience together and feel alive throughout your day, great photos will follow.