Best North Shore, Minnesota Elopement Locations
If you’ve been an avid reader of the Chuck and Shiloh blog, you know just how much we love elopements. So much so, that we eloped in Grand Teton National Park in 2018! Throughout our years of documenting love stories from the Midwest to the Southwest, we have been fortunate enough to soak in so much diverse landscape. But one place stays at the top of our list for the most unique elopement location: Minnesota’s North Shore. Whether you are a Midwest-native or just on the prowl for a unique elopement destination, we’re here to share the BEST North Shore, Minnesota elopement locations to bring your vision to life. Let’s get into it!
North Shore, Minnesota Elopement Locations
It’s no secret that Minnesota is a one-of-a-kind elopement destination. When most couples think of eloping, Minnesota probably doesn’t even make the list. But, boy are they missing out! Minnesota boasts over 11,500 lakes (despite its “Land of 10,000 Lakes” tag line), but the most beloved of all is Lake Superior. Spanning from Duluth, Minnesota to the USA/Canadian border, there are endless parks to explore, shoppes to pop into, and food to indulge in along Lake Superior. Proof that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Additionally, each season brings something new to discover. While some states and tourist destinations may shut down in the Winter, Minnesota’s North Shore is buzzing just like a warm Summer’s day. Whether you’re drawn to the longer days of June, or you’d rather cozy up by the fireplace after a full day of skiing, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had on the North Shore. And unlike a far-off destination in an exotic location, the North Shore is a destination you can return to year after year to reminisce on the day you said “I do”.
All of that sounds heavenly, right? But elopement planning can be stressful (trust us, we know firsthand...). From finding the perfect location to selecting what adventures to throw into the mix, the to-do list feels endless. Luckily for you, Chuck and Shiloh are a photo and film team who know the ins-and-outs of North Shore elopements. Consider this an “insider’s guide” to eloping on the North Shore — with local recommendations, hidden gems, and tips to make your wedding day visions a reality.
Lutsen Elopement Planning Tips
Kicking off the top of the list, is Lutsen (pronounced: loot-sen). If you were to Google “Lutsen”, you would find that it is a cute little unincorporated community of less than 250 people. But don’t let that small population scare you. This community is quintessential “Up North”. Located an hour and 40 minutes Northeast of Duluth, Lutsen is chocked full of character, jaw-dropping views, and endless seasonal adventures.
Believe it or not, Northern Minnesota is home to several mountains. While these mountains are a different vibe than the Rockies, they are breathtaking in their own regard. The Sawtooth Mountains range from Tofte, MN to Grand Marais, MN. Within them, you will find the Lutsen Mountains which are the Midwest’s largest and tallest ski area! When the terrain isn’t covered in a thick blanket of snow, visitors can still ride the gondola to take in the stunning views. While there’s no “bad” time to visit Lutsen, Chuck and I highly recommend visiting in the Fall for insane panoramic views of Lake Superior and Fall foliage.
What to Do in Lutsen, Minnesota
Outdoor Sports
Skiing is one of the biggest draws of visiting Lutsen, Minnesota. With over 1,000 acres and 90+ diverse trails, the Lutsen Mountains are a unique Midwestern gem to explore. There are several resorts to consider as your home-base while hitting the slopes. A few local favorites include:
If you aren’t eloping in Lutsen during the Winter, hiking will likely occupy your time. Whether you’re a super adventurous couple or you’d prefer a leisurely stroll, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Lutsen. Here are a few favorite hikes in the area:
Oberg Mountain Loop
Lookout Mountain at Cascade River State Park
Britton Peak & Carlton Peak
Ray Berglund State Wayside
Shopping and Good Eats
Start your elopement with coffee at Fika Coffee and grab a pastry from Coho Cafe before getting ready to say “I do”. Toast champagne and dine at Bluefin Grille to wrap up your breathtaking North Shore elopement day. During the rest of your time in Lutsen, be sure to check out:
Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains
North Shore Winery
Eloping in Grand Marais, Minnesota
Next up on the list of the best North Shore, Minnesota elopement locations, we have Grand Marais! As soon as you enter Grand Marais, you are welcomed with beautiful lake views and a quaint town. Begin your visit to Grand Marais by parking out on Artist’s Point to get the best views of the town. The trail will take you from the beach to the harbor, through the covered bridge, and concluding with a climb to Sweetheart’s Bluff.
The best way to describe Grand Marais is as North Shore Visitor described it: “a village with a lot to do, but you can do nothing at all.” With a focus on the arts and local skills (fishing, logging, blacksmithing, etc.), there’s no shortage of culture to take in.
What to Do in Grand Marais, Minnesota
Outdoor Sports
Many flock to Grand Marais to soak in the art scene, local goods, or head out on the water. Kayaking on Lake Superior is a great way to see the beautiful harbor city (and a fun addition to your elopement!). Bring your own kayak or rent one from Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. But if self-propelling yourself around the lake isn’t on your list of desires, book a tour on the Hjørdis (50’ schooner) through North House.
Grand Marais is the eastern entry point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). Located in the northern third of Superior National Forest, more than 1 million acres holds over 1,200 canoe routes, 12 hiking trails, and 2,000 designated campsites. You will likely spot bears, moose, fox, and deer, and may catch trout, walleyes, bass, pikes, and musky. If you love to fish, and live life a little off-grid, Grand Marais’s entry to the BWCA is just another reason to elope here!
In the event that water sports aren’t your forte, have no fear. Here are a few trails and parks to enjoy near Grand Marais:
Pincushion Mountain Loop
Cascade Falls (via Superior Hiking Trail)
Honeymoon Bluff Trail
Shopping and Good Eats
Smoked fish and the North Shore go hand-in-hand like a warm summer’s day and a cold iced tea. Drop by the Fisherman’s Daughter for wild caught Lake Superior fish, grab a craft brew from Voyageur Brewing Company, and pop into the numerous small shoppes in Grand Marais. Other local faves include:
Hungry Hippie Tacos
Sven & Ole’s
Gun Flint Tavern
Chuck and my personal Grand Marais fave? World’s Best Donuts. You can thank us later.
Tettegouche State Park Elopement Locations
If you are planning on staying in Duluth or a secluded vacation rental for your North Shore elopement, the next few locations on the list might be up your alley.
Tettegouche State Park (pronounced: tet-a-gooch) is just over an hour Northeast from Duluth. Anyone who has visited the North Shore will tell you just how stunning the drive is from Duluth along the shore. Highway 61 follows the entire shoreline, making it such a scenic drive. Tettegouche State Park is home to Palisade Head, Shovel Point, and High Falls on the Baptism River. The dramatic cliffs overlooking Lake Superior feel like you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway.
North Shore Elopement Timeline Example
One of the many perks of eloping in Tettegouche State Park is the endless opportunities for bridal portraits throughout the day. Imagine your day beginning at your Silver Bay Airbnb. You and your honey can grab coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Timber Coffee Company in Silver Bay, before heading back to your rental to get ready. Share private vows during your intimate first look at Palisade Head before arriving at the visitor center. Take the short hike out to Shovel Point for your ceremony, surrounded by your closest people.
After you say “I do”, enjoy a picnic for two at Fantasia Overlook or High Falls. End your day with s’mores back at your North Shore vacation rental. What a dream.
Black Beach, Minnesota Weddings and Elopements
Another Silver Bay, Minnesota gem is Black Beach! Due to the natural sedimentation of taconite, the tiny bits of rock sparkle with a dramatic black hue. As you stroll along the shore, it’s hard to believe that you are in Minnesota! Black beaches feel like a thing of places in far-off lands, but Midwesterners are spoiled to get to have one so close to them. If the jet-black shore wasn’t enough to catch your eye, jagged reddish rocks jut out of the water, dwarfing the beach below. Many adventurous couples scale the little island to view the beach from a different perspective.
It is important to note that wedding permits are currently not required for Black Beach, but this is subject to change. With this being said, no portion of the beach can be blocked off/reserved for a ceremony or portraits. Your photographer (and/or videographer) should be able to help you navigate these kinds of logistics when planning your North Shore elopement.
Because of Black Beach’s central location along the North Shore, your elopement can include stops at Gooseberry Falls, Palisade Head, and Split Rock Lighthouse. And if nothing else, don’t let your day pass without having pie at Rustic Inn (spoiler alert: it’s better than Betty’s Pies).
Iona’s Beach, North Shore Elopement
Rounding out our list of the best North Shore, Minnesota elopement locations is Iona’s Beach. Bound “by a 30’ cliff of pink rhyolite and felsite bedrock”, this unique beach feels otherworldly. Located between Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Lighthouse, Iona’s Beach is definitely a hidden gem not known by many North Shore visitors.
Beyond the salmon-colored stones spilling into the brilliant blue of Lake Superior, Iona’s Beach is unique due to its preservation by the Scientific and Natural Area. It is one of the least disturbed Lake Superior beaches in Lake County, which means it is even more important to preserve its beauty.
North Shore Elopement Photography | Chuck & Shiloh Photo and Film
Finding the perfect place to elope Minnesota’s North Shore is quite the task, given just how many breathtaking places there are to discover. As you plan your North Shore elopement, we recommend considering several factors to narrow down the best location for your nuptials. Consider what activities you’d like to add to your itinerary, your destination’s proximity to restaurants and shoppes, etc.
Searching for additional elopement planning tips, elopement inspiration, or Midwest love stories? Head over to the blog. And be sure to give us a follow over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh) so you don’t miss a single Chuck & Shiloh adventure. Until next time, happy planning!
