Wisconsin Elopement Guide - The 5 Best Places To Elope In Wisconsin
When you think of a place with rugged coastlines, lush forests, and lakeside beaches, what comes to mind?
The state of Wisconsin is an unbelievably scenic, and incredibly underrated place for outdoor adventures, making it a great place for couples to tie the knot! If a traditional wedding doesn’t feel right for you, this guide will tell you everything you need to know to elope in Wisconsin - from the best places to elope to the legal stuff, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s what you’ll find in this Wisconsin Elopement Guide:
5 Best Places to Elope in Wisconsin
The Best Time to Elope in Wisconsin
Getting Legally Married in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Elopement Packages
5 Best Places to Elope in Wisconsin
This is one of our favorite things about elopements - instead of getting married in a venue, you get to choose from some of the most incredible backdrops Wisconsin has to offer! Every elopement is unique, and we love helping couples find that perfect spot - the one that’s a little off the beaten path and makes your heart skip a beat. To get you inspired, here are 5 of the best places to elope in Wisconsin!
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County, located on a peninsula in Northeast Wisconsin, is known for the long shoreline bordering Green Bay and Lake Michigan. There are parks sprinkled along the scenic coastline, with cliffs over the water and forested bluffs. Door County is one of the best places to elope in Wisconsin for its natural beauty, but it’s also known for the local wineries and boutiques! It’s the perfect place for outdoor adventures followed by a relaxing evening in town.
Some spots we love in Door County include the wilderness of Newport State Park, and the caves and limestone cliffs of Whitefish Dunes State Park.
Copper Falls State Park - Mellen, Wisconsin
One of the best places to elope in Wisconsin if you’re looking for hiking trails and natural beauty is Copper Falls State Park! The tiered waterfall flows through a rocky canyon, surrounded by trees on both sides. There are several hiking trails to choose from that take you along the streams, across waterfalls, and through the wooded groves.
Devil’s Lake State Park - Baraboo, Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake State Park is the most popular state park in Wisconsin, and offers some of the most incredible views! With over 27,000 acres of park land, there’s plenty to explore. The rocky bluffs tower over the lake, with picnic areas and swimming beaches down below.
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
This huge section of Wisconsin’s northwoods offers remote wilderness, miles of hiking trails, and dozens of lakes to explore. You can elope surrounded by whimsical forest groves, or by the water of a serene lake - whether you stay on the shore or hop in for a paddle, it’s one of the best places to elope in Wisconsin!
Apostle Islands
Off the Bayfield Peninsula of northern Wisconsin, there are 22 islands in Lake Superior - the Apostle Islands. To get here, you can take a water taxi or an Apostle Island Cruise, or head out on your own with a boat or kayak! Each island has beaches, rocky shorelines, and nature trails to explore, and you can launch a kayak from the islands to explore the surrounding waters.
The Best Time to Elope in Wisconsin
The weather in Wisconsin varies a ton throughout the year, so before you set a date, let’s talk about the best time to elope in Wisconsin!
Winter in Wisconsin
Winters in Wisconsin can be really harsh - temperatures are freezing, and there’s lots of snow and rain. It can be a good time to elope if you want to avoid crowds in the parks, or if you want to elope in the snow. Be prepared with hand warmers, layers, and hot chocolate!
Spring in Wisconsin
Weather in early spring is still very unpredictable, but in late spring, the weather starts to warm up, and this is one of the best times to elope in Wisconsin! Summers are busier, so eloping just before the peak season begins can give you a chance at good weather, with less crowds.
Summer in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s summers are beautiful, with warm weather perfect for hiking and outdoor adventures! This is the most popular time for travelers, so you may run into more people - but, eloping on a weekday can help, and if you plan your elopement ceremony or sunrise, you’ll have a lot more privacy.
Fall in Wisconsin
The fall foliage makes this time of year really incredible! The trees turn shades of red and yellow, creating a gorgeous, colorful landscape. In early fall, the weather is still warm and sunny, and as the summer crowds leave the parks, it’s a great time for an elopement.
Getting Legally Married in Wisconsin
To get legally married when you elope in Wisconsin, you’ll need to get a marriage license. If you live in Wisconsin, you need to apply at the county clerk’s office in the county you live in. If you’re traveling from out of state, you’ll need to apply in the county where you plan to get married.
The two of you will need to visit the county clerk’s office in person - some of them require an appointment, so check ahead of time! You must apply at least 5 full days (but no more than 35) before your ceremony date, as there is a waiting period. However, this requirement can be waived for an additional fee, added to the marriage license cost. These fees vary by county, but in Door County a marriage license is $75. When you apply, you’ll need to bring a certified birth certificate and photo ID.
Once you have your marriage license, an officiant and two witnesses are required to sign it during your elopement! You can hire an officiant or have a friend or family member get ordained, but as your elopement photographer & videographer team, we can do double duty and legally marry you!
Your witnesses just have to be at least 18 years old, so you can ask your guests, your vendors, or any two people you run into throughout the day.
Elopement Packages in Wisconsin
We want every couple to have the wedding day of their dreams - which means making sure you feel seen, understood, and supported throughout the process. Planning an elopement is hard, but that’s what we’re here for!
We’re ready with location recommendations, permit info, vendor recommendations, things to do during your elopement, and more - all personalized and custom tailored just for the two of you. Kick off your marriage with an elopement day that perfectly reflects the two of you - and contact us if you’re ready to elope in Wisconsin!
