How to Elope in Door County, Wisconsin
On the west side of the beautiful Lake Michigan is a charming peninsula with lighthouses, wineries, and miles of shoreline - Door County, Wisconsin. It’s a romantic getaway with tons of adventures and beautiful places to explore, and if you’re dreaming of a one-of-a-kind wedding day, a Door County elopement might be perfect for you!
Here’s what you’ll find in this Door County Elopement Guide:
Best Places To Elope In Door County
The Best Time To Elope In Door County
Getting Legally Married In Door County
Door County Elopement Packages
Best Places To Elope In Door County
There are so many incredible places to elope in Door County that it can be hard to decide which would be the best! Depending on how you want your wedding day to go, you can say “I do” anywhere from a secluded island on Lake Michigan to a cozy brewery on a farm, or anything in between! To help you narrow it down, here are just a few of the best places to elope in Door County, Wisconsin.
On The Beach
Being a peninsula, Door County has countless beaches perfect for saying your vows! You'll also find tons of lighthouses and rolling sand dunes all along the coast that would be a perfect backdrop for when you tie the knot. Whitefish Dunes State Park is a popular beach on the mainland, but if you want to find a more secluded beach, head to Chambers Island, Washington Island, or Rock Island just off the coast!
A Sunset Cruise
The only thing more romantic than watching the sunset from the beach is taking a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan! Hop on a boat from Sister Bay or Fish Creek to cruise around Green Bay and explore the beauty of Wisconsin's waters. From private charters with champagne and appetizers to lively concert cruises, there are a variety of options for spending the evening on the water!
In A Park
In addition to Door County’s many beaches, you’ll also find a ton of parks! With five state parks, a state trail, and a handful of county parks, you'll be able to discover many unconventional wedding venues! From fields of flowers and towering trees to historic lighthouses and limestone bluffs, you're sure to find the perfect elopement location at one of the many Door County parks.
Wineries And Breweries
Because of its ideal weather and love of fruit wines, Door County is one of the most popular wine hubs in the area! Tie the knot among the apple trees or invite your family and friends to one of the many wineries or breweries for a rehearsal dinner before your big day! A couple of Door County's best wineries and breweries are Shipwrecked Brew Pub, Bridge Up Brewing Company, Peach Barn Farmhouse & Brewery, Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery, Stone's Throw Winery, and Red Oak Winery.
The Best Time to Elope in Door County
The midwest experiences all four seasons, so knowing what to expect in each is really important and will make a huge difference on your wedding day. Temperature, rainfall, and even the crowds can vary a ton depending on what season you decide to say your vows, so we'll tell you a little bit about each to help you decide which season is best for you!
Winter in Door County
A blanket of snow drapes over Door County in the winter, setting a gorgeous backdrop for any elopement. From November until April, you can expect freezing temperatures and lots of snow, but that means that the crowds, especially on the shore and islands, tend to die down, providing you with a little more privacy for your ceremony.
Spring in Door County
The best time to elope in Door County is the spring! Flowers blossom all across the peninsula, especially in May when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The weather is comfortable enough to explore the outdoors and go on a walk through the park, plus with fewer crowds around, your ceremony will be a bit more secluded!
Summer in Door County
The most popular season to visit Door County is summer when the weather is warm and beaches are full of families trying to cool off and tourists head to the wineries and breweries in the area. If you’re set on having a summer elopement in Door County, we suggest planning your ceremony for sunrise or sunset or setting your date for a weekday when there tend to be fewer people around.
Fall in Door County
One of the most beautiful times to elope in Door County is the fall! When the trees are various shades of reds and yellows, the weather is still comfortable enough for a hike, and the summer crowds have left, you'll find yourself in a peaceful paradise! This would be a great time to get married at a brewery or winery since many of them will have their seasonal ciders and wines.
Getting Legally Married in Door County
Choosing the venue and time of year are the fun parts of deciding to elope, but you’ll need to think about what you need to do to make your marriage official. When you elope in Door County, there are a few things you'll need to do to get your marriage license. If you're a resident of Wisconsin, you can get your license in the county that you live in, but if you're traveling from out of state, you'll head down to the Door County Clerk's Office to get your license.
You'll want to plan ahead when you apply for your license since there's a 3-business day waiting period after you submit your application - so if you apply on Monday, you won’t be able to have your ceremony until Thursday. When you head to your application appointment, you'll have to bring a valid ID, proof of residency, your birth certificate, and the license fee - which varies by county but is $75 in Door County. After you, your partner, your officiant, and two witnesses sign your license, you can return it to the county clerk's office.
Elopement Packages in Door County
Whatever you choose to do for your elopement should be a reflection of your personality and the story of your love - that's why our Door County elopement packages are carefully designed for the two of you! Whether it's going on a long walk on the beach or enjoying a nice sunset cruise, we'll be sure that your wedding day is everything you dreamed of all while running smoothly so you don’t have to worry about anything. If you're ready to start planning your Door County elopement, contact us and we'll help you make your wildest dreams come true!
