The 5 Best Places to Elope in Northern Minnesota

The midwest is an incredibly underrated destination - and we might be a little bit biased, but we’ll show you why! 

The gorgeous scenery of Northern Minnesota makes it a great choice for couples who want to tie the knot, without all the traditions, pressures, and expectations that often come with big weddings. You’ll find stunning lakeside beaches, plunging waterfalls, and rocky cliffs to explore - so this guide will tell you the 5 best places to elope in Northern Minnesota, and everything you need to know to plan your once in a lifetime adventure.

Here’s what you’ll find in this Northern Minnesota Elopement Guide:

• 5 Best Places to Elope in Northern Minnesota

• When to Elope in Northern Minnesota

• Getting Legally Married in Northern Minnesota

• Northern Minnesota Elopement Packages

5 Best Places to Elope in Northern Minnesota

There are countless gorgeous spots around Northern Minnesota, offering incredible natural beauty for your adventurous wedding day! Here are some of our favorites, and the 5 Best Places to Elope in Northern Minnesota.

Lutsen, Minnesota

Lutsen is a small community, tucked into the Lutsen Mountains in the Superior National Forest. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, this spot provides one of the best places to elope in Northern Minnesota for couples who want a nature getaway!

Downtown Lutsen offers a quaint, old fashioned village with rustic local shops and restaurants to explore. In the forested surroundings, you’ll find hiking trails and natural beauty, from the rushing river of Cascade River Park to the fall foliage of the Oberg Mountain Loop.

Where to Stay

If you elope in Lutsen, Minnesota, check out the Lutsen Resort, located on a gorgeous, secluded pebble beach on Lake Superior.

Black Beach, Minnesota

You don’t have to travel to Iceland to find a black sand beach! Silver Bay is home to Black Beach, which makes one of the best places to elope in Northern Minnesota. You can explore the beach and it’s unique dark sand, the coves and rocky cliffs, piles of driftwood, and the forested hillside that surrounds the shore. Or, hop in the water with a kayak or a paddle board and explore the lake!

Where to Stay

Just a 10 minute drive from Black Beach, you’ll find the Superior Lakeside Cabins, offering a rustic exterior with all the modern amenities inside. The gorgeous cabins are right on the water, and make a great place to relax after your elopement adventures!

Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota

Tettegouche State Park offers some of the most incredible scenery in Northern Minnesota, making it perfect for adventurous couples! You can wander along the rocky cliffs that tower over Lake Superior, or hike inland to one of the four lakes. There are also waterfalls and views of the Baptism River. With 23 miles of hiking trails, you won’t run out of things to see at Tettegouche!

Where to Stay

For a private place to stay when you elope in Tettegouche State Park, you can hike 3.5 miles to Tettegouche Camp - a cluster of four rustic cabins. For a more easily accessible place to sleep, you can check out the Illgen Falls Cabin, overlooking the waterfall.

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is a lakeside city in Cook County, and one of the best places to elope in Northern Minnesota if you’re looking for the rugged views of Lake Superior. The town itself is known for being artsy and quirky, with local shops and artisan gems all over the village. Outside the city, you’ll find hiking trails through the Superior National Forest, and cobblestone beaches by Lake Superior.

Where to Stay

In Grand Marais, you can book the cozy Mangy Moose Motel and enjoy views of the lake right from your room! For a unique stay, experience the wilderness of Minnesota with a night at the Hungry Hippie Farm, located on a hillside that overlooks Lake Superior.

Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth is a port city located on Lake Superior, with waterfront trails and tons to explore in town! One of the best places to elope in Northern Minnesota is Park Point, a thin, seven mile stretch of scenic beach. You’ll have plenty of shoreline to choose from for your elopement backdrop, and rolling sand dunes and beach grass.  In Duluth, you can find local restaurants and breweries, as well as unique artisan shops.

Where to Stay

Duluth has several quaint bed and breakfasts to choose from for your stay. Check out the Thompson House, or Solglimt for a place to stay right on the waterfront!

When to Elope in Northern Minnesota

The best time to elope in Northern Minnesota is summer, when the weather stays in the 70s and the sun is shining! This is the most popular time to visit, so be sure to plan your elopement for a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Fall can be an incredible time to elope in Northern Minnesota as well, as the leaves change color and the weather is cool and crisp. You’ll see less people out and about, but we recommend eloping early in the season, because temperatures can drop quickly.

Winter is freezing - below freezing, actually - in Minnesota, but if you want to elope surrounded by snow, this is a great time! There’s plenty to see in this winter wonderland, and you’ll enjoy a lot more solitude this time of year.

Spring brings the occasional snowstorm, so if you want to elope before the summer crowds pour in, we recommend May! 

Getting Legally Married in Northern Minnesota

To legally tie the knot, you’ll need to know about marriage laws in Minnesota!

Minnesota Marriage License

You can get a marriage license at any county clerk’s office in the state, and you will need to appear in person. If you live in Minnesota, we recommend going to whatever office is closest to you, and if you’re traveling to tie the knot, pick one that fits into your travel plans!

When you go to the county clerk’s office, be sure to bring a photo ID, along with $115 for the fee (this fee is reduced to $40 if you complete premarital counseling). There is no waiting period, but the Minnesota marriage license expires 6 months after you receive it.

Minnesota Elopement Officiant

You’ll need an officiant to sign the papers! You can hire an elopement officiant, or have a friend or family member get ordained at ULC.org. But, as an elopement photographer & videographer team, we know how important it is that couples are able to have their elopement ceremony exactly the way they want it, and for some, that means saying your vows in complete privacy! We’re ordained, and can sign the papers to legally marry you!

Witness Requirement in Minnesota

The state of Minnesota also requires two witnesses to sign your marriage license. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t elope just the two of you! If you are inviting guests, they can do this - as long as they’re over 18. But if you want a more private day, you can ask your elopement vendors, or find any two people throughout the day.

Northern Minnesota Elopement Packages

The North Shore of Minnesota is our favorite place in the entire world. And we believe that every couple deserves a wedding day that’s stress free, and exactly what they want - and nothing that they don’t. So if you’re ready to scrap the traditions and expectations that tell you how your wedding is “supposed to be,” contact us!

Our Northern Minnesota elopement packages include all the planning assistance you need, and two new adventure buddies and personal hype people ready to help you plan your best day yet! Get in touch to learn more, and let’s start planning!