There are so many beautiful outdoor areas in Wisconsin that could easily be the backdrop for your intimate wedding or elopement.
Wisconsin has TONS of beautiful shoreline (hello, TWO Great Lakes) and an abundance of amazing state parks which make it one of the most beautiful states in the Midwest to elope.
I am an expert in planning and photographing weddings and elopements in the state of Wisconsin, so don't hesitate to reach out to make your dream elopement day in Wisconsin happen! Not sure where to start? Keep scrolling for inspiration!
Let this blog be your ultimate guide to finding the best places to elope in Wisconsin.
Table of Contents for the Top 10 Best Locations to Elope in Wisconsin:
Plus 2 bonus locations in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!!
Here is a complete list of the best places to elope in Wisconsin:
1. Devil's Lake
Devil's Lake is the most popular state park in Wisconsin, and for good reason! The rocky bluffs and pristine lake with two large beaches is a stunning landscape that makes you forget you are in the Midwest. While the park is popular, it is still possible to have privacy for an intimate ceremony on the trails at slow times like sunrise or during shoulder season or winter.
2. Door County & Washington Island
Door County has so many fun places to elope, including:
Stavkirke Church on Washington Island (pictured above)
Cave Point County Park (pictured above)
Ellison Bay Bluff County Park
Sister Bay Harbor
Baileys Harbor
Anderson Dock in Ephraim
Schoolhouse Beach on Washington Island (pictured above)
Washington Island
Whitefish Dunes State Park
Peninsula State Park
Newport State Park
Lighthouses (see more photos below)!
-Kewaunee Pierhead Lighthouse
-Baileys Harbor Range Lights
-Eagle Bluff Lighthouse
-Sturgeon Bay Canal Light
-Cana Island Lighthouse (pictured above)
Consider renting a cozy Airbnb in the woods to have all to yourselves and snuggling up next to a camp fire while star gazing. The cabin pictured below is available to rent out!
3. Apostle Islands & Madeline Island
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore has so many fun places to elope, including:
-Madeline Island (pictured above)
-Bayfield, WI
-On any one of the 22 secluded islands that make up the Apostle Islands!
-On a boat on Lake Superior
-While hiking on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Trail
-Meyers Beach - a red sand beach!
Consider chartering a private sailboat trip and staying up late to enjoy those 'up north' dark skies, perfect for star gazing.
As a national lake shore, the Apostle Islands is protected by the National Park Service. Click here for more information on visiting the Apostle Islands.
4. Kohler-Andrae State Park
Kohler-Andrae State Park near Sheboygan, WI is a hidden gem state park beach filled with sand dunes, boardwalks, and a forest on the shore of Lake Michigan. Explore the boardwalks, relax on the beach, and watch for wildlife in the forest.
Beach wedding in Wisconsin, anyone??
5. Bradford Beach, Milwaukee
It's a beautiful beach on Lake Michigan in downtown Milwaukee that will make you feel like you are at the ocean! The water is almost warm enough for swimming in the summer.
Beach wedding in Wisconsin, anyone??
6. Downtown Madison & Wisconsin State Capitol
Downtown Madison's crown jewel is the Wisconsin State Capitol building. Did you know that wedding ceremonies are permitted within the public areas of the Capitol building (for free!) and within ornate private rooms (for a small fee)?
Are you wondering how to get married or how to plan a small wedding ceremony at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison? If so, check out my in-depth blog post about how to get married at the Capitol here.
There are also endless choices of restaurants, bars, and fun things to do downtown. Celebrate your elopement day in style with all the glitz and glam Downtown Madison has to offer.
7. Picnic Point, Madison, Wisconsin
Picnic Point has beautiful old growth trees and quiet hiking trails with views of Lake Mendota. It's easy to find a quiet place right off the trail to have a quiet ceremony.
8. Olin Park, Madison, Wisconsin
Olin Park is a beautiful park in downtown Madison with views of the city skyline and Lake Mendota. There are quiet hiking trails with old growth trees and plenty of quiet places to have a ceremony. There is also a lovely park shelter to have a small celebration afterwards.
9. Other Wisconsin State Parks - Pattison State Park or Mirror Lake State Park
Pattison State Park has a gorgeous waterfall as a backdrop for your elopement day. Mirror Lake State Park has a stunning lake and trails to explore. The popular Ishnala Supper Club is nearby Mirror Lake and makes the perfect place to celebrate after your ceremony. Let's get out there and explore on your wedding day!
10. Anywhere that is important to you and your partner
Spoiler alert: you can get married ANYWHERE! You can have a wedding ceremony in your back yard! Or maybe in a forest or any state park in Wisconsin! If the location is important to your love story, then it is an excellent place to elope! You can look back fondly on that location with hearts in your eyes forever.
Explore more Wisconsin State Parks here: Wisconsin State Park Map
Want to find out more about how to elope in Wisconsin? Check out my blog with all the tips! Click here: Elope in Wisconsin Blog
Bonus Locations!!! - The Best Places to Elope in The Upper Peninsula of Michigan
1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The rocky red shoreline and turquoise blue waters of Lake Superior make Pictured Rocks an extraordinary backdrop for an elopement ceremony. There are waterfalls, lighthouses, beaches, so many miles of hiking trails, and lots of opportunities for boating in the summer.
As a national lake shore in Michigan, Pictured Rocks is protected by the National Park Service. Click here for more information on visiting Pictured Rocks.
2. Presque Isle and Lake of the Clouds in the Porcupine Mountains
Lake of the Clouds is a beautiful lake in the valley of the Porcupine Mountains. The Porcupine Mountains make a great destination for seeing fall colors!
The Presque Isle waterfall loop is a stunning hidden gem south of the Porcupine Mountains. There are tree-lined hiking trails that lead to several picturesque waterfalls.
For more information about visiting the waterfall loop along the Presque Isle River click here
No matter where you elope, remember to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines for visiting and protecting our natural wonders.
Do you have any questions about how elopements in Wisconsin could work? Need tips on how to hike in your wedding dress? Don't hesitate to reach out and I would be happy to help you plan your intimate wedding or elopement! Contact me!
