How to Elope in Michigan — Complete Guide

One of my favorite things about Michigan is the variety of landscapes she holds. If you love the wind in your hair and sand between your toes, or the calm of a waterfall and light through trees, Michigan has the ideal spot for your elopement.

Elopements have become more and more popular among couples. I’m not surprised. As the world speeds up, people want to slow down. They seek to enjoy life’s moments more intentionally and reconnect with our wonderful home. This guide covers everything you need to plan an elopement. You'll learn about legal requirements, location ideas, timeline planning, and more.

What is an elopement anyway?

An elopement is a very intimate wedding ceremony, often done with the couple and a few others. They can also range from a few hours long to multi-day celebrations. My top priority for every elopement is the couple. As your photographer I will also help you orchestrate the details that go into your elopement. I want it to feel like your dream fairy tale. What I love most about elopements is how my clients look at each other on their day. It brings me so much joy and warm fuzzies inside!

Choosing from the many landscapes in Michigan

One of the things I love most about Michigan is the diverse landscapes, starting with the water. In Michigan, you’re always within 6 miles of inland water. Plus, you’re never more than 85 miles from a Great Lake. Michigan has many lakeshores to explore. These include Lake Michigan, Torch Lake, Lake Superior, and Lake Huron. Don’t miss the stunning Sleeping Bear Dunes during the summer! Other great landscapes include lovely spots like Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Tahquamenon Falls. No matter the vision you have for your elopement, Michigan will have the perfect setting.

Seasons in Michigan

Witnessing the four seasons in full variety is a magical thing. Growing up here, this is one reason I get so excited to share my love of this state with you. Each season has its own beauty and feeling to it. Spring can be slow and rainy, but full of flowers and bright green as the land wakes up from winter. Summer in full swing makes the air warm and full of life. Green forests shine, and the water sparkles like crystals on the Great Lakes, with long days to enjoy the sun. Fall brings crisp air and the vibrancy of the fall leaves. The color fades fast, welcoming the thrill of chilly air. Winter brings stunning snow and ice, the icy air creating the perfect rosy tint to your cheeks and nose. With the perfect excuse to cuddle under a big blanket with a warm mug in your hands. Every season in Michigan will add pure magic to your elopement day. 

How to make It legal?

To make your marriage legal in Michigan, you will need to file for a marriage license with a county clerk. If you live here, file with your county. If you are traveling in, you will file with the county of your ceremony. There is a 3-day waiting period after you file. Some counties may waive this for an extra fee. The license will be valid for 33 days. The ceremony needs an officiant and at least two witnesses to sign the license. Then, the couple must file it with the county clerk within ten days of the ceremony. You will also need proper documentation when filing the marriage license. When you hire me, I have a planning tool we will all have access to, to help keep track of all the details like this. My goal is to make this process as smooth as I can. 

Permits and location info

Michigan has many protected areas and public parks. Some of these locations will require permits for events such as elopements. Pictured Rocks, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Belle Isle are a few that will need permits. My job as your elopement photographer is to guide you through all this. I'll make a guide for your location. This will help you navigate permits and logistics easily.

Costs of an elopement

No matter your budget, you can elope in Michigan!

Common costs for an elopement include:

• Marriage license

• Permits

• Photographer

• Travel

• Lodging

Adventure sessions like parasailing, wine tasting, or a sail boat ride also add to the cost. Remember to consider other vendors like hair and makeup, flowers, and decorations. At the beginning of your planning, decide on your top cost priorities. Do you prefer real flowers for a bouquet or boutonniere? Is a nice hotel important to you? Or does quality photography matter most? The beauty is, it's all up to you to choose.

What to pack for an elopement

The saying goes, If you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. The weather in Michigan is as diverse as the landscapes. Always having layers is a must no matter the season you elope in Michigan. These tips depend on how adventurous your elopement is and the season. Must-have essentials include water bottles, snacks, comfy shoes, and extra layers. Remember seasonal items like bug spray, sunscreen, warm coats, hats, and hand warmers. Ceremony items to pack could include vow books, rings, flowers, and even a pet!

Planning checklist 

When you are ready to get started, here are some of the key things to add to your planning checklist. When you hire me as your photographer, I already have these and more on the checklist for my clients.

• Choose location 

• Choose Season/Date

• Hire key vendors (photographer, officiant, etc)

• Secure permits and marriage licenses

• Create Timeline 

• Pack and complete logistics

Communicating with loved ones

Not everyone is lucky to have a close relationship with family. This section is still for you if that may be true. We all have people close to us who love and support us. If you’re a couple that values privacy, telling others you want to elope can be tough. Some people prefer to keep their elopement private at first. They might tell their loved ones later. Often, they have one or two witnesses at the ceremony. Know that whatever you choose is best for you, is the right choice.

What to do during an elopement?

An elopement day isn't always just the ceremony. My most popular packages offer 8 hours or more of coverage. Elopement days can be as easygoing or adventurous as you like. Many people don’t know all the options they can choose to fill that time. Here are some options I love:

• Wine or beer tasting

• Cozy Coffee in the cabbin

• Dune buggy ride

• Parasailing

• Hiking

• Picnic on the Beach

• Exploring a small beach town

• Staying in for a boudoir session

The possibilities are endless!

Timeline planning

As your photographer, I’ll discover what matters most to you. Together, we’ll create a timeline that allows you to relax and enjoy your day. I’ll also capture amazing photos so you can relive the magic for years to come. Here is an example timeline for a full-day elopement.

Full Day Elopement 

Summer Lake Michigan Sunset Elopement 

12:30pm - Getting ready at Air BnB

1:15 - Individual portraits at Air BnB

2:30 - Go to beach

3 pm Couple portraits 

3:30 pm relax and enjoy beach

4pm Sail boat adventure session

5:30pm Dinner 

7:00 Head to ceremony location

7:30 Ceremony

8 pm Beach fire enjoy sunset

Caring for the environment

Since I was young, I have always had a sacred connection to the earth. We only have this one planet in a vast universe, and we should take better care of her. A core value of mine in all my elopements are the Leave No Trace principles.

• Stay on trails in parks and forests

• Respect wildlife. Don’t feed or disturb them

• Always take your trash with you

• Avoid damaging plants

The root focuses on preserving our planet. I want people to enjoy this home for many generations to come.

What an elopement photographer does

For me, elopement photography is about more than taking pretty pictures. It’s about connecting, capturing moments, and telling your story. I capture stunning images of your elopement day. I also help you choose the perfect location. Together, we create a relaxed timeline. I ease your stress by guiding you on permits. You’ll get a personalized planning guide, vendor recommendations, and archive-quality albums. Plus, I offer emotional support throughout the process.

Next steps

Once you have decided to elope, the fun begins! Start imagining what feels magical to you. How do you want to feel, what do you enjoy doing as a couple, what is most important to you? Consider the location: beach, forest, or river? Think about your favorite time of year and the activities you want to include. As your photographer, I’ll meet you where you are. Whether you’re unsure where to begin or have a specific spot in mind, I’m here to help. I will help navigate the ins and outs of planning your dream elopement day.

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