On a list of things that are incredibly underrated, the Midwest is pretty close to the top. Minnesota, and the midwest in general, is full of incredible landscapes and breathtaking scenery, with hidden gems and secret treasures sprinkled all over the state. If you’re planning to elope in Minnesota, narrowing down the perfect location might just be the hardest part! But don’t worry, I’ve done years of exploring, and I’m sharing all the secrets! Keep reading for the best places to elope in Minnesota that will get you inspired and ready to plan your own elopement!
Tettegouche State Park
Just an hour North of the town of Duluth is Tettegouche State Park. With over 9,000 acres of land to explore, the park offers breathtaking views of towering cliff faces, gravel beaches, giant pines, and lush waterfalls. This place definitely takes the cake for best places to elope in Minnesota!
Palisade Head
Palisade Head is located in Tettegouche State Park, and is easily accessible with just a short walk from the parking lot. Here, you can stand on top of the cliff edge overlooking Lake Superior! This is an incredible place to elope in Minnesota, as it offers stunning views of the rugged cliff edge that towers 932 feet above the lake below. There is plenty of space, so you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to be alone as you say your vows. You can spend your elopement day just soaking in the view, wandering around and exploring the park, or even rock climbing along the cliffs!
Lake Superior Beach
For a different view of Tettegouche State Park, you can elope along the shoreline of Lake Superior. Just a quick walk from the visitors center, you can say your vows in front of the gorgeous lake, surrounded by the cliffs and rugged shoreline that stretch across either side of the beach. Imagine spending your elopement day exploring the rocky shores of this huge lake, skipping stones, climbing on rocks as the waves gently crash around you, maybe picnicking on the shore… I can’t picture a more peaceful day!
High Falls
High Falls is one of Minnesota’s highest waterfalls – and if you want to elope in front of a rushing waterfall, look no further! High Falls can be reached with a short hike through Tettegouche State Park. As you get closer, you’ll come across a wooden platform perfect for a view of the falls from above. But, keep walking and you’ll end up right on the riverbed at the base of the falls! High Falls is especially beautiful in the fall, as the trees surrounding the falls turn red and orange.
Black Beach
It turns out you don’t have to travel to Iceland to see black sand beaches! Black Beach is named for, you guessed it, the black sand that makes up the shoreline. The sand is black as a result taconite, a mineral that has mixed with the sand to create this unique beach. Black beach is nestled on the north shore of Lake Superior, and the sight of the black beach next to the blue water and the red rocky cliffs is unlike anything you’ve ever seen! You can elope on the shoreline, or climb up a few of the small rocky cliffs for a better view. The beach even has picnic tables and fire pits, so after your elopement ceremony, you and your guests can enjoy the sunset over the lake and the jagged cliffs and rock formations that peek out of the water.
The Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail, also known as the SHT is a 310 mile long hiking trail in northeastern Minnesota. It traverses the rocky ridges over Lake Superior, through forests, views of the Sawtooth Mountains, rushing waterfalls, and the chance to come across moose, deer, black bears and other wildlife. While you can totally turn your elopement into a multi-day backpacking adventure, you can also choose smaller sections of the trail to explore.
Hollow Rock
One of the most iconic views on the North Shore is Hollow Rock, which is a stunning place to elope in Minnesota! The rocky beach provides amazing views of the little island offshore, which has a hole in the middle, creating an arch over the water. You can even stay at the Hollow Rock Resort, which provides cozy cabins right on the shore. You can spend your elopement day exploring and celebrating on the beach, and have the perfect home base to return to after you say your vows!
Park Point
Park Point is located in Duluth, and is a thin seven mile stretch that’s nestled in between Lake Superior and Superior Bay. This long, scenic beach on the bottom of Minnesota’s North Shore offers miles of shoreline to explore, along with rolling sand dunes covered in beach grass. You can elope on the shore with a scenic backdrop behind you, then head off to Duluth to explore the restaurants, breweries, and boutique storefronts that the port town has to offer!
Ready to Elope in Minnesota?
If you’re sold on eloping in Minnesota and exploring all that this beautiful state has to offer, count me in! As a photographer who specializes in elopements and small weddings, my job is more than taking the photos (that part is cool too, though!). I’m your guide to the perfect elopement day – from location recommendations, to permit information, I’ll be your planning assistant and adventure buddy! Ready to do this thing? Contact me!
