AN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER + VIDEOGRAPHER’S TOP PLACES TO ELOPE IN MN
While Minnesota may not be seen as an ideal destination for an elopement, you might be surprised to find some of the dreamiest places to elope in MN. As an elopement photographer and videographer, I have spent hours location scouting and experiencing these places to elope in MN with incredible couples.
There are a ton of hidden gems around the state that are perfect for your elopement, and I have made it my mission to share the best ones with you!
Make sure to keep reading to ensure you don’t miss a thing!
#1 Cuyana Cove Campground – Crosby, MN
Cuyana Cove is probably one of my favorite places to elope in MN. With its boutique tiny cabins and glamping tents, it is the best location for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
ADDRESS: Cuyuna Cove, 22642 MN-6, Crosby, MN 56441
If you are interested in having your elopement up in Crosby, but want to check out another location, check out this cool Airbnb nearby Crosby MN overlooking the beautiful Pine river on 8.5 wooded acres and your own private sauna!
*Following images are not mine and have been taken from Cuyana Cove
#2: Black Sand Beach
You don’t have to travel all the way to Iceland to find black sandy beaches. In fact, this Minnesota beach will have you experiencing all the cool Icelandic vibes while adding a bit of the Pacific North West into the mix.
THE ADDRESS: Black Beach Park, Silver Bay, MN 55614
I recommend eloping here at sunrise. Expectedly, it can’t tend to get pretty crowded in the evenings. If want to avoid the public and are able, try choosing your elopement date on a weekday. Weekends, as you can imagine, can get busy.
If you don’t have the option of Monday – Thursday (or just don’t want to), there’s a less crowded spot super close to the main beach that’s typically pretty sparse. If you are lucky, you might be able to get it all to yourself, and it’s just as beautiful!
Black Beach also has lots of firepits around for you to enjoy a bonfire post-ceremony with you and your fam/friends.
LODGING TO CHECK OUT WHEN CONSIDERING BLACK SAND BEACH
#3: Palisade Head
Palisade Head is just a hop and a skip away from Black Sand Beach. However, unlike the last dreamy MN elopement location, this one is located in Tettegouche State Park. This park in and of itself has some pretty incredible cliff views overlooking Lake Superior.
This location is best at sunrise as the sun rises over the water. However, sunset is still absolutely stunning. If you do pick sunset over sunrise, just know that you won’t get that dreamy light behind the water. It will be hiding behind the trees on the opposite side of the cliff towards the mainland.
ADDRESS: Palisade Head, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55614
This spot can be pretty busy. Unlike other locations though, there are always spots you can walk to. With that being said, there is no “hiking” needed — just basic walking! The overlook is right off the parking lot.
Parking is VERY sparse here. We are talking about less than 20 spots. Meaning, if you are bringing family members, make sure they shuttle or carpool together.
Every photographer/videographer has different spots, and I try not to divulge too many of my secrets. However, without sharing too much, I know of a hidden overlook that is jaw-dropping. It is a little more treacherous, but if you are willing to climb and slide on your butt to get there, it is totally worth it!
If you are looking to elope in MN, I can’t recommend this location enough.
LODGING TO CHECK OUT WHEN CONSIDERING PALISADE HEAD
#4: Grand Marais – Artist Point
Artists Point not only has the best small-town vibes is a beautiful, rocky peninsula that juts out into Lake Superior. The best part? It has the cutest lighthouse.
ADDRESS: Artist Point, Grand Marais, MN 55604
The little trails on the peninsula will make you feel like you’re in the movie, “Twilight.” They are smack dab in the middle of the lush, moody forest. Here, you get both beachy and forest vibes.
If I were you, I would plan on eloping here on a weekday either in the morning or evening to avoid crowds. You can always find a relatively private spot along the trails or go right down by the rocks.
PLACES TO STAY NEAR GRAND MARAIS
#5: Lester Park/Brighton Beach
Looking for California Redwood vibes? Lester Park in Duluth, Minnesota is the perfect place for you. The tall, towering trees with heavy red tones will make you feel like you are in the middle of the incredible Redwoods.
ADDRESS: Brighton Beach, Brighton Beach Rd, Duluth, MN 55804
With a three-minute drive from Brighton beach, you can truly have the best of both worlds — beach and forest. Brighton Beach has huge rocks and depending on the weather, the waves may be HUGE and make the views INCREDIBLE.
AIRBNBS THAT WILL MEET EVERY NEED FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT AT LESTER PARK/BRIGHTON BEACH
#6: Interstate Park
Interstate Park in Taylors Falls, MN has tons of beautiful viewpoints. There’s two sides to this park as it sits right on the border of MN and WI. I tend to feel like the WI side has a bit more variety with its sandy beaches and cliff overlooks. However, MN has so many beautiful backdrops as well.
ADDRESS: Taylors Falls Overlook – South, Taylors Falls, MN 55084
There is plenty of parking available on the WI side. The parking on the MN side is a bit more sparse but isn’t usually packed on weekdays. Weekends may be a little tougher if you are bringing multiple family members/cars so plan accordingly.
ROMANTIC LODGING NEAR TAYLOR FALLS MN
#7: Lutsen, MN
This area has a lot of state parks around to share vows while getting beautiful portraits.
My favorite is Temperance River, State Park. It has a beautiful bridge, but it can get pretty busy on the weekend. There is also a short trail that takes you right down to the water on Lake Superior for epic views. Basically, this one made my top favorite list due to the greenery and variety.
ADDRESS: Temperance River State Park
If you’re looking for a unique photo opportunity, ride the gondola to the top of Moose Mountain to get some stunning views and the cutest wedding portraits!
TOP PLACES TO STAY IN AROUND LUTSEN
- Wooden Geodesic Dome
- Geodesic Dome – Tofte
- Geodesic Dome 2 – Tofte
- Gondo – Tofte
- Lutsen Cabin
- Huge Chalet – Lutsen
ARE YOU READY TO ELOPE IN MINNESOTA?
Minnesota has so many dreamy locations to offer for your elopement. If I haven’t convinced you to elope here yet, stick around. I have lots more MN information I would love to share with you.
However, if you ARE ready to plan an incredibly intimate wedding here and are in need of a photographer and/or videographer, I would love to chat.
With me, you get more than just captured memories. I will be your guide, help you with timeline building permits, vendor recommendations, and so much more!
Want more information on my photo or video packages? Contact me HERE to set up a free discovery call.
