Planning a North Shore Elopement YOUR Way

Are you considering eloping? Especially if you’re already in Minnesota or even if you just want to elope somewhere with nature vibes rather than a big bustling city, I invite you to consider eloping on the North Shore. 

For one thing, the North Shore is gorgeous all year round, which makes for amazing photos and a serene setting for celebrating your love. There are so many great options for eloping on the North Shore too – or you could do a multi-stop tour! There’s Tofte, Grand Marais, Lutsen (my fave!), Silver Bay, and several other amazing places, including small, quiet beaches along the way. Doesn’t that sound lovely? Eloping with your partner and having a gorgeous day on a beautiful beach on the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface area), investing in a magical and intimate time together. If that visual beats the big wedding scene for you as a couple, I totally got you.

Elopements might have an impulsive connotation, and sometimes they certainly can be spontaneous. But there’s nothing saying you can’t still plan your day with intention, with as much flexibility as you’d like!

Meet me at the bottom of this post to see some elopement photos from Torie and Shante’s special day — otherwise, stick around for some ideas on how to elope on the North Shore.

Some tips for making the most of your North Shore elopement

Bring in your own personalities to your elopement day, like Torie and Shante did! They opted for a private ceremony at sunrise on the lake and then wanted to chill back at their amazing Airbnb for the hotter, middle part of the day. 

They had their lunch together, played cards, sat out on the deck overlooking the lake, and generally enjoyed each other’s company. 

Toward the afternoon, they wanted to head to Cascade River State Park to check out the waterfalls and do some hiking. Finally, we headed to Grand Marais for some absolutely STUNNING sunset views and cake!

There’s no shortage of chill or max adventure to be had at the North Shore, so take inspo where it fits you and create a day that feels authentic, fun, relaxing, and celebratory. After all, it is your wedding, so why shouldn’t it be special and exactly what YOU want to do??

Bring only people who support you and make you feel loved (or keep it just the two of you). Include your pets if you want! Eat what you want. Plan your day for the most gorgeous photos and memories to look at and share for your lifetime. The possibilities are truly endless, which is why elopements are so attractive to so many! You don’t have to worry about settling for crowd pleasers for 150-200 guests. Here are some activity ideas you can consider:

• Go exploring
• Go Geocaching
• Have a picnic
• Have a sauna
• Build a campfire
• Enjoy a hot air balloon ride
• Rent a boat, kayak, or canoe
• Go rock climbing
• Go horseback riding
• Read poetry
• Paint
• Bring a shovel and plant a tree together
• Watch the stars
• Have fun with games and activities
• Take time to read family letters
• Tour a winery
• Go skiing
• Take a ride in a helicopter
• Sing songs or play instruments
• Blow bubbles
• Take a walk on a beach and skip rocks on the water
• Take a drive in a vintage car
• Go ziplining

Okay, enough for ideas from me for now. Let’s take in this beautiful couple, Torie & Shante’s, special and perfect North Shore elopement photos.

Vendor list:

• Florals: Saffron and Grey
• Venue: Loretta’s Lodge
• Stationary: Smart Set, Inc.
• Rings: EC Design Studio
• Outfits: Suit Shop
• Desserts: Positively 3rd Street Bakery

Please reach out if I can help you capture the tender and gorgeous moments your wedding is sure to bring.