2 day elopement?! What does that even mean?! Buckle up, I’m here to completely change your view on what an elopement on the North Shore can look like for you. As your local Minnesota elopement photographer and planner, check out my guide below on how to plan a two-day North Shore elopement. 

The North Shore

So you’ve decided to elope on Minnesota’s North Shore, and I think that’s epic. You have Lake Superior, waterfalls, forests, rocky beaches, cozy cabins, and approximately a million reasons to turn your wedding into an entire adventure. So why try to fit that all into one day?? Your elopement experience can be more than a couple hours, we can make it a weekend event. Your best adventure yet. 

Wedding timelines can already feel a little packed… then add driving along Highway 61, hiking to a ceremony location, exploring the North Shore, unpredictable weather, and spending time with the people you love, and suddenly your “simple elopement” has become quite the logistical puzzle.

Let’s give you some room to breathe, slow down, and be fully present enjoying the activities you two love to do together. 

First, Why Make Your Elopement Two Days?

I’m going to say something that might be a little wild. There are NO RULES that say your wedding has to start and end in a single day. I know right…wild. But it is true! Just because that is the “norm” doesn’t mean it is something that needs to be followed. And as an eloping couple, you are already on the path to breaking “rules.” 

Maybe you want a private adventure together and still want your family to witness your ceremony. Maybe you want to explore multiple locations without spending your entire wedding day driving. Or maybe you simply want to wake up slowly, drink your coffee, and enjoy your wedding instead of racing from one moment to the next.

A two-day elopement gives you more space for:

• A private adventure
• Meaningful time with family and friends
• Multiple North Shore locations
• A more flexible weather plan
• Less driving and rushing
• Activities you actually enjoy
• More time together

Basically, you get to have the adventure and the celebration. Plus it gives you that extra room to move things around and be flexible. 

Okay That’s Pretty Cool, But Can You Give an Example

I am so glad you asked. 

Let me show you …. 

Day 1: The “You Only” Day

Wake up in your cozy airbnb enjoying a cup of coffee together on the deck. Then play a board game, maybe cribbage or something, and slowly get ready for your first activity. Maybe we head out to do some morning kayaking and then make our way back to write your vows over a picnic on one of the North Shore’s many beaches. We then go get some pie or ice cream and do another activity like paint on the beach.

Day 2: The Day You Get Married

Wake up, get ready into your elopement attire. Then we do a first look on the cliffs, and do a small hike to a waterfall for your elopement.Say your vows, tie the knot, and let’s grab some cake to celebrate with a first dance by Lake Superior. Then end the day telling stories around the campfire. 

If you want more ideas on activities you can do in a Minnesota Elopement, check out my blog on activities based on your kind of vibes. 

50 Minnesota Elopement Activities That Aren’t Just Taking Photos

This way you can have one day together and the other day celebrating with family. All while getting pictures done (by meeeeee) for everything. 

A Two-Day Elopement Also Gives You More Flexibility With North Shore Weather

Planning your celebration across two days gives you a little more breathing room. Minnesota weather can be a little all over the place (if you live here you know). We pack shorts, pants, jackets, etc. all for one day! 

If the weather is wild on day one, you might shift your outdoor adventure. If sunset is looking incredible the following evening, we can take advantage of it. If one day is perfect for hiking and the other is better for cozy cabin moments, you have options.

This doesn’t mean we ignore the weather forecast and hope for the best. It just means your entire wedding experience isn’t dependent on one exact hour at one exact location.

And honestly, some of the best North Shore photos happen when the weather gets a little moody anyway. Check out this North Shore elopement done in the fog. Gave it SUCH a movie magic romance feel. 

Ready to Start Planning Your North Shore Elopement?

Whether we are planning one day or two, I’d love to be a part of the process. As a local elopement planner and photographer, I can provide you with all the best local resources and guides to make your elopement one of your favorite adventures yet!

Let’s Schedule a Chat!