Eeek you want to know the Minnesota North Shore Elopement locations I’d actually recommend to my clients? YAY! If you were to come to me tomorrow and say “Arynn, we want to elope on the North Shore, but we have NO idea where to go! Oh also, can you take our pics?” I would be so stoked to help you out. Picking a pretty location is only one tiny piece of planning a North Shore elopement. 

After we chat, I’ll get a feel for what you actually want your day to look and feel like. Are you bringing family? Do you want to hike? Are you trying to avoid crowds? Is your dog coming? Do you want cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, forests, or somehow all of the above? (The North Shore said, “Why choose?”) Once I know your priorities, I can create a customized list of locations that actually make sense for you, rather than handing you the same five spots I’d recommend to everyone.

So, here are some of those North Shore Elopement locations I’d actually recommend to my clients as a planner + photographer who has been taking photos on the North Shore for 5+ years. 

Why Choose the North Shore

The North Shore is one of my favorite places in Minnesota for so many reasons, but I’ll do my best to narrow it down to 3. 

There is so much within driving distance

Coffee, pizza, zip lining, epic views, parks, kayak rentals, unique Airbnbs, you name it, all things that are within easy driving distance. This makes the North Shore a dream because you can fit these adventure elopement type of activities into less time instead of needing a whole week to fit things in. 

Variety in the Views

Just like there are so many activities to do, there are also so many unique views and spots that seem impossible to be in Minnesota. You can have cliffs, waterfalls, forests, gorges, beaches, rocks, sea caves, all again, within a short drive of each other. 

There are a good mix of popular + secluded spots

I’d say there are a lot of spots that are more common and “instagram” famous that you can visit and elope at, which is amazing. However, there are also a bunch of hidden gems that don’t attract the same crowds, but still get you cool pics. 

A Little Peak Into Elopement Spots

To avoid making this the longest blog of the century, I want to highlight 5 different options. Although, I have a list of over 30 cool spots. Here is a quick summary: 

Palisade Head → iconic/dramatic

Black Beach → beach/family/variety

Tettegouche → hiking/variety

Tofte Park → family friendly

Sea Caves Beach → quieter/less-known

Palisade Head

The good: I feel like Palisade is one of those locations that everyone immediately thinks of. And yes, it is beautiful and breathtaking. One of those places that makes you think “Am I still really in Minnesota or are we riding dragons somewhere?” 

The catch: BUT and emphasis on the BUT, you can’t actually get married here. It is illegal. I know, cue tears, but good news is you can still take pictures here and exchange private vows or love notes, or simply enjoy the view. Although, it can be quite popular, especially on the weekend or in the fall. Also, the wind can be whippin + cold. 

Who I’d send here: Anyone who wants the epic cliff views in their pictures without a long walk and easy access parking. But no kids or pets unless they are leashed or strapped or something because there are no railings. 

My take: Palisade is one of those places I LOVE photographing, but I wouldn’t build an entire elopement around it if privacy is your #1 priority. I’d much rather use it as one stop during a bigger North Shore adventure.

Black Beach

The good: Again, one of those places that make you question whether you are in a good fantasy book or not. This place gives major Iceland vibes without having to travel. The parking is typically good, and the beach is big enough to fit family and friends for an intimate wedding ceremony. 

The catch: It can be a popular spot, but Minnesotans are usually pretty chill about giving you space to celebrate a wedding. Oh also, the seagulls are becoming an issue in my opinion. They are not shy if you have anything that remotely looks like food, or a box of food, and will try to take it. However, they do look cute in pics. 

Who I’d send here: Couples who want to include family and friends, anyone who wants an epic view, and wants a variety of looks without having to travel. You have the black sand beach, the rocky cliff view, some forest in the background. 

My take: One of my favorite places for couples who have a higher guest count. It is hard to get a wheelchair through the rocky sand though, so keep that in mind for your guests. 

Tettegouche State Park 

The good: This place is so stunning, especially at Shovel Point. It gives you a very similar cliffside view as Palisade, and has options to see waterfalls, forests, and the shoreline of Lake Superior. It also gives you many different locations to avoid crowds. 

The catch: This location is a little more involved hiking. Nothing too difficult, just a few stairs, and nice trails. I was able to hike it at 4-6 months pregnant no problem, and also with a baby strapped to me. This is also a place that requires the Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit, so don’t forget that!

Who I’d send here: Couples who aren’t afraid to put in a little work for less crowded areas (depending on the time) and stunning views. Also great for dogs!

My take: This place is amazing if it is just the three of us, or a small group (under 10). Hiking with 35-30 guests would be a bit much here. 

Tofte Park 

The good: One of my favorite cutie places along the North Shore that works so well for beautiful Lake Superior rock views. Bonus is there is a pavilion you can rent, and a playground. 

The catch: Can be a little more crowded as it is a town park, and you have to pay to rent the pavilion, but either way, still a great place! You can learn more about the park and rental information here.

Who I’d send here: Couples who want to include friends and family (especially with littles because of the park).

My take: You can have as many guests as you want here, and it is nice to have that pavilion option for the rainy days. 

Sea Caves Beach

The good: I’ll be honest, I’m not even really sure if this place has an official name or not, but I call it Sea Caves Beach. There are usually hardly any people here. At least the times I have been, we have basically had the beach to ourselves. 

The catch: It is what I would call a moderate hike down. Not very long, but it is steep and can be slippery especially after rain. However, I did this with hiking shoes and a baby strapped to me, so interpret that however you’d like lol. 

Who I’d send here: Couples who want a different view that isn’t as popular, and want to enjoy the shores of Lake Superior. 

My take: A peaceful hidden gem, one of my favorite spots to enjoy some cool views and more privacy. However, make sure to wear some hiking shoes because it would be hella impressive if you made it here in lets say heels or flip flops. 

But Which One(s) Would I Actually Recommend For You?

And this is where I wish I could give you a super simple answer. “Go here! It’s the best!” But that’s not really how I approach elopements.

The best Minnesota North Shore elopement locations that I would actually recommend aren’t necessarily the prettiest ones. It’s the ones that fit your people, your priorities, your comfort level, your timeline, and the kind of day you actually want to have. And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Cool, Arynn, but I still have absolutely no idea where I want to go,” that’s okay too. 😂 That’s literally what I’m here for.

When you book your North Shore elopement with me, I don’t just show up with a camera. I help you figure out the location, timing, activities, permits, timeline, and all the little details that turn “we’re getting married on the North Shore” into an actual freaking adventure.

Because your wedding day should feel like you two having the best day ever. An adventure and a day to tell around the campfire years from now. 

Let’s get planning!!