When people think of eloping in Minnesota, they probably picture the North Shore, Gooseberry Falls, or Lake Superior. Truly, those places are absolutely incredible. However, as a native Minnesotan and local elopement photographer, I know the most underrated elopement spot in Minnesota that barely has any crowds.

The most underrated spot is 

*drumroll please* 

Voyageurs National Park. 

Picture rocky shores, quiet beaches, forested islands, rivers, gorges, cliffs, and lakes stretching for miles. It has all the adventure and beauty you could want from a Northern Minnesota elopement, while offering couples something that can be much harder to find along the more popular areas of the state: privacy.

Why this spot is perfect for Minnesota elopements

With 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, islands, and streams, there is so much room to create an elopement day that feels like your own. Check out some history on this area here! Because there are so many great spots and most of them are boat access only, this is a great place if you want more privacy to celebrate your elopement day without the eyes of strangers. 

It’s Perfect for Couples Who Want Something Different and an Adventure

If you want something different and to get married in a spot that isn’t Instagram famous, but still just as beautiful, this spot is for you. If you love adventures, being outdoors, and being surrounded by miles of lake, and hardly seeing many people, this spot is for you. 

Boating Makes Voyageurs So Unique for Elopements

One of my favorite things about planning elopements here is that your day doesn’t have to stay in one location. We can hop on my pontoon (that has a live scope + I come with an extra fishing limit btw), explore different areas, find a quiet spot for your ceremony, and turn transportation into part of the adventure.

Voyageurs National Park Activities

Voyageurs is not only an amazing boating location, but it also is home to many other activities we can incorporate into your elopement day. Check out this list of some of my favorite activities! 

• Official Guided Boat Tours
• Camping
• Kettle Falls
• Houseboat
• Fishing – walleyes, pike, sauger, bass + more 
• Birdwatching
• Hiking
• Cliff jumping (for couples who want an extra adventurous moment!)
• Stargazing
• Snowshoeing
• Snowmobiling
• Hammocking (is that a word? Hammock…being in a hammock. Hammock-ing..idk)
• Kayak
• Canoe
• Go out to eat
• Picnic
• Swim 
• + so much more with rental details here. 

My Recommended Stay in Voyageurs

If you’re considering eloping here but don’t know where to stay and aren’t a fan of tent camping, I highly recommend renting a cabin from Sunset Resort on Ash River Trail. This area is perfect if you are looking for nice cabins in a peaceful area on the river, but still want restaurants within walking distance. I’ve been staying here and visiting this area my whole life. 

Or if you are a little more adventurous and into tent camping on a private island, I also have the best campsite recommendations if you want a good view or a beach! They book up fast though!

Things to Know Before Eloping in Voyageurs National Park

Many of the areas are only accessible by water. So either we’re taking my pontoon or I can help you rent a boat from one of the local outfitters. Some locations around the park require more advanced planning especially if you are looking for campsites, and seasons dramatically change the experience you have here. 

But never fear, this is where I come in! 

Let’s Start Planning Your Voyageurs National Park Elopement

So, if you’re looking for the most underrated Minnesota elopement location where you can trade crowds for quiet shorelines, adventure, and miles of water to explore, Voyageurs National Park might be the perfect place for you.

I’ve been visiting this area my whole life, and I would love to help you create an elopement day that feels like an actual adventure not a rushed photoshoot. From finding the perfect location and planning your timeline to exploring by boat, swimming, sightseeing, and helping you figure out where to stay, I can help you bring the whole experience together.

When you’re getting married somewhere with 218,000 acres to explore, having a local photographer who actually knows and loves the area definitely doesn’t hurt. Trust me, I’ve been going there for years and still can’t get enough.

Let’s start planning!!!