You want the dramatic cliff views by Lake Superior. You want your ceremony to feel like a freaking MOMENT. I get it, and Palisade is absolutely stunning, breathtaking, and one of those places that make you question how something this beautiful is hiding in Minnesota. Maybe you’ve even seen photos of couples standing on the edge of Palisade Head and thought, “Yep. That’s where we’re getting married.” But this is why you shouldn’t elope at Palisade Head on the North Shore.

I hate to break it to you…there is a teeny tiny problem… 🙁

Eloping at Palisade Head is illegal….for real. Cue the tears because it really is such a cool place. 

However, don’t fear, as a Minnesota local, elopement planner and photographer, I know a place that gives you the epic cliff views you were dreaming about. Totally legal too so that’s a plus. 

Tettegouche State Park Elopement Location 

I don’t think Palisade Head needs to disappear from your elopement day just because you can’t get married there. We can build your day around another legal ceremony location and still make a stop at Palisade Head for photos, exploring, or private vows.

Or I have another option that has that same epic view. The rest of Tettegouche is a Minnesota State Park that has truly stunning views. Palisade is a part of it, but not directly connected. Tettegouche requires Minnesota State Park Vehicle Passes, but it has many different varieties of backdrops and is quite a large park. You can see the same dramatic cliffs like Palisade, but at Shovel point. Shovel point is an easy hike with a well marked path with lots of stairs. Throughout the rest of the park there are forests, rocks, waterfalls, and many trails to hike along. If you decide to make Shovel point your elopement, you can expect a quick half mile hike with a few stairs to a beautiful overlook of the cliffs.

Why I’d choose Tettegouche for your North Shore elopement

You still get the Lake Superior cliffs
Shovel Point gives you those dramatic cliff views you’re probably searching for in the first place.

You get more than one backdrop
You’re not limited to one overlook. Tettegouche gives you forests, rocks, waterfalls, trails, and the Lake Superior shoreline.

You can actually have your ceremony there
This is kind of a big one. 😂

Planning a North Shore elopement

So unfortunately you can’t officially elope at Palisade. However, you can still go and take pictures, exchange private vows, or simply just check it out as a part of your elopement day.

As your elopement planner and photographer, we will talk about many different ideas to get you the elopement vision of your dreams. That’s why it is important to have someone who is willing to help with planning, to make sure that you are legal! Even if it means thinking outside the box and finding alternate locations that are just as fiiirrreeee. 

Let’s start planning!