Question 1

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

If you want to get married with guests in attendance at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you will need a special use permit and a park pass. Details can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/piro/planyourvisit/weddings.htm

Question 2

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around mid-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies swarm the UP. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

In winter, the Pictured Rocks can be difficult to visit, with many roads closed due to the high volume of snow. However, the park is open year-round and if you're up for a winter adventure it can be incredibly beautiful!

Question 3

other notes

Accepted Answer

The Pictured Rocks are rugged and remote, with few conveniences close by. The nearest towns are Munising and Grand Marais, depending on which end of the park you're at. These towns are small, but you can find accommodations and dining options there.

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 4

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

If you want to get married with guests in attendance at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, you will need a special use permit and a park pass. Details are available here.

Question 5

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

From November 1 to early May the main road through the park is closed to vehicles, and mid-Nov to mid-April it's closed to foot traffic. The Dune Climb, trails, and trailheads are open year-round.

Question 6

other notes

Accepted Answer

Leashed pets are only allowed on specific beaches here. Get details.

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 7

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

If you want to elope with less than 20 guests in attendance at the Porcupine Mountains, you will need a park pass. Details can be found here.

Question 8

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around mid-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies swarm the UP. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

In the winter, both the South Boundary Road and the Lake of Clouds Roads are snowmobile trails with no car/truck access. However, the park is open year-round and if you're up for a winter adventure it can be incredibly beautiful!

Question 9

other notes

Accepted Answer

The Porcupine Mountains are remote with few conveniences close by, so be prepared. The nearest larger towns are Ontanogan and Ironwood (which are both on the smaller side but have gas, motels, and dining options).

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 10

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

If you want to elope with less than 20 guests in attendance at Canyon Falls, you don't need any permits or passes!

Question 11

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around mid-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies swarm the UP. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

In the winter months, the parking area is closed. You can still hike out to the falls, but do so at your own risk.

Question 12

other notes

Accepted Answer

Canyon Falls is accessible from a roadside park about an hour west of Marquette.

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound in the UP, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 13

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

If you want to elope in Copper Harbor, there are no permits or passes required for most locations.

This unique, remote location is ecologically fragile, so practicing Leave No Trace principles, staying on trails and rocks, and respecting nature is essential.

Question 14

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around mid-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies swarm the UP. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

In winter many roads are closed due to the high volume of snow, including Brockway Mountain Drive. However, if you're up for a winter adventure it can be incredibly beautiful

Question 15

other notes

Accepted Answer

Copper Harbor is the northernmost place in Michigan and is very remote. There is one gas station with old-school pumps and it's not open all the time. There's a general store, 3-4 restaurants, a brewery, and gift shops. You can find motels and cabins here, as well as a few great campgrounds.

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 16

How to get there

Accepted Answer

Drummond Island Ferry

Drummond Island Airport

Question 17

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

Most outdoor locations on Drummond Island don't require a permit for elopements under 20 guests, but you'll need to check depending on your specific spot.

Question 18

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around mid-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies swarm the UP. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

Question 19

other notes

Accepted Answer

Check out this website for tons of Drummond Island facts and info!

Question 20

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

You don't need a permit to elope at the Wilderness State Park, but you do need a Recreation Passport.

Question 21

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around early-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies can be a nuisance. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

Question 22

other notes

Accepted Answer

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 23

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

You don't need a permit to elope at the Wilderness State Park, but you do need a Recreation Passport.

Question 24

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

The beach at Ludington State Park can get really crowded, especially during holiday weekends in the summer. The park is huge, however, and if you're open to exploring there are plenty of quiet and breathtaking spots to hold your ceremony at.

Question 25

other notes

Accepted Answer

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 26

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

There are no permits required for eloping at any of the locations I mentioned in Marquette, however, you will need a recreation passport.

Question 27

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around mid-June, there is typically a two-week period when black flies swarm the UP. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

In winter some seasonal roads are closed due to the high volume of snow. However, if you're up for a winter adventure it can be incredibly beautiful!

Tourist season is July-October. Visitors, campers, and hikers abound, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

Question 28

other notes

Accepted Answer

Marquette is a fun, historic city in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and home to Northern Michigan University. There are tons of places to stay, great dining, shopping, and more!

Question 29

How to get there

Accepted Answer

Mackinac Island Ferries

Question 30

Rules & Permits

Accepted Answer

If you're planning to elope on Mackinac Island, you will need to get a permit- even if it's just the two of you. Get the details here.

Question 31

When to avoid

Accepted Answer

Around early June, there is typically a one-two week period when black flies can be a nuisance. They are aggressive biters and can be especially bad near the lakeshore.

Question 32

other notes

Accepted Answer

Tourist season is July-October. Tourists are thick in the downtown area, and it can be a challenge to find total privacy in the more popular scenic spots.

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