Some of our Favorite Midwest Elopement Locations
Tali January 10, 2023
When you think of “jaw dropping elopement locations” eloping in the Midwest probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your head… but maybe it should be! The Midwest is full of incredible places to elope and because it isn’t typically at the top of anyone’s radar, eloping in the Midwest is often easier, cheaper, and more unique. Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about crowds or having ten other couples eloping at the same place as you on the same day. To help make your planning one step easier, we have compiled this list of the best places to elope in the Midwest.
WHY ELOPE IN THE MIDWEST?
As someone who has lived in the Midwest their entire life, I can say with certainty that the region has a lot more to offer than it typically gets credit for. If you are planning to elope outside, gorgeous scenery is probably near the top of your list for location requirements. You’ll easily find that here and typically with a fraction of the crowds! The midwestern region of the United States holds stunning views of lakes, waterfalls, rivers, forest, prairies, rugged coastline, epic rock formations, and more! The Midwest also experiences all four seasons in their full glory, allowing you to really capitalize on the experience of the season you chose to get married during. From summers filled with sunny days on the lake to crisp fall evenings with beautiful colors filling the forests, there really isn’t a bad time to get married here!
Maybe the Midwest is home to you and you are looking for an epic adventure you can drive to or one that is close for friends and family. Maybe you are looking for a new adventure in an unexpected place or are looking for the best bang for your buck in an area
WHERE TO ELOPE IN THE MIDWEST
The North Shore of Lake Superior - Northern Minnesota
The North Shore of Lake Superior is overflowing with incredible elopement locations, making it one of our top picks for the best places to elope in the Midwest. It is full of lush forests, rushing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and miles of stunning rocky shore line and cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. If you are looking for unbeatable variety, small town vibes, and truly jaw dropping views, this is the place.
Nearby Towns: Duluth, MN – Duluth is a bustling town with plenty of lodging, dining, breweries, and entertainment options.
Getting There: A 3-4 hour drive from the Twin Cities (MSP is the major airport) or Duluth has a smaller airport as well.
Seasons: Summer and fall are our favorite seasons along the north shore, but spring can be lovely as well! If you don’t mind the cold, the north shore is stunning in the winter and most areas are still accessible. (Things don’t shut down in Minnesota due to just a little snow.) Want more details on when to plan your elopement? We have a whole blog with all the details on when to elope in Minnesota.
Why it’s our Favorite: We spend almost every free weekend exploring the north shore and are still surprised by the hidden gems we stumble upon. It’s an easy area to get away from the crowds and we might be biased, but if you ask us, it’s one of the most beautiful places on the planet! We also love that the majority of the North Shore is dog-friendly… Lily Pad is also a huge fan.
Pro Tip: Thinking about eloping along the North Shore of Lake Superior or in Minnesota? Check out our blog on How to Elope in Minnesota for more details, tips, and helpful information!
Devil's Lake State Park - Wisconsin
Devil’s Lake is one of those places that gives off major “out west” vibes. With huge cliffs overlooking the lake, it’s hard to believe you are in the middle of Wisconsin. We also love that Devil’s Lake State Park is so close to Wisconsin Dells (the waterpark capital of the world). If you are looking for a place that you can get out in nature and also enjoy all the bustling entertainment of a huge tourist town, this is the place. Wisconsin Dells is full of amusement parks, indoor and outdoor waterparks, restaurants, hotels, and countless other entertainment options (laser tag, escape rooms, museums, etc.). Whether you are looking for a place to have fun just the two of you or a great destination for entertaining close family and friends, this place has it all!
Nearby Towns: Wisconsin Dells, WI – A large city with plenty of options for lodging, dining, entertainment, and other amenities.
Getting There: If you are planning on flying, the best airport to fly into is the Madison Airport (MSN). Devil’s Lake is also a moderate drive from the Chicago and Twin Cities areas, a perfect weekend getaway without too much time in the car.
Seasons: We think summer and fall are the prettiest, but this area is still accessible in the spring and winter with stunning views and smaller crowds.
Why it’s our Favorite: The combination of stunning views and the amenities of Wisconsin Dells, put Devil’s Lake at the top of our list for the best places to elope in the Midwest.
Badlands National Park - South Dakota
The Badlands is one of those places that are hard to believe they exist where they do. It feels like something that should be in the southwest with major Utah and Nevada vibes. Stunning red and orange dirt form pillars, hills, and cliffs as far as the eye can see. While it is easy to get away from the crowds of people in this park, you’ll never be far from the countless animals that call Badlands National Park home. Goats and prairie dogs are abundant and if you know where to look, you might even spot a buffalo!
Nearby Towns: Wall, SD – A smaller touristy town and home to the famous Wall Drug; Rapid City, SD – About an hour way, Rapid City is a much larger city with far more amenities.
Getting There: If you are planning on flying, Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest major airport, located about an hour drive from Badlands National Park.
Seasons: Late Spring, Summer, and fall are all stunning. The winds in SD can make this location hard to reach in the winter with the blowing snow, but early winter with a light dusting of snow can be really pretty. Rain can cause the clay to become very slick and sticky (it clumps on to everything!) so plan carefully around the wet seasons.
Why it’s our Favorite: Badlands National Park offers a truly unique landscape and is one of those places that you have to see to believe. Sunsets are stunning, adventures are abundant, and the opportunities for viewing wildlife are prime! Badlands National Park has all the makings of a perfect elopement location.
The Black Hills of South Dakota
The Black Hills are filled with countless opportunities for adventure. Home to the highest point east of the Rockies until you reach the Pyrenees Mountains of Europe, “Hills” hardly seems like the right term to describe this area. Rocky cliffs, needles of granite jutting into the sky, pine filled forest, and blue lakes are some of the major features of this area. With major attractions like Mount Rushmore, the area surrounding the Black Hills is well developed with plenty of hotels, camping options, entertainment, and dining. This is also a great area to get out backpacking (Dom and I have camped and backpacked in the Black Hills) or even to do a bit of horse back riding. Plus, much of the area is dog-friendly! If you are planning on bringing your furry friend to your wedding, this should definitely be on your list of places to elope in the Midwest.
Nearby Towns: Rapid City, SD – A large city with plenty of hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and other amenities. There are also smaller, more tourist oriented towns like Hill City, SD that give this place major “old west” vibes.
Getting There: If you are planning on flying, the Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) is the closest major airport, located just a short drive from the Black Hills.
Seasons: Late Spring, Summer, and fall are all stunning. The winds in SD can make this location hard to reach in the winter with the blowing snow, but early winter with a light dusting of snow can be really pretty. Late Spring when the air is warm enough to be without a jacket, but there are still patches of snow on the ground is one of our favorite times here.
Locations: Custer State Park is one of our favorite places to visit in the Black Hills, but the surrounding Black Hills National Forest is also filled with gorgeous backdrops for your elopement. If you know where to go, it’s easy to find incredible views all to yourself within the national forest! There are also plenty of private properties that you can rent that offer a unique experience for your elopement.
Why it’s our Favorite: The Black Hills really feel like they should be a national park. The landscape is stunning, the adventures are plenty, and it is easy to escape the crowds. It’s one of our favorite long weekend camping trips! We also love that the majority of the area is dog-friendly.
Pro Tip: We put together the most complete Black Hills Elopement Guide out there! If you are planning a Midwest elopement in South Dakota, you need to check it out!
Once you know where to look, it’s easy to find the perfect place to elope among the hidden gems of the Midwest. We hope this list of some of our favorite Midwest elopement locations has helped you find the perfect place for your wedding adventure!
If you happen to also be looking for the perfect Midwest Elopement photographer, we would love to get in touch and chat about your vision! Reach out and let’s get rolling! Contact us through the link below or feel free to shoot us an email to tell us about your day.
These locations are beautiful! From your captivating images, you can see it’s absolutely worth eloping in the Mid-West. Thanks for sharing 🙂
You got me daydreaming with all these beautiful midwest photos! Badlands National Park is my favorite from the list with its orange hills. You are lucky to be able to document elopements there. Thanks for this little blog with epic photos!
Midwest is so beautiful! I love the Badlands. What a beautiful place to elope!
Wow! What a selection of locations that offer such a variety of looks…amazing. I’m torn between the Badlands and Devil’s Lake, thanks for sharing!
The lakes might be my favorite from this list, although there are truly a lof of options! IT’s so awesome to see how much choice there is everywhere (especially since i m not from the us and know just a few classic areas!)
Gorgeous! I love the variety of vibrant fall colors, the jagged rocky terrain, and beachy vibes on the lake. You capture the feel beautifully!
I never would have imagined the Midwest looking as beautiful as this!!! Thank you so much for making this guide for those who have never been before (:
I had no idea Midwest gems can be such a great location for elopement and couple adventures. Thanks for showing me the beauty of these lands. I think Badlands National Park – South Dakota looks the best for me so far.
I love these photos great depiction of the midwest!!!