Minnesota’s north shore is an absolute hidden gem for couples wanting to have a wedding day or engagement session surrounded by nature. Whether it’s an iconic backdrop of Lake Superior, or the Superior National Forest, you could be engulfed with the sounds of the waves crashing against the shores of Lake Superior, or taking in the beautiful scenery from Palisade Head after a short drive, and a short hike.

When you type in “elopement” on Instagram or google, by now the internet has been flooded with iconic, breathtaking views of couples hiking in their wedding attire at the Rocky Mountains, or frolicking in fields in the Pacific Northwest. Those are absolutely incredible choices for you if you and your partner are looking to make your elopement or wedding a special experience in a unique destination away from home.

But as a Midwest-based photographer, I started to notice that there are some hidden gem locations in Minnesota that area even more accessible, just as gorgeous, and just a couple hours from the Twin Cities. If your’e looking for an underrated yet beautiful spot, look no further than Minnesota’s North Shore.

Firstly, The north shore is a stretch of roads and trails that follow Lake Superior. Along the coast, you’ll bump into kitschy northern towns full of breweries and shops, state parks, and wide open state forests and small mountains to explore.

Read more to learn about my favorite places to stop at, tips for where to stay, and ideas for planning your own north shore elopement or wedding!

4 Reasons Why Minnesota’s North Shore is a Hidden Gem For Elopements, Weddings and Engagement Sessions

Accessibility!
Being so close in proximity most major cities in Minnesota, it’s an easy breezy drive straight north. Plus, all of the state parks have paved and well-kept trails for all kinds of visitors. You don’t have to be ready to get your wedding dress dirty, or pack in overnight camping essentials to have that adventurous feel to your elopement day. Short hikes, easy parking lots and flat terrain make this a great, accessible location for ceremonies of all kinds. Being so accessible makes it easy to have an elopement and an intimate ceremony right along the waters of Lake Superior. Less time hiking, more time celebrating at a rustic northern cabin watching the sunset on the lake. Imagine!

2. Options
So many places to stop at, along the way! Whether you want something simple along the water, or want to hike to the top of Oberg Mountain, there are so many places to stop and explore. Since many of these places are state parks, it is easy to access them all by getting one park pass. The pass is valid for all of them for the full day! For example, you could have your ceremony at the top of Palisade Head, drive up and down the north shore stopping at Iona’s Beach for portraits, and make your way back to Duluth for a lakeside dinner with your closest friends at one of the fabulous restaurants there. Or maybe you do your ceremony at the gorgeous black sand beach, and head back to your awesome VRBO to hot tub with views of the lake, after a private chef cooks dinner for you and your guests. So many different ways to fill your day up north!
Ideas of where to stop at along the north shore during the summer and fall:
Gooseberry Falls state park
Palisade Head
Black Sand Beach
Splitrock lighthouse State Park
Tettegouche State Park
Iona’s Beach

Learn more about some parks here, and how to get a permit as well here.

This couple chose to have a ceremony at a state park, and then celebrated at a restuarant with their friends and family!

3. Amazing Weather and Views

Although winters can be brutal up north, Summer and Fall are stunning and are the best time for elopements and weddings. The Lake glistens in the morning, and always has a breathtaking pink sunset by evening. The lack of light pollution makes it an awesome place to watch for the stars in the night sky. Sometimes, if you’re lucky you could catch a Northern Lights show! In the fall, the leaves turn a perfect orange, red and yellow. The trail options are pristine on the Superior Hiking Trail, and everywhere you look theres a bit of fog or misty branches from morning dew. Whatever your elopement vibe is, the north shore makes it pop! Some have compared the North Shore to the coasts of Acadia National Park in Maine.

4. So Many Things to Do!

With so many options existing on the North Shore, the opportunities are endless for what your day could look like. Here are some ideas for how to spend your elopement day, or even engagement session!

Hiking
Biking
Sea kayaking
Canoeing
Swimming
Waterskiing
Paddleboarding
Have a picnic
Mountain biking
Fly fishing
Brewery hopping
Coffee shops
Eat at an upscale restaurant

The north shore provides national park levels of fun, without the crowds and hassle that giant attractions sometimes bring. For couples looking to have a day full of adventure, no stress, and lots of beautiful views, the north shore is the perfect spot!

Need ideas for where to stay? Here are some of my favorites!

Temperance landing
Grand view lodge
Bluefin Bay

Want something more personal? Opt for an airbnb or VRBO like this couple, who got to have their first dance outside on the patio, facing the gorgeous Lake Superior.

Fun fact: when we work together, I provide help with constructing the perfect timeline, permit guidance, location scouting, and endless tips and tricks to make sure you have an awesome, laid back elopement day.