How to Elope in Sleeping Bear Dunes
Updated January 9, 2023
Do you want to say “I do,” among the trees and the dunes, but have no idea where to start?
Don’t worry, I gotcha! As a Northern Michigan native, I know all the local spots, and can help you plan and bring your elopement dreams to life! Sleeping Bear Dunes is full of breathtaking views, and eloping on the lakeshore can mean having a gorgeous wedding of your dreams, without dealing with the stress of planning a major event.
It’s super easy to get married in the dunes, as long as you do a little advanced planning!
History
If you are not familiar with the area, start here! Sleeping Bear Dunes is a national park made up of beaches, campsites, and yes, sand dunes. The name comes from Anishinaabe (Odawa/Ottawa, Ojibway/Chippewa and Potawatomi) stories of a sacred place within their homelands on the Great Lakes. The land became a national park in the 1970s, and extends along the northern west coast of Lake Michigan.
Locations
Below is an approved list of wedding locations from the National Park Service. My favorites are underlined, but you can’t go wrong with any of these spots, it really just depends on the overall look and level of adventure you are planning.
Good Harbor Bay Beach - County Rd 651, pets allowed
Pyramid Point - available September to June, about a 25 minute hike through the woods, into the dunes with a view of Lake Michigan! And bonus, pets allowed.
Port Oneida Historic Farms - old farmhouse vibes (outside of houses only).
No Name Beach - a personal local favorite for a lakeside wedding, pets are allowed too.
Sunset Shores Road Beach-close to the Homestead and other Glen Arbor gems
Lane Road Beach - beautiful beach, but stairs down to the water have been under construction for the last couple of years.
Glen Haven Beach - available September through June, nice beach surrounded by old Coast Guard buildings
Maritime Museum Beach - No pets allowed
Glen Lake Picnic Area - close to the dunes, no hiking to get to the picnic area
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Picnic Mountain - available May until Scenic Drive closure.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Dune Overlook - no beach access, available May and June and after Labor Day until Scenic Drive closure.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Lake Michigan Overlook - no beach access, but beautiful view of Lake Michigan in the dunes. Available May and June and after Labor Day until Scenic Drive closure.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive North Bar Overlook - overlook spots with a killer view
Esch Road Beach - beautiful sandy beach with views of the dunes
Peterson Road Beach - pets allowed in certain areas
Tiesma Road Beach - secluded, available all year
North and South Manitou Islands - ferry access only, operating season Memorial Day to Labor Day. No pets allowed. I would LOVE to capture an elopement on one of the islands!
How to Elope in Sleeping Bear Dunes
I’m sold. Let’s do this. The National Park service makes it super simple to bring your wedding dreams to life. It’s only $150—seriously, an amazing venue cost! You can even have up to 50 guests, depending on the location! After you pick your spot, check out this article for a complete breakdown of everything you need to submit. And start filling out your permit here!
If you need more help, I’d LOVE to not only photograph your elopement, but assist you with locations scouting, and planning your elopement in sleeping bear dunes.
Leave No Trace Principles
Sleeping Bear Dunes is seriously gorgeous, and its everyone’s responsibility to keep it that way! So if you are planning an elopement, or a simple adventure, always treat the land with respect, and practice Leave No Trace Principles.