How to Elope in Wisconsin + My Favorite Elopement Spots
- Britt NewLand
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
Eloping with me as your photographer and planner!
Born and raised in Wisconsin, I’ve spent years curating this list of breathtaking elopement locations across the state. I am from the Appleton/Green Bay area but I’m always down to travel wherever your love story takes you! Whether you’re dreaming of a lakeside ceremony, a hidden forest escape, or a historic urban setting, Wisconsin has so many stunning options!
Not only do I photograph your elopement but I also help you plan it! I offer location assistance so we pick the perfect spot, help you obtain the necessary permits, I am ordained in Wisconsin therefore I can sign the marriage license, create a timeline for your day, and craft a seamless elopement experience!
Wisconsin Marriage License Information
(Updated April 2025) Applying for a marriage license in Wisconsin is beyond simple! You can apply in any county in the state, regardless of where you plan to marry or live. Here are the key details:
You have 60 days to use the issued marriage license.
There is a 4-day waiting period before you can use the license.
You must have two witnesses present at your ceremony.
I am ordained to sign the marriage license in Wisconsin!
One unique thing about my elopement packages is that I am ordained in Wisconsin and can sign your marriage license! This allows you to opt out of hiring an officiant. Keep in mind, I do not perform ceremonies or speak during the vows, only sign the license.
Hire an officiant
As much as I love being apart of the marriage license signing, There are so many benefits to having a professional officiant to lead your ceremony! Many officiants will create a custom script personalized to your story. Officiants often help keep the day organized and can bring their own flare or special services to the day!
Door County Elopement spots
Sail Door County
Sister Bay, Door County, Wisconsin. Rent a sailboat for an intimate, scenic elopement on the water. I wrote an entire blog post about a Sail Door County experience HERE.
Cave Point Park
Sturgeon Bay, Wi. A park featuring small cliffs overlooking the stunning waters of Lake Michigan. A permit is required for weddings in this park.
George K. Pinney County Park
Sturgeon Bay, Wi. A picturesque location with waterfront views and cliffs!
Washington Island & Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
If you time it right, you can elope amidst the blooming lavender fields, a truly magical experience! Washington Island is at the very top of the the Door County Peninsula!
Way up North, Wisconsin
Apostle Islands
Bayfield, Wi. These breathtaking islands on Lake Superior provide stunning sea caves, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters for a remote and unforgettable elopement.
Copper Falls State Park
Mellen, Wi. This park offers dramatic waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and a peaceful setting for an adventurous elopement.
Northwest Wisconsin
Interstate State Park
St. Croix Falls, Wi. Located in northwest Wisconsin is a hidden gem with stunning cliff views of the St. Croix River. It's about 1 hour North east of the twin cities, MN! View on Google Maps
Devil's Punchbowl Preserve
Menomonie, Wi. I went to college just minutes away from this outstanding rock formation! It is definitely an adventurous place to get eloped in Wisconsin!
Green Bay and Fox Valley Area - Northeast Wi
This is where I am based so therefore I have to devote a section to my favorite elopement spots around the area!
Fonferek Glen
Living just 40. mins from here, I have been to Fonferek more times than I can count! It's a hidden waterfall just outside of Green Bay, perfect for a quiet, intimate ceremony.
High Cliff State Park
Sherwood, Wi. This park has cliff views overlooking the lake. Lots of options with forests and fields.
Paine Art Center & Gardens
Oshkosh, Wi. Art musuem with many different and unique buildings. Lots of beautiful gardens and landscaping.
Givens Farm
Hortonville, Wi. Tuscan-inspired villa surrounded by vineyards and gardens.
Wisconsin Dells
Pewit’s Nest
A beautiful natural gorge with clear blue waters and unique rock formations.
Witches Gulch
A secluded, mystical slot canyon only accessible by boat tour, offering an enchanting backdrop for your vows.
Baraboo
Devil’s Lake State Park
One of the most sought-after elopement destinations in Wisconsin, with stunning bluffs, crystal-clear waters, and scenic hiking trails. A permit is required for weddings in this park. I wrote an entire blog post about a elopements at Devil's Lake State Park HERE.
Devil's Lake State Park Elopement
Eastern Wisconsin Areas to Elope
Kohler Andre State Park
Sheboygan, WI. This park is absolutely stunning with it's miles of beachy coastline. It almost doesn't look like Wisconsin! Grassy sand dunes and crashing waves make for a perfect elopement spot!
The American Club
Kohler, Wi. - Unique brick hotel with surrounded by unique gardens and picture opportunities.
Milwaukee Areas to elope
Villa Terrace Museum
Milwaukee, Wi. Even though this post is geared towards scenic outdoor spots, I have to mention the gorgeous Villa Terrace! It's an Italian-style villa with lush gardens and lake views. Geared towards elopements and intimate weddings!
Lakeshore State Park
Milwaukee, Wi. A peaceful urban park on the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a stunning city-meets-nature setting.
Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve
Grafton, Wi. Features towering sandy bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, scenic trails, and wooden boardwalk trails.
Madison
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, Wi. A grand, historic setting with beautiful architecture. Nothing beats the photographs taken at the Capitol building in downtown Madison!
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, Wi. 16-acres of outdoor botanical gardens and 10,000-square-foot indoor conservatory. You can have your elopement ceremony outdoor in the gardens or inside the lush conservatory greenhouse!
Governor Lewis Mansion
Columbus, Wi. Even though this list is geared toward more scenic spots, I have to mention the Governor Lewis Mansion, an Italian-style B&B located just 40 minutes from Madison.
Venues in Wisconsin Geared towards Elopements
If you’re not drawn to a specific outdoor scene, consider renting a venue in any city in Wisconsin. Many venues are willing to work on price, especially for weekday ceremonies, low guests counts, or elopements requiring only a small space or minimal services. This is most likely going to be the most costly option for your elopement but it may offer you the unique elopement experience you are looking for. Consider aspects such as: the use of bathrooms, convenient parking for you and your guest, air conditioning or climate control, having a rain plan or shelter, among so many other benefits of renting out a venue!
Courthouse Elopements in Wisconsin
Courthouse weddings are so on trend right now! Almost anywhere in Wisconsin, you can have a courthouse wedding. Sign the papers at the magistrate’s office and then explore the city for stylish and fun elopement photos.
Airbnbs in Wisconsin for elopements
Airbnbs are a fantastic option for elopement weddings. You can get ready, have your ceremony, and enjoy an intimate dinner all in one place. They also offer privacy, unique aesthetics, and flexibility for a cozy, meaningful celebration.
Do you need a permit to get married in a Wisconsin park?
It depends on the park! For most state parks in Wisconsin the answer is yes, they require a permit for elopements. Even some city parks require permits for photography or ceremonies! That’s where I come in! I’ll help you figure out exactly what’s needed so you don’t run into any surprises. Sometimes there is 2 permits that are required: photography permit and ceremony/special use permit.
How much are the Wi photography park permits?
I have seen them cost anywhere between Zero to $50 dollars to $150 for photography and special use permits for parks in Wisconsin!
My typical Wisconsin Elopement Package and what's all included:
Photography
Print Release + Online Gallery
Location scouting - securing permits, ceremony, parking, etc
Timeline
Personalized Online Portal
Vendor Recommendations - Hair, Makeup, AirBNBs, Resturants
Mariage License Signature
Timeline for a typical Wisconsin Elopement- 4 Hours
3:00: Getting ready photos + detail shots
4:00: First look + Bridal Portraits 5:00: Ceremony
6:00: Head to second location for additional photos
7:00: Photography End
Let’s Plan Your Dream Wisconsin Elopement!
If you’re considering eloping in Wisconsin and need someone to capture it while also being their to help select the perfect location, obtaining permits, and every other step in the process, I’d love to be part of your journey! Whether you’re dreaming of an intimate beach ceremony, a secluded forest escape, or a historic city elopement, I’m here to help create one heck of an elopement experience, and document it all!!
📩 Reach out to me here to start planning your perfect Wi elopement adventure!
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