Wedding permit for Sleeping Bear Dunes
Thinking about eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes? Heck yes—you’ve got stellar taste. Between the rolling dunes, piercing blue Lake Michigan views, and that soft golden light we get right at sunset – it’s 100% one of the most magical spots in the Midwest to say your vows. But before you run barefoot into the sand with your soulmate, there are a few permit details to take care of to keep things legal (and stress-free). This guide will walk you through exactly how to get a wedding permit for Sleeping Bear Dunes, so you can focus on the fun stuff—like picking your favorite location, or deciding if you’ll hike in your dress.
1. Do you even need a permit?
If you’re doing a super simple ceremony—just the two of you saying vows without any setup or guests—you might not need a permit. But anything more formal (like having guests, setting up chairs, or bringing an arch) does require a Special Use Permit from the National Park Service. When in doubt, it’s best to reach out and ask!
Learn more about special use permits, at the sleeping bear dunes here
2. Review Approved Ceremony Locations
Sleeping Bear Dunes has a list of beautiful spots where ceremonies are allowed. You can’t just pick any random dune (as tempting as it is), because the park has to protect the landscape and make sure other visitors can still enjoy it too. Check out the approved ceremony locations here.
Read more on scheduling your wedding at Sleeping Bear Dunes here
3. Submit the Special Use Permit Application
- Complete the Application: Download and fill out the Special Use Permit application.NPS.gov
- Pay the Application Fee: Include a non-refundable $50 application fee with your submission.
- Payments can be made via Pay.gov.NPS.gov+2Pay.gov+2Catchfly Photography+2
- Submit Your Application.
Applications can be mailed to:
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Attention: Special Use Permits/Weddings
9922 Front Street
Empire, MI 49630
4. Step 4: Wait for Approval
Park staff will review your application to make sure your plan fits with park guidelines. This can take a few weeks, so send it in early! Once they give you the green light, they’ll send your permit to review and sign.
Step 5: Final Payment + Permit Conditions
You’ll pay an additional $50 cost recovery fee once your permit is approved. (Yep, another Pay.gov payment.) Then you’re official! But there are a few important rules:
- No receptions—ceremonies only.
- No decorations like arches, balloons, or flowers left behind.
- No amplified music—keep it acoustic or super low volume.
- A few chairs for elderly or disabled guests are okay, but no big setups.
- Stay on designated paths and leave no trace. Nature’s the real MVP here.
Step 7: Entry Fees
Everyone (including you and your guests) will need a park pass to enter Sleeping Bear Dunes. You can grab one online through Recreation.gov, or get one at the park entrance.
Eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes can be beautifully simple—as long as you follow a few key steps. This place is sacred and wild and totally worth protecting, so the permit process helps keep it that way for generations of barefoot lovers to come. If you have questions or want help figuring out which ceremony spot feels most like you, I’m always happy to help. I know this area like the back of my hand. I actually can plan out your entire micro wedding/elopement. That way you can just sit back and relax! I’ve got you.
Check out my micro wedding packages here!
Learn more about me and my WHY here.
©Cheleana Rowan, with Cheleanamarie Photography, 2015-2025. Unauthorized use and or duplication of this material without express and written consent from Cheleana Rowan is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full clear credit is given to Cheleana Rowan with Cheleanamarie Photography with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
