Eloping in Michigan offers a ton of stunning locations, but few can match the breathtaking views of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Nestled along the northwest coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this natural wonder provides a perfect backdrop for couples like you to have an intimate and unforgettable wedding experience. I had the pleasure of photographing Chris and Morgan eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes, and it was nothing short of magical.
The best Michigan elopement setting
Chris and Morgan chose Sleeping Bear Dunes because they wanted an intimate wedding, but still close to home (Traverse City). So, if you’re going for that destination vibe without actually leaving Michigan – Eloping at sleeping Bear dunes is what you’re looking for.
First, we met at my favorite location within Sleeping Bear dunes – Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
Their ceremony took place at stop #5, With about 25 of their closest friends and family. It was so warm and beautiful. The gorgeous blue water and lush greenery was the perfect backdrop.
Portraits at Pierce Stocking Drive
After the ceremony, we head over to stop #9/#10 (they are combined, and it’s the very last stop. It takes about 10 minutes to drive from the entrance to this last stop) on Pierce Stocking Drive for some epic couples portraits. We started with portraits in the shade, and then had some fun with the full direct sun. Nothing can scare me away from beautiful portraits – not even shooting in the middle of the day.
Special Use Permit: What You Need to Know
Before you elope at Sleeping Bear Dunes, it’s important to know that you’ll need a Special Use Permit for most locations within the park. But don’t worry – I got you. I JUST wrote a blog on which Sleeping Bear Dunes locations allow wedding ceremonies, how much it costs, etc.
A Sweet Surprise at Tiffany’s Cafe
One of my favorite aspects of being an unconventional photographer is incorporating fun activities into the wedding day. After our photoshoot, we went to Tiffany’s Cafe in Empire for a well-deserved ice cream treat. The owners are incredibly kind, and offered each of us a free ice cream cone to celebrate the newlyweds. Their generosity and warmth has had me coming back multiple times since.
An Intimate Backyard celebration
After we savored our ice cream cones, we returned back to Chris and Morgan’s private backyard for their intimate reception. This reception was exactly my cup of tea – down to earth and smaller scale. They really had the time to be intentional with each and every guest.
A special micro wedding
Eloping at Sleeping Bear Dunes offers an unparalleled experience for couples seeking a unique and intimate wedding. Chris and Morgan’s day was a testament to the beauty of love and the magic that can be found in doing their wedding the unconventional way – my favorite!
As a photographer, it’s an honor to capture these memories, and I can’t wait to help more couples create their perfect day at this stunning location. Whether you’re sipping ice cream at a local cafe or dancing in your backyard, every moment is worth obsessing over.
Click here to see example timelines for a micro wedding day
©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.
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Hello! Do you mind me asking what date this was? as in was it a Saturday in August last year? I’ve actually thought about doing something similar to this, but am unsure about how busy the drive would be! I also would love a tented reception, but it’s tough to find a venue to make that possible in the area.
Hi Sasha, I’d love to help. This was actually Saturday – July 29th, of 2023. If it helps, we also shot here around 2pm, so we had a lot of full sun. But there is nice shade at this spot, this time of year from foliage. You would just want to make sure you’re going to stop number 9/10 of Pierce Stocking. Very quick walk, once you’re there. I know it’s tougher to find areas for tents/venues. So far, all of my couples who’ve eloped at Sleeping Bear have done back yard weddings. But I am going to look into if there are any offered venue spaces around there. But it is 100% worth the trip, if you’re able to sneak away for a bit! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help! -Chel
I meant to say all my couples have done back yard **receptions (the ceremonies have all taken place at Pierce Stocking) Hope that info helps!