Due to its remote location, Isle Royale National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S., making it perfect for an intimate elopement surrounded by nothing but nature. From the wild pines that make up the island’s dense forests, to the rugged shoreline framed by Lake Superior’s blue waters, the untamed wilderness of this island is the perfect backdrop for an epic adventure elopement (while still offering some key comforts to make your day perfect). Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park feels like the definition of a hidden gem, offering a quiet setting for your big day that feels completely removed from the world in the best way.
As someone with over a decade of experience photographing destination elopements, I’ve walked countless couples through the process of planning one, and can’t wait to share my top tips so you can do the same!
Frequently asked questions about eloping in Isle Royale National Park:
How do you elope in Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale isn’t open year-round, but it’s so worth getting in while it is each year. The secluded status of this island and its gorgeous views will leave you breathless and totally immersed in nature. Here is a quick breakdown on how to plan one of your own so you can experience the magic of Isle Royale National Park for yourselves:
- Pick a Ceremony Location & Finalize Your Guest Count
Even though you’re not allowed to elope in the Isle Royale National Park Wilderness area, which takes up a majority of the island, you still have plenty of gorgeous options for ceremony sites in the developed parts of Rock Harbor and Windigo.
Most locations, such as the Rock Harbor Lighthouse or Washington Harbor/Pavilion Dock Area have a 25-person limit. This number includes participants in the ceremony and any guests you’d like to invite, so just keep that in mind as you start to narrow down your guest list and ceremony site! You can find a full list of location conditions on the park’s “Special Use Permits” webpage, under the “Weddings and Ceremonies” tab.
- Pick Your Date
Since the park is typically closed from November 1 to April 15, you’ll need to look at dates in the summer, late spring, or early fall. Conditions are pretty consistent during that time, so it’s really up to you to decide what vibe you’re looking for and what time just works best!
- Get Your Permit & Marriage License
To elope in Isle Royale National Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit and a Michigan marriage license (unless you’re planning on handling your paperwork elsewhere, in which case, you can skip those instructions).
For the permit, you’ll have to email the National Park Service to request an application. You can do so on the Isle Royale National Park “Special Use Permits” webpage, under step #1 of the “How do I apply for a permit tab?” under the “Applying for a Special Use Permit:” section. The completed application needs to be submitted at least 30 days in advance of your requested date if you’re planning on having a smaller ceremony, and 120 days in advance for something larger. Once your application has been received, the Special Park Uses Coordinator will contact you about paying the application fee ($50) which you will do over the phone.
Regarding the marriage license, the best place to get one will be from the County Clerk’s Office nearest to the park which would be the Keweenaw County Clerk’s Office. You can apply for one through the Clerk’s Office website here and officially obtain it after a 3-day required waiting period—the license is then valid for 33 days after the initial application date and will cost you $30 if you’re from out-of-state or $20 if you’re a Michigan resident.
Pro Tip: If the park determines that your event requires a monitor, you may be charged an additional Monitoring Fee of $75/hour, so just keep that in mind when filling out your permit application!
- Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations
The beauty of eloping in Isle Royale National Park is that, while your ceremony needs to be in either Rock Harbor or Windigo, you can take photos anywhere you like as long as there are less than 8 people. A pro elopement photographer (like me!) can help you plan your day and guide you to the perfect spots with the best lighting, ensuring you have the most epic backdrops for your wedding portraits.
- Get Married!
That’s it! All that’s left is to exchange your vows and take in every single moment of it while totally immersed in nature.
When’s the best time to visit Isle Royale National Park?
Since Isle Royale National Park is closed from November to mid-April, the best time to visit is during the late summer/early fall. Not only is the fall foliage throughout the island seriously stunning, but those months also offer ideal weather for hiking and recreational activities throughout the park, allowing you to make the most of your time on the isle and experience all it has to offer!
By visiting in the shoulder season, you can also avoid the peak summer crowds and have the island virtually to yourself, making it feel like you’re the only people in the world as you exchange your vows.
Pro Tip: While April through early June is also a great time to visit the island, keep in mind that there’s a lot of bug—specifically mosquito—activity during those months, so I recommend visiting a little later in the year if at all possible.
Isle Royale National Park Summer Elopement

If you’re looking to elope somewhere that feels intimate and natural, then Isle Royale National Park is the place for you! Remote and filled with countless places to explore, this island screams adventure—especially during the summer season when the flowers are in full bloom and everything looks super vibrant and colorful. It’s all the best parts of an upper Midwestern summer.
How do you get to Isle Royale National Park?
Isle Royale National Park is located in Lake Superior and can only be reached by ferry or seaplane from either Michigan or Minnesota—here are your transportation options for each state and their respective details:
- Michigan
- Ferry (Ranger III or the Isle Royale Queen IV)
- The Ranger III departs from Houghton, Michigan—specifically from the Isle Royale National Park Houghton Visitor Center located at 47°07’22.9″N 88°33’49.8″W—and brings you to Rock Harbor on the island. The trip takes about 6 hours and lands you right in front of the Rock Harbor Visitor Center, located at 48°08’45.1″N 88°29’10.1″W.
- The Isle Royale Queen IV departs from Copper Harbor, Michigan—located at 47°28’14.0″N 87°53’26.9″W—and lands at Rock Harbor, just like the Ranger III. The only difference is that the trip from Copper Harbor is 3.5 hours long, rather than 6.
- Seaplane (Isle Royale Seaplanes)
- You can catch a seaplane to Rock Harbor from the Isle Royale Seaplanes take-off location at 47°10’27.0″N 88°25’33.6″W. The flight is about 40 minutes long and lands you at the Tobin Harbor seaplane dock (located at 48°08’47.6″N 88°29’23.0″W) which is connected to the Rock Harbor Visitor Center by a short trail.
- Ferry (Ranger III or the Isle Royale Queen IV)
- Minnesota
- Ferry (Voyageur II or the Sea Hunter III)
- The Voyageur II and Sea Hunter III both depart from the Grand Portage Marina in Grand Portage, Minnesota and bring you to Windigo on the island. The trip takes about 2 hours for the Voyageur II and 1.5 hours for the Sea Hunter III, and lands you at the Windigo dock—located at 47°54’43.0″N 89°09’29.1″W—which is right in front of the Windigo Visitor Center.
- Ferry (Voyageur II or the Sea Hunter III)
How much does it cost to elope in Isle Royale National Park?
Eloping at Isle Royale National Park will cost you about $87. That includes the $50 Special Use Permit, the $30 marriage license from a local clerk ($20 if you’re a Michigan resident), and the $7 entrance fee (card only). I recommend paying the entrance fee online before your visit, which you can do on the National Park Service official website here. If you choose to pay in-person, you can do so at the Rock Harbor, Windigo, or Houghton visitor centers—their fee collection hours are also listed on the NPS website here under the “Paying Your Fees” section.
Beyond those costs, your total elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want. It usually depends on how many guests you have, what vendors you choose, travel costs, etc. For travel, specifically, you’ll need to consider how you want to reach the island, whether it’s by ferry or seaplane, from either Michigan or Minnesota. Costs will vary depending on which option you choose and could range from $160 to about $400 per person.
The focus with an elopement like this is the experience of having an adventure somewhere incredible just like Isle Royale National Park. That’s why the couples who hire me typically spend most of their budget on photography to make sure every epic moment is captured. If you want more details on how to break down an elopement budget, you can find my full cost of eloping guide here!
Are dogs allowed in Isle Royale National Park?
Dogs are not allowed on the island.
Isle Royale National Park Elopement & Wedding Photos
Katie Rose & Jesse’s Isle Royale National Park Summer Elopement
Katie Rose & Jesse’s elopement started before they even left for Isle Royale, when they were getting ready at their hotel a seaplane ride away from the park. They got ready together there, helping each other fasten buttons and pin flowers in before lacing up their boots and heading out to catch the seaplane to the park.
They chose Isle Royale because, “We love the beautiful scenery on Isle Royale, and the fact that it is this remote island national park makes it feel like a really special, personal destination, where we will hopefully feel like we have an amazing location somewhat to ourselves. Also, the seaplane trip and the cabins we will be staying in added an extra element of adventure.”
Katie Rose & Jesse flew out of fog where they were staying and into more and more sun as the island approached. The weather was absolutely perfect—mid 70’s, clear skies, and a peaceful lake.
They hiked out to a rocky outcropping with pine trees overlooking Lake Superior (though it’s hard to find a spot here without a great view!). They exchanged vows and played their song, toasting with champagne after in celebration.
Afterward it was time to find a great picnic spot, complete with the rest of their champagne, sandwiches, and letters from loved ones to open and read. This was such a great moment for them. They were cozied up together, sharing laughs and a couple of emotional moments while they read through their cards, taking in their first moments as a married couple.
To wrap up their elopement they hiked back to their campsite on the island, stopping to take in views or scramble up rocks for fun. Once they were back, they built a fire in the firepit and roasted marshmallows together. The skies out here are super dark and perfect for stargazing, and they caught multiple shooting stars in their view of the Milky Way.































































Hey I’m Maddie Mae
Isle Royale National Park Elopement Photographer
I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements all around the world for over a decade, so if you’re looking for someone with years of experience, then look no further! I can help you navigate the logistics of planning a destination elopement and make sure it’s as stress-free as possible so you have the wedding you always wanted.

Isle Royale National Park Elopement Packages
To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation and we can get started!
Always included:
8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring
The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™
My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)
$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography
Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.
No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.



























