September 1, 2026

How to Plan an Epic Isle Royale National Park Elopement

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:

  1. 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.    

  1. 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!

  1. 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! 

  1. 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.

  1. 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

A bride and groom stand on rocky cliffs overlooking a calm lake, with trees and distant landforms in the background under a clear sky.

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)
  • 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.

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.

A bride and groom stand together on rocky terrain beside a calm tidal pool, holding hands, with their reflection visible in the water and a vast body of water in the background.
Two gray notebooks labeled “J + K” with small leaf designs are placed on a round wooden table. Each notebook has a silver ring resting on its cover.
A National Geographic Isle Royale map, two wedding rings, two small notebooks labeled “J + K,” and two floral boutonnieres are arranged on a brown leather surface.
A colorful bouquet of assorted flowers, including white roses, purple irises, and yellow blooms, arranged in a glass vase on a round, glass-topped table against a dark leafy background.
A white lace wedding dress with a fitted bodice and flowing skirt hangs on a wooden hanger against a green leafy wall, with a brick wall visible to the left.
A man in formal attire stands by a window, adjusting his tie. A white lace wedding dress hangs on a rack nearby. The room has dark walls and patterned wallpaper. The atmosphere is calm and intimate.
A woman sits on the floor in front of a mirror, applying lipstick. She wears a white sweater and patterned skirt, and her reflection is visible in the mirror. The setting appears to be a cozy indoor space.
A bride and groom, dressed in a wedding gown and suit, sit side by side on a couch, tying the laces of brown boots. The bride wears tree-patterned socks and the groom wears gray socks.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a dock by the water, with a small seaplane and buildings visible in the background on a cloudy day.
A bride and groom stand on a wooden dock, smiling at each other with a bouquet in hand, next to a white seaplane with "N2SF" on the tail, floating on a lake under a cloudy sky.
A bride and groom kiss while standing on a dock beside a floatplane on a lake. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a white dress; the groom wears a suit. Trees and overcast sky are visible in the background.
A man in a suit and life jacket smiles excitedly at the camera while sitting beside a woman with long hair and a flower in her hair inside a small airplane. Two pilots are visible in front of them.
View from a small airplane showing the wing above a town with green trees, residential buildings, a body of water on the right, and sports fields and construction areas below under a cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a coastline with dense green forests, rocky shores, and blue water, partially seen from the window of an aircraft. The sky above is clear with a hint of clouds on the horizon.
Aerial view of a series of forested islands with dense trees surrounded by calm, blue water under a hazy sky. The islands are irregularly shaped and gradually recede into the distance.
Aerial view from a small airplane flying over a lush green forest and a large body of water, with the airplane wing visible overhead and the coastline curving into the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
View from beneath a seaplane wing over a calm lake, with ripples trailing behind and a forested shoreline visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A floatplane with silver pontoons and a blue and white body is docked at a wooden pier on a calm lake, with a forest visible in the background under a clear sky.
A bride and groom stand close together on a dock next to a floatplane, smiling at each other. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers, and a lake and trees are visible in the background.
A small seaplane floats on a calm lake near a dense, green forest under a clear sky. The plane is close to the shore, and the water reflects the trees and the sky.
A bride and groom walk barefoot on a wooden dock by a calm lake, holding hands. The bride wears a white dress and carries a bouquet; the groom is in a dark suit. Pine trees and an island are visible in the background.
A person with long brown hair carries a backpack filled with colorful flowers, walking alongside another person in a forested outdoor setting. Both are facing away from the camera.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand down a forest path. The bride wears a white dress and carries a backpack with flowers, while the groom wears a suit and carries a backpack and a red checkered blanket.
Tall evergreen trees frame a view of a calm lake, with a small rocky island in the distance under a clear blue sky.
A couple, with the woman in a white dress holding a bouquet and the man carrying a backpack, hike along a rocky forest trail under a clear sky surrounded by evergreen trees.
A smiling bride in a white dress and hiking boots walks on a forest trail, followed closely by a groom in a dark suit holding flowers. Sunlight filters through tall trees around them.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit walk along a rocky hillside covered with greenery, with calm blue water and a clear sky in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a rocky cliff overlooking a calm, expansive body of water, with evergreen trees to the left and clear skies above.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff holding hands, with the ocean in the background. The bride’s white dress flows in the breeze as they face each other under a clear sky.
A bride and groom walk along a rocky, forested trail by a lake, surrounded by trees and clear skies. The bride wears a white dress and boots; the groom wears a suit and brown shoes. Both look happy and relaxed outdoors.
A bride in a lace wedding dress smiles while walking outdoors, holding her skirt. A groom in a suit follows behind her with a bouquet and greenery in his backpack. They are on a rocky path near water under daylight.
A bride and groom, both with backpacks, walk hand in hand along a rocky, grassy coastline with the ocean and trees in the background under a clear blue sky.
A rocky shoreline with evergreen trees overlooks a calm blue lake under a clear sky; small forested islands are visible in the distance.
A colorful bouquet of various flowers, including white, pink, purple, and orange blooms with green leaves, rests on a large, sunlit rock outdoors.
A couple stands on a rocky cliff overlooking a large, calm lake, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky. A tall evergreen tree is in the foreground.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff edge overlooking a body of water, surrounded by trees under a clear sky.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit stand on a rocky cliff by a river, surrounded by forest. The bride touches her face while the groom faces her. Sunlight reflects off the water below.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff near a river, surrounded by trees. The bride wears a flowing white dress and the groom is in a dark suit. They face each other, holding hands, with sunlight highlighting the scene.
A bride and groom stand outdoors on rocky ground, facing each other as the groom reads from a piece of paper. The bride wears a white dress, and the background is filled with trees and sunlight.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff overlooking a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and shrubs under a clear sky.
A bride and groom embrace and kiss on a rocky cliff beside a river, surrounded by pine trees, under a softly lit sky.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky cliff overlooking a calm lake and distant forest, with the bride’s bouquet resting on the ground beside them under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride in a white dress pops a champagne bottle, spraying the groom in a black suit, who raises his arms in surprise. They stand on a rocky area near a river, with trees in the background.
A person in brown dress shoes stands on rocky ground near a neatly wrapped blue gift tied with a ribbon.
A bride and groom, both wearing backpacks, walk together on rocky terrain by the sea. The bride holds a bouquet and smiles at the groom, who carries a checkered cloth. The ocean and sky are calm in the background.
A bouquet of flowers and several envelopes, one labeled "Katie & Jesse," rest on a red and white checkered cloth.
A bride and groom sit on a picnic blanket atop rocky terrain, sharing food. The bride wears a white dress and coat; the groom is in a suit. Hiking boots sit on the blanket, with the sky and sea in the background.
A bride and groom sit close together on a red-and-white checkered blanket outdoors, smiling at each other. The bride wears a white dress and the groom a suit. A bouquet and shoes rest nearby on the rocky ground.
A couple dressed in formal attire stands outdoors by the water, smiling and holding a map together under a clear sky. Shrubs and the shoreline are visible in the background.
A couple, dressed in formal attire with the bride in a white gown, stands on rocky ground by the water, holding a large unfolded map that covers their faces. A backpack and picnic blanket are nearby.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a rocky shore, with the ocean in the background. The bride carries a bouquet and smiles, while the groom has a backpack and a checked blanket. Both wear formal attire.
A bride and groom stand together on rocky terrain beside a calm tidal pool, holding hands, with their reflection visible in the water and a vast body of water in the background.
A bride and groom wearing backpacks walk together along a rocky forest trail, surrounded by evergreen trees and greenery, with soft sunlight in the background.
A rocky, tree-covered island sits on calm water under a pastel sky with pink clouds, illuminated by soft, warm sunlight.
A couple in wedding attire stands on rocky terrain by the water, embracing each other, with trees and a rocky cliff in the background at sunset.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a dark suit embrace by the water, facing each other closely with a rocky shoreline blurred in the background.
A couple in wedding attire smiles and embraces on a rocky shoreline at sunset, with calm water and distant trees in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple by the water's edge; the person in a suit stands behind as the person in a flowing dress steps closer to the rocky shoreline, with an island visible in the distance.
A couple in formal attire dance by a fire at night; the man in a suit smiles while the woman, wearing a white dress and fur jacket, lifts her gown, both appearing joyful and illuminated by the fire’s glow.
Two people sit around a fire pit at night, one holding a piece of wood and tending the fire while the other sits beside the flames with a stick. Blue smoke and sparks rise from the fire, lighting their faces in the dark.
A bride in a white dress and shawl warms her hands by a campfire at night, while a man in a suit sits nearby, his hands near his face, both illuminated by the fire’s glow.
A bride and groom stand together on a rocky shoreline at night, with a tall pine tree on the left and a star-filled sky above them, reflecting peacefully on the dark water.

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.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

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™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

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.

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

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Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started