Michigan Elopement Guide Without The Stress (Or traffic)
A laid-back, logistics-friendly guide for couples planning a lakeside ceremony, downtown portraits, or a cozy dinner celebration in the Cherry Capital of the World
Thinking about eloping in Chicago? You’re not alone. From quick City Hall "I dos" to rooftop portraits and dinner at your favorite restaurant, Chicago is full of incredible spots for couples who want something intimate, beautiful, and personal.
Thinking about eloping in Michigan? You’re not alone. From quick sunrise "I dos" to lakeside portraits and dinner at your favorite restaurant, Michigan is full of incredible spots for couples who want something intimate, beautiful, and truly personal.
In case you skipped the whole about me page – I’m Shelby – Michigan Elopement Photographer, Midwest girl through and through, and will quite literally never turn down an iced vanilla latte. I’ve photographed dozens of Michigan elopements—from sunrise vows to cozy Airbnb celebrations—so I’ve got you covered with the best photo spots, timeline tips, and local insights to make eloping in Michigan ridiculously easy.
In case you skipped the whole about me page – I’m Shelby – Chicago Elopement Photographer, Midwest girl through and through, and will quite literally never turn down an iced vanilla latte. I’ve photographed dozens of Chicago elopements—from Riverwalk strolls to cozy Airbnb celebrations—so I’ve got you covered with the best photo spots, timeline tips, and local insights to make eloping in Chicago ridiculously easy.
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- Custom timeline planning
- Step-by-step permit help
- Vendor recs for flowers, dinner, hair & makeup
- 2-8 hours of calm, candid photography
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
- Custom timeline planning
- Step-by-step permit help
- Vendor recs for flowers, dinner, hair & makeup
- 1–2 hours of calm, candid photography
- Sneak peeks within 48 hours
What You Get When You Book With Me:
Why Couples Love to Elope in Michigan
Endless locations that are beautiful and affordable
The state is filled with poto worthy locations (beaches, quaint towns, lake front, cabins)
A long list of towns to choose from for both hotels and restaurants for post elopement celebrations
There are plenty of cozy indoor options for cold/windy days.
You can make it as dressed-up or laid-back as you want
Why Couples Love the Indiana Statehouse
City Hall ceremonies are quick, affordable, and surprisingly beautiful.
The city’s filled with photo-worthy locations (bridges, rooftops, lakefronts—you name it)
Chicago’s food scene makes post-elopement celebrations a foodies dream.
There are plenty of cozy indoor options for cold/windy days.
You can make it as dressed-up or laid-back as you want
How to Plan Your Michigan Elopement
Step 1: Obtain Your Marriage License
Step 2: Pick Your Space
Step 3: Planning Around Michigan Weather
Apply in the county where your ceremony will take place — for most couples, that’s Grand Traverse County. There’s a $30 application fee, and you’ll need to bring proof of age and identity. Once approved, your license is valid for 33 days, so make sure your ceremony falls within that window.
Apply in the county where your ceremony will take place — for most couples, that’s Cook County. There’s a $60 application fee, and you’ll need to bring proof of age and identity. Once approved, your license is valid for 60 days, so make sure your ceremony falls within that window.
Michigan hosts major events year-round in different cities and State Parks— which can mean closed roads, packed parks, and a whole lot of extra traffic. Check sites like Pure Michigan to see what’s happening that weekend so we can plan around the crowds.
Chicago hosts major events year-round — think Lollapalooza, the Marathon, or the Air and Water Show — which can mean closed roads, packed parks, and a whole lot of extra traffic. Check sites like Timeout Chicago to see what’s happening that weekend so we can plan around the crowds.
If you're eloping in the winter or late fall, mix in indoor locations to warm up and get a break from the cold. Spring brings both sunshine and surprise showers—come prepared for either. Luckily, the state's full of stunning indoor and outdoor options, so with a little strategy, your gallery will look and feel amazing no matter the forecast.
If you're eloping in the winter or late fall, mix in indoor locations to warm up and get a break from the cold. Spring brings both sunshine and surprise showers—come prepared for either. Luckily, the city’s full of stunning indoor and outdoor options, so with a little strategy, your gallery will look and feel amazing no matter the forecast.
WHAt to wear & bring to your Michigan elopement
Dress for comfort, style, and movement.
Eloping in Michigan means walking in sand, dodging wind tunnels, and slipping into a cozy booth for dinner afterward — so let’s keep your fit practical and photo-ready.
Eloping in Chicago means walking city blocks, dodging wind tunnels, and slipping into a cozy booth for dinner afterward — so let’s keep your fit practical and photo-ready.
– Neutral tones, pastels, or earthy colors photograph best against the city’s stone, steel, and sky. But honestly? A pop of color would look fabulous as well!
– Comfortable shoes are a must — we’ll do plenty of walking between shots, so bring a backup pair if your fancier shoes aren’t made for sidewalks
– The lake is windy no matter the season — bring pins or clips for veils, wraps, or anything breezy
– Outfits that feel a little special but won’t trip you up on the stairs
– Neutral or soft colors photograph beautifully here: ivory, muted pastels, earth tones, classic black
– Bring comfortable shoes for walking between spots — you can swap for fancier shoes once we’re ready for portraits
– If your outfit involves flowy fabric, consider pins or clips — the rotunda doors can create surprise breezes!
Need Outfit Inspo?
When you book, I’ll share my full style guide with color palettes, local flower recs, and real examples to help you plan your look without stress.
What to Wear:
– Your marriage license and rings (sounds obvious, but trust me, double check)
– Permit paperwork (if needed)
– A small bouquet or simple flowers if you’d like (optional, but always pretty)
– Water and a snack — a granola bar can be a lifesaver on a busy day
– A coat or wrap if it’s cold — especially near the lake or if we’re catching the sunrise/sunset
– Your marriage license and rings (sounds obvious, but trust me, double check)
– Permit paperwork
– A small bouquet or simple flowers if you’d like (optional, but always pretty)
– A coat or wrap if it’s cold — we may step outside for bonus shots
– Water and a snack — a granola bar can be a lifesaver on a busy day
Need Outfit Inspo?
When you book, I’ll share my full style guide with color palettes, local flower recs, and real examples to help you plan your look without stress.
Photo Tips & Best Places in Michigan for portraits!
This is where we turn a regular Wednesday in the city into your favorite gallery wall.
Traverse City: access to dozens of things to do while also keeping that small town feel
Chicago Riverwalk: Classic architecture, glowing water, and lots of options all within a short walk.
Sleeping Bear Dunes: Just outside of Traverse City with winding roads, massive sand dunes and sunsets you wouldn't want to miss
Moody alleys with killer light: Industrial charm, dramatic shadows, and some of my favorite secret photo spots in the city.
Benton Harbor: A quaint town just north of Indiana if you want to keep drive time low
Milton Lee Olive Park: Hidden away near Navy Pier with epic lake and skyline views.
Upper Peninsula: secluded and quiet with the feeling of being on the California coast
Wabash Ave Bridge: For those dramatic, wind-in-your-hair city skyline shots.
Lakefront at Sunrise: The quietest way to start your day with glowing light and no tourists.
Old Mission Point: Follow the road through wineries and the lake to reach the secluded lighthouse
My Promise To You
I’ve driven almost every road of the west coast of Michigan with a camera in hand, in every season and kind of weather Michigan can throw at us. Whether we’re navigating City Hall hallways, hunting down the best golden hour pocket downtown, or pausing for deep breaths in a quiet alley—I'm in it with you. I’ll handle the logistics, guide you through the chaos, and make sure you feel like you can actually enjoy this thing. It’s not just about the photos (though they’ll be damn good)—it’s about making the whole experience feel easy, real, and completely yours.
I’ve walked almost every block of this city with a camera in hand, in every season and kind of weather Chicago can throw at us. Whether we’re navigating City Hall hallways, hunting down the best golden hour pocket downtown, or pausing for deep breaths in a quiet alley—I'm in it with you. I’ll handle the logistics, guide you through the chaos, and make sure you feel like you can actually enjoy this thing. It’s not just about the photos (though they’ll be damn good)—it’s about making the whole experience feel easy, real, and completely yours.
My Best Tips
Embrace the Chaos
The honking, the wind, the random cheers? They make the best photos & memories.
Be flexible:
Chicago weather loves a plot twist — sunny one minute, sideways sleet the next. I’ll always have a backup plan if your first choice is packed, rainy, or just not vibing. This is the Midwest—we stay flexible and laugh through it.
Trust the Process
I’ll guide you into the good light and the kind of candid moments that feel like a spontaneous city stroll or your favorite ramen date night.
Embrace the Chaos
The honking, the wind, the random cheers? They make the best photos & memories.
Be flexible:
Midwest weather loves a plot twist — sunny one minute, sideways sleet the next. I’ll always have a backup plan if your first choice is packed, rainy, or just not vibing. This is the Midwest—we stay flexible and laugh through it.
Trust the Process
I’ll guide you into the good light and the kind of candid moments that feel like a spontaneous city stroll or your favorite ramen date night.
Charlevoix: Another lakeside town known for it's charming lakeside escape feel
What's Included:
2–8 hours of flexible coverage
Custom location & timeline planning
Permit guidance (if needed)
MY MICHIGAN ELOPEMENT PACKAGE
Vendor & dinner spot recommendations
Travel included
Preview gallery within 48 hours
Vendor & dinner spot recommendations
Travel included
Preview gallery within 48 hours
1–4 hours of flexible coverage
Custom location & timeline planning
Permit guidance (if needed)
Investment Starting at $1800
Frequently asked questions
02. How do we get around?
Most small towns are walkable but if you want to drive around the state, having your own car or rental would be good
I recommend using the SpotHero app to find affordable parking garages nearby. After you park, grab a one-day CTA pass for the ‘L’ trains and buses — it’s the easiest way to explore without the stress.
Frequently asked questions
03. What if it rains?
Lake weather is a whole character in your love story — dramatic, unpredictable, and occasionally uninvited. But don't worry: I've got umbrellas, solid backup plans, and the kind of calm that keeps everything fun, even when the sky has other ideas.
Chicago weather is a whole character in your love story — dramatic, unpredictable, and occasionally uninvited. But don't worry: I've got umbrellas, solid backup plans, and the kind of calm that keeps everything fun, even when the sky has other ideas.
Frequently asked questions
04. Are pets allowed?
Depending on your elopement plans, your furry friends can tag along! This would not be possible if eloping in City Hall or any other venue that does not allow pets.
Depending on your elopement plans, your furry friends can tag along! This would not be possible if eloping in City Hall or any other venue that does not allow pets.
Frequently asked questions
05. Do we need a permit?
Absolutely. Elopements can happen on rooftops, lakeshores, or even in your living room.
It depends on where you're eloping. Some public spaces and state parks require a permit, others don’t — and I’m happy to help figure that out. With my background in event planning, logistics are kind of my love language
Frequently asked questions
06. Can we take photos at multiple locations?
Absolutely — in fact, I encourage it. Michigan is your playground, and your elopement can be as creative as you want. Want to say your vows at the sand dunes, hop on a boat for portraits, and end with dinner at a winery? I’m so in.
It depends on where you're eloping. Some public spaces require a permit, others don’t — and I’m happy to help figure that out. With my background in event planning, logistics are kind of my love language.
Frequently asked questions
08. When will we get our photos?
Sneak peeks land in your inbox within 48 hours. Your full gallery will be ready in 4–8 weeks, edited, organized, and share-ready.
Sneak peeks land in your inbox within 48 hours. Your full gallery will be ready in 4–8 weeks, edited, organized, and share-ready.
Still have questions? Just ask!
A little about me, if we haven’t met yet:
I’m Shelby—Michigan elopement photographer, calm-in-the-chaos planner, and quiet hype girl.
I’m based in Indy, but I travel often for weddings (hence this entire guide on how to elope in Michigan), elopements, and whatever real-life moments deserve to be documented.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably baking bread, walking my dogs, or scouting a new favorite coffee shop. (Bonus points if they serve vanilla latte’s.)
I’m based in Indy, but I travel often for weddings (hence this entire guide on how to elope in Chicago), elopements, and whatever real-life moments deserve to be documented.
When I’m not behind the camera, I’m probably baking bread, walking my dogs, or scouting a new favorite coffee shop. (Bonus points if they serve vanilla latte’s.)
